Minnesota Fishing Report for Rainy Lake and Rainy River

Rainy Lake anglers are finding walleye in 15 to 20 feet of water along the rocky shorelines and near weed beds. Jigging with a minnow or slow trolling a spinner and minnow rig has been working best. The islands around Sand Bay and Jackfish Bay have been best on the west end of the lake. Black Bay and Cranberry Bay have been the hottest spots for northern pike. Those that venture as far east as Kettle Falls are doing well in the channels. While fishing the rocky and weedy edges for walleye, you can pull in some smallmouth bass as well.

Rainy River has not been as popular as the Lake, but there are anglers getting out. They are finding the walleye in about 12 feet of water from below the dam at International Falls to west of the golf course. Other popular areas are near the confluence of the Little Fork River and Big Fork River and below the Manitou Rapids near Indus.
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For the most up-to-date information you can call the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1 800 325 5766