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Rainy River Newby


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Hello all! Hopefully everyone's ice fishing season went well, but now it's time to think open water. I have never fished Rainy River, but I have always wanted to. I am seeing a lot of good information on here and I am not the type to ask for too many specifics, but if anyone could give me a starting point, I would really appreciate it.

I see that jigging is a popular method up there, but I also read about a few people trolling. What kind of depth holds more fish? I can only assume people are fishing edges and holes much like any other river, but again, I have never fished Rainy.

If trolling, are guys long-lining it, lead core, bottom bouncers??? I hate to ask for too much, but any information anybody is willing to share, I would greatly appreciate it.

I see that people are fishing anywhere from the mouth up quite a ways. Is there any area that usually holds more fish than others?

Also, if anyone is looking for a seat, I have an open seat in my boat. I am planning on heading up Sunday afternoon and fishing thru Tuesday late morning. Thanks for the help!

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I am a newby to the Rainy and walleye fishing in general. I am headed up on Wednesday to give it a shot mysef. [Note From Admin: Please read forum policy before posting again]

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Plenty of people who give great information, but you also have to be willing to put in time on the water to learn - folks aren't just going to throw GPS coordinates at you and bid you adieu. I came to this site a couple of years ago as a novice fisherman, and I can tell you that folks here are more willing to help you learn than on any other site that I've ever come across.

Good luck on the river. Hopefully you'll put together a good pattern and you can come back here to post pics and share what you've learned wink

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I am no expert or any thing, but when i fish the rainy i just use a jig and a minnow (shiners,fatheads,rainbows)as far as structure holes,slack water let the structure decide the depth.

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A variety of tactics will work on the river- my best advice for a newby is to to jig jig jig- either vertical or long lining it but beware of snaggs as it is a river- when the fish are going any spot really can hold fish but look for current break area's or area where there is a change in depth and even a 1 to 2 ft change in depth can be the key- but getting on the water and putting some time in is the best advice also- if we can learn something new each time we can really improve our fishing success and even make the tough days good ones- good luck and safe fishing all!

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I used to post on here all the time - every day prior to and during the river season. I poured it all out on some really, really long posts (some of you may remember)! Detailed to the max, cuz I really enjoyed helping others, and I appreciated the same in return. Now, I mostly just check in and watch like a creeper, because I am TIRED! Every subject has been beat to death so many times that I just can't anymore! Well, that's me anyway - but I think a lot of the guys on here are the same which is why some attitude may come across. Remember King Solomon - supposedly the wisest man to ever live? He said there is nothing new under the sun (Ha!)... so whether or not you believe that...

I realize you guys are new and looking for info to help with your trip. There was a day when I was too. Best advice is to look back in the archives from the past few years and just read. Be willing to do that, and in short order I guarantee you will find the answers to every stinking question you got! Good luck...

There, I have given you some HUGE hints. Now time for me to creep back into the shadows...

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[Note From Admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank You.] Talk to bait shops. Read books or old posts like Tim said. They can be a tremendous help. I know its easy to come on here and ask but alot of the guys giving the info are the ones that put in the time to come up with the answers some of you seek.

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Hoytshooter, tori's dad, and Tim, thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate the tips. I am not the type to ask and never give, so if you guys every want any tips on mille lacs, I may be able to help you out. I am no expert, but I love to fish and do it year round. I am the guy that figures out how to make the fish bite. I am convinced that fish will bite somewhere, somehow. I just don't have a ton of time to spend on the rainy to figure things out, so having a starting point is greatly appreciated. I almost feel like apologizing for the other newby on this thread even though I don't know him! I frequent this sight and enjoy helping the guys I can, but it is rare I give away many secrets. Thanks again guys for giving a newby like me a starting point. Good luck out there and stay safe! If you ever want to hit mille lacs, let me know. I've met a few guys on the pond through here and made some good fishing buddies. Thanks again!

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Micah

Jigs and minnows will catch fish. I tried frozen shiners for the first tine

Find a spot to drift and if u catch fish don't be afraid to anchor up

Te fish will be coming from LOTW and run up the river

Read the past reports and go fish it's always a blast up there

If u ever have an open seat forille lacs is love to go with

Good luck

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