rainy lake Rainy Lake Fishing Reports by Capt John

[rainylakefisher]

Captain John:  Is most of your fishing on the Canadian side?  I stay at a family place near Ranier so most of my fishing has been from there to maybe five miles to the east, but only on the American side.  I'm wondering how the Canadian side compares and how far you have to motor to get on better fishing.  I've been frustrated the last few years with the action closer to town.

 

Also, what is the process to get access to the Canadian side by boat?  I have a passport, but not sure what is needed to get a RBC permit.  Do you have to call in every day?

[CaptJohnWis]

 

5 hours ago, DennisTyrl said:

What kind of camera do you use to make your fishing videos?  The picture and  sound is really good. 

 

Thanks

 

 

My last few videos are with my new Go Pro Hero 4. All the others are with a hand held Canon Powershot 610. Now as long as I remember to wear the Go Pro, should have good videos.

 

 

[CaptJohnWis]

Fishing started out fine, but I should have quit at 0730. Very slow after that. MANY dead mayflies everywhere on lake so hopefully they are just about done. Too hot for me and few bites so quit at 1:30.

 

today's video

[CaptJohnWis]

Another slow day. Started out fine with a big walleye for Mike but that was the end of the excitement. Just a few more walleyes and bass so we quit early. No other big ones.

 

I have a good lead on a bunch of antique tackle two hours south of here so no fishing tomorrow. If I buy the 3000 lures, I will be busy for awhile. I have lots of newer crank baits available for $2 each and Rapalas at $3 each. Let me know if you are interested and headed up here. Lots cheaper than at the store and many you will never see at Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas. I have way more than I will ever use.

Mike scores early video

 

[DennisTyrl]

On 7/5/2017 at 3:13 PM, CaptJohnWis said:

 

My last few videos are with my new Go Pro Hero 4. All the others are with a hand held Canon Powershot 610. Now as long as I remember to wear the Go Pro, should have good videos.

 

 

Thanks I am amazed how good the sound is. My Go Pro in the water proof case has terrible sound quality. 

[J-Roy 1969]

Any reports on smallmouth on rainy? Be there on the 21st - 29th. Can't wait, hope there stacking up on the deeper points and ledges. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[CaptJohnWis]

Berserker Bass.

 

This is probably the most exciting hit I have ever had from a bass.

 

Had to slow it down to get the full effect

.Berzerker bass video

[CaptJohnWis]

Still down in Texas and finally catching fish the last few weeks.

Got 46 bass today:

https://youtu.be/qaQMLPoJNvY

Last time I went we only caught one! but...

Hpw's the ice fishing?

 

[CaptJohnWis]

Headed back north soon. What is the guess for ice out on Rainy?

Fishing down here has been very good this year but too many boats and not enuf water. Missing the North Arm.

You can subscribe to my You Tube videos and also my fishing buddy Skunked Again Video to see this winter's action. Here is my video from yesterday:

https://youtu.be/JVo1hXwr1kc

 

Here is one of the better Skunked Again videos:

https://youtu.be/4HQobDD8O8c

[hydrashack]

My guess for ice out is 5/20ish..............

[Rick]

@CaptJohnWis,

You can upload the videos directly in your posts now. Give it a try.

[CaptJohnWis]

It looks like Sand Bay still has ice on it but that camera that looks out from a guys cabin in Northwest Bay shows that area completely open. I am itching to catch smallmouths on Rainy. Went fishing with my Shunked Again Buddy (Tim) and his nephew Steven today in Texas. Perfect fishing weather but only 5 fish in first six hours. We tried one more spot right in front of ramp before quitting.  Should have never started big motor in morning!

today's video

[hydrashack]

This weather up here in MN is crazy.  There was a big tourney on the river this weekend and heard the fish went from winter prespawn pattern to bed fishing in a day.

I am on a count down to get to rainy.  Heading up on 6/8.  

[CaptJohnWis]

Down here in Texas they think a union suit is something the AFL-CIO brings against big companies. I can't wait to wear one again on Rainy. It was 93 degrees here yesterday when I quit fishing. Too hot fer this ol carpetbagger. Had good luck on my final trip in Texas. Leaving fer the Falls on Friday.

