Minnesota Vacations | Family Fun in the Rainy Lake International Falls Area
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Extended Walleye Season: March 1 through April 14

Visit Rainy Lake for Fishing, Lodging and Relaxation!

Spring Fishing on Rainy River and Rainy Lake

Rainy River and Rainy Lake offer a special opportunity for walleye anglers!

Walleye Fishing Season Details:
  • Inland waters in Minnesota close on February 28
  • Border waters extended season runs from March 1 through April 14
  • Rainy River spring season regulation allows Catch and Release only
  • Rainy Lake has an 8 fish "Keeper" limit. (4 Walleye / 4 Sauger)

Catch and Release:
Walleye on Rainy River are making their way to their spawning grounds. Get ready to reel in some big fish, snap a few photos and release those breeders back into the river. #onlyinMN

How to Access Rainy River:
  • Nelson Park at Birchdale is a popular launch spot
  • Carry-in access at Manitou Rapids near the Indus School
  • Ramp on the Big Fork River near Reedy Flats
  • Ramp at Kuttes Landing at Pelland Junction
  • Ramp in International Falls just off Shorewood Drive
Ramps closed? That indicates ice conditions are favorable for fishing on Rainy Lake. Bring portable ice fishing gear!

Sturgeon:
If the walleye aren't keeping you entertained, keep a hook out for huge Lake Sturgeon in the river. Sturgeon are catch and release only. Be sure to have a camera ready, because the Sturgeon pulled in from Rainy River may be the largest fish you will ever catch! Bring heavy gear and use a barbless hook. If you are fortunate enough to reel one in, try to keep it horizontal from catch to photo to release. Holding these monsters in a vertical orientation can cause internal injuries.

Can I keep any fish on Rainy Lake?
On Rainy Lake, you are allowed to keep some fish. Regulations allow you to keep 8 walleye or sauger. Only four can be walleye and any walleye between 18 and 26 inches must be released immediately. You are allowed to keep one walleye over 26 inches.

Where do I stay?
The Rainy Lake area offers a number of lodging options, including Resorts, Hotels/Motels, Houseboats, Vacation Rentals and Bed & Breakfasts:

Vacation Rentals offer quiet get-away retreat for Anglers
Enjoy a quiet get-away with your fishing buddies. With lakeside views, private swimming beaches, fire pits, docks and more, these rentals are truly homes away from home. With room to spread out – think full-size kitchens, multiple bedrooms and airy common rooms – as well as a plethora of activities, rentals are perfect for family getaways and reunions. While some of these homes are located on islands, many on the mainland are available throughout the year, providing 4-seasons of outdoor fun and a cozy home to enjoy. ​
Contact Vacation Rentals
Resorts, Cabins & BnBs provide extra amenities for Anglers
RESORTS, CABINS, BnB:
Whether your goal is simply R&R, landing a trophy fish or connecting with friends and family, a Rainy Lake resort or cabin is an ideal home base for all lake activities. Resorts provide hotel-quality amenities, and most include restaurants and bars, as well as access to boat rentals, fishing guides and other services. Cabins offer the best of both worlds by providing additional privacy for you and your party. Resorts and cabin are perfect not only for families and large groups, but also couples and smaller fishing parties. These options emphasize quintessential cabin living, where priorities include watching the sunset, hooking a “keeper” walleye, and gathering ‘round a campfire.

Contact Resorts, Cabins & BnBs
Hotels & Motels offer Economical way to fish and take a break from the lake
Located approximately 10-15 miles from Rainy Lake, hotels and motels can be more economical options. Popular with those who plan to spend all day on the lake, then return to clean, comfortable rooms for a good night’s sleep in order to repeat the same schedule the following day. Most have restaurants either on-site or next door, and many offer jacuzzi suites and other premium options such as an indoor pool. Open year-round, hotels and motels are gathering places for snowmobile enthusiasts who take advantage of the area’s winter climate to explore miles of wilderness trails.  ​
Contact Hotels & Motels
Houseboats let Anglers get up close and personal with the fish
With all the comforts of home coupled with the adventure of boat living, houseboat trips are perfect for families with members of all ages. Activity awaits around every island and hidden cove, from swimming and fishing to hiking and late-night camp fires. But houseboats are also a great choice for other groups and couples as well. Fishing parties will appreciate having a floating home base to return to, while everyone will enjoy exploring Rainy Lake up close. ​
Contact Houseboat Services
Photos by Full Throttle Guiding

Track your Catches, Release your dreams:

Printable Fishing Chart

Get some guidance:

Guides and Outfitters

Set records, catch whoppers, Release stress!

Plan your Trip

Only on Rainy. #onlyinMN

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International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier Convention and Visitors Bureau
301 2nd Avenue
International Falls, MN 56649

218-283-9401
Monday-Friday 8am-2pm
Saturday-Sunday Closed

Select photography by Kallie Kantos
© Rainy Lake All Rights Reserved 2017-2018 Admin | Waking Girl Web Design
  • Lodging
    • Vacation Rentals
    • Resorts, Cabins, B&Bs
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Houseboats
  • Things to do
    • ATV & Snowmobiling
    • Bass Tournament
    • Camping
    • Dining
    • Hiking & Biking
    • Northern Lights
    • Winter Activities
    • Shopping
  • Fishing & Boat Tours
    • Rainy Lake
    • Rainy River
    • Guide Services
    • Outfitters & Rentals
    • Voyageurs National Park Boat Tours
  • Voyageurs National Park
  • Events
  • BLOG
Get More Info