Rainy Lake fishing report 6-10-10

The past weeks fishing has been the defination of Beatdown, Smackdown, Throwdown tank walleye fishing. Thanks to Rainy Lake for all the memories!! Many large fisheries can give visiting anglers difficulties as fish transition into the summer months, and Rainy Lake is no different. As many large walleyes and pike make a move to comfortable waters with abundant forage fish there is a period of time where fish become a bit scattered. Some fish remain in shallow water while some are on the move (In Transition), and still others have already shown up in traditional summer haunts. As a full-time fishing guide I often need to make “Gametime” decisions concerning fishing locations for the day despite recent success or failures on the water. Many variables will effect a focus of the day including wind direction, and sunshine. Still in the midst of a wrist straining transitional bite where big fish have been boated in freakishly large numbers I was getting small hints of suspicion that some fish may be relocating. Although only 2 days ago we boated nearly 45 fish between 19-27 inches the following day with similiar weather we found ourselves having to work much harder to get those quality fish. This morning I took longtime customers, and friends Roger and Sandy out on an educated “HUNCH” that some good fish might be locating themselves in a early summer holding location. If they had they also would be unpressured as few anglers target this pattern. Upon our initial combing with the electronics it was apparent that the mayflies had attracted large schools of walleyes, and if we could entice them to bite we were in for a heck of a morning!!

Contrary to some popular opinions when it comes to mayfly hatches. I tend to lean towards finding the largest concentrations of emerging flies in the water column. Close scan of my Humminbird 1197 will show fish up in the column feeding. When locating aggressive feeding fish amongst ample bait supplies there are various methods I like to employ while attempting to entice these fish. Often times the Mayfly season means Nightcrawler season for me, but today….a simple H20 precision jig in a orange/Chart tiger pattern fooled a 30 eyes this morning. Action was pretty much non-stop until pulling the plug just before noon.

With recent rains our water levels continue to rebound, and the lake is simply prime for another fantastic summer of fishing. Our Walleye populations are flat out ROBUST. Big…Small….Medium….Whatever your looking for. Here at Rainydaze Guide Service we continue to specialize in fish of the LARGE VARIETY!! LOL!! We will happily refer you to those specializing in small fish. As our water temps warm these fish tend to all inhabit some of the same waters, thus eliminating gas consuming searches on this 220,000 acres of water. We are beginning to enter the early stages of what I like to refer to the “Pocket full of Jigs”. I believe accomplished jig fisherman will outproduce in numbers, and often times size most other anglers with thousands of dollars of tricks in their tackle box. Investing the time on the water working various jigging techniques can provide a lifetime of trophy fish and memorable trips. When looking to add key jigs to your pocket for your Rainy Lake trip get your paws on the H20 Precision Jigs. Orange/Chart. Purple, Chart, and White can all be lethal in our stained waters. Get your orders in early!! Rainy Lake One Stop is carrying them this year!!

If your still kicking around your Summer/fall fishing trips KICK RAINY LAKE out of your bucket list. Rainy simply is the lake that keeps on giving. When many Minnesota lakes get the mid-summer blues, and you get the idea to tee up at your local golf course, this magnificent trophy fishery just gets better. The heat of summer leading into fall is considered by many as the most consistent fishing of the entire year. I have a tough time discounting the smackdowns we’ve put on the fish since early May, but have to admit I’ve got a hankering for a “Drop down-Snap em up” jig bite!! We had one of those days today!! With Rainy Lakes early warm up those fish have a longer growing season, anglers can expect to see abnormally chubby Fall footballs with the turn of the leaves. On a typical year 70% of our guide service “TROPHY FISH” 28+ walleyes come in the months of September and October. This year those fish should be even HEAVIER!! Get on the horn….Rally the troops, and get your Rainy Excursion DIALED IN!! The “Skeet Retreat” calls for your presence!! Leave the fairweather clan at home. Fall can require bibs and lots of film for the camera!! See you on the water team!! We’ll be the Skeeter with the Net out!! By the way I just picked up a Frabill Conservation series net!! The coating looks to virtually eliminate the 1/2 hour untangling process, and surely will be a valuable tool for all CPR fisherman!! At first glance the Daze Team feels…..It’s a keeper!!