I am going to be staying at Rainy Lake Lodge from June 17th - 24th. I am getting pumped for this and could use some tips, comments suggestion from anyone who knows this lake or has fished it before. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe
Greg P.
04-17-2000, 12:42 PM
Rainy Lake is my favorite lake. Rainy is a big lake, and very challenging. In June, I would look for walleyes relating to submerged rock humps, and islands with deep water nearby. Almost any submerged rock hump or island with a small flat area of 30-50 feet of water will hold fish, look for them on your graph, and when you find them, drop a line. I have had good luck with jigs and leeches, and bottom bouncing with spinners. Use the snagless sinkers, I like the tall ones with a long, straight, stiff wire and about ¼ -1/3 oz weight about half way up. These tend to lift your spinner up off the bottom, and are relatively snag free. But bring a lot of whatever you like, you’ll lose plenty. You have to get good at keeping your lures just off the bottom, or you’ll spend the day tying on lures.
I prefer to fish the eastern basin, and the Brule narrows area. In the Brule, you’ll find a narrow entrance if you are aproaching from the west, there will be 2 bouys on the south side of a small island. I like to start near the bouys and drift out towards the open lake, in 10-45 feet of water, depending on wind.
I have also talked with a lot of locals who say to try fishing weed beds in any of the large bays, like cranberry. Fish the outer edges in 3-6 feet of water, even in mid day, with a leech on a slip bobber.
Smallmouths can be found by working almost any shoreline, preferably one with broken rock along the shoreline. Northerns can be caught working the weedbeds in the bays, even in shallow water. Last year we landed a 12 lb northern that hit a spinner bait in about 2 feet of water, right along shore.
If you venture into the eastern basin, any of the major points or rock humps can be good, try graphing 20-40 feet of water, you will see them on your graph, then start fishing. Don’t be afraid to fish deep water. Most of the humps in the eastern basin will hold fish. My favorite is Windmill Rock. That’s a long boat ride from where you are staying.
I don’t have a map in front of me or I could name some more spots, email me and I can be more specific. I always recommend a visit to Kettle Fall Hotel, very cool. Spend a whole day exploring this part of the lake, you won’t be disappointed. Kettle Falls sell gas and oil, food, bait and beverages. BE CAREFUL! Either follow someone, or go slow if you are not sure. Rainy is full of underwater rockpiles, get to know how to read the buoys if you don’t already know. Watch the weather, big water, big waves. If you get caught in the open water, just plan on taking your time to get back. Rainy can be fabulous fishing, but it may take some time to find them. Have fun and be safe.
Thank your for all the great information. Any other expert Rainy fishermen out there?