Some negative nellies predicted there wouldn’t be a spring season on the Rainy River this year.  Too much ice, too cold of a March.  Well keyboard warriors, your hypothesis was very wrong.  In fact, the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, MN opened up to all boats on March 27th.  Great news for those who love taking part in the tradition of fishing the Rainy River in the spring.

As every year, Mother Nature is in control.  Well, maybe with a bit of help, as water was released through the dam upstream to bring down water levels above the dam and that extra bit of current didn’t hurt any.  But hey, it’s that way every year. 

We need to thank Koochiching County, and everyone who has a hand in the north country with this spring fishing season.  Each year, Koochiching County does a great job of plowing out the boat ramp and access areas of snow.  They also are helpful in giving that pesky shoreline ice in front of the boat ramps a little push with a backhoe to speed things up a bit.  It also makes things safer, as without a boat ramp open, there are a number of boats that would have dropped in over the shoreline ice in pursuit of big Rainy River gold.

There are others to thank as well.  The many Kooch and Lake of the Woods County workers who deal with an aspect of spring fishing, local law enforcement, MN DNR, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and others who play a role in this rite of spring.

How is fishing?  Initial reports have been excellent.  Things can certainly change from day to day, but for now, water clarity is good, the Birchdale ramp is open and Frontier is about to open with open water in front of the boat ramp for over a day now.  That is good news as it provides two ramps vs only one.  Usually as those two open up, ice deteriorates quickly downstream as well, stay tuned as things happen fast.

On to some commonly asked questions this time of year…

Can I fish the Ontario side of the Rainy River?  The answer is yes, as long as you have the proper Ontario fishing license and fishing or outdoors card (if you didn’t purchase a one day license in which the card is not required).  There are different limits and regulations when fishing Ontario waters, please refer to official Ontario Fishing Regulations.

Can I have live or frozen bait in my boat when fishing the Ontario side of the Rainy River?  No.  No bait, alive, dead, or frozen is allowed to travel into Canada from the U.S. as of October of 2020.  You can use artificials, which are popular in the spring season.  Plastics on jigs and crankbaits are good options.

Can I keep walleyes on the Ontario side of the river and transport them to the U.S. during the spring season on the Rainy River?  No.  Because the walleye fishery on the Minnesota side of the Rainy River is catch and release only, the MN DNR states it is unlawful to transport walleyes across the border into Minnesota.

Can I trailer my boat into Ontario, fish the Ontario side of the river during the spring season, keep walleyes and trailer the walleyes back into Minnesota?  No.  According to the MN DNR, you must not bring walleyes across the border during the spring season even if by automobile.

Can I navigate into Ontario waters for safety or to avoid a pack of boats?  Yes.  For safety reasons, and the law is reciprocal, you are allowed to navigate into Canada waters to avoid dangerous situations such as shallow water, ice chunks, a pack of boats, etc.  Just don’t fish there unless you have taken measures to fish the Ontario side of the river.

Are there unwritten rules I should follow while spring fishing the Rainy River?  There certainly are.  Here are just a few that most anglers do a nice job of abiding by.

–Be patient and helpful.  Plan on a longer period of time launching your boat.  With one or two accesses open especially, it will simply take longer.  Be helpful, be kind.  Once you are out on the water, there are miles of river to fish which allows you to spread out.

–Keep It Clean.  Please pack out what you packed in.  Most boat landings have portapoddies set up and in many cases, even dumpsters.  If a dumpster is not available or it is full, please take your trash with you vs piling it on or around an overflowing dumpster.  It is simply the right thing to do.

-Watch for No Parking signage.  A couple of years ago, a pickup with four people parked right in front of an approach of a local land owner with a No Parking sign right there.  When asked why, the comment was all four were going to divide the cost of the ticket.  Please don’t be that guy.  The No Parking rules are in place for a variety of good reasons and the privilege of spring fishing, using parks with boat ramps, etc. is a privilege.

-Don’t pull your trailer out of the water too quickly.  The reason is your trailer is draining water as you pull it out of the water.  If it is cold out, that water gets on the concrete of the boat ramp and creates ice.  If you pull out slowly and hesitate for just a bit, the vast majority of water will drain off into the river or at least right at waters edge.

-Use caution on HWY 11.  Watch your speed and keep observant as when  you approach a road off of HWY 11 that leads to a boat ramp, there is a good chance there could be stopped traffic, someone pulling out in front of you, etc.  A simple head’s up to remind you that some of those areas cannot be seen from a long ways away.

–Help out others, everyone wants to get on the water.  Most anglers are so good about helping out their fellow angler.  Whether it is helping them crank up a boat on a trailer, guiding them when backing up a boat trailer, or grabbing their boat if they are coming into the dock, it is impressive how most are super helpful.  Kudos to you.

