Rainy Lake Fishing Report: Fishing Action Improving

Fishing Tip
Suspending twitch baits can bring some of the most exciting spring action with nearly every species Rainy Lake has to offer.  Often however; these baits are fished too fast when the water is cold and fish are not in an aggressive mood.  The key to more strikes is in the pause.  Even a pause of five to ten seconds is not too long, but to a waiting angler that feels like eternity.  Counting the seconds on each pause can help you force yourself to wait.  And don’t be afraid to change it up, Jerk-Jerk-Pause two seconds, Jerk-Jerk Pause five seconds.  When you get a strike remember what you did and repeat it.


Fishing Report

Walleye:
With water temperatures in the high forties to mid-fifties walleyes have remained slightly behind in their traditional movements.  They are being caught in bays where water temperatures are slightly above that of the main lake.  Windblown shorelines and points have been most productive.  1/16 to 1/8th ounce jigs tipped with a minnow or plastic have been effective.  With the cold weather the need to slow down and be methodical can’t be understated.  Action on spinner rigs is starting to pick up.  With warmer weather in the forecast the bite is only expected to get better.

Smallmouth Bass:
Due to the cold temperatures Smallmouth have yet to begin nesting.  Most fish are being caught near their traditional spawning area staging up on windy points, large boulders or any other significant structure near potential spawning sites.  Suspending twitch baits have worked great.  A long pause is the key to more strikes.  As always plastics and hair jigs are great go-to options.

Crappie:
Crappies are shallow in the three to five-foot range.  Most crappies are being caught using a slip bobber and a minnow.  Turns and points in bull rushes as well as on and around sunken rocks have been the key.  

Northern Pike:
Pike have finished their spawning weeks ago but remain shallow and near spawning areas.  Bays protected from larger bodies where water has had a chance to warm faster are a good place to start.  Spinner baits, spoons and most significantly suspending twitch baits have been most productive.

-Our fishing report is courtesy the Rainy Lake Guide Association.
-Photo Courtesy Minnesota Arrowhead Association
-This post was brought to you by Rainy Lake Guide Association.