Larry Smith Outdoors Fishes the Rainy River
If the Lake of the Woods area didn’t have Lake of the Woods and only had the Rainy River, the river would be even more known than it already is. This body of water is home to a variety of species, many different areas to fish and some seasonal events that add to the quality of the fishery. On this trip, Larry Smith and Joe Henry with Lake of the Woods Tourism simply go fishing. The two highlight some options that will absolutely put fish in the boat, including casting shorelines, docks, weeds and pulling crawler harnesses. In true Rainy River fashion, it’s a mixed bag and a lot of fun.
The Rainy River runs out of Rainy Lake to the east. It travels straight west about 60 miles to the town of Baudette, MN where it turns north and flows another 12 miles where it enters Lake of the Woods. At the mouth of the river is a bay you may have heard of, Four Mile Bay. The area where the river actually meets Lake of the Woods, between Pine Island on the U.S. side and Sable Island on the Canadian side is called the Lighthouse Gap.
A Wide Variety of Fish
Walleyes are the most popular species fished for in the Rainy River. In addition, saugers, smallmouth bass, pike, lake sturgeon, suckers, bullheads, crappies, perch, tulibees, and moon eyes are all caught in the river.
Lake sturgeon have become a very sought after species in the river and for good reason. The fish grow to over 100 lbs. and are in abundance. The MN DNR estimates there are over 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches living in the Rainy River. Much of the year, there is either a catch and release and / or a keep season for sturgeon.
Smallmouth bass are also very abundant. They don’t get much attention as walleyes are the most sought after species. For those who like bass, imagine 42 miles of navigable river loaded with areas of rock, points, current breaks, bridges, feeder streams and weed edges. Lots of great structure that holds a lot of bass.
Seasonal Walleye Runs
There are two times of the year a good numbers of walleyes from Lake of the Woods enter the river. One is in the spring when walleyes go up the river to spawn. There is a catch and release only season for walleyes in Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River starting March 1st and extending all the way through April 14th. When walleye fishing is closed in most parts of the state, big numbers of walleyes, many trophy females, get congregated in the relatively narrow confines of the Rainy River for their spawning run. This is a great opportunity to get your boat in the water for the first time or jump in with a local guide and take a shot at catching your personal best walleye.
The other season walleye run up the river is in the fall when emerald shiners run up the Rainy River. Where there are shiners, there are walleyes. These silvery, tasty minnows are an absolute favorite of Lake of the Woods walleyes. Anglers are after fall walleyes, but the incredible scenery and migration of birds down the river is a spectacle all by itself.
Fall is a time the walleyes put the feedbag on and when they are in the river, fishing can be very good. In addition, some of the largest walleyes of the year are caught late in the fall, often just before ice up in November.
The river actually stays fairly quiet during the summer as most anglers are pursuing walleyes on the lake. Many of the walleyes from the spring and fall river runs go back into the lake. There are, however, a good number of walleyes that either stay in the river or never left the river. There is abundant habitat and forage to hold fish here all year long. Many of the locals who live near or on the river will fish the river all year long with good results.
During the winter ice fishing season, some fish the river, but it is mainly locals. Extra caution is always needed when there is moving water. The Rainy is no different.
The Rainy River. It is full of fish. You don’t need a big boat. It has a variety of species and some of the best scenery around. Your next trip north, add the Rainy River to your list. It is such a treasure.
