Rainy Lake Info

[Winnie T, #105]

I'd like to make a fshing trip to Rainy Lake this summer, but have never fished the lake. I'll be going out of the International Falls area. Can anyone reccomend a real good public landing? How hard is Rainy to navigate, are there alot of hazards to watch out for? Any and all tips would be very much appreciated.

Thanks, T

[stevefellegy]

Hey Winnie,

We usually go out from Thunderbird Lodge, a few miles east of the Falls. They have a nice ramp and marina with all the stuff you'd need while you're there.
The lake is typical of border waters in that region. Many Islands that seem to all look the same. For every Island you can see, there is usually one just under the water you can't. There are navigational
bouys that are easily followed with a good map. Maps are available at the usual places in the area. The Canadian end of Rainy is more Islands and bays, where the east end, or American side, is a pretty big chunk of open water. The east end should be as good or better for fishing walleyes as anywhere on the lake. Better size east.
Smallmouth, crappies, muskies...wow!! Have fun!

[Winnie T, #105]

Thanks for the reply Steve. Just got my hands on a Hot Spots map of the American side. Looks like some nice hunps surrounded by real deep water north of Big Island, and on towards Kettle Falls. I'm excited to do some exploring. I had dinner one time at Thunderbird Lodge, back when Mark Martin won the PWT up there, and your right it's a beautifull facility. Did you fish that PWT?

Take care, T

[Goldpig]

There is a good public ramp just east of town to launch in the river. Navigating can be a little tough, but w/ good maps and possibly a map cartridge you should be ok. I would get the navigation maps from Hudson Map company. (http://www.hudsonmap.com/)

[stevefellegy]

Yeah, I was there. I didn't have the "guts" to win, I guess. The "no cull" got to me. I weighed in the final at day 10 am. Just didn't have it in me to put a 22"er back with perfect slots in the well. Mark had a chunky 25"er that day. About two pounds between first and fifth. I think it went, Martin, McClelland, Chad Hall and....me. Maybe someone else was in 4th. lol Can't remember! To many waves over the bow since then, I guess.
Ya just had to remind me...I hate losin'!(whine, whine)

[ZCamp]

We've never been on Rainy either. We're kind of tired of the Canadian issues. Is it easy enough to stay in US waters and not have to deal with invisible border lines and the Canadian Ministries?

[TAD]

BTTT

[stevefellegy]

No problem. Just fish the big east section. Lottsa fishy reefs.