Exploring Rainy River
The Rainy River forms part of the border between Minnesota and Ontario. Anglers and boaters know it as one of the region’s best places for fishing, paddling, and spring walleye action.
Each spring, anglers come here for walleye fishing. Canoers and kayakers also use the river’s many access points along its 85-mile route. After a day on the water, nearby resorts give visitors a place to rest and recharge.
The Route
The Rainy River begins near the west end of Rainy Lake. From there, it flows past International Falls, Minnesota and Fort Frances, Ontario.
The river then travels west-northwest toward Baudette, Minnesota and Rainy River, Ontario. Eventually, it enters Four Mile Bay on Lake of the Woods.
Its watershed includes forest, peatland, and bogs that formed from ancient Lake Agassiz. In the past, fur traders, lumber mills, and commercial fishing boats all used these waters.
River Fishing
Rainy River ranks among the best fishing destinations in America. Each spring, resident walleyes move into the waterway and give anglers a chance to land a “lunker.”
The early fishing season usually runs from early March through mid-April. However, anglers should check current Minnesota DNR fishing regulations before planning a trip.
Although walleye is the river’s premier gamefish, anglers also target sturgeon, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
In addition, multiple access points give visitors options for exploring Rainy River.
U.S. Rainy River Access Points
Multiple access points mean options abound for exploring Rainy River. However, visitors should note that camping is not allowed at these boat launch sites unless stated otherwise.
International Falls and Pelland Access Points
Ron Hall Memorial Access in International Falls is on Shorewood Drive and includes a parking area across the street.
Kuttes Landing is just east of the junction of Highway 71 and Highway 11 at Pelland. Reedy Flats Access sits on the south side of State Highway 11, along the Bigfork River.
Black River Access is in Loman. Furthermore, camping is available in authorized areas of the park.
Baudette Area Rainy River Access Points
Manitou Rapids Access is approximately 34 miles east of Baudette on Highway 11, or about ½ mile west of the Indus School. However, this primitive access works best for boats you can carry or transport on the marked ATV trail. The site includes ample shore fishing areas.
Upper Sault Access is near Franze Jevne Park at the end of Koochiching County Road 85, just east of Birchdale. Because of that, small boats work best at this ramp.
Nelson Park – Birchdale north of Birchdale on Koochiching County Road UT 118, which runs from State Highway 11 to Nelson Park. In addition, the site has a double ramp and allows camping in designated areas.
Frontier Access is approximately 17 miles east of Baudette along State Highway 11.
Vidas Access is 1.5 miles east of Clementson at the end of Koochiching County Road UT 392. Also, signs help direct traffic and reduce congestion.
Baudette Access in Timbermill Park includes a boat access with a double ramp and is located near the City Park, on the east edge of Baudette. However, visitors cannot camp at the access itself. Instead, they can camp in authorized areas of the City Park.
Finally, Wheeler’s Point Access is located 12 miles north of Baudette on State Highway 172, near the mouth of the Rainy River. The site includes boat access near the river mouth.
Together, these Rainy River access points give anglers and boaters several ways to reach different sections of the water.