Grant Prokop (Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods) share the latest fishing report from the Rainy River on the northern border of Minnesota for late March, early April.

Rainy River Grant Prokop

Hey, Grant Prokop here from Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Cohasset. We’re currently on the Rainy River, and it’s March 29th. We’ve been having a great time catching a lot of fish, mostly around this size. But there are some big ones to be caught as well. The Rainy River is connected to Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake, which are known for their abundance of big fish.

The water temperatures here are ranging between 36 and 38 degrees, and the fish are definitely active. The bite has been good, although it’s not completely on fire yet. We’ve been catching a lot of fish in the 40 to 60 inch range. Today, we had a bit of a tough day, but we talked to other anglers who were catching a ton of fish, ranging from 12 inches all the way up to 30 inches. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to catch that 31-inch trophy fish that we heard about today.

One thing we’ve noticed is that the fishing tackle that has been working well for us is the Moxie’s and the Moxie Ringworm, both hooked on a precision jig. The precision jig is great because it has a bait keeper on the back, which helps keep the plastic bait securely in place. This is especially important when there’s a bit of wind and current, like we experienced today. Speaking of current, we were surprised to find that there was a bit more current than expected due to the wind. Despite this, we were still able to use three-eighth ounce jigs, while some anglers were using half-ounce jigs without any issues. If you prefer using live bait, a two-ounce jig should work just fine.

If you haven’t been to the Rainy River before, I highly recommend making the trip. It’s a unique and exciting experience. The other anglers out here are friendly and eager to chat about their fishing experiences. Don’t worry about overcrowding either. While there are a lot of boats, everyone is respectful and there’s plenty of space for everyone. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait at the access point. Bringing a bicycle along can make your life easier when navigating the area.

The fishing opportunities here are fantastic. In addition to walleye, you can also catch sturgeon, saugers, occasional pike, and even muskie if you’re lucky. Personally, I love the thrill of hooking a muskie, but today we had the excitement of hooking into a sturgeon. It’s always a fun experience, although I know some anglers prefer to avoid them. But regardless of your fishing preferences, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you come and check out the Rainy River area.

Don’t miss out on this great fishing opportunity. Plan a trip to the Rainy River and enjoy the abundance of fish and the friendly ang lers you’ll meet along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Rainy River offers something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Here are some key points to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip to the Rainy River:

• The Rainy River is connected to Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake, which are known for their abundance of big fish. So if you’re looking to catch some trophy-sized fish, this is the place to be.
• The water temperatures in the Rainy River are currently ranging between 36 and 38 degrees. This is the perfect temperature for fish to be active and feeding.
• The fishing bite has been good, although it’s not completely on fire yet. Anglers have been catching a lot of fish in the 40 to 60 inch range. However, there have also been reports of fish ranging from 12 inches all the way up to 30 inches.
• When it comes to fishing tackle, the Moxie’s and the Moxie Ringworm have been working well. These baits, when hooked on a precision jig, have been producing good results. The precision jig is especially effective because it has a bait keeper on the back, which helps keep the plastic bait securely in place.
• It’s worth noting that there has been a bit more current than expected due to the wind. However, anglers have still been able to use three-eighth ounce jigs without any issues. Some anglers have even been using half-ounce jigs. If you prefer using live bait, a two-ounce jig should work just fine.
• If you haven’t been to the Rainy River before, I highly recommend making the trip. The area offers a unique and exciting fishing experience. The other anglers you’ll encounter are friendly and eager to chat about their fishing adventures. So don’t be shy to strike up a conversation and learn from their experiences.
• While there may be a lot of boats on the river, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The anglers here are respectful and there’s a sense of camaraderie among them. So don’t worry about overcrowding.
• Be prepared for a bit of a wait at the access point. It’s a popular fishing spot, so there may be some congestion. Bringing a bicycle along can make it easier to navigate the area and find a good fishing spot.
• In addition to walleye, there are other fish species you can target in the Rainy River. Sturgeon, saugers, occasional pike, and even muskie can be found here. So if you’re looking for a variety of fishing opportunities, this is the place to be.
• If you’re lucky enough to hook into a muskie or a sturgeon, it’s sure to be an exciting experience. However, keep in mind that sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only, so be prepared to release them back into the water.
• Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Rainy River offers something for everyone. The fishing opportunities are fantastic, and the friendly anglers you’ll meet along the way will make your experience even more enjoyable.

So don’t miss out on this great fishing opportunity. Plan a trip to the Rainy River and enjoy the abundance of fish and the friendly anglers you’ll meet along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Rainy River offers something for everyone. So grab your fishing gear and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience.