Know how I know I love Rainy?

[mizefish]

Because it's been 5 days since I RETURNED from Rainy, and I still check the weather up there every day. I'd bet my house that I'm the only guy in Chicagoland that has these two towns saved as favorites on weatherunderground.com :

Glen Ellyn, IL and International Falls, MN

What a lake. Love to hear your reasons.

[okfisherman]

Hey Mizefish, you are not the only crazy out there. I'm stuck in the land of Sooners and have I'Falls weather and Rainy lake cams on my home page. It sure is easy to fall in love with THE lake. I only get to spend about 6 days a year on Rainy but I check the forum and lake cams daily, and dream.

[mizefish]

Hey, OK.

I know. That's why I started this thread.

There's gotta be HUNDREDS of us out there.

Get this, I go up for a week each year with a group of 20 guys, and I'm the only one who reads this forum. Using that math, there's gotta be THOUSANDS of us out there. Think about all the guys who just read this forum, but don't post or even register. Hell, I did that for 2 years before joining in.

Know how I know I love Rainy? I fish 7 days a year and I'm actually bugging my wife about getting a boat. Whatta fool.

[Black_Bay]

Hey mize don't forget about the Rainy Lake cam that the One Stop has. That way you can see the weather every day too.

[mizefish]

Of course, BB, that's also on my favorites list. Just checked it 30 min. ago and saw some nice thunderheads in the southeast on the Black Bay cam.

I also go to Woody's site every day to see photo album.

That's how I know Daze is a handsome cuss!

Big storm rolling into Glen Ellyn right now...anybody got me on radar yet?

[okfisherman]

our group leaves here the 23rd of august for a week at Camp Ontario. Can't wait. I 'm the only guy in Oklahoma with all the sectional maps of Rainy on the wall of my home office. When put all toghether it's a big lake! Some day maybe I'll be blessed to move up there and fish with these fine folks on the forum. At least I can dream.

[ksdog]

Hey OKfisherman, email me [email protected]. I live in Kansas. Got questions on Rainy. Thanks.

[texas county duck]

I think there are a ton of us out there that are addicted to the beauty and solitude of Rainy. I live in South Central Missouri and spend 3-4 weeks a year on Rainy. International Falls weather is always on my computer and the wall in the office is one big map! Heading back for a week this Saturday and I can't wait. Isn't this a great Site!

[PureDuck]

Why do we love Rainy? 'Cause we've fished elsewhere.

-K

[Rainydaze]

So fun seeing the passion for Rainy Fishing. Nice to see a lot of the followers of this forum posting. I can sense a FM get together event maybe next year? I bet TL, Fishmeister, Uffda, and some of the other locals here would enjoy the event. Give us a chance to talk smart and share in the passion of this great fishery. I'd be willing to help coordinate it? Good Fishing Guys and Gals!

Daze

[pznak]

Coming back up tonight, been gone for 9 days, can't wait. Gotta get my wife to retire or at least learn to mow our yard and do my chores at Rochester so I can stay here all the time.

[Rainydaze]

Let me know how that goes for ya!

RD

[okfisherman]

Boy if gas wasn't 3 bucks a gallon I'd bring my big commercial bbq trailer up for a deal like that! I'm not allowed on the island at Camp Ontario without at least 4-5 slabs for the owners. It would sure be fun to hear some of you locals wisdom.

[mizefish]

I was just thinking the same thing, Daze. Not really a re-union, 'coz we've never met, but a jamboree of sorts.

Walleyepalooza? We'll think up a name. I own a sign company so I'll provide the banners. Anybody work in a brewery?

Just one thing, Daze. You and Tearin' and Uffda and Meister can't come...that would be like Jesus walking into church. Let us worship you guys from afar, or the mystery will be gone. I'll put up posters with your likenesses, and we'll all chant your names. Kidding! Of course you have to come or else it would SUCK!

How about all of us from around the country with Rainy maps on our den wall. That's so cool. It reminds me of Close Encounters when all these random folks just start drawing pictures of Devils Tower, thinking they're the only ones doing it.

Know how I know I love Rainy? 'Coz I couldn't care less about largemouth bass.

[mizefish]

Hey, OK, where is Camp Ontario? And are there many resorts on the Canadian side. Keep hearing great things about the North Arm. Daze, a little help here?

[okfisherman]

Hey Mizefish, Camp Ontario is halfway up the north arm on HIGHROCK island. Look between Cheery and Rebecca islands. It's owned by a couple out of Texas, Robert and Janet Weaver, it 'aint the Hilton but it's nice and adequate and very very affordable. If you want their number let me know at [email protected]. They will provide boats or you can bring your own. There are 6 cabins that sleep between 4 to 8. Can't beat the fishing.

[Rainydaze]

Thats awesome! Good Times I tell ya! I'll try coordinate an event next year. I'll have to do some thinking on times... Any suggestions? I've got some ideas on an event. We could actually meet at my place as I live on Tilson Bay. This would be a great plact to overlook the lake and talk smart.

Daze

[bitz]

Camp Ontario was started by Bill and Mary Meyers in the early 60s (maybe late 50's) They built Little Canoe and then bought High Rock Island. I grew up climbing on the rock its named for and have lots of memories of the place. Have not been back since Beshaus (not sure how you spell it) sold it several years ago. Last I had heard, the cabins needed some work. Is it been fixed up any? We always stayed a few miles away near AMI point until this year when they retired. We stayed at AMIK Lodge on the NW end and it was very nice. Clean/drive in and good fishing. There are Little Canoe and Devils Cascades on the north arm also... but have been by but not stopped for a long time. On the NW end besides AMIK is Birch Point (Labelle's) and Camp Narrows. Camp Narrows is catch/release only. For the $$, AMIK seems very good.

I also have maps ready for my fishing/hunting room...

Bitz

[okfisherman]

I started going to Camp Ontario when Bob and Mary Beschew owned it back in the mid '80s, The current owners Robert and Janet Weaver are really nice and great hosts. Honestly there isn't much difference in the quality of the cabins since they took over, simple but adequate, the boats and motors are better, and they added a 2nd shower house, a big improvement. And the difference in attitude between Robert and Janet as compared to Beschew is soooo much better. For the money it's a good buy I think. If we were closer and didn't have so much travel expense to get there I might be persuaded to upgrade on accomadations, but as a whole it's a bargain to stay there. Our group will occupy all six cabins and we sort of swarm the island. Man is it a good time. It's basic but I must admit we love it.

[Husky28]

Lived up there for four years and regret ever moving away! Guided for three of those years... the best summers of my life! I love Rainy because haven't found one better... Will be there in the middle of Aug. Can't wait!

[eyepatrol]

I missed our family Rainy trip to NW Bay for the 3rd time in 6 years. Should be the last time that happens though.

My other family members just got back this past weekend and did well on the 'eyes for the little bit of fishing they did do. Usual locations and on crawler harnesses (as usual). Plenty of fish in the 14" - 16" range, plenty in the 18" - 19" range and a decent number under 14".

Can't wait for next year. 355 days and counting!!!! Yes, I'm already counting!