This past week, Congressman Pete Stauber made a visit to the Royal Dutchman Resort east of Baudette, MN on the Rainy River.  Kevin and Jenn Hinrichs have positioned their resort as a fishing resort focusing on sturgeon.  The Congressman was in the area to learn more about the robust sturgeon fishery and economy around it, while showing support through opposition to the possibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the sturgeon on the endangered species list.

In a nutshell, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until June 30 to decide if lake sturgeon should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the agency to require sturgeon to be federally protected, and a judge imposed a deadline for a decision.

Others involved in supporting this effort to add Lake Sturgeon to the endangered species act are Fishable Indiana Streams for the Hoosiers, Hoosier Environmental Council and Prairie Rivers Network.

“We had a good visit,” explained Kevin Hinrichs.  “We discussed sturgeon and the fact management of this species should come down to biology, not politics.”

The Congressman did a video from the shores of the Rainy River at the Royal Dutchman.  In his video, he made it clear he supports the MN DNR managing the species, not the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  “Right now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering putting the Sturgeon on the endangered species list.  That is not necessary.  The State of MN, the DNR is doing a really good job of managing the lake sturgeon, and that’s where it should stay.”

Hinrichs elaborated on the conversation with the congressman.  “He doesn’t want this to be another wolf issue,” he explained.  The connection to the wolf issue is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added the gray wolf to the endangered species list.  Now, a number of Midwest states including MN, WI and Michigan, have what they believe, is an overabundance of wolves and their hands are tied as management rests with the federal government.

Hinrichs also mentioned the congressman’s comments, “this isn’t a partisan issue”.  Being in favor of state management based on biology is a common sense approach to properly manage the species.  It also allows fishing opportunities, such as up at the Rainy River, St. Croix River near Stillwater and other areas where sturgeon populations are doing well.

The MN DNR estimates there are more than 100,00o sturgeon over 40 inches long in the SW part of Lake of the Woods, from about Morson, ON down through Big Traverse Bay and the Rainy River.  They have done much research and work bringing populations of lake sturgeon back after commercial netting and pollution from industry upstream decades ago brought sturgeon numbers down to low levels.

The comeback of the lake sturgeon in this region is a true success story.  Many enjoy fishing the slow rolling Rainy River for a unique fish that is big, powerful and has prehistoric roots living back in the dinosaur age.

The hope is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not add the sturgeon to the endangered species list, and resorts across the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods region, can continue to cater to some of their anglers coming north to hook up with a sturgeon.

The sturgeon season up at the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods area creates some very much needed revenue for all area businesses during shoulder seasons, those months which are not the typical tourism months.  If sturgeon would be listed on the endangered species list, sturgeon fishing would most likely stop, as would the traditions, good times and tourism revenue to a northern Minnesota economy who has weaved the lake sturgeon deeply into it’s identity.

Learn more about Fishing Sturgeon on the Rainy River

Lake of the Woods area Lodging

By Joe Henry

This is not another story about wolves.  Rather, this is a story about Lake Sturgeon.  The connection?  There is an effort to add sturgeon to the endangered species list, just like the gray wolf has been.  If this would happen, the many very sharp fisheries managers and biologists within the MN DNR who have worked tirelessly for years bringing back the lake sturgeon population would lose all control as far as managing the sturgeon in Minnesota.  Other states would lose control managing sturgeon in their state as well.  And we, as anglers, could very easily lose the opportunity to fish for one of the largest and strongest fish that swims in fresh water, the prehistoric sturgeon.

In a nutshell, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until June 30 to decide if lake sturgeon should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the agency to require sturgeon to be federally protected, and a judge imposed a deadline for a decision.

Others involved in supporting this effort to add Lake Sturgeon to the endangered species act are Fishable Indiana Streams for the Hoosiers, Hoosier Environmental Council and Prairie Rivers Network.

At one point in time, wolves were managed by each individual state.  When the gray wolf was listed as endangered, management control then shifts federally to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, despite how many wolves populate the state of Minnesota.  The wolf was delisted from the endangered species list for three years in 2012 – 2014.  During those three years, the MN DNR implemented a hunting season in MN to properly manage the pack.  Politics played out and the wolf was again placed on the endangered species list, and the state has no control.

This isn’t an opinion piece about wolves, and what should be done with management of them.  This is an opinion about saving sturgeon fishing in Minnesota in bodies of water where the sturgeon are healthy and thriving.  It is also about common sense, and who it makes sense to manage the sturgeon population.  From this outdoorsman’s perspective, it is common sense that the state, or in this case, the MN DNR, should maintain management of the sturgeon fishery in Minnesota.

