The History of Ice Out Dates on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods

Nick Neu, spring walleye fishing on the Rainy River

The History of Ice Out Dates on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods

Table of Contents

Nick Neu, spring walleye fishing on the Rainy River

The transition from winter to spring and the naturally occurring ice out in northern Minnesota is always an exciting time, especially for anglers eager to hit the open water. The Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, two of the most famous fishing destinations in the state, undergo a dramatic change as ice begins to melt, revealing the open water underneath. Ice-out dates vary each year, influenced by temperatures, snowpack, and overall weather conditions. However, over the years, patterns have developed that give us a general idea of when the rivers and lakes become accessible.

The Rainy River’s Ice Out Tradition

For many anglers, spring fishing on the Rainy River is an annual tradition. Every year, people closely watch ice conditions, waiting for the river to open up so they can launch their boats and begin targeting walleyes, sturgeon, and northern pike. The Nelson Park boat landing in Birchdale, Minnesota, is one of the first major access points to open up. Historically, this happens around the third week of March, but there have been years when it has opened earlier or later.

The process of ice-out on the Rainy River can be unpredictable. Because the river has a current, ice melts faster than it does on Lake of the Woods. The first signs of spring typically include darker ice, cracks forming along the riverbanks, and increasing water flow beneath the ice. Warm temperatures and strong currents help break up the ice, and eventually, large chunks begin floating downstream toward Lake of the Woods.

Some years, anglers have been able to launch their boats as early as mid-March, while in colder years, it might take until the end of the month or even early April for the first boats to hit the water. Factors like heavy snow, prolonged cold temperatures, and ice jams can delay the process. On the other hand, mild winters with limited snowpack and warm March temperatures can result in an earlier ice-out.

Lake of the Woods Ice Out Patterns

Lake of the Woods, unlike the Rainy River, is a massive body of water, which means it takes longer for ice to melt completely. While the river might open up in March, the main lake often remains covered in ice well into April. Historically, ice-out on Lake of the Woods occurs between mid-April and early May.

Because of its size and depth, Lake of the Woods requires consistent warm weather and strong winds to break up the ice. Typically, the bays and shorelines are the first areas to open up, followed by the larger sections of the lake. Anglers and resort owners closely monitor satellite images, ice thickness reports, and weather forecasts to predict when boats will be able to access the open water.

Over the years, some of the earliest ice-outs on Lake of the Woods have happened in early to mid-April, while colder springs have pushed the full melt into early May. The walleye fishing opener in mid-May is always a key target date for open water, and most years, the ice is gone by then.

Ice out dates on the Rainy River, Birchdale vs Baudette, MN vs Lake of the Woods

The Role of Ice Out in Fishing and Tourism

The timing of ice-out on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods plays a huge role in the region’s fishing and tourism industry. Many anglers travel from across the Midwest to take advantage of early spring fishing opportunities.

For walleye anglers, the catch-and-release season on the Rainy River is a chance to target trophy-sized fish that are moving upstream to spawn. Sturgeon fishing is also a major draw, as these massive fish become more active in the warming waters.  It’s not just resorts, bait shops, and guides that rely on the ice-out timeline to prepare for the influx of visitors eager to get their boats in the water.  Restaurants, breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, grocery stores, hardware stores and gas stations, just to name a few in this border community, all benefit from the spring tradition.

If ice-out is early, businesses see an extended spring fishing season, which is great for the local economy. A late ice-out, however, can delay the start of the season and frustrate anglers who have been waiting all winter to fish.

Joe Henry spring fishing on the Rainy River in snow

Keeping an Eye on Ice Out Trends

With climate trends shifting and winters fluctuating in severity, predicting ice-out has become more challenging. Some years, late-season snowstorms or prolonged cold spells can delay the process, while other years, unseasonably warm temperatures speed things up.

Anglers planning trips to the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods often watch local weather reports, social media updates from Lake of the Woods Tourism, area resorts, and live ice condition reports to get the most accurate information. Lake of the Woods Tourism along with some local resorts provide regular updates to keep visitors informed.

Conclusion

Ice-out on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods is an exciting time for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. While the timing can change each year, history has shown that the Rainy River typically opens up the third week of March, with Birchdale being one of the first boat landings allowing access to larger boats. Lake of the Woods takes longer, often clearing of ice by mid to late April. No matter when it happens, ice-out signals the start of another great fishing season in northern Minnesota, and anglers from near and far will be ready to hit the water.

Fishing the SJR 500 on the Rainy River: A Spring Tradition

Greg Jones, spring Rainy River walleye

Fishing the SJR 500 on the Rainy River: A Spring Tradition

Table of Contents

Greg Jones, spring Rainy River walleye

Spring Fishing on the Rainy River

Spring is an exciting time on the Rainy River, as anglers from across the region gear up for one of the most unique and fun fishing tournaments of the year—the SJR 500. Now in its 5th year, this two-day catch-and-release tournament, based out of River Bend Resort, continues to grow in popularity. Whether you’re a walleye fanatic, a sturgeon enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys friendly competition, this event is the perfect opportunity to get out on the water and experience world-class fishing.

Tournament Details

The 2026 SJR 500 takes place on April 7-8, 2026, with two full days of fishing action. Tournament hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The entry fee is just $45 per angler ($40 + $5 Fish Donkey fee), making it one of the most affordable fishing tournaments in the region.

Anglers can fish anywhere on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods—as long as they access it from the Rainy River. However, no tributaries or Canadian waters are eligible. This means areas like Four Mile Bay and the open waters of Lake of the Woods (outside the gap) are fair game as long as they are reached via the Rainy River.

The tournament welcomes all skill levels, from experienced tournament anglers to weekend warriors. If you can cast a line, you can compete!

The Format: Catch, Record, Release

The SJR 500 utilizes the Fish Donkey app, making it easy for anglers to submit their catches. Here’s how it works:

  1.  Catch a fish.
  2. Use your smartphone to take a photo with the Fish Donkey app.
  3. Submit your entry instantly.

Since this is a catch-and-release tournament, anglers can focus on the thrill of the catch without worrying about keeping fish on ice or transporting them.

Another exciting twist this year: the leaderboard will be hidden! Anglers will have to wait until the end of the tournament to see where they place, keeping the suspense high.

Prizes & Payouts

Prizes will include products from our sponsors and more! Plus 25% of entry fees for biggest walleye and 25% of entry fees for biggest sturgeon.

Big Walleye By Length:


1st: $tba prizes + 25% entry fee payback +$150 Contingency if you’re wearing Fish Hunt Forever Gear in Picture
2nd: $350 Value in prizes
3rd: $250 Value in prizes


Big sturgeon by length:


1st: $tba Value prizes + 25% entry fee payback + $150 Contingency if you’re wearing Fish Hunt Forever Gear in picture
2nd: $350 Value in prizes
3rd: $250 Value in prizes
Biggest Non-Walleye\Sturgeon: tba


*For contingency prizes, you must be wearing a Fish Hunt Forever logo that can be read in the picture. If you catch a state record (as recognized by the MN DNR) wearing FHF gear, we’ll give you an extra $150. Example: a hat or a hoodie with SJR.

PRIZES:
Prizes for top 3 longest walleyes overall for both days and longest sturgeon overall for both days. We have a bonus prize for longest non-walleye/sturgeon caught and entered on the FishDonkey app. This is meant to be a fun tournament! You can only win one prize per species.

MAKE SURE YOU READ INSTRUCTIONS ON MEASURING FISH. THERE IS A PENALTY FOR MEASURING WITH THE MOUTH OPEN! You MUST use a FishDonkey approved measuring board! Tape measures are not allowed!

Giving Back to the Lake

This year, the SJR 500 is about more than just great fishing—it’s about conservation. Sporting Journal Radio is donating 25% of all entry fees to the “Keep It Clean” initiative at Lake of the Woods. This important program promotes responsible outdoor recreation by encouraging anglers to properly dispose of waste, protect water quality, and keep the lake pristine for future generations.

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.

Why You Should Fish the SJR 500

1️⃣ Affordable & Fun: At only $45 per angler, this is a budget-friendly tournament that offers big rewards.
2️⃣ Incredible Fishing: Spring walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is second to none!
3️⃣ Easy-to-Enter Format: The Fish Donkey app makes it simple to record and submit your catches.
4️⃣ Exciting Prizes: Cash, prizes, and bragging rights are on the line!
5️⃣ Hidden Leaderboard: No mid-tournament score watching—everyone stays in suspense until the final reveal.
6️⃣ Giving Back to the Outdoors: Your entry fee helps support “Keep It Clean” at Lake of the Woods.

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.

Ready to Join the Fun?

The SJR 500 is open to everyone! Whether you’re in it to win it or just looking to enjoy a couple of days on the water, this tournament is the perfect way to kick off spring fishing.

For more details and registration information, visit Sporting Journal Radio’s website.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting, action-packed, and conservation-minded fishing event. We’ll see you on the Rainy River this April!

So, by participating in the tournament, anglers aren’t just competing for prizes—they’re also helping to preserve one of the most incredible fisheries in North America.

Dan Amundson, big sturgeon, spring Rainy River, 2024 SJR 500 tournament

Your Questions Answered: Spring Fishing on the Rainy River

Joe Henry with a big spring walleye on the Rainy River, Lake of the Woods MN

Your Questions Answered: Spring Fishing on the Rainy River

By Joe Henry | March 19, 2026

Spring Fishing on the Rainy River

Article summary: Spring fishing on the Rainy River is incredible.  Big walleyes are swimming upstream from The Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods.  Lake Sturgeon by the thousands call this river home as well.  

If you have interest in getting in on this world class spring fishing, look no further.

Key Takeaways

Spring fishing on the rainy river is tradition

Spring fishing on the Rainy River is a tradition that thousands of anglers look forward to all winter long. It’s the first chance of the year to get the boat back on the water, and the Rainy River doesn’t disappoint — trophy walleyes, northern pike, and lake sturgeon are all in play. The river typically opens around the third week of March, with Nelson Park in Birchdale usually being the first large boat ramp to become accessible.
Before you head out, here are answers to the questions we hear most often.

Popular Fishing Techniques on the Rainy River

Walleye

The Rainy River is one of the best walleye fisheries in the Midwest, and spring is prime time. Here are the three most popular ways to target them:

Jigging with a Minnow This is the go-to technique for many Rainy River regulars, and for good reason — it flat-out works. Tip a 1/8 to 1/2 oz jig with a lively fathead or frozen emerald shiner and work it along the bottom in current seams, eddies, and depth transitions. Let the jig touch down, give it a subtle lift-and-drop, and hang on. Cold water walleyes often hit on the fall, so pay close attention to your line.

Jigging with a Larger Plastic When walleyes are feeling aggressive or you want to cover more water, swap the minnow for a larger paddle tail swimbait or curly tail grub on a heavier jig head. This approach can trigger reaction strikes from fish that might ignore a more finesse presentation. Work it slowly through the current with a steady lift-drop retrieve and don’t be surprised when a big fish loads up on the pause.

Trolling Crankbaits Upstream Trolling crankbaits slowly against the current is another deadly spring technique, especially for covering long stretches of river and finding actively feeding fish. Run shad-profile or minnow-style crankbaits that dive into the 8–15-foot range and troll just fast enough to feel the lure working. The slow upstream presentation gives walleyes plenty of time to commit, and it’s a great way to dial in depth and location before anchoring up to jig.

