Rainy Lake fishing report for Crappies in Canada

The Crappie bite on the north reaches of the mighty Rainy Lake has been nothing short of heartstopping action! As these big noodle rod benders begin to stage in waters adjacent to the spawning grounds fisherman are being greeted with graphs being lit up like the 4th of July on Ice!!

A little Crappie 101 will likely have you pulling some of the largest Papermouths of your panfishing career. Genz Bugs, Diamond jigs, Gill Pills, Ratsos… will all turn these fish with a varying degree of success depending on the mood of the fish upon your arrival. Tipping these presentations are optional, but often times you’ll get by with solely plastic presentations. Don’t step foot on the ice without your electronics. Fish are to be had here, but they still don’t jump out of you hole. Drilling a couple hundred holes will be considered a normal outing. Yep leave Grandpas old "Swedish Spoon" auger on the wall. I know I know when I was your age… Finding suspended fish in every 4th to 5th hole has been par for the Crappie chasing course.

When you find the suspended fish you will likely be looking cross eyed at larger than life RED BLOBS pulsating on your electronics. I’m using a FL-18, and often times find these fish hovering directly at the bottom lock feature. When you find them get down quick. When these fish are actively feeding they are also moving targets. A quick drop down will often times find you having to snap your bail shut as these beauties flat out pound your presentation. After you pull a fish or two from the hole be prepared to move on. Maybe you’ll move 5 feet to the next hole, or maybe you’ll search 10 more holes. It is trolling on ice, and will put some very respectable fish in your pail!

Pounding the fish with the pounding action of your rod. Ever heard people talk about this? Well if you haven’t tried it you best give it a shot. Pound the tip of your rod with quick sharp strokes until you are able to raise that fish up to your presentation. As you witness the fish coming your way on your graph start to slowly slip away. Increase your speed of the chase as the fish becomes more aggressive. Then slow your get-away speed just enough for that slab to Catch you. Then simply rear back, and give that big Slab the beans!!! This technique will flat out work!! Often times I have my clients tie themselves to something heavy so they aren’t dragged down the hole. Remember some of the best crappie bites are "Biting Up" In otherwords your line will go slack instead of rod bending down. Be careful not to miss those bites. Good Fishing Guys and Gals! Signing off from the land of BIG FISH and small crowds!! 3-29-08 Hey Guys Quick update!!! Flat out put the wood to the slabs this weekend. estimate 300 crappies in 2 days! Will be posting pictures on the Rainy Lake Forum soon! Fish topped out at 2LBS!