Imagine, individual lakes and rivers in Minnesota are managed independently, based on their fish populations, forage, invasives and many other biological factors.  The MN DNR works hard at keeping up research and making the best decisions they know how for each lake or river.  Does it make sense to turn this type of management over to a federal agency?  I say not.  It doesn’t make sense to throw all sturgeon fisheries together and make wide sweeping decisions when there are such disparities between each body of water.  If there was legitimate biological information to show sturgeon populations were struggling, then that should be considered.  If populations are healthy, leave well enough alone.  The effort happening currently, doesn’t see it this way and has the potential to mess things up for generations.

What’s at stake?

The Local Economy

First off, the economy of various areas of Minnesota where sturgeon thrive, particularly the watershed of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, the St. Croix River and other emerging sturgeon fisheries across the state, would suffer.

Sturgeon fishing brings in welcomed capital to resorts, fishing guides, bait stores, gas stations, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, hardware stores and the list goes on.  When someone travels to fish sturgeon and stays overnight in Minnesota, for every dollar spent on lodging, there is typically a 5-7 time multiplier as far as the overall impact to the economy.  This would be lost.

In the case of the Rainy River, much of the sturgeon season happens during the “shoulder season” or a time between the largest tourism seasons of winter and summer.  This is welcomed revenue to everyone.

Many anglers also enjoy summer fishing the Rainy River for sturgeon.  As a rule, most anglers fish the lake for walleyes during the summer and the river is much quieter.  If you are a resort on the river, a tackle company who produces sturgeon tackle, or any other business situated along the river away from the lake, you sure notice and appreciate the sturgeon anglers who have the river oftentimes to themselves.

The resort business is not an easy one.  In recent years, resort owners in the Lake of the Woods area alone have been faced with a pandemic, record breaking flooding and an unseasonably warm winter making the season shorter.  Eliminating sturgeon fishing would cut into some businesses deep, for some, fatally deep.

Tradition

For many, it has become exactly that, a long lasting tradition to come up and soak nightcrawlers with friends and loved ones on the slow rolling Rainy River.  If you have never done it, it is hard to explain how enjoyable and relaxing sturgeon fishing is.

The way you sturgeon fish is find a spot in the river you think sturgeon will be hanging out, often times a hole in the river.  You anchor up and pitch out a sturgeon rig and wait.  It’s that waiting, and the conversations, and nature and relaxing that all comes together as the secret sauce.  If you haven’t tried it, it is some of the best “cheap psychology” on the planet.

Sitting back, chewing the fat with those you care about in a relaxed setting, there is nothing better.  The various birds are constantly flying up and down the river, there is wildlife and and absolute Rainy River beauty.

The point is, groups love sturgeon fishing.  They come back, in many cases, multiple times per year.

Legitimate Opportunity to Catch a Fish of a Lifetime

There aren’t many places in the Midwest you have a very legitimate chance to catch 40 – 100 lb fish.  Fishing sturgeon on the Rainy River, you do.  It happens every single day during the sturgeon season.

During the spring walleye season (which lasts through April 14th), it is not uncommon to see walleye anglers hooked up with a big sturgeon who couldn’t resist their frozen emerald shiner on a jig.  The boat that’s hooked up normally pulls anchor and follows the fish around for about 45 minutes before they have a chance to land the fish they call a dinosaur, due to it’s prehistoric roots.

The sturgeon anglers purposefully use heavier tackle and typically will land a sturgeon much quicker.  A sturgeon rig is about an 18 inch leader material at about 60lb test with about a 4/0 circle hook combined with a good sized flat “no roll” sinker designed for the current of a river.  You load your hook with a big glob of nightcrawlers and/or frozen emerald shiners, pitch your bait out, tighten your line and wait for some light taps.  The sturgeon have a keen sense of smell and will follow the scent trail to your bait.

It is recommended when sturgeon fishing to have the proper equipment ready.  A big landing net, pliers, phone, tape measure, everything to make some memories and get that fish back healthy.  There is a period throughout the year anglers can actually harvest a sturgeon on the Rainy River.  They must purchase a sturgeon tag first.  Then, during the keep season, they can keep one 45 – 50 inch or one 75 inch or greater sturgeon per calendar year.  The sturgeon is actually tagged and reported to the MN DNR as they keep close track of how many are harvested each and every year.