May 7, 2018 video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxsxWj2VtZU

 

 

 

[CaptJohnWis]

Back on Rainy!

Got 11 beauties in first hour back. Then wind got ugly and I had to come in early.

Click here to see video:

First day in 2018

[CaptJohnWis]

Went with mike and Brian yesterday. Good action in morning but zip later on. About 40 fish, mostly bass. A few on Husky Jerk rest on soft plastic. Water 47-54 depending where you were. Fish at all different depths.

May 16 video link:

May 16 video click here

[Better Than Working!]

Nice to have your reports and videos back! I am going to be up in a month and I can't wait! 

[sherbear]

Good to see your reports on Rainy again.  We should be coming up next week.  Looking forward to a summer of relaxation, visiting with friends and of course fishing!

[CaptJohnWis]

Went at 2:00. Only got 9 fish but all decent even mix of pike, walleye and bass. New hummingbird not working - arrrrgh. I'll probably go somewhere else tomorrow. Looks like great weather.

 

May 20 video fishing on Rainy

[CaptJohnWis]

Started off great today but.......Fishing poor today. Weather was nice but nothing much on the banks. Put on 50 miles with little to show for it - except supper

 

 

On 4/30/2018 at 11:58 AM, Rick said:

@CaptJohnWis,

You can upload the videos directly in your posts now. Give it a try.

It worked today for a small video - must have trouble with long ones.

[Wood Tick]

Very cool! What kind of water temps are you seeing? Heading up to the Canadian side the 15th and we have been wondering what conditions we'd be seeing with the late ice out.  

[Rick]

Nice vid John!!!  

[CaptJohnWis]

5 hours ago, Wood Tick said:

Very cool! What kind of water temps are you seeing? Heading up to the Canadian side the 15th and we have been wondering what conditions we'd be seeing with the late ice out.  

It was 68 in the main lake North Arm when I quit yesterday

[stumped321]

38 minutes ago, CaptJohnWis said:

It was 68 in the main lake North Arm when I quit yesterday

That’s crazy since the ice just went out two weeks ago! The only thing predictable on rainy lake is that it’s unpredicable. Have you seen any bass on the beds yet? Btw I have watched this tread since 07 and very much appreciate the updates and the videos!!  

[CaptJohnWis]

57 minutes ago, stumped321 said:

That’s crazy since the ice just went out two weeks ago! The only thing predictable on rainy lake is that it’s unpredicable. Have you seen any bass on the beds yet? Btw I have watched this tread since 07 and very much appreciate the updates and the videos!!  

I saw one bass trying to attract a partner. He (I guess) was either doing a courting ritual or scratching himself on rocks over a 20 foot area so not on a bed yet. Very easy to see since he was turning sideways and flashing in the sun. He did check out my lure but would not bite. T-storms today so I stayed in the house.

[Wood Tick]

Wow, 68 in the main lake, that is crazy. Thanks for the update and good luck.

[CaptJohnWis]

I am sitting out the holiday weekend. 80 degrees air every day for next three. I thought I left that behind in Texas. Everything moving shallow NOW. Got a bunch of crappie and bass in 2-4 feet of water on a smaller lake yesterday. Five walleye and pike as well. Water temps there same as Rainy.

We just added a third window air conditioner to our little house in I. Falls

[CaptJohnWis]

I should not have complained about the heat. Cold and windy for several days. I have stayed off Rainy. A small lake I tried today had water temps of 65 - it was 75 last week! Fishing very slow today and wind was awful. My trolling motor was running at max to (try!) hold my position. It was sucking air half the time so I bailed. Died down later but fish had left.

[CaptJohnWis]

Fishing very slow today. Fished 5 hours and got 5 fish - all decent.  No surprise since the weather had taken such a BIG change. Water only 62 today. I week ago I had to buy another air conditioner for me house. Then two days later I am running the furnace. Got down to 39 last night!

 

 

[Better Than Working!]

I am bringing my dad up next week! What depth were those fish running? Planning on starting in Black Bay to get a quick start on our limit of walleye and then start targeting bass and pike. Hopefully with the unique weather this spring the fish won't be to far off their normal patterns.