Come March, who isn’t itching to get out on the water, soak up the sun, and float the day away while waiting for the big one? This month, we celebrate the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere but it might not feel or look like it. Ice still covers the lakes, the threat of late winter snow storms looms over us, and the temps aren’t quite warm enough to bury your winter coat in the back of your closet yet. But just as winter starts to retreat, migrating season begins for walleye making their way to spawning grounds and that means it’s prime season for many anglers looking to catch the big one.
​
Anglers migrate to the north every spring for one big reason: catch-and-release season. Fishers with cabin fever can delight knowing that they don’t have to wait for the May fishing opener in Minnesota to get out on the water and start casting. This catch-and-release season is in effect from March 1 to April 14 on Rainy River. With anglers migrating from all over the region for the extended season, here’s what you need to know:

1. License: Just like the regular season, anyone 16 and older will need a fishing license before they cast. You can buy online here or search for a license agent near you.
2. The Right Gear: Start off with safety. Pack enough life jackets for everyone on the boat and make sure you’re cleaning in and cleaning out. To help avoid the spread of aquatic invasive species, follow these tips from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For equipment, fishing trips don’t have to break the bank. Know what you’re angling for and what lures or jigs they like best. In this case, anglers are casting in hopes of catching a mighty walleye that they can snap a photo of before releasing. New to walleye fishing? Don’t worry; we’ve created a list of a few essentials that we recommend for fishing on Rainy Lake here to get you started. The Minnesota DNR also shares a few tips here.
3. The Right Location: Rainy River has a few water access options to get you closer to that perfect spot. Whether you choose a rocky spot or a shallow bottom, plan to spend a few hours looking for the sweet spot that keeps them biting. Explore Minnesota suggests learning the seasonal patterns of walleye, which will help you place the big one with a little more accuracy.
4. The Right Clothes: This is likely a tip you already know, but dress in layers. March tends to be a cooler month but there are exceptions to this. Come with waterproof winter gear and easy to remove layers that will help insulate you in case of colder temps.
5. The Right Knowledge: Beyond knowing the basics of jigging, you’ll need to know what you can and can’t keep. Again, this is a catch-and-release opener and the regulations in place for this season safeguard the walleye species and ensure that the females make it to their destination to spawn. Any walleye will need to be immediately released after you snap your picture of the big guy. Here’s more info on these regulations and how to make sure you’re following the rules.

Now that you’re ready to go, make sure you have a place to stay. From hotels to resorts and cabins to B&Bs, we’re here to help you find a place to rest your head after a long day of fishing. Let the season begin!

Ever heard the old adage “Leave a place better than you found it?” Year round, Rainy Lake welcomes visitors in masses. Winter months bring visitors that pride themselves in hardiness and bravery against the cold. Spring brings fishing opener enthusiasts in troves. Summer months bring families looking to rent houseboats and forge memories not soon forgotten. Fall brings hunters and foliage fans ready to admire the beauty of the changing seasons. There are visitors that know the hard work it takes to keep this place pristine and magical all 365 days of the year. As visitors continue to make Rainy Lake a return destination, the bonds that form become harder to break and full-time residents grow fond of the familiar faces that become forever friends.
​
The natural landscape and wildlife of this region make this place a sight to behold, but it’s the residents that give their time and devotion to a remote corner of the region to ensure that this place never loses its wonder. For visitors that want to make a difference wherever they go, there’s an upcoming event that allows participants to leave a lasting impact on Rainy Lake while enjoying an activity you already love.

Need some practice before your sign up? There is a plethora of well-groomed trails to discover. Visitors have been traveling to Rainy Lake for years to ride the trails and sightsee the beauty of the north under a thick blanket of white snow. Voyageur Trail Society keeps up-to-date trail conditions on their site here throughout the winter months.
​
​If you’d like to find some straight shots or wide open space, check the trail map. We’ve prepared a checklist to review before you get on your sled to ensure you stay safe and are prepared for the conditions.

​February: the month when we celebrate love, romance, and human connection. It’s a peak time for the greeting card, candy, and floral industries with retail prices at an all-time high. For many, Valentine’s Day gifts are a phone call or click away. From a fresh bouquet to a stunning bracelet, the gift mold was set long ago. But we’re here to pose this question: “What if you gave the gift of time, attention, and adventure?” That’s where Rainy Lake comes in.

We talk extensively about family plans, but every now and then, few things sound better than a romantic getaway for two. No work emails, no children, and no extended family; just a sweet and romantic escape for you and your significant other.
To help you picture the possibilities, we’ve got a few suggestions to make the most of your romantic getaway:
​

1. Build a fire: If you choose lodging with a fireplace, don’t forget to bring marshmallows and roasting sticks plus all the fixin’s you might need for the ultimate s’mores (may we suggest peanut butter for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup lovers?).
2. Hit the trails: By snowshoe or snowmobile, there are endless trails to explore, just the two of you. Check out this map, plan your route, and pick a cozy, quiet little corner of the lake to stop at for a bite or breather.
3. Catch and cook your meals: Cooking is a fun way to spend time together. Take it a step further and go ice fishing together for your next meal. It’s not only a thrill to catch your own food, but it can also be a fun competition to see who can catch the larger fish.
4. Board games and books: Bring a few of your favorite board games to play in the solitude of the north. Set your phone to airplane mode and get ready to set a new high score while playing a game you love with the person you love even more. Not into games? Bring a few books. Read aloud to each other or just cozy up by the fire and dive into your own little world in comfort.
5. Star gaze and bird watch: Look up during the day to watch the native birds go about their busy day. After the sun sets, grab a blanket and find a window that’s big enough for you both to peer up at the sky and stargaze. The skies get dark enough to see constellations with the naked eye, but if you’re an amateur astronomer, pack your telescope and get a clearer glimpse at the planets and stars in our vast galaxy. On clear nights, you might even see the Northern Lights.

 
Winter months in Rainy Lake don’t mean this northern neck of the woods slows down one bit. There are so many ways you can plan a romantic trip for two at Rainy Lake. Ready to explore more? Check out these lodging options and our calendar of events to help you plan your vacation for two.