Rainy or Crow?

[jjf]

Hi, first time here. I am planning a trip for 4 guys in early spring for smallies and or pike. I am very interested in fishing Rainy but a close friend of mine recommended Crow lake in Canada. Just curious if anyone here has fished both in early spring and could give an unbiased opinion as to which they preferred. Thanks much

[hawgeye]

Is this Crow (Kakagi Lake) the one just N of Nestor Falls. I have had great smallmouth fishing on both Rainy and Crow. I would say Crow was easier for numbers, but I've caugth some real pigs out of Rainy. Never caught a northern out of Crow, but have seen some monster muskies. can't go wrong with either lake

[Sand Bay Sultan]

are u planning on the canadien or american side of rainy, because if you wanted to fish the american side of rainy you could save alot of money and a big headache by not having to buy canadien fishing licenses and not being stuck in a line or hasseled at the border, rainy river may also have some good smallie action as well

[tearin' lips]

I agree with hawgeye, you cannot go wrong with either lake. I fish both Crow and Rainy alot for smallies and here is what I think.

If you are into lake trout and muskies crow has everything for you. There are lots of bass on the lake and it is really fun to sight fish them, it can also be a pain too because you can see them and if they are not biting you will get very aggrevated. The only problem with Crow is that there are big fish, but it is often a problem getting your lure through the small fish. Average size is also smaller than what you would find on Rainy. Crow is easier to fish in that a smaller boat can get out of the wind and you often don't have to travel far to find smallies here.

Rainy is also a great smallie fishery, in fact I have yet to fish a better one. You can also fish hog walleye, big northern, muskie, and crappie on Rainy. As I said your average size on Rainy is going to be alot better than on Crow. The best areas to hit for smallies on Rainy are all on the Canadian side. Norhtwest Bay, Seine Bay, Canadian side of Brule Narrows, Cormorant, Redgut Bay, and Ash Bay areas are all good areas to fish for some smallies.

Your most productive time to hit either will be in June. Last year out best fishing in Redgut came June 5-20. I would reccommend Rainy Lake for your fishing trip. Your chances of catching bigger smallies are better and there are lots of big northerns in Rainy as well. June is a good time to hit these big northern up as they are done spawning and hungry. Another advantage to Rainy is you will have walleye fishing that is second to none. In June the fish are in shallow and can be caught on rapalas such as the x-rap, jigging, lindy-rigging, or trolling with spinners. Crappies are also available in Rainy and can be found spawning this time of the year up in shallow bays. Look for them around rock piles and bullrushes. \

All in all, both are great fisheries, but I believe you will be much more satisfied by fishing Rainy. Aside from the lake you can also experience great smallmouth fishing on the Rainy River, both above and below the dam at International Falls.

Take Care and Good Luck Fishing!!

[okfisherman]

The brownies on Rainy are some of the best fun you'll have with a pole!

[rainy dude]

For a pike and smallies (in early spring) the north arm of Rainy has no equal. Go early like you are thinking. June is too late for big dog smallies and they are spawning then. Crow's smallies and pike are not in the same league. And Muskie is not open until late June.

R_D

[jjf]

Just wanted to thank everybody for all the advice. Rainy it is as it will be less hassle as one guy is still missing a passport. I appreciate all the info!

[cedarnarrowsguy]

FYI...you do not need a passport.

[jjf]

I thought you did to go to the canadian side? Is it just a birth certificate and ID??

[tearin' lips]

Passports are set to come out in 2008, until then all you really need is a birth certificate and a drivers license. I haven't been asked for my birth certificate yet, but have it along.

I should be interesting to see the approach that will be taken for the passports when the people of the U.S and the Canadian government want nothing to do with them.

[rainy dude]

Checkout Camp Narrows. They may be exactly what your crew is looking for.

[Cheers]

F.Y.I. Canada does not require pasport to enter nor are they want to do so in the future. The U.S. government intends to require one to alow its residents to get home!