Fishing Rainy Lake

AKA: Lake Rainy

Popular Fish Species
Rainy Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Rainy Lake, MN

Popular Fish Species Rainy Lake, MN

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Rainy Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. Sauger are plentiful as well. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Rainy Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Rainy Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Rainy Lake. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Rainy Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to 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.

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.

Located on the Minnesota-Ontario border, this is a world-class fishing destination renowned for its abundant fish populations. Spanning over 227,500 acres, this expansive lake offers some of Minnesota's most sought-after fish species.

Smallmouth bass are a major draw for anglers on Rainy Lake. Walleye fishing is another highlight of Rainy Lake. Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be found in Rainy Lake. Northern pike are abundant in Rainy Lake and provide thrilling angling opportunities. Yellow perch, bluegill, and black crappie are popular panfish species in Rainy Lake.

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.

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.

Marinas

Thunderbird Lodge Marina
2170 County Road 139
International Falls, MN 56649
218 286-3151