Rainy River early season

[IceHawk]

I plan on hitting it. The problem for me is usally when you can get the big rig in is when the snow geese show up in SD. I will agree the fishing can be fantastic. Over the years we have had 100 plus fish days on the river. If you time it out right you can CPR numerous walleyes in the 7-9 lb range.

[Deemo]

Sorry to ask but when does this start? Is it earlier than the opener? Sounds like fun Would really like to head up there.

[Guest]

Any one planning a trip up to the Rainy River for the early season? If not you should seriously consider it. We had a blast last year and caught very few pigs under 4lbs. What a blast! Don't forget about the bonus monster sturgeon!!!

[IceHawk]

The river usally starts opening twoards the end of march give or take a week or two. Alot depends on the size of the boat you want to use. Small boats will drag over the ice to open water, while larger ones have to wait for the landings to become ice free. The trick is to fish before the water gets to dirty, clear water seems to be the ticket.
The season ends april 15 so you have to shoot for that open window of opportunity between ice off and the close of the season.

[Guest]

Last two years we have went on the very last weekend and did fine but after listening to icehawk I am considering a change, maybe move it up to the last weekend of March. I have a feeling that this year we might have late ice problems though...just a feeling?

[fiskyknut]

I live up here so I'm doing it as soon as we can skid a little boat over the shore ice. I am waaaaay anxious! When the ramps open up I then head back onto the ice for prespawn hogs to avoid the weekend masses! I will fish the open water up there still on weekdays as the crowds are thinner, but on the weekends, whoa is it a total zoo. If I remember right 98 we were able to get out in late Feb. This year looks like it will be a more typical thaw. Keep an eye on the Rainy river and LOTW forums for conditions. Sandee from ClementsonAccessOnRainyRiver resort has a HSOforum that is chocked full of excellent year around info on the Rainy, she updates daily as the season kicks in. Check it out....Simply superb info.

rainyriverresort.com

See ya out there....Fisky

[Guest]

With the cold weather we are having , the weather will have to get real warm to have a season this year.

[Guest]

Never fear...you may have to push across 12' of shore ice but, the river WILL be open enough to fish by April 1 at he latest.

[fiskyknut]

That may be wishful thinking Chiro. If it don't thaw there is still superb fishing on the lake thru the ice for us anyways.

Fisky

[Guest]

Very true Fiskynut! As long as there are some hawgs to catch I am happy...BUT...a guy has to keep the hope alive you know.

[Deemo]

Still looking for places to stay. Anyone have any ideas of a place on the river. Where would you stay if u had to choose? Thanks

[Guest]

Deemo,
I'd be interested to know what you find out. Last year we stayed at the Baudette Motel...little too much partying at all hours for my liking.

[Wigeon]

For the last 3 years I've been staying at the AmericanInn. Clean,quiet, almost every parking stall has outlet for charging the boat. Fish cleaning shed is very nice. Sittng in the hottub after fishing all day is also very nice

[Guest]

Wigeon,
Can you remember what you paid per night?

[Wigeon]

chiro I believe it was 60-70 a night. We were there during the week, its cheaper during the week than weekend. Four of us and we stayed for 4 nights, each of us paid for one night.

[Guest]

Any predictions on when the river will open up this year? I am getting a little worried.