Sturgeon fishing on Rainy River

International Falls is made famous by the unforgettable beauty and big catch that comes from Rainy Lake, but you might be missing out on more fishing opportunities in the fall and spring on Rainy River. Due to the border waters (Rainy River borders Canada and United States), there is a special regulation that allows some fishing seasons to be open longer or not close at all. ​When you visit Rainy Lake, explore the Rainy River. Here's 3 reasons why.

TOP 3 REASONS TO FISH RAINY RIVER

1. The walleye fishing season is longer (from Mid May to Mid April)

2. You can fish the "living fossil": Sturgeon

• Oct. 1, 2016 - April 23, 2017 Catch-and-release only. No tag needed. 
• April 24 - May 7 1* per calendar year, fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75" 
• May 8 - 15 Catch-and-release only. No tag needed. 
• May 16 - June 30 - Closed 
• July 1 - Sept. 30 1* per calendar year, fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75" 
• Oct. 1, 2017 - April 23, 2018 Catch-and-release only. No tag needed.

​3. Bass and Northern Pike fishing is open year round 
​(the fishing season for Bass and Norther Pike does not close on Rainy River)

​The best time to fish on Rainy River is the fall and spring. 

Other Rainy River facts

• The Rainy River is approximately 85 miles long and is part of the Canada–United States border separating northern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario.
• Rainy River flows from Rainy Lake between International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario to Lake of the Woods. 
  
• Rainy River eventually drains into the Hudson Bay.

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Have you fished on Rainy River before? What did you think? Share your comments below. 

Need help planning your trip? Help us plan it for you by clicking here or call the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at (218) 283-9400.