Sturgeon are very plentiful in this body of water.  The MN DNR has stated they estimate the Rainy River has more than 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches in the southwest portion of Lake of the Woods, an area about Morson, ON on Lake of the Woods, down through the NW Angle, the big water of Big Traverse bay and the Rainy River.

This winter, in many areas across the south shore, pike spearers have reported seeing many multiple sturgeon swimming through.  Anglers using forward facing sonar can see sturgeon come through clear as a bell.  The sturgeon population on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods is thriving.

Lake of the Woods Tourism has contacted our federal legislators about this topic.  We have also communicated with a variety of other stakeholders.

I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but I sure hope they make their decision logically based on data.  What’s scary is, a politician once told me not to use logic and politics in the same sentence.  Let’s hope this one, with the help of many, goes the right direction.

Info about Lake of the Woods

Info about sturgeon fishing

Lodging in the Lake of the Woods Area

The Rainy River is open and fishing is starting out absolutely excellent.  When asking a local resort owner how many fish are in the river, his answer was, “It’s loaded.”  Reports of 40 – 150 walleyes per day per boat in many cases.  If you ever had a desire to experience some of the incredible spring walleye fishing that has made the Rainy River famous spring of year, now is the time!

Boat Ramps are Open

Currently, the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale and the Frontier boat ramp are open.  The next boat landing in line to open is Vidas and that is anticipated to open Monday, March 18th.  Having a number of boat ramps open helps divide out the number of trucks and trailers between a few access vs just one, making life easier and wait times to get your boat in very nice.

Lots of Walleyes are in the River

Every year is different.  Some years, we are waiting for the walleyes to slide in the river.  This year, it appears (and many resort owners and guides already knew this) that good numbers of nice walleyes were already in the river.  This is coming true as fishing has been good for most.  In addition, the size of the fish are across the board, including the big females most want to get their hands on.

The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release only right now.  The walleye season goes through April 14th on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River.  If you are fishing Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River, the season for walleyes and saugers is catch and release only from March 1st through April 14th.  The season will open up again for the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

If you are fishing the lake (either ice fishing or open water fishing if the open water makes it to the lake before April 14th), the normal keep limit applies.  Anglers can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers, with up to 4 being walleyes.  All walleyes between 19.5″ – 28.0″ must be released.  Anglers are allowed to keep one walleye over 28 inches.

As is true in all of Minnesota, there is a one day possession limit for anglers.  Remember, if you have fish left over from the day before, they count against what you can keep today!  We are lucky to have a liberal limit which allows most groups to eat some fish while up and also bring a meal of fish home.

Sturgeon Fishing Starting out Hot

Sturgeon anglers are also reporting excellent fishing with numerous fish being boated.

There are two sturgeon fishing seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year. The harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd. This means from May 16 – June 30, no sturgeon fishing. The rest of the year, you can fish for sturgeon. See MN DNR Fishing Regulations for more info.

The MN DNR estimates there are over 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches in the Rainy River.  Fish also live in the lake, but the Rainy River is typically the hot bed of sturgeon fishing.

Sturgeon fishing has increased in popularity.  There are a ton of fish, the fish are huge, they fight like heck and fishing the Rainy River doesn’t require a big boat.  It is beautiful, relaxing and for most, they have a very good chance at catching the largest fish of their lifetime.  Check out this article on Sturgeon Fishing for the Beginner.

Spring fishing is tradition in these parts.  It is the first time of the year for many they get their boat in the water.  It is a chance to catch good numbers of walleyes and a walleye of a lifetime during a time when most areas are closed to walleye fishing.  For many, it is a long time tradition passed down from generation to generation.  Maybe this would be a good year to give it a try.  Now is the time!

Planning begins now for traveling this summer.  Your favorite destination will be Lake of the Woods!!  Have you been to our beautiful northland? While today the lake is still frozen, spring is upon us!!! And the Rainy River is opening up!!!

Whether coming from the north, south, east or west, there are just the right roads to travel to get to Lake of the Woods. Why come to Lake of the Woods? First of all, it is at the very top of the contiguous United States. Yes, when you travel north to the Northwest Angle at Angle Inlet, you will have arrived at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States.  Have your picture taken by the monument for proof that you’ve been as far north as possible.

Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh-water lake next to the Great Lakes. I still believe it’s a well-kept secret. This pristine lake and beautiful land area can be reached from many directions.

The Lake of the Woods area is divided into three strategic areas. The Rainy River is home to many resorts along this beautiful river that divides the US from Canada. The South Shore is the home of all the resorts that border the big basin of the lake, named Big Traverse. As afore mentioned, the third strategic area is the Northwest Angle.

