Rainy Lake fishing report 5-07-11

Greetings Gentleman!! As I "Henpeck" the first true open water report of the year from the shores of Rainy Lake I’d like to first and foremost wish everyone a fantastic 2011 Fishing season. Here in "Borderland" our official fishing season opens up with the remainder of the Minnesota’s inland lakes next weekend. As some of you might not know the Nothern Pike are open all year here on the Canadian Border, and our guide service places a lot energy pinpointing the elite sized "JACKS". Each year towards the end of April these big gators of the north begin migrating into spawning areas. A common misconception is because they are shallow they are spawning. Truth of the matter is the spawning event is short lived, but the heavy feeding that takes place can last several weeks. The biggest and baddest freshwater sharks are very angry this time of year, and we highly suggest kids keeping toes out of the water!! It’s a bit chilly also!!

Customers truly enjoy "Hucking" for massive pike in the 3 weeks leading up to the fishing opener. For me personally I simply enjoy the aggressive nature of these swimming "Widow Makers" after coming off 2 months of finesse fishing for giant winter Crappies. As I told James this spring "You know why I enjoy fishing big pike so much?? THEY SIMPLY WANT TO EAT!!" LOL!! Beyond that there is truly no better time for anglers who look to post a personal "PB" in the Pike category. I highly suggest putting your group of guys together for next season. I work very closely with personal hand picked fishing guides, and we can easily handle any sized group from your yesterdays solo outing to your upcoming corporate trip. You give me the focus of the trip……We’ll take care of the rest from your lodging bookings to your dockside pick up in the morning!! Guys that have shared a boat with me over the last several years have a real understanding of the fast paced action that can take place during these early trips. I’ve always felt the best fishing times for monsters fish still attract the least amount of pressure from anglers. Yesterday I shared this years new guide boat "Sho Time" with one of our long time customers. Gary hadn’t ever fished pike with us before as most all of his trips were chasing both Walleyes and Crappies winter/summer. He mentioned to me that he loves to fish for big pike and that was all he had to say……..BOOK IT GRANRUD!!!! Frankly we put the infamous "Beatdown" on the fish yesterday until both of us literally had to take a mid-day break from the action. I had to laugh when Gary barked at me from the back of the Skeeter "Hey Chris!! I NEED A BREAK!!". I assure you as a fishing finatic this is better to hear from your guide customer rather than your wife. We literally were blasting the big girls, and though ridiculously fun it was darn right exhausting. Gary and I together ended up landing 5 pike exceeding 39 inches and 4 more between 36-38.5 inches. I can’t help but chuckle as I post this report glancing at my skinned up fingers. It is kind of a inside joke between a few of my guide friends and I; You can always tell the guys catching fish from the guys simply talking about it by looking at their hands. If they aren’t diced up with dorsal fins slashes and gill plate cuts they aren’t catching that many walleyes, and if they aren’t a bit bandaged up they aren’t catching many big Pike!!

We are commonly asked about group sizes and what to bring while planning early season Pike trips. Bring a Camera and your fishing license. Some people take a break for a 5 minute sandwich also!! Our WX2100 from Skeeter can handle 3 guys plus myself casting comfortably. 4 is a bit spooky for my blood……..Did I say BLOOD?! Shorelunches are optional. Some anglers aren’t willing to step out of the action while others enjoy the break. We do shorelunches at Day use sites within the pristine Voyageurs National Park. No Canadian licensing is needed. These sites have picnic tables and are well groomed for visitors. I have to stop talking about that as I’m having a severe "Hankering" for a Bacon and Onion Sandwich right now.

Currently we’re focused our efforts on slighly deeper water adjacent to spawning grounds. It is my opinion that a bright sunny day drives the biggest pike slightly deeper where she roams feeding on Perch, small walleyes, and small pike. Injured bait fish retrieves can be flat out deadly this time of year. Learn to correctly fine tune your presentations and outfish your buddy 10 to 1. I must warn you your buddy might grow tired of "Net Boy". Too many times anglers are guilty of working water far to fast. RELAX!! Leave the hustle and bustle of todays world at the landings. I assure you it will be waiting your return. Remember the water is COLD. It of course is vital to be in the right water, but when your on the right pattern work it smartly. We release 99% of our trophy sized pike while increasing numbers of anglers choose to make replicas of trophy fish. This gets a thumbs up from me!! This is each anglers personal choice, but we might suggest the longterm beauty of a replication. Anglers also seem to have a sense of gratification knowing they have conquered and released the BEAST!! I believe our predictions are coming true that this season is simply going to be a banner year for Monster Pike!! Our water levels are prime for a productive spawn.

Stay Thirsty Team!! As always we look forward to sharing the boat with you again this season!! Helmets remain optional.