Rainy Lake

[pznak]

I am thinking about buying a place on Rainy. I currently have a place on Lake Wabigoon by Dryden. 80 acre peninsula, great house, really nice. Because of medical reasons I want to stay in the states. I here great things about Rainy but haven't fished it for 15 years, wasn't real impressed then. I am spoiled by being on this lake, I am guessing that I will be happy on Rainy also, probably more people but that's fine, I just want to fish. Any input?

[bitz]

Bring lots of money! We have been looking at a place on the north arm for about 4 yrs. In about 2001 or so, the Crown stopped all sales of existing Crown land and that is driving up prices bunches... it has now pushed back into the south arm from my experience and only seems to get worse each month.

Bitz

[Black_Bay]

Go to ifalls daily journal site, all one word. They have links to the area realtors. That will give you a good idea for lake home prices. As for the fishing, well it's not too bad I suppose. Kidding, the fishing is great. The walleyes are back in force and Rainy is probably one of the best lakes, if not the best lake around for smallmouth bass.

[pznak]

I am sure that I would want to stay on the Mn. side, Mine up there with 1.5 miles of shoreline is only $350,000. I know that it will be a lot more for property here, but what do you do?

[uffdapete]

I'll take a stab at the other part of your question. Fishing the MN side of Rainy is nothing like 15 years ago. The slot limit has improved walleye fishing far beyond what anyone would have believed or even hoped. I didn't fish the MN side until 11-12 years ago. Now there is no need to cross if you are after walleyes or pike. Is fishing still better there? If you are after smallmouth or crappies, yes. For walleyes and pike it's fairly equal IMHO. There is still considerably less pressure and more solitude across.

[Rainydaze]

I'd have to second the input from Uffda! Walleye and Pike fishing is fantastic on the Minnesota side. I made a remark to my fishing partner yesterday as I saw walleye after walleye over 23 inches coming in! Very few boats! Rainy is a vast body of water and offers endless structure and fishing opportunities. I've fished some of the fantastic Canadian waters, and know the action your used to. This body of water is really hot right now, and the protective slot seems to really be doing the trick holding large amounts of big fish in this lake. You can't go wrong coming to Rainy, although I might consider hiring a guide for a little Rainy 101.

[fishmeister_86]

HI P.Z.,

350,000 IS ALOT OF CASH TO MOST FOLKS AROUND HERE, MOST OF US LIVE HERE, NOT BECAUSE WERE RICH, BUT BECAUSE WE LOVE THE OUTDOORS. IT SCARES ALOT OF OUR LOCALS THAT PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD FOR HUGE $ TO PEOPLE WHO ARE MULTI MILLIONAIRES, SOMETIMES WHICH INVOLVES ALOT FOLKS WHO ACT LIKE THEIR BETTER THEN US SIMPLE FOLK... SOME WILL NEVER USE THE CABIN & I GUESS THATS A LITTLE SAD. I HAD A BUDDY WHO JUST SOLD A SMALL LOT WITH A CABIN ON WABAGOON(SP) FOR AROUND 50 GRAND., HE SOLD IT BECAUSE HE SAID IT WAS TO FAR & COULDN'T CATCH ANY FISH. HE SAID THE SURROUNDING LAKES WERE AWESOME.

SINCERELY,

FISHMEISTER

[Husky28]

I think you'll love it on this lake. You can buy property at all ranges, but will pay big dollars for premium property. You can get a place a block or two away for a decent price (check Ranier), but that's (as I'm sure you know) pretty typical of any lake with a status of Rainy. Probably my favorite lake to fish in the midwest. I lived up there for 4 years (guided as well) and will most likely buy an island down the road... The locals are pretty awesome and very helpful if you get to know some of them. Lots of luck!