where to stay?

[whitebassman]

Seeing all you folks talk about Rainy River is getting me excited. Where do you stay though? And what stretch of the river do you target? By Baudette or by Int'l Falls?

Thinking of trying to swing a 5 day weekend there....

[GrizzlyAdams]

I would give Woody a call. Woody's fairly reliable is an awesome place to stay in Int falls area and he knows where to find the fish. His accommodations are top notch and He is right on the lake at the mouth of the river. Best of both worlds. Woody is a blast to talk to and b.s. with. He is a sponsor of the Rainy lake forum and you can find his numbers on there. The falls motel is another place I would highly recommend. Kelly also knows the lake and river very well. Kelly is also a sponsor on the Rainy lake forum and you can find his numbers there as well. If it is Sturgeon, walleyes, northerns, crappies or bass you are looking for these guy's will put you on them. It is up to you to catch them though.

[ducksnbucks]

We generally stay in Baudette at the Baudette Motel when fishing stretches of the river like at Birchdale Landing. However if we know we are going to fish the Gap we try and stay at a resort out on Wheelers point, mainly to eliminate having to drive 20 miles out to the point and 20 miles back into town, saves gas money and we can have more drinks!!

[whitebassman]

is the whole rainy river navigable? It looks like there may be rapids here and there where you may have to pull out and launch ahead if you want to fish that area? Do you spend most of your time focusing on an area rather then drifting down the entire length of the river?

[matt_shermoen]

Whitebassman-

There are many great lodging locations in International Falls. I would suggest Thunderbird Lodge. They have a great menu both in the restaurant and bar.

The main area you want to target is the area from Indus to Lake of the woods. I always use the Birchdale landing, which is about a 30 minute drive from Int'l Falls.

There are times where we will fish on the east side of the dam but I am not sure the lake will be opened up enough this year to do so.

You can navigate the whole river from time to time but I would plan to travel closer to the area you want to fish and use one of the many launches along the river.

Depending on the weather and ice conditions the late ice walleye bite in the evenings can be very good near Thunderbird as well so if possible bring an atv with so you can ice fish in the evening.

If you have any more questions please feel free to PM me.

[bassbuster1]

It all depends on how much you want to spend.I am on the river most everyday.We have lots of guys stay here this time of year, and everybody shares info.We have a fish cleaning shak and freezer service.We are a completely modern facility with many eating establishments, with in walking distance.

Whether you are looking for eye's or sturgeon we can help.

BB1

[tipupsonly]

Border View Lodge is just $25 a night per person in April and the bar and restuarant is open as well. It's 12 miles north of Baudette on the end the river before it enters Lake of the Woods.

[ac777]

What are there for Primitive camping options in the area? I know a few resorts rent spots out, is there any besides that tho?