Lake Sturgeon

If you’ve never tangled with a Rainy River sturgeon, put it on your list — these fish are absolute giants and they’re here in remarkable numbers. The Minnesota DNR estimates that the Lake of the Woods system, from Morson, Ontario down through the Angle and Big Traverse Bay into the Rainy River, holds over 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches. That’s one of the most extraordinary sturgeon fisheries in North America.

Gear Up Accordingly Sturgeon are powerful fish, so leave the walleye rod in the rod locker. You’ll want a heavy or extra-heavy action rod, a beefy reel with a solid drag system, and heavy line — 30–60 lb braid is a popular choice. These fish run hard and long, and light tackle simply won’t cut it.

The Rig A no-roll sinker rig is the standard setup for Rainy River sturgeon. The no-roll sinker keeps your bait pinned to the bottom in the current without spinning or rolling out of position. Rig it up with a sturgeon rig, which is usually a circle hook loaded with a generous helping of nightcrawlers, or try a combination of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners — that combo has put a lot of big fish in the net.

Find a Hole and Soak Some Worms Sturgeon love to hold in and around deeper holes in the river. The game plan is simple: anchor up just above a hole, drop your rig to the bottom, and be patient. This isn’t a power-fishing technique — it’s a soak-and-wait game. Let the sturgeon find the scent trail of your bait and follow it upstream.  Set your rod in a holder, keep an eye on the tip, and get ready for a ride when one of those giants picks up your bait.

Two college students with a huge Lake Sturgeon on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods MN
The Rainy River in the spring is where memories are made. Just ask these guys posing with a sturgeon half the size of their boat!

Rules & Regulations

Can I fish on the Ontario side of the Rainy River? Yes! Just make sure you have a valid Ontario fishing license and an Ontario Outdoors Card (unless you bought a one-day license, which doesn’t require the card). Ontario has its own fishing limits and regulations, so take a few minutes to review the Ontario Fishing Regulations for Zone 5 before you go.  No sturgeon fishing on the Ontario side of the river.  Walleyes are open, however.

Can I bring live, dead, or frozen bait into Canada? No. Since October 2020, it has been illegal to bring live, dead, or frozen bait across the U.S.-Canada border. If you’re fishing Ontario waters, stick to artificial lures — jigs, plastics, and crankbaits all work great.

Can I catch and keep walleyes in Ontario and bring them back into the U.S.? No. Because the Minnesota side of the Rainy River is catch-and-release only for walleyes in the spring, the Minnesota DNR does not allow walleyes to be transported across the border from Canada — whether by boat or by vehicle.

Can I cross into Canadian waters for safety reasons? Yes. If you need to navigate into Canadian waters to avoid hazards like ice chunks, shallow water, or a crowded stretch of river, you’re allowed to do so. Just remember — you can’t fish in Ontario waters unless you have the proper licenses.

Can I touch land on the Canadian side from my boat? No — not unless everyone on board has gone through the proper Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) process at the Rainy River, Ontario check-in station and received permission.

Boat Ramp Etiquette

Be patient and courteous. Ramps get busy early in the season when only a few access points are open. Expect some wait time, and lend a hand when you can — whether that’s guiding someone backing down a trailer or holding a boat at the dock.

Keep it clean. Pack out what you bring in. If the dumpster is full, take your trash with you. These access areas stay open because anglers take care of them.

Follow parking rules. No Parking signs are there for a reason — to keep access open for landowners, emergency vehicles, and other anglers. Don’t chance it.

Let your trailer drain before leaving the ramp. Water dripping off your trailer can freeze on the concrete and make things dangerously slippery for the next person.

Take it slow on Highway 11. Traffic near boat ramps is unpredictable. Vehicles may be stopped or maneuvering trailers, so ease off the gas when approaching access roads.

A Big Thank You

None of this would happen without a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Koochiching County crews plow snow from ramps, break up shoreline ice, and make sure everything is ready to go. Local law enforcement, the Minnesota DNR, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lake of the Woods County, and the City of Baudette all play a role in keeping the season running safely and smoothly. We’re grateful for all of it.

