Deep Walleye Tactics - Rainy

[Scott M]

I want to get some fish on Rainy out of deep water (30-40 ft). I'm thinking jigs and leeches or minnows, maybe long lining cranks, or bottom bouncers with crawlers or something. Any other good rig suggestions or things to keep in mind or look for when fishing deep?

[PerchJerker]

I'd probably lean toward a 3-way rig, if you're moving around and trying to cover water. I'm assuming there's a lot of depth change, and a 3-way is great for keeping close to the bottom. Fish cranks or crawlers on it.

If the fish are stacked up or you're fishing smaller areas where you're staying right over the fish or the structure, then a jig and minnow, drop shot rig, or minnow on a kahle hook with 3/8 oz of weight 18 inches up the line is hard to beat.

[eyepatrol]

Hey Scott! I'd pose this question in the Rainy Lake forum also. There are guys who live up there and fish it a lot that can probably give you some good advice on top of what Perchjerker mentioned.

Good luck and have fun!

[Schnauzer]

I have caught walleyes using three way rigs in water 35-55' on Rainy. I agree it is a great presentation to start your efforts in deeper water on that lake.

[jts]

What kind of speed would you run a 3 way rig? Would you speed it up like a bottom bouncer or slow like a lindy rig?

[nblasin]

Just got back from fishing/camping on Rainy over the weekend. The walleyes were biting pretty darn good. All sizes of fish except for the real big mommas this trip. Biggest was 23". Best depth was 32-40 ft. We had our best luck on crawlers. Tried leeches but were much more finicky. Remember if you think it is a small fish you might want to release, bring them up slow so their air bags don't pop.

We were using plain lindy's or small spinners with 3/8 slip sinkers. Had no problem feeling bottom while fishing in some wind. Good luck, it is so beautiful up there!