Perfect Timing for the SJR 500 Fishing Tournament April 9-10
The Rainy River is open, again, and fishing is excellent. This is great timing with 3rd annual Sporting Journal Radio’s SJR 500 fast approaching. The SJR 500 is a spring fishing tournament run through the fishing tournament app, Fish Donkey. It is a 2 days contest on April 9 – 10, it is only $40 to enter per person and all are welcome!
The Rainy River is open again. Please let me explain the “again” part. The river was open, it got cold, I mean really cold, like single digits overnight, the the river froze up again. Yes, some boats busted through the ice, but it was tough sledding. But now, finally, temps are in the 40’s, 50’s and even a shot at 60 over the next couple of weeks and the walleyes are biting! And yes, this is the second time the river had to open up this spring.
This is all perfect timing when it comes to the third annual SJR 500. Fishing continues to be excellent with lots of walleyes and sturgeon boated. Some big fish are being caught, but with that being said, it is thought when that sun starts to really shine, bigger fish from the lake will join the fish already in the river. 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, the Frontier boat ramp and Vidas boat ramp are open. The next boat landing in line to open is, which will happen any day as there is just a small amount of shore ice is Timber Mill Park in Baudette. The next access to open after that will be the Wheeler’s Point boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River and most think that could happen in days. Again, perfect timing for the SJR 500.
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.
Oct 1 – April 23, Catch and Release
April 24 – May 7, Harvest Season
May 8 – May 15, Catch and Release
May 16 – June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed
July 1 – Sep 30, Harvest Season
If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing. One sturgeon per calendar year (45 – 50″ inclusive, or over 75″).
The MN DNR estimates there are over 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches in the southwest portion of Lake of the Woods from about Morson, ON down through the NW Angle, Big Traverse Bay and the Rainy River.
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!
Info on the SJR 500 Fishing Tournament April 9-10