Have a question we didn’t cover? Reach out at info@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. Tight lines and good luck out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

The spring walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release only from March 1st – April 14th.  The season opens again for the Minnesota fishing opener where it is a keep season.

There are two sturgeon 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 open water line moves from east to west each spring.  Here are some Rainy River boat ramps open to the public in order of ice out each year.

  1.  Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN.  Hwy 11 about 30 miles east of Baudette at the town Birchdale, Nelson Park has a very nice boat ramp. It is located on the road traveling north off of Hwy 11. Here again, you’ll find a great access point for your boat and the campground is one of the most beautiful spots along the river. (Be sure to stop in to the Birchdale Store while in the area. It is probably one of the most unique country stores to be found in the state.)
  2. Frontier Landing.  11 miles to the west is another nice boat ramp, Frontier Landing.   A beautiful boat ramp in the heart of great fishing.
  3. Vidas Landing.  Located near the Clementson Rapids and the Rapid River, Moving to the west six miles from Baudette, MN is Vidas Landing, a beautiful public access point.
  4. Timbermill Park.  At the eastern side of Baudette is the Timbermill Park boat ramp.  This is a spacious boat ramp with plenty of parking available.  This access is directly on the Rainy River.
  5. Peace Park.  The next ramp down river is located in the town of Baudette. Near the Canadian Border crossing, you will find a popular public dock at the rest area known as Peace Park. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for boats and trailers at this site.  This ramp is on Baudette Bay and sometimes stays iced in longer.
  6. Wabanica Creek Boat Launch.  The next public access down river is located along HWY 172 adjacent to Bayview Lodge is the Wabanica Creek Boat Launch. Wabanica Creek runs into the Rainy River half way between Baudette and Wheeler’s Point.  This ramp is also on a bay and may be iced in longer than those on the main river.
  7. Wheeler’s Point.  Wheeler’s Point has a great boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River. Lots of ramps, docks and ample parking amongst many resorts make this access handy.

Lodging and Fishing Guides

A wide variety of lodging opportunities and fishing guides are available in the area.

Baked Northern Pike

Baked Northern Pike, Lake of the Woods, south Shore, Rainy River, Northwest Angle

Baked Northern Pike

Northern Pike is a spring favorite at Lake of the Woods, showing up in the bays in force. Although these fish have many bones in them, with proper filleting, the taste treat is worth the effort. Try this recipe.

Ingredients:

3 -4lbs northern pike fillets

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Melt butter; pour in a 9×13 inch cake pan.
  3. (For easy cleaning, line pan with aluminum foil.) Place fillets in the butter; season with salt and pepper.
  4. Slice onions and green peppers and place over fillets.
  5. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of lemon juice over fillets.
  6. Cover the fillets with the 6-8 strips of bacon.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes.
  8. Serve with a side of scalloped potatoes and a side salad with your favorite dressing. Baked Northern Pike, Lake of the Woods, south Shore, Rainy River, Northwest Angle

Come Find Us at the Sportsmen’s Shows — and Start Planning Your Lake of the Woods Adventure!

Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods Tourism at a sportshow, fishing show, sportsmen's Show

Spring is right around the corner, and if you’re already dreaming about open water, walleyes, and the kind of fishing that gets your heart pounding — you’re going to want to stop by and see us.
Lake of the Woods Tourism is hitting the road this month, and we’re bringing everything you need to start planning the trip of a lifetime. We’ll be set up and ready to talk fishing, lodging, and all things Lake of the Woods at two of the region’s biggest sportsmen’s shows — and we’d love to see you there.

First Stop: Red River Valley Sportsmen's Show — Fargo, ND

Red River Valley sportsmen's Show in Fargo, ND, Lake of the Woods Tourism

This weekend | Fargo, North Dakota

Kick off your show season right at the Red River Valley Sportsmen’s Show in Fargo. Lake of the Woods Tourism will have a fully stocked booth where you can stop in, ask questions, and soak in everything this legendary destination has to offer.