I am guessing we didn’t cover everything, but if we can assist you in any way during the spring fishing season, please reach out at info@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Spring fishing on the Rainy River.  It is a tradition for many.  A chance to splash your boat for the first time in 2023.  A chance to once again get out on that beautiful blue open water.  And on the Rainy River, the authentic chance to catch a monster walleye, pike or sturgeon.  Have fun, be safe and make some memories!

 

Spring Fishing Info from the MN DNR

Lodging for Spring Fishing

Info about Lake of the Woods County

 

 

Rainy River creates the border between Minnesota and Canada. Its wide expanse and the swift current makes for great adventures on this water. The Rainy flows from Rainy Lake in the east at Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada and International Falls, MN.  It meanders over small rapid areas and around a few islands to make it to its destination in Lake of the Woods.

The Minnesota Department of Resources along with the counties of Koochiching and Lake of the Woods maintain small rest areas, parks and landings where anglers can launch their boats or visitors can just enjoy the beauty of the river and possibly cook a hot dog over the provided fire pits in an area complete with shelters and picnic tables.

Rainy River creates the border between Minnesota and Canada. Its wide expanse and the swift current makes for great adventures on this water. The Rainy flows from Rainy Lake in the east at Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada and International Falls, MN.  It meanders over small rapid areas and around a few islands to make it to its destination in Lake of the Woods.

The Minnesota Department of Resources along with the counties of Koochiching and Lake of the Woods maintain small rest areas, parks and landings where anglers can launch their boats or visitors can just enjoy the beauty of the river and possibly cook a hot dog over the provided fire pits in an area complete with shelters and picnic tables.

Spring Fishing is an experience of a lifetime. Walleyes swim upstream to take part in their annual spawning ritual. Lunkers galore show up on angler’s lines for the thrill of landing a trophy fish. During this early “ice out” season, timing only Mother Nature knows, anglers from all over travel to find those trophy fish they’ve always dreamed about.

The MN DNR imposed Catch and Release ONLY in the Rainy River during this spring season so that the population of walleyes and saugers is sustainable. Previous studies showed a decrease of mature male walleyes in the river.  In order to sustain their availability, Catch and Release is enforced. Remember that anglers may only fish on the US side of the river with their Minnesota license. Licenses for Canada must be obtained if crossing over to the Canadian side of the river.

Lake of the Woods is one of the healthiest fisheries around and it boasts of having more than enough walleye, sauger and other species to go around. There’s an incredible number of poundage caught each year, but Lake of the Woods still keeps producing the great population.

Access Points along the river are opening up as we speak. East on Hwy 11, the first access, is a remote state park area at Franz Jevne. The Birchdale Landing at Nelson Park, located in Koochiching County, is so popular during this season that’s it’s not unreasonable to see hundreds of cars parked with boat trailers up and down the road leading to the park. Even local people are amazed at the sight of anglers who are have traveled distances to frequent this great river.

This spring of 2023 has proven to be an early season and at this writing the Rainy River is open shore to shore at Birchdale. In about one week, ice houses go off the lake and open water season starts on the Rainy River. As the current increases on the Rainy, it starts its thawing ability and then with over the average spring temperatures, the race to the lake is on. The current report is that the Birchdale Landing has been completely opened up to all size boats. A resort east of Baudette and along the river are monitoring the opening each day.

The next access point moving towards the west on Hwy 11 is Frontier Landing which is about 12 miles to the east of Baudette. Rumor has it that this landing will be open very soon because once the river moves it moves fast to open the ice up.

Frontier Landing is also a favorite spot to launch your boat with great ease, and it’s very close to the Hwy so it’s closer to walk to your parked vehicle. Both Nelson Park and Frontier Landing have camping sites available as well as shelters, bathroom facilities and grill pits for your random meal before hitting the water.

Moving west about 7 miles you can launch at Vidas Landing which is a very open spot and great ease in launching your boat. There are also bathroom facilities, shelter and barbecue grills. If you move further west into Baudette, at the edge of town you come to Timbermill Park. What a beautiful place to camp and also use this great landing. This area is complete with a fish cleaning house with running water and just a beautiful setting on the Rainy.

As you head west on Hwy 11 into the heart of Baudette, turn right onto International Drive at Willie Walleye Park, home of the big fish. Continue towards the Canadian border crossing and you will come to a beautiful wayside park called Peace Park. This is a very popular boat landing with ample space for parking your vehicle and boat trailer. You will be launching in Baudette Bay which leads right into the Rainy River.

Of course, you can also continue on towards Lake of the Woods itself and use the huge public landing at the Wheelers Point area. As you can see, there is no lack of opportunity for launching your boat and enjoying the fresh spring air and the marvelous fishing the Rainy River offers. Walleye season is open until April 14^th. Keep watching our newsletter and our fishing report on our website for minute by minute reports. Also check out our Face Book page at www.facebook/lakeofthewoodsmn. Come and enjoy!!

