Fishing

Rainy Lake was rated by Bassmaster as number 11 out of 100 on the list of best bass fishing lakes in 2012. Regular fishing enthusiasts can confirm, as both largemouth and smallmouth bass are frequently caught in most parts of the lake. Sub-surface flies, top-water flies and light jigs tipped with plastic tubes or tails work well for catching the smallmouth bass. For largemouth, fish at the end of June and head to the north and south arm of the lake for the best results. If you're new to the lake or aren't sure where to fish, you can hire a guide to show you the best spots.

Other fish that can be found in Rainy Lake are walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, musky, pike, and a small variety of others. Except for the spawning season, fishermen and women can catch and release sturgeon in Rainy River. From late April through early May and July through September, sturgeon can be caught and kept if they have a tag and are between 45 and 50 inches, or more than 75 inches long. Only one sturgeon per person can be kept per each calendar year. 

To catch musky, Redgut Bay, Seine Bay, and Elephant Rock are the best noted places to go. They can be caught in the sun or rain, and trolling speeds should be between 4 to 6 mph. Black leaders on a 30 pound, braided line are important for catching musky, but the most essential part to musky fishing in Rainy Lake is being patient.

The lake is also home to many large, trophy-sized Northern Pike. Bunny tails, clowser minnows, and large streamers catch the best pike in the lake for fly fishers, and brightly colored spinners and jerk baits work for those who prefer to use the rods. The pike typically congregate in the shallower areas in the cooler months and move deeper throughout the warmer weather, and you can find them mostly in the shallow points by the bays. The north and south arm of the lake are the best locations for catching those bigger pike.

Even though spring and summer are the best seasons to find fish in Rainy Lake, the winter brings fun for fishers, also. Head to the lake and try some ice fishing, rent an ice fishing house to be ready when you arrive, or ride your snowmobile to different areas of the lake. 

Lake Activities

Hop on a boat and head over to Voyageurs National Park - an island park only accessible by crossing the water - and set up camp on one of the 175 campsites scattered throughout. Visitors can camp in tents or houseboats, but must obtain a permit before doing so. Many visitors take advantage of the park in the winter time, utilizing it for skiing, snowmobiles, and other winter sports. 

Visitors can check out the Rainy Lake Visitor?s Center and watch exhibits and films about the park?s wildlife and history. Take a guided tour through the lake, or hike on the 50 miles of hiking trails that the park has to offer. Rent a canoe or a kayak and head out onto the waters on your own, or explore the park on foot.

Nearby

The nearest town to the lake is International Falls, Minnesota. The small and friendly town of under 7,000 people is where fishers will find the nearest bait shop and service stores. Visit the town or head off towards the other two national parks that border the lake for some family fun.

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