I’m looking forward to going this year. Hopefully the weather warms up soon and the ice clears out.

Michael Best wrote:

Here is what I was able to get so far for dates. All dates are when Birchdale was open to all boats.
2022-April 1st
2021-March 17th
2020- COVID couldn’t come up with a date
2019-march 28th
2018-march 26th
2017-march 20th
2016-march 14th
2015-march 23rd
2014-April 8th
2013-april 2nd

Based on the above, the average is around March 26th. It’s been a few years and I hope to get out there this year.

Unfortunately the launches on the Canadian side (Stratton and Pinewood) don’t get opened up like the US side. They are snow covered and iced in.

I understand that the fishing action on the Rainy River can be impacted by discharges from the Forks Rivers. Does anyone know what to expect from the Forks this spring? I would think that with less snow this winter, there will be less surface runoff thus thus less water in the Forks. Thoughts?

Just a general observation, there has been a lot of consolidation in the manufacturing sector and products are very often made overseas. This has resulted in fewer quality products on the shelves.

As far as Cabelas goes, I hope they can get their act together. I always thought of them as the retail leader for sportsmen.

Mike W wrote:

Have also heard rumors of the Canadian side going to catch and release next year.

Not next year, maybe 2021.

MJM wrote:

The latest research from TSE specialist Dr. Bastion links CWD with spiralplasma bacteria. It was announced at a Pennsylvania Game and fish meeting. If true, a vaccine and field test(for hunters to check harvested deer) will be available soon. The Pennsylvania GF is working to save the elk and deer(wild and captive).

Dr. Bastion’s research is very interesting but not yet conclusive. If he is correct, there may be some hope for finding cures for dementia and alsheimers. Even if he is correct, inoculating wild deer will be very challenging.

As far as Ted goes, I appreciate his efforts to defend hunting but I wouldn’t want to share a campfire with him. He’s too arrogant and narcissistic for my liking.

Hi I’m a Canadian angler and if everything goes to plan, I will be on the river next week. I heard that the rules on the American side changed on March 1st making the river catch and release only. Is this correct? Judging by the reports of long lineups at the ramp, it doesn’t sound like the new rules have dampened anyone’s enthusiasm to get out on the water.

The rules on the Canadian side haven’t changed. We can still keep 2 fish under 18″.

Have fun!