Keep watching our newsletter and our fishing report on our website for minute by minute reports. Also check out our Face Book page at www.facebook/lakeofthewoodsmn. Come and enjoy!! For more information or lodging see:

www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Rainy River info at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/rainy-river

Perhaps you have hear of Keep It Clean.  The program educates, promotes and enforces keeping trash and human waste off of the ice.  It all started more than 10 years ago when the group Friends of Zippel Bay State Park did their annual spring beach clean up.  With the winds blowing in just the right direction, the group collected five trailers full of garbage.  What would have happened to that garbage if the wind wasn’t just right?  This is one small part of the lake, what about the rest of the lake?  What about the garbage that doesn’t float?  Something had to be done.

A group of stakeholders from the Lake of the Woods area joined together and created Keep It Clean.  Members include Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District, Lake of the Woods Tourism, different departments of Lake of the Woods County, Roseau County, and DNR Fisheries and Enforcement.  The group has been active with numerous endeavors with a goal of keeping trash and human waste off of Lake of the Woods.

Fast forward 10 year later and other areas have joined the Keep It Clean efforts.  Upper and Lower Red Lake and Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Vermilion and eventually many others.  There are now various organizations from around the state that have joined the group.

There is growing support for the movement including the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, MN DNR, MPCA, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, lakeshore associations, destinations,  and more.

To help people better understand the issue and challenge at hand, well known TV host and now President of MN-Fish, Ron Schara, created a nice video for the Keep It Clean effort.

Where does legislation come in?  Some people flat out, don’t care about leaving behind garbage and waste.  Some care but aren’t very careful.  Others really care, but things happen.  With more and more people spending the nights out on our frozen lakes and in some cases, rivers, things happen.  Well meaning people might set a few things outside the fish house door, fully intending on picking them up before they depart.  With high winds, below zero temps, snow events, warm bags freezing into the ice, birds getting into garbage, etc, etc, trash is ultimately left behind.

The two bills being proposed with wide support across the state are HF2745 & SF2789 (HF = House File, SF = Senate File).  The Short Description: Deposit of waste prohibited outside a shelter, motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on ice of state waters; and report on options for funding additional enforcement of laws on ice of state waters required.

Here is HF 2745 as it is currently written:

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; prohibiting deposit of waste outside a shelter, motor
vehicle, or any other conveyance on the ice of state waters; requiring report on
options for funding additional enforcement of laws on ice of state waters; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, by adding a subdivision; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97C.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
Subd. 9. Placing waste on ice prohibited. A person using a fish house, dark house, or
other shelter on the ice of state waters is subject to section 97C.363.
Sec. 2. [97C.363] STORING GARBAGE AND OTHER WASTE ON ICE.
Subdivision 1. Prohibition. A person using a shelter, a motor vehicle, or any other
conveyance on the ice of state waters may not deposit garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters,
debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage, or any other waste
outside the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance unless the material is:
(1) placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance;
and
(2) not placed directly on the ice or in state waters.
Subd. 2. Definition. For purposes of this section, “sewage” means excrementitious or
other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals, together with such other water
as may be present.
Subd. 3. Penalty. A violation of this section is a petty misdemeanor, and a person who
violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of $25 for each violation.
Sec. 3. REPORT ON OPTIONS FOR FUNDING ADDITIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT ON ICE OF STATE WATERS.
By January 1, 2024, the commissioner of natural resources must report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources on options for funding additional enforcement of state
laws on the ice of state waters. The commissioner must work with the Minnesota Sheriffs’
Association and other stakeholders in generating the report, which must include options
and recommendations related to potential funding sources, funding levels, and allocation
of funding between the various enforcement agencies.

In a nutshell, if this passes, we as ice anglers and everyone using the ice, would simply no longer be placing garbage on the ice.  We would keep it in our fish houses, in our vehicles or in an enclosed container.  Simple enough.  This alone would literally eliminate tons of garbage and waste going into our waterways.

In addition, this provides the MN DNR an opportunity to actually enforce those leaving trash and waste behind.  In the past, the ways the laws are written, they were not able to enforce a situation where a bunch of trash, etc., was left behind.

If you would like to support this endeavor, please make a call or send an email to your legislator if you are in Minnesota.  Find your legislator here.

Keeping trash contained and not on the ice might take a bit of retraining on how we do things, but the upside is so worth it.   Please support efforts to keep trash and waste off of our ice.  Remember to Keep It Clean.

 

More info about Keep It Clean

Info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging around Lake of the Woods

Spring is on the way and it’s exciting to see the return of many species of birds that inhabit the Lake of the Woods area.Of course, everyone is excited to see the beautiful robin show up in our yards, but my favorite thing is to see the beautiful white sea gulls come back to our area.