Tourism Director Joe Henry will be on hand throughout the show to chat one-on-one with visitors. Whether you’re a first-timer trying to figure out where to stay or a seasoned angler looking for a fresh angle on the water, Joe’s depth of knowledge about Lake of the Woods is unmatched. He’s there to help you make the most of your visit — before you even arrive.

While you’re at the booth, be sure to pick up a copy of the most recent Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide, packed with helpful information and a complete listing of lodging facilities across the area. It’s the perfect resource for planning your itinerary, from family-friendly resorts to remote outpost cabins.

And don’t leave without entering to win a $3,000 trip to Hennum’s Oak Island Lodge — one of the premier fishing lodges on the lake. Joe will be signing people up right at the booth. It’s a once-in-a-season opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Joe Henry Seminars — Fargo

Joe will also be taking the stage for not one but two can’t-miss seminars at the Red River Valley show:

  • Reading the Water: Where Walleyes Live and Why — Learn how to decode the structure of a lake and understand the seasonal movements and holding patterns of walleye. Whether you’re fishing familiar water or exploring new territory, this seminar will change the way you read a map.
  • Simple Tactics, Big Results: Fishing Success for Anglers — You don’t need a tackle box the size of a truck to catch fish. Joe breaks down the straightforward, proven strategies that consistently put fish in the boat — no matter your experience level.

Check the show schedule for seminar times and claim your seat early. These sessions fill up fast.

Second Stop: Sioux Valley Sportsmen's Show — Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Valley Sportsmen's show, Lake of the Woods Tourism

Next weekend | Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The following weekend, we’ll be rolling into Sioux Falls for the Sioux Valley Sportsmen’s Show. Same great booth, same incredible giveaway, and the same warm welcome from Joe Henry and the Lake of the Woods Tourism team.

If you missed us in Fargo, here’s your second chance. Stop by, grab your Visitor Guide, and sign up for your shot at the $3,000 Hennum’s Oak Island Lodge trip. Joe will be available to answer your questions and help you figure out the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to make the absolute most of your time on the water.

Joe Henry Seminars — Sioux Falls

Joe will bring both of his popular seminars to the Sioux Falls show as well:

  • Reading the Water: Where Walleyes Live and Why
  • Simple Tactics, Big Results: Fishing Success for Anglers

Again, check the show program for exact times and plan to arrive early to grab a good seat. These presentations are engaging, practical, and genuinely useful — whether you’re brand new to fishing or you’ve been chasing walleye for decades.


More Than Just a Destination Booth

Both shows are packed with everything an outdoor enthusiast could want. You’ll find vendors loaded with the latest fishing tackle, representatives from destinations across the globe, stunning displays of boats and RVs, and plenty of great food and entertainment to keep the whole family busy. It’s a full weekend experience — and the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth is one stop you won’t want to rush past.


Why Lake of the Woods?

Straddling the border of Minnesota and Canada, Lake of the Woods is one of North America’s premier fishing destinations. With over 14,000 islands, more than 65,000 miles of shoreline, and world-class walleye, sauger, muskie, bass, and perch fishing, it draws anglers from across the continent year after year. And it’s not just the fishing — it’s the stunning wilderness scenery, the genuine hospitality of the communities around the lake, and the feeling that you’ve found something truly special.

Whether you’re planning a solo fishing trip, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway with friends, Lake of the Woods delivers. Let Joe Henry and the Lake of the Woods Tourism team help you build the perfect trip — starting right at the show.


We Hope to See You There!

Mark your calendar, bring the family, and come find us:

  • 🎣 Red River Valley Sportsmen’s ShowThis weekend in Fargo, ND
  • 🎣 Sioux Valley Sportsmen’s ShowNext weekend in Sioux Falls, SD

Stop by the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth, say hello to Joe, sign up for the $3,000 trip giveaway, grab your free Visitor Guide, and let the planning begin. We can’t wait to see you — and we really can’t wait to see you up at the lake.

For more information about Lake of the Woods, visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com