Rainy lake, Minnesota Fishing report 8-29-09

For the next 2 months serious walleye anglers will be lost in the vast waters of Rainy Lake chasing trophy caliber fish. For those of you whom I’ve fished with, and for the many whom have followed my ranting and raving in fall fishing articles I’ve written, I repeat I believe this is the single best timeframe to boat PB’s in BIG NUMBERS!! On many fisheries throughout the Midwest the blowing in of fall is a key indicator for fish to start bulkiing up for a midwinter slowdown in which calls for fish to utilize fat reserves. Fish entering into ice up on the skinny side risk a tough winter, Thus packing on the lbs with big baits when the leaves change is cruicial for these fish stacking the deck for anglers. As fisherman we know there are two constants when it comes to behaviors of finning friends; They always at least attempt to spawn, and they always have to eat. During September, October and even November the biggest and baddest are a bit more dialed in on big baits, and if you can get yourself on top of them they can put a serious burn in your forearms, and wear down your camera batteries in a hurry!!

Year in and Year out I am amazed as our fishing amps up the lake pressure fizzles out. The busy schedule in the fall has outdoorsman chasing feathered friends and 4 legged trophies along with sending the chillins off to GET SMART!! Here in Borderland even many Local Yocals willingly trade in their fishing rods for Shotguns, and Deer camp is often the talk at the water cooler. Being a huge outdoorsman who enjoys hunting as well as fishing I choose chasing huge walleyes, Pike, Smallies and Crappies when in a feeding frenzy until the woods rid themselves of bugs and leaves. 220,000 acres of a walleye playground is much to inviting for the Daze Fish Casket, and many anglers are realizing the attraction to these waters in this time period.

Combination trips including Crappies and Walleyes are often on the guide menu in which finds anglers chasing heavy papermouths and then battling wits with Girthy Walleyes all with the backdrop of Changing leaves and migrating waterfowl. September and October can require Bibs and Sweatshirts, and a thermos of coffee can warm your hands as well as your insides. Last years Beatdown on the big fish leading up to my departure to Deer Camp still keeps me up at night. 26 eyes over 28 inches is a tall feat, and I gladly accept the challenge to top it!! I can feel it in the air, and boys it is GO TIME!! Time to locate some big bait, pat the kids on the back, and hook up the boat. Catching these bruisers is much more enjoyable than reading about it. Pour that Fall fishing trip to Rainy Lake out of your stinky Minnow bucket!!

For those of you lucky enough to get your names down quick enough for this years Rainy Lake Houseboat Excursion I look forward to rubbing elbows with you, and swapping fishing stories. Both James(The Oz), Billy (Rainy Lake Houseboats) and myself are very excited to introduce many of you to the treasure in our backyard…..VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK. The boatride in on these Pleasure cruising Houseboats is worth the price of admission alone. I can honestly say that per last weeks houseboat trip this was arguably the most enjoyable experience on the water my family has EVER had. We are fortunate enough to LIVE on Rainy Lake, but the vantage point from these houseboats was absolutely incredible. Parking that boat on the shorelines of the pine studded islands a short distance from awesome fishing is unequalled by any other experience we’ve had. I have a feeling there will be as many anglers hooked on Rainy Lake as fish being hooked!! Be careful Fishing Rainy Lake is highly addictive, and I’ve feel this disclaimer is going to be pretty important!! If you’ve been bitten by the Rainy Lake sickness here are some symptoms…..You no longer are content with catching 8 inch crappies. You search my reports when your supposed to be working. You are tying spinner rigs when the kids are sleeping. Your checklist includes jigs by the pound…. Sorry to say………Your Loaded with it!! Don’t fight it as there is not cure!! Just ask the Fishing Queen!!!