rainy lake

[jsopp]

Just wondering if anyone out there can give me some info on Rainy Lake. Am planning a trip to Rainy Lake July 20th - 27th. There are numerous lodges on Rainy Lake but we have been looking at the following: 1) Sha-Sha, 2) Island View, 3) Rainy Lake Lodge, and 4) Woody's. The Sha-Sha, Island View, and Rainy Lake Lodge are located in the same vicinity while Woody's is located by the Rainy River. Any suggestions as to which lodge would be the closest to the best fishing this time of the year would be greatly appreciated. I have been told that the Walleye will be set up on the reefs in mid July but have no idea where the reefs are located. We will have a Canadian fishing license so if necessary we will be able to fish in Canadian waters. We will be fishing out of a 20 foot Lund with a 200 hp motor so taveling some distance to find good fishing is not a problem. We also will be hiring a guide for our first full day of fishing on Rainy Lake. All of the lodges mentioned above look like they are very nice and are reasonably priced. Any information on any of these places and the fishing located around them would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and see you on the water!!!!

[Big Laker]

The reefs they are referring to are out in the main lake. So, the further east your lodge is the closer you'll be. Of course, a 200hp boat makes distance less of a factor. If your considering fishing on the Canadian side, don't forget your remote boarder crossing permit.
I've stayed at Island View (which is about the farthest east resort) and the Thunderbird Resort (just a couple miles west) and they are both very nice. Dock service was a little better at Island View. They both offer cabins and rooms. I will actually be up at the Thunderbird the week of July 15.
Let me know if you would like more information.

[Schnauzer]

Since I have been to Rainy Lake all of one time, I am far from an expert but I will share my experience. I was there as part of a vacation within a vacation for a couple days and stayed at Island View. It was a nice place - great view. It was real close to one reef (Erickson's reef?) and centrally located on the lake overall. I went out not having a clue what to do, checked the map, headed for that reef, saw some other boats there, and dropped a line. I caught a bunch of smaller walleyes - up to 17 inches right away. I figured that was as good as I could expect. I came to the conclusion I could do better size-wise if given another day or two.

I was there in early/mid August so not long after the time frame you are talking about. I'm sure there are others here that can provide way better info than this. But at least you have the viewpoint from someone who was in your shoes last year.

You'll hear plenty of this but watch out for rocks and reefs. Rainy is notorious for that. I just putted around the lake until I felt comfortable. Another guy staying at Island view lost his skag while I was there. He lost it right between two channel bouys. He was to one side yet still in between them but he caught a rock anyway. I went slowly for my first extended trip out in the lake, keeping a close eye on the depth finder and then used the GPS each time after that to re-trace my steps so I could go faster.

[The Great Guide]

Rainy is a good choice for mid-summer fishing. By mid July the W's are firmly planted on the main channel reefs in Seine Bay and east through the Brule Narrows and on to Kettle Falls , and are fairly easy to find. If you have clouds the fishing is always excellent. If there is sun, then the morning is the best. The bite improves as the evening wares on, but you should avoid running on Rainly at night unless you know your way around. Also be prepared for wind.

Presentations I find most effective for mid-summer are drifting across the reefs with jigs tipped with leeches, longlining naked hooks with crawlers and leeches, and, speed trolling #9 Silver and Perch Shad Raps around and over the reefs. (Note: Berkley snagless bottom bouncers snag as much as any other lead so save your money.I use either barrel weights or big splitshot) The Raps are a good way to fish the hot sunny afternoon hours. The biggest mistake that I see newcomers making on Rainy is staying on top of the reefs and not fishing the 35 to 50 foot water. A guide would be a good idea to get started, especially if you are not used to fishing big water. Hot Spots map Rainy Lake South has all the reefs marked and some GPS points marked.

Island View is an excellent choice. I stay there several weekends a year, especially in the late fall. The Bishoff's run a first class operation.

You really don't need to go into Canada, but if you do you will need a Canadain License and a Remote Access Permit. You can obtain the permit at customs in Fort Francis, ONT. The Scott Islands on Seine Bay and the mouth of the Seine River are consitant summer producers. Limit on the Canadian side is ONE fish.

TGG

PS: Bring lots of gas money.

[Schnauzer]

Hey, great point on the 35-50 foot depth pointer. That is exactly where I found the fish last August. Being a Rainy Lake rookie, just like you said I started on top of the reef but ended up catching the majority of my fish in that 35-50 foot range. You hit the nail on the head!

[Big Laker]

I've fished Rainy several times but I haven't tried moving that deep yet. thanks for the tip. I'll try that this summer. Is the deeper water good all summer long, or is it better later in the summer?

[jsopp]

Thank you for all of the information about Rainy Lake it will certainly help! Can any of you tell me about how far the main channel Seine Bay reefs, Brule Narrows, and Kettle Falls are from the Island View Lodge?

[Big Laker]

I am not familiar with Seine Bay. The Brule Narrows are about 9-10
miles from Island View, Kettle Falls is a long way, maybe 25 miles. Here is a link to a map of Rainy that might help: http://maps.dnr.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/drgs.pl?mode=recenter&size=3&layer=250k&col=40&row=22

[B]

One day with Barry "WOODY" Woods will add value to the rest of anyone's life. He is an unforgettable character; historian, guide, person... and he'll put you on fish.

Coincidence: I have a place on the Ontario side of Rainy. Woody called me yesterday after 5 or so years to learn how I was doing..remembered my kids/ family (even tho he's never seen them), my friends, my brother, his friends (incl their names, vocations...), bro's x girlfriend (she had an unforgettable personality, too, but...)... unreal!

I recommend one day where he can show you around.

If you don't, be CERTAIN to visit him/ his pub in Ranier. You'll never forget it.

Check out his website: www.fairlyreliable.com

-Brian

[jsopp]

Thanks for the info. We are going to stay at Island View Lodge and we are looking forward to the trip. I have been to Eagle Lake, Stoney Lake, and Kipawa and I am ready to try Rainy Lake this summer.