Rainy Lake, Minnesota Walleye fishing report

Looking back at a week that was filled with 9 different groups of people putting the wood to the fish I think it might be time to replace the rubber on my landing net. Rounding off the week was a trip I had yesterday in which I had a couple from Illinois whom had NEVER fished before boasting a 30 fish morning. That was after a conservative estimate of 1 fish out of 10 bites. We have stayed on top of active fish literally for the past month straight. Making moves off fish that are inactive to fish that want a nice oil bath or a glamour shot for this site. Sometimes it is tough determining pics to show off, but this time it was easy. My daughter (Lil Daze) joined me in the boat for a little after work action. I’ve decided to honor her on her 7 fish over 22 inches outing.

This was yet another week of H20 Precision fishing/electronics/windplay/ and netting. Staying on top of active fish is important. I’ve had several people ask do these fish feed all day? Well likely each fish doesn’t feed ALL day, but you are finding different fish feeding at different times which may lead you to that conclusion. This week I had a tough time getting people to shore for a little Rainy Lake “Shore Lunch” as the fishing was just to hot! In fact on two seperate trips we elected to do our lunch at 3:00, so we could keep catching.

Nuts and bolts or theme to the week was get away from other boats that are working popular areas and work fish that aren’t seeing any presssure. This week I found that we were dealing with a bit less wind which made on several days the hump or reef fishing to be not as productive. On many days we were fishing adjacent flats where the fish were willing to be part of the program. We witnessed many many many boats circling popular reefs like a circus apparently not understanding or watching their graph. The fish would pop up on there to feed, and off during “Non-Peak” feeding times. Most people will catch fish while they are in a frenzy, but many will struggle when the fish hit a more “Nuetral” mood. Catching fish in a nuetral mood involves the right combination of location, and presentation. Locations are completely dependant on weather patterns being experienced on your trip as does your presentations. Once again we had no need long lining Lindy rigs. Caught and released literally 500 walleyes during the week, and only changed jig colors and sizes.

In Closing I’ll leave you with this. Location, Location, Location. The best fisherman cannot, and will not catch fish that aren’t there. The worst fisherman WILL catch some fish when they are directly on top of active fish. It used to be 90% of the fish were caught by 10% of the anglers. I’d say those numbers aren’t as lopsided anymore with the education of the average angler and technology advancements. Proper Catch, Photo and Release is VITAL for the future of our fisheries. Be nice to people out there. If someone is fishing on a spot you were fishing earlier that day find another spot. It is highly unlikely that all 220,000 ACRES of fish have congregated under his boat unless it is a “Lund Fisherman Magnum……..”! LOL! Still have spots available for some Trophy hunts!!! Hope to see you on the water!! From the Land of BIG FISH and small crowds. Oh… I’ve elected NOT to highlight Deans Trip from “Everts Resort”, so he can give you the report in his words.