Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Rainy Lake Fishing Reports & Conditions


Recommended Posts

Looking for any size. We caught lots over 17" and lots under. Thats usually how it goes. But this year for some reason we have alot easier time catching keepers than in past years where everything was always on the larger side.

We had 7 fish in the livewell really quick and just threw everything else back until we decided to leave.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Hi F.M.ers,

I wanted to get out on Rainy's ice 1st, but with our mild weather, I figured Rainy needs to wait for a little more ice...so I ventured down to Red lake., the bite was not fast, however the walleyes were very nice, we didn't have a fish under 14". They have a no walleye slot between 20-26. We fished 7'f.o.w...1/8oz glow white northland jigs worked the best. And when they hit... they smack it...pretty normal in shallow water. Today its raining and its Dec. 3rd...thats crazy...glad I didn't winterize my boat yet...I may be able to still go fishing ranier. We all know that we are going to get ice & our winters are long here, what the heck, enjoy the pleasant weather while its here.

Sincerely,

Fishmeister

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Wondering if anyone has an update on the North Arm ice conditions. I am guessing by the lack of posts to this site that everyone is out catching a lot of fish!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! See you up there soon!

Jeff

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good evening jstire,

There is between 5-6" of ice going from 5 mile dock to northwest bay.

Have a merry Christmas all!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Hello to all from us here at Rainy Lake One Stop!

Fishing seems to be picking up these last few days with fish coming from all parts of the lake from 25-35 fow. Voyageurs is still limited to only snowmobile traffic as you go east but ice is close to a foot and should'nt be long before they plow a road to Cranberry. Also snowmobile trails have been staked out to Ash River, Kabetogema and Kettle, not sure if the Chain of Lakes Trail is open just yet, we need this snow they're talking about.

Ice in Sand Bay is solid and wheeled houses and big trucks are traveling out there now with ice over a foot. Some big fish coming from that area as well. Better get to Rainy Lake today people the fishing is only going to get better and the scenery is a must see.

Swing into Rainy Lake One Stop for your gas, propane, minnows, tackle and all your snacks and drinks! We have great deals on our fish houses and other accessories so stop in on your way to the lake! As always, good luck fishing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I was out on the park road today and they have it plowed near the end of Dryweed. Great Road! I seldom get a chance to ice fish, but I manage to get out on Rainy occasionally in the summer. In the summer there's usually boats fishing Erickson's, Green, Steamboat, and the reefs east of Steamboat. Whenever I venture out in the winter there's very few (if any) fishermen at these spots. Why is that? Is it simply that there's so much structure and very difficult to find the walleyes? Any insight?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Luke,

Rainy becomes a tougher bite in the winter. I suppose there are many different reasons why this happens. Here is some ideas that may be some of the reasons.

I saw temps one day last summer that was 80 degrees., now it drops 40 & more degrees. The fish still feed but less often. In the fall they eat like like pigs to put on fat reserves as nature tells them winter is coming, so we need to fatten up so we can make it thru the winter.

I would say as far as Ericksons, Stubbs, Green...etc., You still can catch fish on those reefs, as I have fished them. However I think You will catch more fish in the deeper areas around the reefs, I do know they relate to mud flats., and they are going to go where there are bait fish. Seems like when we have consistant summer weather, the magic depth is 22 ft. In the winter, I have caught walleyes in 55 feet of water. If you want to fish the tops of the reefs in the winter, I would try fishing them the 1st couple hours of daylight and the last 2 hours before dark../.using glow jigs. If you hit it right, you can still catch limits of walleyes, and mixing in a few slot fish.

Sure enjoy watching You & Derek coach the I. Falls B.B. team , you guys do a great job. Rumors are going around that you guys may not coach that much longer, that would be a shame. You 2 have the abilites to build a Chisholm type program...stick with it, you guys make a great team, played together, best friends, the players & community respect you guys! If You & Derek want to go fishing next summer, I would be honored to bring you out!!!

Sincerely,

Fishmeister

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fishmeister,

Thanks for the insight. I would like to start fishing Rainy more in the winter (as it is a great fishery) and take fewer trips to Lake of the Woods. I enjoy reading the reports on this site-lots of good information. We will definitely take you up on your offer to go fishing next Summer!

Thanks!

Luke

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

I'm headed up June 7- June 14 to the little canoe river and wondering whats the water temp? Also with late ice out I heard its about 3 weeks behind " normal", but that was a couple weeks ago, is it catching up to be a normal year? This will be my 7th year on rainy and I try to hit the smallmouth on the nest the first week of June and out of 7 years I have missed it every year, we have caught a few on the beds 4 years but I seem to be a little early or late every year. I much rather hit it early than late, but on rainy all year is amazing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My buddies and I have been coming up to Rainy for almost ten years straight now and know the water well and have seen about everything. I also know that once you think you know everything, you miss something important. We were originally scheduled to come up June 1-7 but had to move it back to the 8-14 due to a scheduling conflict. We were scared at first then thrilled due to the later ice out than recent years. We mostly cast for smallies but like the pike and walleye also. The forecast for the week we will be there is showing the warmest temps yet with high 70s and low 80s. From everything I have read so far it seems as though the fishing has been spotty to decent. Nothing good or great. I guess I am just looking for some expert opinions on if we will be hitting it just right (pure guess I know) and where the pike, walleye, and smallies will be at? Will the smallies be pre spawn, spawning, or post spawn? I also read the lake is up quite a bit. How many inches up from normal is it and where will it probably be at in a little over a week? Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bonesteel,

Looks like we will be in camp with you again this year if you're staying with Ed and Kelly. Bringing a group of 12 newbies from the bass club and hoping Rainy shows them why we keep coming back.

