As we close in on arguably the most consistent walleye action to be found here on Rainy Lake……..JULY…….. Fish continue to tear up tackle. We’ve focused energies on Walleye, Smallmouth and Pike with tremendous success. One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about this body of water is the ability anglers have to boat quality fish on multiple presentations. This also gives guys ammunition with the war department at home to purchase MORE GEAR!! After all you NEVER know what you might need to pull out of your bag of tricks on that particular day!! You smell what I’m steppin in?? The fish have loved the stability Ma Nature has so graciously given us, and responded with big feeding frenzies often eating all day long. Which works perfect because Rainydaze Guide Service focuses energy on the Big and Dumb, and leaves the smart petite fish for other anglers to try figure out.
Big Brown fish (Smallies) have been very defensive when you sneak into nesting areas!! BTW it is advisable to get your rest the night before if your going after these bruisers!! Big pike have made a transition with the smaller walleyes, thus if your targeting them a Black/gold presentation is always nice!! RUMOR HAS IT… Often times anglers get caught up in our forage fish, but fail to realize when it comes to big pike they eat smaller pike and walleyes too!! I often refer to them as the equal opportunity killers!! We had a 21 inch walleye a couple days ago T-boned by only a 5-6lb pike!! Can you imagine the size baits that can effectively boat 20lb plus fish!! Yep….Take the decorative giant Rapala plugs off the wall and put some real hooks on them!! You might want to step up from your Med-Light rod for casting though!!
So here we are putting PB’s in the boat like handing out candy at halloween. Come to the door get some candy…..Jump in the Daze Fish Casket and get a PB!! LOL!! Well not quite the same. Point is Rainy Lake is flat out Growing Huge Fish!! When you get on the correct patterns for the time of year your fishing you can and will have unbelievable fishing. With that being said 220,000 acres of water is vast as I often elude to, so eliminating the dead territory if crucial for your parties success. I’ll admit there is no scientific forumula for our success other than following the quality fish. If you understand where these fish move with changing barometers, weather patterns, and water temps you will wear yourself out catching quality fish here on the border!!
In signing off from Borderland I want to take a moment to step back, and remind anglers to stop and look around when your up here. Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park make up a National Treasure we are fortunate enough to have in our own state. The 2500 pine studded islands and miles of undeveloped shoreline are a sight to see, and act as a sanctuary for many living in the hustle and bustle of todays world. Treat yourself to Rainy Lake!! Yes the fishing is world class, but those who make Rainy Lake their annual destination do it for much more than AWESOME FISHING!! I’ve got some holes in my schedule I would love to fill with IDO anglers in July. I am offering a 10% discount on July bookings until those slots are filled!! Simply mention that you saw it here on IDO!! Still Blowin hard from the border, and we’ll be the boat with the Beckman net out!!
Great post Chris. I just got back from Rainy, and lets just say, I’m not nearly as good as you are. We did manage to land 25 fish over 20 inches between 3 boats over 4 days, so we weren’t completely lost. However, we struggled to establish a pattern. I didn’t see the Fish Casket so I guess I know where you’re NOT fishing. Keep up the good work, and keep livin’ the good life for the rest of us who are stuck in the rat race.
Great report Chris, but enough is enough.
I’m looking forward to finally get up to your neck of the woods in Sept. 
. I can’t wait!! 
Great report Chris!
I’m not sure what anyone could ask for in regard to a first class fishery and first class guide service. 
Keep the reports coming! 
Wow Chris what a bunch of nice pics and quality fish right there. Doesn’t matter summer or winter you have those babies dialed in!
Layne Monroe
Thanks Boys!! I’ve dedicated my full-time career to locating big fish on a regular basis. As many here know you don’t get rich in the guiding business, but when your office space is 220,000 acres of water you live a rich life. I thoroughly enjoy helping new clients as much as annually returning customers get those Borderland fish Dialed in!!
Hey Layne……….Please don’t get me started about the Hardwater fishing up here!! LOL!! I have a tough time sleeping before getting back in the boat the next morning!!
Great report once again Chris. You are the best of the best! I only have two words when someone asks me about Rainy Lake…. “Chris Granrud”
Hey Joe!! Thanks for the kind words!! Look forward to wetting a line with you someday soon!! Too bad that pannie shoot didn’t work out late ice!! I was looking forward to it. On the otherhand we didn’t get shortchanged ice fishing last year, so it had to end sometime!!