Rainy River & LOTW Fall fishing 2022

After 10yrs of fall trips to Rainy Lake in early October (and 2 mid summer trips to replace our summer Canada trips in 2020 & 2021), we have decided to make a change for a our fall fishing trip.

The last 2 fall trips to Rainy Lake were very tough (as were both summer trips), we ended up trailering the boat down to Birchdale and doing better. We have decided to go further down river giving us the option to fish the Lake or River if its too rough on the lake

Looking for recommendations for places to stay in early to mid October. We will need a boat slip to keep the boat in the water while we are there along with power at the slip to charge batteries

Also, looking for a a place with cabins and a restaurant/bar for a cocktail after fishing, small cabin for our own cooking.

I haven’t made any calls yet but from some general research, I have narrowed it down to the Rainy River Resort, Border View Lodge and Adrians.

Does anyone have any good or bad comments about these places?

All 3 are excellent resorts. But you forgot Sportsman’s Lodge. You won’t go wrong with any of them.

I haven’t been to Ballard’s in many years but still hear good things about them. Border View is excellent.

Haven’t been to Rainy River, but heard good things. I have been to Adrian’s and Border View, both really good, the cabins are a little dated but plenty good for a place to lay your head. Sportsmans and Ballards are also good, and a little nicer.

Thanks for the replies, sounds like I cant really go wrong with anyone of them. I see a few bait shops in the area, and looks like only 1 main launch for the most part, closer to the river mouth

bigstorm wrote:

1 main launch for the most part, closer to the river mouth

Nice double wide launch with dock and plenty of parking.

I’d add Wigwam in there. If not staying there, make sure to check out the bar.

-J.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the recommendations above. Only one I haven’t been to is Ballard’s, but I’ve heard good things. Perfect starting points if looking to fish both river and main lake.

Just an update, we booked a 4 night stay at Rainy River Resort arriving on the morning of 10/6 and leaving on the morning of 10/10. already looking forward to it

I look forward to your report.

We like Rainy River Resort. Guy and Jackie are fantastic hosts! As a matter of fact we will be there next week. It’s a smaller resort so it’s a bit quieter. Has the basic burger and pizza bar food and pull tabs. The resort is on it’s own bay with a sandbar separating it from the main river channel so you will not get the boat wakes pushing your tied-off boat around at the dock like some of the other resorts mentioned. the cabins are dated but very clean. We are usually there at MEA. Some years there is good fishing on the south shore and in the river and other years like last year we’d make the 25 mile run to the islands to find better fish.

Slims and Rivers bend are good resorts to.