Rainy Lake Vs. Kabetogema

[IowanSince02]

I'm hopefully heading up to Voyagers for a few days around June 16 or so. I don't think I've ever fished Rainy. I did fish Kabetogema for a few days about ten years ago. I'm wondering... which lake is generally better, and easier to learn (for a guy who only has 2-3 days to fish there)? I'm interested in catching 1)Smallmouth 2)Northerns 3)Walleye 4)Crappie

Also, if fishing Rainy, I'd rather not have to go into Canada, because I don't want to have to get a pass (or whatever it's called). Does that affect my thoughts about maybe fishing in Rainy Lake?

Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

[pondjumper12]

Kabetogama is heaven to this Illinois basser,my grandpa has had a cabin on kab since the 40s, I could spend my whole life there and be content.

Having said that I believe rainy is one of the best Smallmouth lakes in the country, they have been rated for smallies in the top 5 for 20-30 years,I talked to my cousin today and his two work buddies are homebound now and said they caught over 600 while they were there on what Idk but I can find out.

Kab on the other hand can produce some catches but they aren't nearly as plentiful and are smaller as a whole I've seen some post from others and they say don't bother fishing on kab for them to hit rainy or nam.

I will say for me its hard to find any pattern with a week to fish once a year and missing several since high school 23 years ago when we used to spend two weeks a year then.

I say rainy and you won't be disappointed but kab is a magical place to me.

[IowanSince02]

Thanks for the info, pondjumper!

[MYSTERY_POLE]

Thanks for the info. Do you know where the guys were fishing and what were the baits of choice. This will be our 10th year on Rainy (Canadian side) and feel comfortable anywhere on the map, Redgut, Swell etc. Would be good to know of a few more spots that we havent been.

[SledNeck]

For this (june) time of year, id fish Kab for walleyes.

For smallmouth anytime its a no brainer, Rainy by far

[pondjumper12]

Sounds like he was beating the banks with some jerkbaits and mostly perch colored jointed shad raps in Hopkins bay and northeast bay

[ZeroG]

Fished Kab many times over the last 10 years and just started fishing Rainy. If the walleyes are active on Kab it can be great, but dont be afraid of fishing deep during the day 30-40ft. Kab is big but tiny to me compared to Rainy. Rainy rocks compared to Kab, but can be overwelming.

[IowanSince02]

Thanks for the info, guys. I think I will try Rainy. I love smallmouth! Plus I know there are some walleyes to catch, too.

[Chris Granrud]

Both Kab and Rainy are tremendous fisheries guys. While I do most of my guiding here on Rainy; I also have fished my share on Kab. In simple size Rainy Lake at over 227,000 acres has simply more water to hold fish. With that being said more dead water as well.

One thing that I might point out is the RABC card or remote area border crossing permit costs $30.00. Assumng there are no convictions on your record this card is not a hassle to get. In fact most of our guys get them online. While we have immense water to fish on the US side of Rainy Lake, I wouldn't shy away from the RABC card. Options are always nice for anglers.

Either way good luck and good fishing boys!!