Deezee,
Ice fishing has actually been pretty slow as of lately. Lets hope the fish start showing up. I don’t think there will be any shelf ice this year. Big boats should work just fine for a change. Good luck.

Hi Steve,
Sorry for the delay. I really do not have anything to add to add about the river at this point. I know the big talk has been about the bass. Anglers are getting some nice catches down around the pelland area. Some people are finding walleyes and smallies near the manitou rapids as well. Rainy Lake has been the main attraction up in this neck of the woods as of lately. But, fall is coming and the LOTW walleyes will once again be venturing into the mighty Raint Riv. You are exactly right, they will be chasing the emerald shiners.

Bouncing jigs will catch fish, but most trophy seekers pull cranks as the temps continue to cool. Number 7 and 9 Shad Raps get the nod as they are by far the favorites for the fishermen and fish alike.

See ya up here!!!

Guys,

The river can be good all year long, it just gets the most attention in the spring and fall. I heard many reports of anglers getting their limits near the littlefork river and Birchdale.

I can’t speak for what is happening on LOTW.

Waterfowler,

There is no question that there are a lot of anglers that partake in the spring walleye fishing season on Rainy. However, it is no worse then any of the big lakes on the walleye opener. If you show up early to the boat landings, you won’t have to wait long and you’ll be able to park close by. If you sleep in, it may be a different story. It also depends on which boat landing you go to and how far the ice has receded. The Birchdale boat landing usually receives the most traffic every spring. Even if there are a lot of anglers, you still have an awesome chance of catching a 7, 8, 9 or even 10 plus pound fish.

The fall bite is getting more popular every year, but the spring receives the most traffic because everyone is usually ready to get on the water again. And what better way to jump-start the year then setting the hook into some big river ‘eyes. Even if there may be a crowd, I know of very few anglers who choose not to go because there might be a mad-house, especially the anglers who have experienced this fishery.

labsrule,

Good question. Anytime is a good time to come up and experience this world class fishery. What would you like to do? Catch a lot of fish? Catch a lot of big fish? Or catch a trophy? That’ll make a difference on when I would recommend coming up here. Here are the regs….

Mar1-Apr 14, 2 walleyes-none over 19.5″

May11-Feb28, 6 walleyes-only one over 19.5″

You can catch a lot of fish all year but your best chance for big fish occurs every spring and every fall.