How to Find Rainy Lake Fishing Guides

Considered by many to be the top multi-species lake in the world, Rainy Lake is an angler’s dream. Ripe with walleye, northern pike, smallmouth, black crappies and muskies, Rainy doesn’t have an “off season.” But this wide variety, coupled with the fact that Rainy covers almost 230,000 acres, can make finding fish a daunting task. For both beginning and pro anglers, hiring a fishing guide can take the guess work out of your trip and ensure you make the most of your time on the lake. ​

Benefits of Hiring a Guide
No matter your fishing experience, a guide can provide a lot of benefits.

• Get instant access to “honey holes,” or the hottest fishing spots. Your guide’s local knowledge – often formed over decades – greatly increases your success rate and minimizes the amount of time needed to learn the lake.
• Your guide will offer tips and tricks you can use on other fishing trips and different lakes.
• If you’re seeking a species you usually don’t fish (or you’re a first-time angler), a guide will provide the necessary equipment, saving you a bundle.
• A guide lets you relax and focus your efforts on fishing, which is especially beneficial when our with less experienced anglers or children. Your guide takes care of the details, which means you and your group will have a more memorable experience.​

How to Hire a Guide
Begin your guide search here by checking out the websites listed and then calling your top picks. A conversation is essential to determine which guide will be a good fit for your and your party, especially if you are fishing with children.

• While it’s important to find a guide who is experienced, don’t overlook his or her personality. A great guide will make even a bad day of fishing fun. Have a conversation with potential guides to determine if you are like-minded.
• The guides listed here are experts when it comes to finding fish on Rainy Lake. When you talk to them, ask about their “Plan B” should fishing not be hot in the regular spots.
• It’s imperative that you make your goals for the trip clear. Most guides will ask questions along these lines, so just answer openly and honestly, whether your dream is to catch a large quantity or fish, introduce children to the sport, or simply angle a bit while touring the lake.

Points of Etiquette
Your guide is dedicated to making your time on Rainy successful and memorable. Here are a couple things you can do to help:

• Make sure to meet your guide at the agreed upon place on time. Be prepared with personal items like hats, sunscreen, snacks, beverages, etc.
• If you’re on Rainy for an extended period, it’s best to hire a guide at the beginning of your trip so you can use what you learn to fish on your own.  
• That said, if a guide takes you to a secret location, don’t return there on your own the following day. Be respectful and apply the techniques you learned on the guided trip to find your own waters.
• Trust your guide and take his or her advice when it comes to technique and lures.

​If you’re staying at a lodge, often the owner or manager will be able to schedule a guide for you. Many guides work exclusively with lodges, so check before you begin your search.