FISHING ON THE RAINY RIVER The Rainy River offers world class fishing. The spring and fall walleye run in the Rainy River creates some of the best fishing in the world. Each season brings a fresh round of activity to the Rainy.
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Can you fish the Rainy River right now?
Rainy River and Fourmile Bay (May 11th โ February 29th) โ Same as Lake of the Woods. (March 1st โ April 14th) โ Effective March 1st 2019, catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
What kind of fish are in the Rainy River?
Species Present: Walleyes, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskies, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Sturgeon, Yellow Perch, Emerald Shiners and other forage species.
How do you fish the Rainy River?

Can you keep walleye on Rainy River?
Rainy River โ Walleye opener through last day of February Walleye/sauger aggregate limit is 6 (not more than 4 can be Walleye). Walleye and sauger between 19.5 โ 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length can be possessed.
Can I fish both sides of Rainy River?
One of the questions we have been getting a lot lately is, “Can I fish the Canadian side of the Rainy River during the spring walleye season?” The answer is yes, butโฆ The spring walleye season runs from March 1st through April 14th on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay.
Is the Rainy River Open 2022?
As of March 21, 2022, the open water line on the Rainy River was at mile marker 168 near Indus. The open water is progressing at about (give or take) 3 miles per day. The Nelson Park access in Birchdale, MN is the first main boat ramp to open and it is located at about mile marker 156, about 26 miles east of Baudette.
How many tip ups can you fish with in Minnesota?
No more than two tip-ups may be used for ice fishing on Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters. Tip-ups may not be more than 400 feet from the angler.
How many walleye can you keep in Minnesota?
A person’s possession and daily limit for walleye and sauger is six in the aggregate, of which not more than four may be walleye and not more than one walleye may be over 26 inches in length.
How do you catch sturgeon on Rainy River?
Anglers typically choose areas to anchor just upstream from a deep hole in the river. The idea is when the sturgeon decides to eat, it swims upstream from the deep hole to shallower water to feed. Equipment to have ready. -Pliers to remove hooks from fish.
Can you keep sturgeon in Minnesota?
The catch and release season runs from early May until mid-May and early October until late April. This means from the second half of May until the end of June you cannot fish for sturgeon fishing. The rest of the year, you can fish for sturgeon.
How do you shore fish for walleye?

Where can I fish Rainy River in the spring?
For anglers who enjoy spring fishing for walleyes and sturgeon, Lake of the Woods is a no brainer. Known as The Walleye Capital of the World, the walleyes in this lake can get big and run up the Rainy River in the spring to adhere to their spawning ritual.
What direction does the Rainy River flow in Minnesota?
Forms the border: The Rainy River flows east to west, 86 miles from Rainy Lake to Lake of the Woods. It straddles the U.S./ Canada border, with estimated 41% of the drainage area in the United States (Minnesota) and 59% in Canada.
What is the slot limit on Rainy Lake?
Rainy Lake In 1994 we established a slot limit on this sprawling Canadian border lake. Anglers had to release all walleyes 17 to 25 inches long and could keep only one longer than 25 inches.
What is the limit for perch in MN?
Anglers in Minnesota may keep up to 10 crappie, 20 sunfish, 20 yellow perch, 30 rock bass and 30 white perch daily.
How many fish can I bring home from Lake of the Woods?
Anglers are allowed a combined limit of six walleyes / saugers, with up to four of the six being walleyes. One walleye is allowed over 28 inches. For pike, the daily limit is three fish. The slot in which you must release fish is 30 โ 40 inches long.
What size bass can you keep in MN?
While on or angling in the following waters, all largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in possession must be less than 14 inches in length or greater than 20 inches in length. All largemouth bass and smallmouth bass that are 14 to 20 inches in length, inclusive, must be immediately returned to the water.
How can you tell a walleye from a Sauger?
Difference Between Sauger and Walleye Body Color: Sauger are a brassy color with large dark blotches. Walleye are a solid golden color all across their upper body. Dorsal fin: Sauger have dark spots on their top (dorsal) fin. Walleye don’t have spots, but their last two spines are solid black.
How many walleye can you keep on Lake of the Woods?
Walleye and Sauger Lake of the Woods The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5 through 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed.
Where are the fish biting MN?
- Red Lake. Red Lake is one of the largest lakes in the North Star state, sitting at a whopping 107,800 acres.
- Cut Foot Sioux Lake.
- Snelling Lake.
- Rainy Lake.
- Otter Tail Lake.
- Annie Battle Lake.
- Spider Lake.
- White Bear Lake.
Does the Rainy River freeze?
In 2018, the Rainy River stayed frozen deep into April, later than normal. In 2016, the ice melted in mid-March, one of the earliest thaws ever recorded.
How many lines can you have in the water in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows one line per fishing license, with the exception of two lines allowed for ice fishing and for fishing on the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. The committee passed an amendment to the bill that exempts two-line authorization from specially regulated waters, such as trout streams and lakes.
Is it legal to fish at night in Minnesota?
Yes, it’s a thing in Minnesota, catching a walleye at midnight. If you ask me, it ought to be on that checklist titled “You’re not a real Minnesotan until you’ve โฆ” caught a walleye at midnight. Saturday is Minnesota’s walleye fishing opener.
What is the crappie limit in MN?
While a person is on or angling in the following waters, the daily and possession limit for black crappie is five and sunfish is five. Angling for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass is limited to catch and release only, whereby any largemouth bass or smallmouth bass caught must be immediately returned to the water.