Highway 11 is the main highway at the very top of the state that reaches from Ranier, MN on Rainy Lake and follows the Rainy River that makes the border between the countries of the US and Canada which flows into Lake of the Woods. Waters of the Rainy travel from east to west and then north into the lake area along  #172.

Hwy 11 continues west to the very border of North Dakota. Explore Minnesota puts out a great Minnesota highway map each year with updated roads for folks to travel. Contact them for a free copy.

The main road going north to the border and reaching Hwy 11, Baudette and Lake of the Woods is Highway 71/72. At Blackduck, MN the road number changes from 71 to 72 north.

When traveling this road you will be going through the towns of Kelliher and Waskish on Upper Red Lake. After that you will be traveling through the largest bog area of the contiguous United States. The history here is astounding and trees and swamp land and wild life are precious sights instead of billboards. Smile. Stop and visit the Big Bog trail on your way north on Hwy 72.

Lake of the Woods is the home of more than 50+ resorts. Stay in a lodge with restaurants and music available at a lounge, use swimming pools and hot-tubs or rent an entire villa for your family. Motels in area offer beautiful rooms within the city limits also. You can be as remote as you desire or be in the middle of a convention center atmosphere. Travel to the Northwest Angle from Baudette takes about 2 hours. Go west on Hwy 11 and at Warroad, turn north to the border of Manitoba, Canada.

Yes, you must travel through Canada for a time and then cross back over into the US at the Angle. This requires that you have a US passport. When arriving at the Northwest Angle you will find a number of upscale resorts, a beautiful restaurant and access to two islands off of the mainland, also with great resorts.

Check in with Canadian customs at Jim’s Corner or at Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant at Angle Inlet. When returning to the US, you may also check in with customs back at Jim’s Corner via an IPad.  I will mention here that there is a passenger travel service available from the south shore of the lake, across 40 miles of water, taking you right to your destination both summer and winter.  This eliminates your travel through Canada and having to cross through customs.

To give you a further travel perspective, Lake of the Woods is 211 miles from Duluth, MN 232 miles from Fargo, ND, 308 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul, 476 miles from Sioux Falls SD, 550 miles from Des Moines, IA, 608 miles from Milwaukee, WI, 656 miles from Omaha, NE, and 680 miles from Chicago, IL.  As you can see it takes many miles of roads to reach this awesome destination.

If you decide to travel by air, there are four commercial flights that come within traveling distance to the area.  70 miles from Baudette to the east is International Falls International Airport which has daily flights to and from MSP using Delta airlines. Rental car companies are available there such as Avis, Ford and GM. Their phone is 218-283-4461 or their website is:  www.internationalfallsairport.com. Then take the road to the east to Lake of the Woods.

Bemidji Regional Airport is located 102 miles from Baudette. This airport has daily flights to and from MSP using Delta Airlines also. Again, Rental car companies are anxious to get you on the road north using companies from Enterprise, Alamo, National, Hertz and Economy. Their number is 218-444-2438 and their website is: www.bemidjiairport.org.

Grand Forks International Airport is located in Grand Forks, ND which is 178 miles from Baudette and has flights with Delta Airlines and Allegiant Airlines. To get on the road, Avis, Hertz, National and Enterprise companies are available. There’s more information at 701-795-6981 or www.gfairport.com.

Another option for travelers is at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. Their information is at 204-987-9402 or at www.waa.ca/en/passengers/. This international airport in Manitoba, Canada is 131miles from Angle Inlet, MN and has flights with Delta, Sun Country, Air Canada and many other airlines. Rental car options are also available for this destination.

Speaking of air travel, if your destination is the island area of Lake of the Woods, the good news is that a group of private pilots are venturing out and flying up to Sunset Lodge where they are accommodating airplanes on the lake – either on hard water (ice) or soft (summer) water. Check this picture out.

A great tool these days to find the best and fastest roads or routes to Baudette/Lake of the Woods is a GPS or Google Maps. What a great way to travel when someone is telling you ahead of time where to turn and what turn to take on what road.

Ladies and gentlemen alike enjoy visiting this northern destination for its beauty and its quiet. Plan now to escape the busy schedule and rest along pristine waters and enjoy the clean air.

For more information see our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

For lodging: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

For info on Face Book see: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

A Comprehensive Guide to Fishing the Legendary Rainy River.

As every year, Mother Nature is in control.  The ice on the Rainy River isn’t as thick as it is in normal years.