IDOfishing.com: Minnesota - Rainy River

my big fish of the trip at 28.5 "

Well it’s that time of year again, the annual Rainy River Spring walleye run. It happens every year like clock work! The warmer weather starts the thaw on the river which also trips the Lake of the Woods walleyes to begin the long..long...long trek up to the Big/Little Fork Rivers to spawn. Throughout the journey these fish need to feed, well angler’s line up by the hundreds sometimes thousands to intercept the migration of these fish in hopes of catching what might be that fish of a lifetime.

look how this fish inhaled the hair jig

Presentation for these fish is simple: Jig/minnow, jig/plastic, blade baits, and even hair jigs. Either vertically jigged, casting up stream, or casting down stream. Basically how ever you can get a bait to hold in the strike zone for the longest period of time will trigger these fish to bite. As these schools of walleye move up the river, they periodically stop in deeper holes to rest or feed. While these fish rest, your goal is to have your bait hang in front of there face until they put the smack down on that bait. Kind of like waving a French fry in front of a hungry child, soon or later they are going to eat it……and typically inhale it.

One of Brad's 30 " walleye for the weekend

These fish are HUNGRY so the color really didn’t matter as well as neither did the presentation. Whether you’re a beginner or a experienced fisherman you will catch fish, 100 fish days, as well as 200 fish days are not out of the question. If you like to catch walleyes, saugers, or even an occasional sturgeon this spring migration is something that you have to try. It also provides you a time to fine tune your fishing techniques for the upcoming season.

Steve with a nice healthy 27.5 " fish

A few things to remember about this privilege. Handle these fish carefully, practice CPR, and be considerate of others out enjoying the day! This river does handle a lot of boats very well, but remember to be safe! The river does have an imaginary line down the middle of the river that does separate the USA and Canada. If you plan to fish the Canadian side of the river, make sure you have a Ontario fishing license as well as a Remote Border Pass, if you are caught fishing on the other side of the line without either you will get fined.

Be safe....have fun...and enjoy this PRIVILEGE!

See you on the water...

Rainy River Spring Walleye Run