Rainy River - How far west?

[FlyBoy]

I'm interested in fishing the Rainy this spring... And it looks like the ice may not be gone in time for the big boats to fish out of Baudette.

I would think the landings east towards International Falls would be open, because that is where the flow comes from.

Is the fishing on the far east end of the rainy any good that early?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

-John

[jbart]

I am going up the week of April 5th and have a 18' boat. Check the Clementson resort website. It is unbelievable how hard they work to provide information about the river. We usually put in at Birchdale,east of Baudette. The number of rigs parked along the road is huge. But have always gotten in and out in 20-30 min. tops. Everyone seems to come ready to rock and roll at the ramp. Wonderful fishery as we have been able to catch the biggest eyes of our lives(9+). Weather can range from t-shirt to parka, come ready and enjoy.

[FlyBoy]

Jbart,

How far east have you fished?

I have fished out of Baudett on the west end, also put in at International Falls on the far east end.

The fishing seemed better to the west. But I would think those fish are heading for the dam?

Thanks,

-John

[Harvey Cochrane]

The river should be open all the from Fort Frances to Pinewood. I been fishing at Manitou Rapids for last week and have been catching alot of males, but hey when your catching over a hundred in a day who's gonna complain. Fishing east of manitou is good to but you have to really know where your going, very shallow water east of manitou. I also noticed the water dropping.

[Grampa_Joe]

I'm leaving tonight. The access is open for big boats and by this time tomorrow, I'll be fishing open water!
I'll let you know how we do.

Joe Carlson

[Grampa_Joe]

The fishing was good. We probably caught somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 fish in a full day Sat and fishing til noon on Sunday. We caught a 27, some 26's, and lots of fish 20-24". We also caught some sturgeon including a 56" beast that took entirely too much time out of the day for my taste, but it was an impressive fish none the less.
We put in at Frontier with a Lund 2025, so whatever you drive should have no problem getting in the water but I'd go sooner than later as the bite tends to be short lived. I've been there too late in years past and that's no fun.

Joe Carlson

[FlyBoy]

Thanks for the report Joe.

-John