Rainy Lake, Minnesota fishing report 8-31-11

This morning marks the last day of August and opens the door for the infamous fall of fishing here on Rainy lake. Those who have followed both our posts and fishing reports over the years know full well my personal love for fishing “Manland” in September and October fishing. Putting our Frabill “Stormsuit” on the hook and trading it for my “Snosuit” seems to get always put a smile on my face. Possibly it is the change in seasons or the first usher of cold air my face that triggers something as we transport customers out in the mornings. Maybe it is because I think I know something others do not as they are at hunting shacks or putting rods away until next year. Still when I think of big Walleyes and Crappies of autumn I can’t help but think of that pair of bibs hanging in the garage along with a hot cup of coffee. Firewood is now stacked just outside our garage door and sometimes as I pull into the dock I see smoke coming from our chimney on “Mt. Daze”. Still looking back we truly have to tip our hat to one of the best summers of fishing we’ve ever had here in 2011 on Rainy lake. Limits of beautiful 15-16 3/4 walleyes were commonplace and the bigger fish had me considering re-naming our guide boat “Sho-Time” to “The Slot Machine”. Once again you can never be to thankful in life, and my family would like to extend a huge thank you to our simply wonderful customer base that loves to catch fish. Our countless encounters and fun nights at local resorts will never be forgotten. We look forward to next year once again!! Without you there is no….ME!! I honestly feel like the luckiest man alive spending my days hucking baits here on the pristine waters of Rainy Lake with other fisherman like myself. My wife said the otherday…..”I’m not fooled you know.” I asked what she was talking about as I continued to henpeck on a IDO thread. “You can’t fool me when you talk of double trips or your busy summer……YOU LOVE EVERY SECOND OF IT!!” LOL!! As always she’s right on the button baby. Truth of the matter is I’d be fishing anyway, and yes I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

Here’s the scoop fellas!! Rainy Lake is beginning it’s yearly cool down, and this cooling effect will begin to bring a more big fish (26+) to the boat. Ciscoes which are a main forage fish for big walleyes on Rainy Lake will slowly gravitate towards a bit shallower water as they look to spawn late in the fall. It is my belief that the elite caliber fish become far more vulnerable to hook and line as September and October blow in. There are many fishing presentations that will turn fish this time of year. I believe guys that like to run Cranks can experience great action as these fish will start to locate higher in the water column lending themselves more vulnerable to open basin trolling big tail dancers. Jig fisherman can continue to structure fish with pinpoint control keeping them directly on pods of elite fish. Rig fisherman can locate large schools of slot fish roaming both deep mud and gravel flats. What I do know is when you set the hook you’ve got a real chance at a tanker from here on out!! Stay thirsty my friends!!

Crappies are schooling up and following an annual shiner run. They can be found amongst deeper rock piles in the coming weeks along with shallow current runs. Both of these patterns also attract large pike and walleyes. Do not be suprised if you locate MONSTER walleyes with those crappies. We haven’t spent a lot of time chasing slabs as of late, but did take a quick break from walleye fishing the otherday to see what was shaking. We marked a few nice pods of crappies and pulled a few “Donks” out for the pan!! Look for those crappies to really start to go by this weekend. We prefer to cast either 1/8 oz. H20 Precision jigs from BfishN tackle or Flu-Flu’s in a variety of colors tipped with a minnow. If fish are scattered we will run Jolly Roger spinner rigs in any of the darker gold color combinations also tipped with a minnow.

The time is here men!! Many who know me also realize I have a deep rooted passion for the woods. As the 3rd week in October rolls around the only way you’ll find me is if your 3 ridges back on the end of a logger road in the middle of no-mans land!! I love to chase grouse and deer while picking up shed antlers. Still IMHO September features too darn many leaves and holds too many bugs even in the northwoods to keep me from chasing monster fish during this peak timeframe. I’d gladly trade my shotgun for my “Whipping stick” when you can tag the elite fish of early fall. Many of our customers will request combination trips chasing Walleyes in the am and Crappies in the afternoon. Pick your poison and we’ll put you on the fish!! Sorry so short, but need to get down to the Rainy Lake One Stop!! I believe they’ve got my daily morning coffee and bait waiting for me. On a side note we’ve got 4 days left in December for our Monster FIRST ICE Walleye/Pike expedition trips!!