Rainy River Canadian side Requirements

[10 Pound]

Wow, after several phone calls I just found out that you need a canadian fishing license and a $30 water pass per person in your boat. I knew you needed the license, but a $30 boating pass? I was told if you did not have both, you would be arrested! Crazy! So for 3 guys, you each need: Outdoor card $10, 8 day license $27 and a boating card $30 ($67 per person). I was told these special regs are for Rainy River special. The fine is $155 per person when caught. Hmmmm.

[Dave in Walker]

Just fish the Minnesota side, there is a imaginary line, Don't challange it, many wardens from Minn and Ontario on the river during this frenzy. Believe me there are a lot more rules then what you posted, All the fish you want on our side

[3M TA3]

Wow, after several phone calls I just found out that you need a canadian fishing license and a $30 water pass per person in your boat. I knew you needed the license, but a $30 boating pass? I was told if you did not have both, you would be arrested! Crazy! So for 3 guys, you each need: Outdoor card $10, 8 day license $27 and a boating card $30 ($67 per person). I was told these special regs are for Rainy River special. The fine is $155 per person when caught. Hmmmm.

I've Googled this water pass thing you've mentioned and don't get any hits on it. I've never heard of it before. Will you please provide a reference to your comment supporting the requirement and cost of this "WATER PASS". Thanks

[Fish_on UL]

I think you might be talking about the remote border crossing permit. I think it is $30 for 2 years and you can put all members of the household on one permit.

[snowman678]

I'm sure he must be referring to the Remote Access Border Crossing permit. The reason for the permit is for the Candadian gov't to keep tabs on who is entering their country. Technically speaking, each time you cross to the "other side" of the river, you are entering a foreign country, and doing so without passing through customs. It may seem needless, but I think it's a pretty small price to pay when you consider the rest of the cost of the trip (gas, food, lodging, etc.) As others have mentioned, you can just stay on the MN side of the river, there are plenty of fish there. I like having the option to fish on both sides, as the Canadian side is a lot less crowded, but I've never had trouble catching fish on the MN side either. Whichever route you go, you'll love the fishing; if the bite is "on", there's nothing like it.

[Blackmacs]

I think you might be talking about the remote border crossing permit. I think it is $30 for 2 years and you can put all members of the household on one permit.

Only family, wife and kids, are allowed on the permit with you. Each of your buddies has to get their own.

[10 Pound]

The permit referenced above is correct. I "accidently" slid over to the canadian side last year and found an area I loved! Caught great fish. Also, when 50 boats are on a good stretch and you get the "other half" all to yourself, that is worth something. I just think it is BS when all boats navigate the canadian side without a pass, but they supposedly require it. I am cool with the license, but this $30 THING IS A JOKE, I have a passport...good enough!

[dutchboy]

No it's not good enough. Buy the required permits or stay home. I just don't understand how people can drive up there, rent a motel, buy food and most likely beer and booze and then worry about a meager $30 permit.

It's the Canadian government resource. If they require a permit buy it or stay out.

[v-bay gord]

No it's not good enough. Buy the required permits or stay home. I just don't understand how people can drive up there, rent a motel, buy food and most likely beer and booze and then worry about a meager $30 permit.

It's the Canadian government resource. If they require a permit buy it or stay out.

Good point Dutchboy!

[Blue Lk]

Good point Dutchboy!

+1:bigsmile:

[3M TA3]

The reason I asked this question is for 7 or 8 years now I've been fishing in Voyaguer National Park on both sides, US and Canadian waters. Each day I go into Canada I check in with the Customs folks on the lake between Namikin and Crane Lake (don't remember the name, Sand Lake maybe??) Anyway, if I have this permit does that mean I don't have to check in with Customs anymore. That in itself would be worth $30 to me.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

The reason I asked this question is for 7 or 8 years now I've been fishing in Voyaguer National Park on both sides, US and Canadian waters. Each day I go into Canada I check in with the Customs folks on the lake between Namikin and Crane Lake (don't remember the name, Sand Lake maybe??) Anyway, if I have this permit does that mean I don't have to check in with Customs anymore. That in itself would be worth $30 to me.
That is correct. The RABC would allow you to not have to check in daily. As far as I understand anyway. As long as you are checking in daily, you will not need the RABC.

[REW]

I so agree with Dutch boys comments.

It really frosts me when I am on a trip with a bunch of guys where the total cost of the trip is going to be in the range of a thousand dollars.

Then, some of the guys start complaining about the price of bait and don't want to spring for quality bait.

After spending a thousand dollars, what difference does it make if you spend another $10 or another $200 on good bait, if it is the difference between a successful trip or not.

I just don't get it.

If you don't want to spring for the tab - don't spoil everyone elses trip by complaining about the tab.

The trip costs what the trip cost. Spend the money and enjoy the trip.
Don't shortchange your self or spoil it by others by either action or deed.

