Rainy River fishing reports / Franz Jevne Boat Size

[hagcel]

I was thinking about heading up to Franz Jevne State Park end of Sept / early October. Is it safe / manageable to fish the rainy in that area in a 12 foot jon boat with 6 HP motor? Otherwise is the shore fishing any good? 

Is the park busy that time of year? 

I've never been up there before...

Thanks!

[BartmanMN]

You will be fine with that sized boat.  There will be river fish in there, but that will be too early for the run.

[Tony S]

Some years the shore fishing in Franz Jevne Park is really really good.  There are some really good spots upriver from there as well.  You should be able to get into some good bass fishing there too if you don't mind catching smallies.  Some years in the past there have been lots of walleye up that way by mid September.  Small boat should be okay, that's what the locals are usually fishing out of.  The park is really nice and usually empty of people. 

[Black oak]

Busy on weekends. A 6hp will not get back up the rapids if the current is strong or normal. You should be prepared to carry your boat back up to the park from the river. Fast current and steam boat locks on both sides of the rapids when you go up- left over from the olden days. It will take out a lower unit pretty quick if to far right or left when going up to the public ramp. Below jevne is a lot of rocks- beware and use caution if you go below around the corner. There is a safe path but good luck if it is your first time.   If you damage your motor you can always float down to the next ramp.

Be safe and have fun-