Fall Fishing on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods is a tradition many anglers across the Midwest look forward to. Each fall, emerald shiners from Lake of the Woods run up the Rainy River that flows into the lake. Schools of walleyes are usually close behind, setting up the tradition called the fall run.
The shiners are headed upstream, driven by biology but we are not exactly sure why. Fisheries biologist often remind us instinctively, fish don’t expend energy for no reason. Naturally, there is a reason and something driving them. Possibly it is a good food source, possibly a different temperature of water, some have even suggested as they school very tightly, they are re-sliming themselves in preparation for the winter. Whatever the reason, they typically move upstream in the fall and this annual event can lead to some hot and heavy walleye action.Â
With this tradition, plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River and all around Lake of the Woods.
Every year is different. Based on weather, flow of the river, how much daylight remains throughout the day, etc. Some years, the shiners run so thick it looks like you could walk on them. This is when you hear splashing fish busting up through the schools of minnows. Other years, the run of shiners is more tamed down. Either way, there are walleyes that come out of the lake and enter the river and this leads to some great fall fishing.
There are a number of methods to catch these walleyes, but the most common is a jig and minnow. Anchoring up on the edge of some structure and vertically jigging while watching the migration of a variety of waterfowl is a great way to spend a fall day. Some anglers use fatheads or rainbows. Others prefer a live emerald shiner if available. The second choice for anglers wanting to match the run is a frozen emerald shiner.
This is the time of the year local bait dealers are busy working to net these shiners supplying ice anglers with a supply of frozen shiners through March.
From the mouth of the Rainy River near many of the resorts at Wheeler’s Point upstream to Baudette and all the way over to Birchdale to the east, there can be great fall fishing. There is about 42 miles of very navigable Rainy River. This provides anglers with many great opportunities. Some walleyes will be moving upstream using current breaks, holes and rocks as they migrate upstream. Others will be staged feeding heavily in areas where the emerald shiners are hanging out. There is lots of water to fish and many techniques to catch fall walleyes.
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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.
The next public access up 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.
The next ramp up 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.
Near the Peace Park boat ramp Baudette Bay is a boat dock where you can tie up your boat and walk up Willie Walleye Hill to get a coffee, grab lunch or find groceries and supplies at the local grocery store.
At the eastern side of Baudette at Timbermill Park boat ramp. This is a spacious boat ramp with plenty of parking available. This access is directly on the Rainy River.
Moving to the east six miles from Baudette, crossing into Koochiching County is Vidas Landing, a beautiful public access point that sees a lot of travel.
About 11 miles to the east is another nice boat ramp, Frontier Landing.Â
Further down Hwy 11 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.)
If you have your own boat, the Rainy River is small water compared to the lake. Even on a windy day, there are opportunities to get out of the wind and find fish.
Now is a good time to start planning a trip. Grab some loved ones or friends and experience a beautiful time of the year and some of the best fishing of the year. Plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River!
What is the fall run of walleyes on the Rainy River?
Each fall, as the days begin to get shorter and the water starts to cool, emerald shiners, a favorite of Lake of the Woods walleyes, begin to enter the Rainy River in good numbers. Naturally, walleyes from Lake of the Woods are close behind. This annual fall tradition sets up an incredible walleye bite on the Rainy River.
When does the fall run of walleyes begin?
Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but typically it begins in mid September and continues through the fall until ice up.
What do anglers use to catch fall walleyes?
The go to presentation for fall walleyes is a jig and minnow, and for many anglers, a jig and frozen emerald shiner. Â
There are some anglers who will cover water by trolling crankbaits on the river which is also a very effective technique.
Can you still catch walleyes on the lake?
Absolutely, in fact walleyes school up in the fall across the south shore and amongst the many islands of the NW Angle of Lake of the Woods. As winter is approaching, walleyes are putting on the feedbag, often setting up some of the best fishing of the entire year.
