Rookie

[SD_waterfowler]

I'm considering making the trip up to the Rainy from SD on Friday afternoon.

I've never fished this place and was wondering what I should be prepared for, where to launch, ect. Any ifo would be appreciated

Also, If anyone would be willing to meet up sat AM and give me some tips I'd be more than willing to buy a couple beers afterwards, or, return some info about waterfowl in SD come fall.

Are there any campgrounds open around there? A place to pitch a tent?

Thanks in advance guys

Andy

[The Hammer]

Hey SD Waterfowler

There is a campground at the Birchdale access. The only thing is it is a long boat ride to the good fishing spots. I am not sure about the other landings.I never launched at any other landings because my boat is fast enough to run the river. Some guys do fish the Birchdale area and do well,but the fish are coming in from the lake and are not usually that concentrated that far down. Maybe you could camp at Birchdale and launch somewhere else it is all up to you and what you prefer. It looks like the river is going to be clear this weekend still. If it does and you can go it will be incredible fishing. I wish I could make it,but I was there last weekend.

We were using a fireball jig with a ringworm. Then we were using a 5" jerkshad it looks like a minnow. We were hooking are red stinger hook onto the back of the jerj shad. We would cast across

the current and jig it back. 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs. We prefer plastics. A set up can last almost the whole day. And they bite just as well or even better. 153 boated on Saturday was pretty good day.

Have fun and good luck. Don't be afraid to ask guys questions. Most everyone there are great people.

Hammer

[jiganator]

I have put in at Birchdale & Cleminson. You will be closer to the good fishing at Cleminson but if there's alot of people. it could take a LOooong time to get your boat put in. Also, not much parking at Cleminson & you may have to park way down the road and walk back to your boat

Birchdale has a steap landing if the river is low too. You would need to head back towards Cleminson from Birchdale to get to the good fishing. We have fished in the past, just east of Cleminson about a mile

Also, between Birchdale & Cleminson there's a rocky low area in the river..you need to be aware of it and carefully pick your way through.

I have a place out in SD where I hunt ducks & Pheasants

Chuck

[SD_waterfowler]

If a guy launched at birchdale, which direction leads you to the best fishing grounds,(in general)?

Hammer: Thanks for your reply. I'm nervous trying to put this trip together in such a short time.

I'm supposed to be fishing out to the Missouri River out here (chamberlain) on Sat but there is a good chance to get the better part of a foot of snow out here tomorrow

[jiganator]

You will need to go west for about 4-5 miles

[SD_waterfowler]

I'm from Sioux Falls. I had a short stint in Brookings while I was in college.

I'd eventually like to end up in Pierre or Chamberlain. Living along the river is my dream.

[The Hammer]

Yeah

I use to fish in Chamberlain this weekend every year. Until

I fished the Rainy.

[SD_waterfowler]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Looks like I'm not going to make it up there after all. The 2 guys that were supposed to go bailed because of the weather. Thats a bad problem...I have a truck, boat, and nobody to make the trip with...lol