Anybody have any water temp reports for Redgut/Seine or Swell Bays?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Weather looks like it has been real bad so maybe no one has been able to go out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the last seven years this forum has added to the excitement of my trip in early june.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did see a report that stated during May 26th that they couldnt keep the walleye off the lines and smallmouth were ready to have a good bite. Also stated there was alot of current where the walleye were stacked. Any more info on the lake levels and temps and where the fish are holding?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Main Redgut 56 F

Best walleye bite in 69 F Bays

Big fat bronze carp are mixed in with the 18' walleyes.

Observed three people who appeared to be casting for carp. They caught zero in 2 hours

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bonesteel,

I got out at noon today on the North Arm. The back end of Hopkins bay had chilled from the North wind that blew the last couple days. Air temp was in the mid 30's this morning. Caught around 30 smallmouth, mostly smaller males. Water temp was 51 when I started. They were in 8 FOW. Most of the fish were concentrated on points. Only caught one walleye in 24 FOW but was the right size for dinner. The lake is still slowly rising. The main lake was 58 when I came in.

Good luck to your group. There are plenty of "Smalljaws" waiting for you.

Regards,

Wayne

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hard to predict if you'll time it right - I was on Redgut Memorial weekend and we did OK but the fish were finicky. Most active on the lunar schedule, we did best at 10-12 FOW on north, rocky shorelines in a southeast wind. Had plenty of fish in the boat.

As for the lake level, on our way out the owner talked a bit with Galen from Spawn Inlet Lodge and he said all the Boise dam gates were open in the Falls but there was still about 25% more water coming into the lake than leaving. After hearing that, not sure my dock is set high enough...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hear that! I have been checking in everyday and its dead. In the last seven years this forum has added to the excitement of my trip in early june. I hope the forum hasn't died off.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rainy Board,

Just got back from another great week fishing the North Arm of Rainy for Smallies!! Brought along a co-worker who had never really caught alot of fish let alone # of smallies.

Overall fishing was great with >300 smallmouth landed in 6 days. My dad targeted Walleyes and ended up catching decent #'s and a 27" & 28" eye.

Fished crankbaits and jerkbaits concentrating on shorelines structure.

Water temps ranged from 48F to mid 50's when I left.

I also was able to fish a day with Capt. John and while our tactics are vastly different we both managed to catch numbers of bass.

Ebbs

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Camped Anderson bay from 6/5-6/9.

Fished from American channel to blueberry island.

Water temps main lake were 49-53, bays were 51-60.

Lots of slot eyes (17-26") we're taken in 5-15 fow in warmer areas with current. The key seemed to be color.

Pike were in last year's weeds chasing perch, but seemed to bite anything that moved.

Smallies were found scattered. Surface in 50' splashing and chasing bugs, during I'm pairs on gravel points in 5', and suspended near bottom in 25'.

Mayflies were definitely starting, but fishing was unaffected.

Tics were no worse than any other year.

No flies yet!

Overall one of the best trips I've ever had. - 26" eye, 38" pike, 19" smallie, 3 cases of beer and great weather. Can't wait to go back!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We just returned from another great trip to Rainy Lake!! Most of our time was spent on the north arm where water temps were mainly in the mid 60's. A front had gone through right before our arrival with the winds switching to the northwest for a few days really slowing things down.

We did not locate any spawning smallies but managed to nail some nice females one evening while they were feeding during a mayfly hatch.

Pike fishing was slow with a few flurries of action when the wind picked up. We found them exclusively in new vegetation growth.

Walleyes were plentiful with many in the slot but we did manage to get a few for dinner every day.

I sure wish I had more time to spend on this beautiful lake. Someday...

full-38662-34328-canadaspring2013compres

full-38662-34331-canadaspring2013compres

full-38662-34332-canadaspring2013compres

full-38662-34333-canadaspring2013compres

full-38662-34334-canadaspring2013compres

full-38662-34335-canadaspring2013compres

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Really knocking around the Walleyes right now guys. Another beautiful limit of fish for customers and 23 fish over 20 inches on our trip today.

Fishing 12-18 feet of water. Gold jigs with minnows.

Getting away from a prolonged Mayfly Hatch.

Tight lines Team!!full-46117-34983-36518_10201606541944553

full-46117-34984-1069244_102016013866156

full-46117-34985-1005312_102016065429045

full-46117-34986-001(560x800).jpg

full-46117-34987-012(800x711).jpg

full-46117-34988-971534_1020160322814171

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking goog!

