Minnesota open water walleye fishing on Rainy River

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​Walleye anglers in Minnesota are fishing the open water on Rainy River. The walleye season remains open on our border waters until April 14. The Northern pike, crappie and smallmouth bass seasons are open continuous. Today, March 27, the ramps at International Falls are being cleared. The Pat Roche Access is adjacent to the Voyageurs National Park Headquarters and provides access above the dam and below the Ranier Rapids. This is a lake like pool with excellent fishing potential. The Ron Hall access is below the dam just off Shorewood Drive in the west end of International Falls. Fish the swifter waters below the dam and downstream to the golf course. This part of the river is not subject to the debris and clouding downstream when the Little Fork and Big Fork Rivers let out.

You could learn more about Rainy River fishing and many more outdoor topics at the International Falls Outdoor Expo scheduled for April 7 & 8 at the Evangelical Covenant Church. The expo always draws a crowd for their workshops, competitions and speakers. John Godwin, known for his role in the A & E TV series “Duck Dynasty” will be the key speaker. You can get more specific information under the Events tab on this website.

Another popular outdoor event will be the annual Trails End Chapter MDHA Dinner. Minnesota Deer Hunters Association provides funds for all sorts of local projects and you can learn more about those under the events tab as well. MDHA is one of many organizations that advocate for the best habitat management practices. Minnesota has abundant habitat and wildlife amid woodlands that are also managed to produce raw material for the forest products industry.

Now is the time to get our and hike some forest trails, migrating birds of all types are returning and runoff from the snow melt will thunder through the area rapids and waterfalls. You might hear ruffed grouse drumming in their spring mating ritual. Or observe woodcock perform their aerial display called peenting, which includes a nasal “peent” call they make on the ground.