Yes, sea gulls! Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake in the contiguous United States next to the great lakes. I keep putting this message out there because Lake of the Woods is still elusive to many vacationers. Travel north as far as you can go in Minnesota and find this beautiful body of water. On the US side, Big Traverse is the large basin of the lake where you can’t even see land on the other side.

That’s why the sea gulls think it’s a sea!! These birds flock to this destination in the spring as do many many varieties of birds. They are scavengers and noisy, but are a beautiful sight. Avid bird watchers come to this area to explore and watch for their favorite birds.

Another favorite sight in the spring is traveling on Hwy 72 driving north and coming to the wild rice paddies. Farmers are start flooding their fields and the beautiful snow geese and swans start arriving to see if they can feast on the food in that water supply. What a sight!!

Okay, maybe this is my favorite sight. The Lake of the Woods area is one of only three places in Minnesota that the American White Pelican will nest. Clementson Rapids, 6 miles east of Baudette, is one of the finest displays of beauty and this location lures great numbers of these fine birds in its waters.

Many visitors stop and watch as the stunning birds swim up current to catch those fish that have just come down the rapids during the spring run. They often sun on the monstrous rocks there and photographers take advantage of snapping shots at these mammoth birds!! A sheer sight to behold.

Clementson Falls in the spring is a favorite spot to visit anyway to locals and travelers alike. It is located just inside of Koochiching County. It started as a wayside rest but has been upgraded to be a beautiful park area on both side of the rapids. Our local Rotary Club has taken it upon themselves to beautify the area and adorn it with nice picnic table and benches.  This is the site of many wedding pictures, graduation pictures and rock climbers. A must see when coming to Lake of the Woods.

It’s here that those monstrous pelicans feast nearly all summer. A person can get within 6 feet of those birds at the rapids and watch their fish catching and eating. Across the bay you will see the whole flock of about 40 birds. They are amazing and beautiful.

By boat and along shorelines you can find many other birds to feast your eyes on. Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Great Blue Herons, Mallards and Common Loons are in abundance. Double-crested Cormorants, and four species of gulls and terns can be found on the many islands that dot the lake. Don’t forget our Minnesota State Bird, the beautiful Loon, whose song can be heard early morning and evening.

Pine and Curry Islands host the endangered Piping Plover and have been designated a state Scientific and Natural Area. Visitors are still invited to stop on the island to walk the beautiful sandy beach and watch these tiny birds scurry across the land.

Almost 300 species of birds nest here and can be seen and heard in any season of the year. Pine to Prairie Birding Trail  is a unique partnership between the NW Minnesota communities of Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Roseau, Thief River Falls, & Warroad. Bird-watching has become a national obsession and is one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies

As you travel the roads of Lake of the Woods you will often see something huge standing in the fields. What you are seeing are pairs of sand hill cranes. They seem to love this land and many many pairs live in this area.

The most beautiful and stunning bird is the American Bald Eagle. They have claimed Lake of the Woods as their home where they stay all year round.  You are often able to see their gigantic nests high in the treetops while driving down the road. It is a special treat to view this stunning bird sitting alongside the roadways feasting on an unfortunate animal that has been killed by a car. It’s another amazing experience to come along side of that bird as he takes flight and spreads his wings right in front of you.

Other birds of prey that return in the spring are the Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and Turkey Vulture. The sight of a Great Gray or Snowy Owl, or crow-sized Pileated Woodpecker is a thrill for any bird lover.

Spring’s ambassador is the Red Wing Blackbird, followed by sparrows, warblers, robins, vireos, orioles, finches, grosbeaks, magpies, and humming birds. Their activities and songs continue into late fall. Check out www.birding-minnesota.com or check out the MNDNR birding lists!

For more information about the Lake of the Woods area and lodging opportunities, check out our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.

See our Face Book page at: www.facebook/lakeofthewoodsmn

 

 

When a boutique documentary production company called Jynx Productions comes from across the world to produce a short film for the German TV show, America Today about the NW Angle, you just know it’s going to turn out well.  This short film shares a glimpse of a way of life during the winter months for those who live up at the NW Angle.

This film shares glimpses of flying to the U.S from Germany, driving through customs, gaining a behind the scenes look at some locals and how they live, ice fishing, and the Angle Inlet School.  For a short film, it does a nice job of harnessing a lifestyle for some who call the NW Angle home.

Graphics showing the border and the different ways to travel up to the Angle along with where the NW Angle is and why it is such an anomaly.

The NW Angle is one of those special areas.  Once you visit, you will want to return, regardless what time of year it is.

This documentary (at least the English version) requires a password, which is:  jynx  Enjoy.

https://vimeo.com/803652034

 

 

More info about the NW Angle

Info about the Lake of the Woods Area

Lodging and fishing in Lake of the Woods County