This Spring… Go Sturgeon Fishing on the Rainy River

Chad Koel and Dave Wasness Tackle Spring Sturgeon on the Rainy River for Northland Outdoors TV

For many anglers, catching a sturgeon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for those who venture to the Rainy River each spring, these prehistoric giants are not only accessible but abundant. That’s exactly what Chad Koel and Dave Wasness set out to showcase as they filmed a Northland Outdoors TV episode, capturing the thrill of spring sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.

With strong populations of lake sturgeon in Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, this area has become one of the most sought-after sturgeon fisheries in the Midwest. The combination of a healthy, well-managed fishery and the chance to hook into a true river monster draws anglers from all over to take part in this unique fishing experience.

A Growing Passion for Sturgeon Fishing

Once considered an overlooked species, sturgeon fishing has exploded in popularity in recent years. Unlike other fishing experiences where anglers often target smaller, high-action fish, sturgeon fishing is a test of patience, endurance, and skill. The reward? Hooking into the largest fish of your life.

Lake sturgeon, a species that dates back to the time of dinosaurs, can grow well over 70 inches long and weigh upwards of 100 pounds. The thrill of battling one of these fish, often for 20 minutes or more, is what keeps anglers coming back. With each powerful run and head shake, there’s no mistaking that this is big fish territory.

Why the Rainy River is a Sturgeon Hotspot

The Rainy River, which flows into Lake of the Woods, is home to one of the healthiest sturgeon populations in North America. Decades of conservation efforts and careful management have led to a thriving fishery, where anglers can catch and release multiple large sturgeon in a single outing.

During spring, sturgeon migrate upstream from Lake of the Woods into the Rainy River, congregating in deep holes and along river bends as they prepare for their annual spawn. This creates an excellent opportunity for anglers to target these massive fish in a controlled and sustainable way.

Chad and Dave took full advantage of these conditions, using sturgeon rigs baited with nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners to entice bites from the river’s biggest residents. As the cameras rolled, they battled several huge sturgeon, showcasing the excitement, patience, and strength needed to land these giants.

Seasons and Regulations: A Well-Managed Fishery

One of the reasons Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River have such a strong sturgeon population is due to effective fisheries management. Anglers must follow specific seasons and regulations, ensuring that sturgeon continue to thrive for generations to come.

Sturgeon Seasons on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods:

Catch and Release Season (April 24 – May 7 and July 1 – April 23): During this time, anglers can catch and release as many sturgeon as they’d like, enjoying the thrill of the fight without harvesting the fish.
Keep Season (May 8 – May 15 and October 1 – October 31): Anglers are allowed to keep one sturgeon per calendar year, but only fish between 45-50 inches or over 75 inches may be harvested.
Closed Season (May 16 – June 30): This period protects sturgeon during their spawning season.

These regulations fit in nicely with the dramatic rebound in the sturgeon population, making the Rainy River one of the best places in the country to experience monster sturgeon fishing.

An Unforgettable Adventure

For Chad Koel and Dave Wasness, this Northland Outdoors TV adventure was one for the books. Battling these massive, prehistoric fish on the Rainy River provided both a thrilling challenge and a reminder of the incredible fishing opportunities available in Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods region.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or someone looking for your next big adventure, spring sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is an experience like no other. The chance to hook into the biggest fish of your lifetime, while enjoying the beauty and wilderness of northern Minnesota, makes this destination a bucket-list trip for any angler.

With sturgeon season open through April 23rd for catch and release, now is the perfect time to plan your trip. For more information on lodging, guides, and fishing conditions, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

During spring, sturgeon are plentiful in the Rainy River, congregating in deep holes and along river bends as they prepare for their annual spawn. This creates an excellent opportunity for anglers to target these massive fish in a controlled and sustainable way.

Chad and Dave took full advantage of these conditions, using sturgeon rigs baited with nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners to entice bites from the river’s biggest residents. As the cameras rolled, they battled several huge sturgeon, showcasing the fishery, the excitement and the strength needed to land these giants.