Rainy Lake Trip 05/30-06/03

[Scotteye]

Hey everyone! I am planning a trip to Rainy on May 30th through June 6th. We will be camping on the East side of the Lake (Brule Narrows to Kettle Falls). If anyone could be so kind, as this will be a new venture for us, any ideas on fishing strategies (mostly fishing for Walleyes / depth, techniques, spots for both fishing and/or camping). I have a Lake masters chip, but other than a chip, I am in the dark. Thanks for any help or sugestions. If anyone has any input and/or words of caution, let me know.

[twofish@BCOA]

Scotteye-

Typically during that time of year the shallower bays pitching small jigs or trolling spinners, produce the best action for walleye, but with the early spring we have had up here, there is a good chance that the first break lines into deeper water or the first main lake reefs outside of the bays maybe best during your time frame. As for camp location I would shot for Hitchcock Bay.

[Scotteye]

Any specific bays or main lake areas we should consider?

[tearin' lips]

Scott,

I would go with what Twofish said. The Hitchcock Bay area would be a good base camp. You could fish in that bay, Kempton Channel, Saginaw/Marion Bay, even the breaks around Shelland Islands can hold fish that time of the year.

[G I Mike]

Scott,

Are you fishing the Canadian side? I will be on the East end from 1-4 June staying at Kettle Falls Hotel, but fish primarily Canada that time of year.

G3 1850 Angler, gray w/ full windshield, F150 and T8 Yamaha on the back.

[Muskies]

Hi Scott,

I'll have to agree with GI. Your group will have better luck on the Canadian side during late May and early June. It is more protected and you more spots to fish.

[Scotteye]

Thanks for the information everyone. I am not sure what the time-line is for getting a remote boarding pass, but I will have to look into that. If anyone has any information on the time-line/specifics, that would save me some time.

[G I Mike]

Scott,

From my experience you are probably out of time to get a RABC by mail for this trip.

BUT...You can get one in person at the Fort Frances office where they do accept walk-ins and will do them while you wait. Depends on time of day or time of year on how long it takes and number of guys you are getting done.

If you google RABC you will find Info on the process and phone numbers. Recommend you call them and get their insight.

You can get your non-resident license now on-line and print it off at home. Just used it for the first time and it is slick.

I'm not going to try and tell you that you need to go to Canada to catch fish. Many of the guys on here have much more experience on Rainy than I do and can help put you on fish on the US side of the Lake. From my experience there are typically fewer boats in Canada waters, which I like.

Only mentioned it because I have spent more time on the Canada side of the East end so have better insight if that's where you are headed.

[harvey lee]

Great time to be fishing Rainy. I go up every year on Memorial weekend for 4-5 days and have yet to not have a great trip for numbers and size for pike and eyes. Typically all of the past years I have fished 2 bays from 5-13fow and pulled crank baits. This year could be a bit different but I will be starting the same game as usual and then go from there if needed.

The cranks I have found to do the best for us every Memorial weekend is a blue and white crank in say size 7-9 with rattles. Rattlin Rouges have been my go to crank but last year we tried some Rapala Clackin minnows in the same color and they may have outpreformed the Rattlin Rouges. The big pike if still in the shallows will hit these cranks as hard as the eyes. Seems we pick up 2-3 very nice pike every trip.

I am sure some Husky Jerks would also work fine. Pulling mainly shallow running cranks about 5-7ft down.

Good luck.