We'll be seeing you in the morning.

Hope we have as much success as you had yesterday!

Chet

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Really knocking around the Walleyes right now guys. Another beautiful limit of fish for customers and 23 fish over 20 inches on our trip today.

Fishing 12-18 feet of water. Gold jigs with minnows.

Getting away from a prolonged Mayfly Hatch.

Tight lines Team!!full-46117-34983-36518_10201606541944553

full-46117-34984-1069244_102016013866156

full-46117-34985-1005312_102016065429045

full-46117-34986-001(560x800).jpg

full-46117-34987-012(800x711).jpg

full-46117-34988-971534_1020160322814171

Nice! The fish are alright too grin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We caught 30 something walleyes (missed a lot too) only 6 small enough to keep. Just me and my kid. Couldn't hardly catch anything on a crawler. Leeches for the win. Didn't fish any mainlake reefs. Fished only part of the day. Swam and tried to stay cool durning early afternoon.

yeah yeah, the kid caught all the big ones, so what

r8_zps7402f0c5.jpg

r5_zpsa1d4955c.jpg

r999_zps76c8b6e6.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to September Walleye Fishing - Rainy Lake, MN

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Brianf.
      I'm not there, so I can't tell exactly what's going on but it looks like a large area of open water developed in the last day with all of the heavy snow on the east side of wake em up Narrows. These two photos are from my Ring Camera facing north towards Niles Point.  You can see what happened with all of snow that fell in the last three days, though the open water could have been wind driven. Hard to say. .  
    • SkunkedAgain
      Black Bay had great ice before but a few spots near rockpiles where there were spots of open water. It looks like the weight of the snow has created a little lake in the middle of the bay.  
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Thanks to some cold spring weather, ice fishing continues strong for those still ice fishing.  The bite remains very good.  Most resorts have pulled their fish houses off for the year, however, some still have fish houses out and others are allowing ATV and side by sides.  Check social media or call ahead to your favorite resort for specifics. Reports this week for walleyes and saugers remain excellent.   A nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and an occasional crappie, tullibee or sturgeon being reported by anglers. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.  Green, glow red, pink and gold were good colors this week.     Monster pike are on a tear!  Good number of pike, some reaching over 45 inches long, being caught using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring in 8 - 14' of water.   As always, work through a resort or outfitter for ice road conditions.  Safety first always. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. On the Rainy River...  The river is opened up along the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, the Frontier boat ramp and Vidas boat ramp.  This past week, much of the open water skimmed over with the single digit overnight temps.   Areas of the river have popped open again and with temps getting warmer, things are shaping up for the last stretch through the rest of the spring season, which continues through April 14th.   Very good numbers of walleyes are in the river.  Reports this week, even with fewer anglers, have been good.  When temps warm up and the sun shines, things will fire up again.   Jigs with brightly colored plastics or jigs with a frozen emerald shiner have been the desired bait on the river.  Don't overlook slow trolling crankbaits upstream as well.   Good reports of sturgeon being caught on the river as well.  Sturgeon put the feed bag on in the spring.  The bite has been very good.  Most are using a sturgeon rig with a circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers / frozen emerald shiners. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing is winding down up at the Angle.  Walleyes, saugers, and a number of various species in the mix again this week.  The bite is still very good with good numbers of fish.  The one two punch of jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is working well.   Check with Angle resorts on transport options from Young's Bay.  Call ahead for ice road guidelines.  
    • CigarGuy
      With the drifting, kind of hard to tell for sure, but I'm guessing about a foot and still lightly snowing. Cook end!
    • PSU
      How much snow did you get on Vermilion? 
    • Mike89
      lake here refroze too...  started opening again yesterday with the wet snow and wind...  very little ice left today...
    • Hookmaster
      A friend who has a cabin between Alex and Fergus said the lake he's on refroze. He texted me a pic from March 12th when it was open and one from 23rd when it wasn't. 🤯
    • SkunkedAgain
      I don't think that there has been any ice melt in the past few weeks on Vermilion. Things looked like a record and then Mother Nature swept in again.   I'll give my revised guess of April 21st
    • leech~~
      As I get older it's really not just about sending bullets down range.  Some of it's just the workmanship of the gun and the wow factor. The other two guns I have really wanted which I'll never have now because of their price, is a 8mm Jap Nambu and 9mm German Luger.   Just thought they always looked cool!  
    • jim curlee
      I had a guy hit me with a lightly used 1969 BAR, he wanted $1650 with an older Leupold scope. More than I think they are worth, I made an offer, he declined end of story.   You know if you look at the old brochures, a grade II BAR sold for $250 in the late 60s, $1650 would be a good return on your investment.    Why would anybody want a 50 year old gun, they are heavy, have wood stocks, and blued metal.  I guess mainly to keep their gun safes glued to the floor. lol   You can probably buy a stainless rifle that you never have to clean, with a synthetic stock you never have to refinish, is as light as a feather, and for half as much money, perfect.   I'm too old for a youth gun, although I've shrunk enough that it would probably fit. lol   No Ruger 10/44s.   Jim      
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.