Fishing and Exploring Rainy River, Minnesota

Exploring Rainy River
The Rainy River forms part of the border between Minnesota and Ontario and is a haven for anglers and boaters of all stripes. Perhaps best known for fishing, the river is one of the world’s top destinations for premiere walleye fishing each spring and is also home to other game fish. In addition to anglers, canoers and kayakers enjoy Rainy River’s numerous access points along its 85-mile route, and its many resorts provide a welcome rest regardless of the day’s activities.
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The Route
Flowing from approximately the west end of Rainy Lake and the communities of International Falls, MN and Fort Frances, ON, the river travels west-northwest to Baudette, MN, and Rainy River, ON, then enters Four Mile Bay on Lake of the Woods.  

Rainy River’s watershed is largely forested and composed of peatland and bogs that were part of Lake Agassiz 10,000 years ago. In the past, its waters were used by fur traders, lumber mills and commercial fishing boats.  

River Fishing
Rainy River is counted among the finest fishing destinations in America. Each spring, resident walleyes flood the waterway, offering anglers the chance to land a “lunker.” The early fishing season runs approximately early March through mid-April (check the MN DNR website for exact dates each year). Though walleye is the river’s premier gamefish species, anglers also target sturgeon, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Notable Rainy River catches include a 35.1-inch walleye (released) and a 100-plus pound sturgeon (also released).  
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Because Rainy River is between the U.S. and Canada, anglers who plan to fish the Canadian side of the river must have a valid Ontario fishing license, as well as an Outdoors Card and a Remote Area Border Crossing permit.

U.S. Rainy River Access Points
Multiple access points mean options abound for exploring Rainy River. Camping is not allowed at the following boat launch sites unless otherwise noted.

• Ron Hall Memorial Access in International Falls is on Shorewood Drive and includes a parking area across the street.
• Kuttes Landing is just east of the junction of Highway 71 and Highway 11 at Pelland.
• Reedy Flats Access is on the south side of State Highway 11, along the Bigfork River.
• Black River Access is in Loman. Camping is available in authorized areas of the park.
• Manitou Rapids Access is approximately 34 miles east of Baudette on Highway 11, or about ½ mile west of the Indus School. The primitive boat access is appropriate for boats that can be carried or transported on the marked trail with an ATV. The site includes ample shore fishing areas.
• Upper Sault Access is near Franze Jevne Park at the end of Koochiching County Road 85, just east of Birchdale. This ramp is best suited to small boats.
• Nelson Park – Birchdale north of Birchdale on Koochiching County Road UT 118, which runs from State Highway 11 to Nelson Park. The site includes with a double ramp, and camping is allowed in designated areas.
• Frontier Access is approximately 17 miles east of Baudette along State Highway 11.
• Vidas Access is 1.5 miles east of Clementson at the end of Koochiching County Road UT 392. Signs have been installed to direct traffic and reduce congestion.
• Baudette Access in Timbermill Park includes a boat access with a double ramp and is located near the City Park, on the east edge of Baudette. No camping is allowed at the access, however, camping is allowed in authorized areas of the City Park.
• Wheeler’s Point Access is located 12 miles north of Baudette on State Highway 172, near the mouth of the Rainy River and includes a boat dock and triple ramp.