REW

[dan383]

I fished a national tournament years ago , on Rainy River out of Baudett MN. WE had a meeting before the event and the MN. DNR spoke to us . They said to avoid trouble fish the US side of the imaginary line , which is the tree line from both sides ( in some spots you must drive thru Canadian waters ) . If we were caught fishing in Canadian waters with live bait & no reciept from Canada , we would be charged with illegally transporting live bait into Canada . Your Boat & Gear would be confiscated and the fine for the minnows would be $100 US per minnow . 6 dozen minnows would be $7200 , unless you could talk them into accepting your trailer instead ( for their new boat ) !! The fishing is fine on the US side ........

[10 Pound]

I so agree with Dutch boys comments.

It really frosts me when I am on a trip with a bunch of guys where the total cost of the trip is going to be in the range of a thousand dollars.

Then, some of the guys start complaining about the price of bait and don't want to spring for quality bait.

After spending a thousand dollars, what difference does it make if you spend another $10 or another $200 on good bait, if it is the difference between a successful trip or not.

I just don't get it.

If you don't want to spring for the tab - don't spoil everyone elses trip by complaining about the tab.

The trip costs what the trip cost. Spend the money and enjoy the trip.
Don't shortchange your self or spoil it by others by either action or deed.

REW


What frosts me is being nickel and dimed to death. My trip cost will be around $350. All the extra money on canadian BS would cost our group $420 extra. My point was to inform others about the additional requirements most are unaware of.

[10 Pound]

No it's not good enough. Buy the required permits or stay home. I just don't understand how people can drive up there, rent a motel, buy food and most likely beer and booze and then worry about a meager $30 permit.

It's the Canadian government resource. If they require a permit buy it or stay out.

Its not just $30. Its $30 for that and $27 for license and $10 for outdoor card and then, what if your minnows are not from there. What a joke! So many loopholes.

[MorganMan]

We go most years and it is wise to get the proper paperwork if you want the freedom. We get checked almost every year.

[Shellback]

I don't begrudge Canada on collecting the $30 fee, heck places in the states got their grubby hands out too. But as a retired person every buck counts, and when folks say it's just $30, what's the big deal? Well it can be a deal breaker for some on a fixed budget. Whether I have to give that money to Canada or one of the states, it does make a difference on planning a trip.
Next time you think, " heck it's only $30", take your weekly paycheck out of the picture, and you'll see $30 might mean something to you.

[dutchboy]

I think that if $30 is a deal breaker then he should stay home and fish Big Stone. Or go to Chamberland. He knows what it costs to go fish Canadian water. He states he hates being nickel and dimed. It's not nickles and dimes. It's a service or privilege you are requesting. Therefore either pay it or don't request it. Would you book a plane ticket and ask for first class without having to pay an upcharge? Do you exspect to pay the same for bar pour whiskey as you would for VO?

Personally I'm getting tired of people whining about costs to take OPTIONAL fishing trips to Canada. Nobody has a gun to your head. Don't go! Geez, if the $30 kills you just skip 2 take out pizza's during the whole year and you have it paid for.

We are not talking the cost of baby formula here. No life and death cost involved. This is fishing...........a luxury...........a time away...........good times.........stress reliever.................:boozer:

[AllenW]

It's not the $30, it's the fact that a few dollars here and a few there add up, no you don't have to go, but on the other hand, you don't have to like the rising cost of most everything we do.

People like dutchboy evidently have enough money that it doesn't make any difference, more power to ya, but many of us have to watch how we spend our money.

Don't think nickle diming can cost money, just take a look at the taxes you pay..

Al

[Shellback]

I'm retired and go to Canada twice a year, and down south at least twice a year. I wouldn't have the luxury of doing it if I just said it was only $30 for this or that my whole life. I'm not defending anybody whining about costs. If you can't pay the fiddler, stay home. But I have to laugh when folks say, " it's just another $30.00". I'd bet there's a lot of Americans today that had wished they paid a little closer attention to those "only a few dollars more".

[Fish_on UL]

Its not just $30. Its $30 for that and $27 for license and $10 for outdoor card and then, what if your minnows are not from there. What a joke! So many loopholes.

The $30 allows you to cross the border back and forth without having to go through customs each time. Well worth the money. I'm grateful for the permit.

[MorganMan]

I was not aware you could check in daily to forgo the RABC permit?? Anyway, I think my permit is good for a two year period at at time and I can do it by phone or mail (probably online too?) so it doesn't have to be when the trip is to help spread things out. Many people take their chances like I have read here to....especially some of the local folk.

[dutchboy]

It's not the $30, it's the fact that a few dollars here and a few there add up, no you don't have to go, but on the other hand, you don't have to like the rising cost of most everything we do.

People like dutchboy evidently have enough money that it doesn't make any difference, more power to ya, but many of us have to watch how we spend our money.

Don't think nickle diming can cost money, just take a look at the taxes you pay..

Al

I'll gladly bet you make more money then I do. But, again you missed the point. The original poster was complaining about the cost of extra permits and stuff for fishing the Rainy River. My point was and still is if you A) can't afford the optional costs stay home. B) Don't tell another country how to manage their resources.

