Guide To Fishing At Rainy Lake

AKA: Lake Rainy

Large numbers of walleye, bass, pike, crappie, pike and muskie make Rainy Lake a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake also has healthy populations of sunfish, perch, bowfin and sturgeon.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

This elaborate expanse of water surrounding hundreds of islands covers 220,000 acres, creating thousands of places to wet a line. Rainy Lake is on the northern border of the state, at International Falls, MN, and the lake resides in both Minnesota and Canada. Collectively there are over 1,800 miles of shoreline, with a half dozen boat launch ramps serving the public on the Minnesota side of the lake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 years old or older. This may be the most fished walleye water in the country each spring, and the fertile lake continues to produce great walleye fishing. The towns of International Falls and Ranier offer a wide variety of conveniences to enhance your stay with lodging, camping, shopping and dining.

What to fish for...

Fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, bowfin, northern pike, sauger and lake sturgeon at Rainy Lake in Minnesota.

Primary fish species residing in Rainy Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rainy Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Camp Idlewood Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and bass boats
218 286-5551

Voyageurs Outfitters
Rentals: Pontoon boats
218 244-6506

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bonham Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 11, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Ut-342, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Ranier Public Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Spruce Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no dedicated parking.

Tilson Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 11, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.