In the northland, there is about 30 inches of ice on the lake, huge snowbanks everywhere, ice houses and snowmobiles traveling the roads, but the sun is shining brightly and it has the hint of Spring Fishing on the Rainy River.  Yes, Rainy River creates the border between Minnesota and  Canada. Its wide expanse and the swift current makes for great adventures on this water. The Rainy flows from Rainy Lake in the east at Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada and International Falls, MN.  It meanders over small rapid areas and around a few islands to make it to its destination in Lake of the Woods.

The Minnesota Department of Resources along with the counties of Koochiching and Lake of the Woods maintain small rest areas, parks and landings where anglers can launch their boats or visitors can just enjoy the beauty of the river and possibly cook a hot dog over the provided fire pits in an area complete with shelters and picnic tables.

Spring Fishing on the Rainy River is an experience of a lifetime. Walleyes swim upstream to take part in their annual spawning ritual. Lunkers galore show up on angler’s lines for the thrill of landing a trophy fish. During this early “ice out” season, timing only Mother Nature knows, anglers come dressed in their snowmobile suits sometimes having to push their boats over iced landing areas. It’s not unreasonable to see giant ice formations along the shores on both sides of the river. A sight to behold!

Spring Fishing on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay for walleyes has some new limits though. During this season anglers must practice Catch and Release. The MN DNR imposed these limits so that the population of walleyes and saugers is sustainable.

Previous studies showed a decrease of mature male walleyes in the river.  This is believe to be from the previous regulations which allowed anglers to keep two walleyes or saugers under 19.5 inches.  Naturally, a high percentage of these fish were mature male walleyes.

As most anglers go to the Rainy River in the spring to pursue big walleyes, splash their boat for the first time of the year and simply for the incredible experience, giving up the two fish limit for catch and release is understood by most.

Another feature of the Rainy River is the incredible sturgeon. Anglers come from all over the world to catch one of these prehistoric monsters, at times over 100 lbs! The sturgeon fishery is healthy and anglers often boat multiple fish per day. Check out regulations on our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.

Here’s another interesting perk to the spring fishing season. More times than not, there is still ice on the lake. Ice houses can remain on the ice in this borderland until March 31^st, and the walleye fishing season continues through April 14th. Now anglers can go between fishing on the river to fishing on the ice in the same day. The hint here is to bring your sunscreen and your sunglasses!! Enjoy every season you’re in, but look forward to a season of Spring Fishing on the Rainy River.  Check out our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging to make your reservations now!