Now everybody wants to make this a $30 issue. It's not the money he is complaining about, it's HAVING to pay the money. My contention is he doesn't HAVE TO pay the money, it's optional on how he gets licensed.

[10 Pound]

I think that if $30 is a deal breaker then he should stay home and fish Big Stone. Or go to Chamberland. He knows what it costs to go fish Canadian water. He states he hates being nickel and dimed. It's not nickles and dimes. It's a service or privilege you are requesting. Therefore either pay it or don't request it. Would you book a plane ticket and ask for first class without having to pay an upcharge? Do you exspect to pay the same for bar pour whiskey as you would for VO?

Personally I'm getting tired of people whining about costs to take OPTIONAL fishing trips to Canada. Nobody has a gun to your head. Don't go! Geez, if the $30 kills you just skip 2 take out pizza's during the whole year and you have it paid for.

We are not talking the cost of baby formula here. No life and death cost involved. This is fishing...........a luxury...........a time away...........good times.........stress reliever.................:boozer:

Dutchboy, your erragant comments are not appreciated. I happen to take about 6-8 major trips a year and most with my kids. The purpose of my post was to inform people that more than just a license is required and yes, express my opinion of all the requirements. You seem to be on a high horse, you might want to get off. It is not your place to tell people to stay home or analize other peoples finances. In the future if my posts irritate you, don't read them or respond.

[dutchboy]

Dutchboy, your erragant comments are not appreciated. I happen to take about 6-8 major trips a year and most with my kids. The purpose of my post was to inform people that more than just a license is required and yes, express my opinion of all the requirements. You seem to be on a high horse, you might want to get off. It is not your place to tell people to stay home or analize other peoples finances. In the future if my posts irritate you, don't read them or respond.

Ditto. :)

[Shellback]

I guess we all made our point. Some can afford it, some can't, and some would rather not pay all the little charges that any state or province likes to tack on whether they can afford it or not. You have to pay to play, but at some point you may have to stay home.

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

Just to help clarify that the $30 is for what is called a RABC as explained by some of the other posts. I spend my summers on LOTW & frequent the Canadian waters a lot. I generally get checked
@ least once every season by Canadian authorities that are on the water. The permit is good for 1 year from your birth date, & for all practical purposes needs to be renewed on a yearly basis.
I have had guests visit me, & we have gone over to the Rainy River
Immigration/Customs station & obtained a permit while @ the station. Could take up to an hour+ for the processing. I certainly recommend getting the RABC if there is any chance that you may want to fish on the Canadian side of the river. Be sure to have your passport, as it helps the process with the Canadian authorities, & gets you back into the US!

[v-bay gord]

10 pound.....thank you for expressing your opinion on what irritates you about fishing in Ontario. My suggestion, suck it up or don't bother.

[10 Pound]

10 pound.....thank you for expressing your opinion on what irritates you about fishing in Ontario. My suggestion, suck it up or don't bother.

WOW, its an attitude like that that has Americans spending money on passports, permits, outdoor cards, licenses, and whatever else. I think Canada would be in trouble without the Americans spending Millions every year on tourism in Canada. Your approach is not very customer service friendly.

FYI, I was not interested in your suggestion. My suggstion, treat Americans as customers and with repect and recognize how difficult it is to acquire all the means neccesary to fish in your country. I went to Canada last year and most resorts have expressed to me that in the last few years business has been very tough. The "suck it up or don't bother" might not be the best approach.


Update: OMG, I cannot beleive you own/run a resort! I hope you treat your customers better than that. WOW

[10 Pound]

I fished a national tournament years ago , on Rainy River out of Baudett MN. WE had a meeting before the event and the MN. DNR spoke to us . They said to avoid trouble fish the US side of the imaginary line , which is the tree line from both sides ( in some spots you must drive thru Canadian waters ) . If we were caught fishing in Canadian waters with live bait & no reciept from Canada , we would be charged with illegally transporting live bait into Canada . Your Boat & Gear would be confiscated and the fine for the minnows would be $100 US per minnow . 6 dozen minnows would be $7200 , unless you could talk them into accepting your trailer instead ( for their new boat ) !! The fishing is fine on the US side ........

I wonder what the americans would do if the role was reversed. Again, they get pretty cocky with those who are paying there wages. This is way beyond reasonable. I am fine with the bait rules and even a reasonable fine, but $100 per minnow. C'mon! That is downright erragant!


I will not be crossing that border after what I have learned.

Thanks for the heads up:)

[AllenW]

I'll gladly bet you make more money then I do. But, again you missed the point. The original poster was complaining about the cost of extra permits and stuff for fishing the Rainy River. My point was and still is if you A) can't afford the optional costs stay home. B) Don't tell another country how to manage their resources.

Now everybody wants to make this a $30 issue. It's not the money he is complaining about, it's HAVING to pay the money. My contention is he doesn't HAVE TO pay the money, it's optional on how he gets licensed.

I had the impression that the OP was just complainning about the cost of fishing going up, not that he was trying to manage their resources.

Could be wrong I guess..:)

Al