Heading to Rainy Lake in a couple of weeks and would like any input on a good quality map. Don't have a fish finder with GPS so i quess i will eihter need to buy a paper copy or something i can download. We will be staying at Thunderbird Lodge, if anyone has any advice about walleye or crappie fishing in that neck of the woods i would be greatful. Have been reading Rainydaze reports, i will try some of those techniquies. Thanks, appreciate the help, Rogan
The Rainy Lake paper map from Lakemaster will have the best detail as Lakemaster is the only mapping company that has done a high definition survey of that lake. If you don't have access to a GPS unit to run their mapping chip that is going to be the best route to go as far as accuracy and detail is concerned.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Well now, it looks like I need to check in with the guys at Lakemaster to see if a Rainy paper map is available. I did just check their website and I didn't see one listed. I'll shoot them an email and get back to you with their response.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Ok Wes, hand over the free map I just sent you (postage paid by receiver fyi), ido wise it would be cool to share for a bit. I ask that the map gets signed by all that use it, darn it, I forgot to do that before I sent it north. Rainy rocks! Ah, now that I typed the last and thought about the 'rocks', you should have a map. Watch out if you're in a barge up there by Soldiers Point and don't understand the buoys, good news is everyone will yell "boat 16! boat 16" on the STS. What fun we had a few weeks back, can't wait to get up there again.
I should explain the last post a bit I guess. I was up on Rainy a few weeks back, in prep I bought the south Rainy map from fishing hot spots. When I got back home, I posted here that I had the map and being that I wasn't planning on going up again for awhile (jeez, I wish I could every weekend!), I posted it free and sent it up north to IFalls to a fellow IDO'er. Now if we can that map used again... Sorry to the map makers, but it's like a good book and should be shared imho.
Quote: Sorry to the map makers, but it's like a good book and should be shared imho.
You guys are AWESOME to offer to help a guy out like this! And it sounds like a great way to share some hot spots too. The hand written notes left in the margins on an old paper map can be invaluable.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
They sell a laminated map of Rainy. I think it's 5 or 7 pages. It's a must have for those who fish Rainy. Spendy yes, around $35.00 I believe but worth every nickle IMHO.You can get them at Rainy One Stop or Woody's.
Don't even for one second consider going to Rainy without a quality map.
Quote: Don't even for one second consider going to Rainy without a quality map.
Not unless you want to be permanently lost, turned around and completely corn-fused. Pine trees and rock all start to look the same after, oh, about 2 of each.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Quote: Don't even for one second consider going to Rainy without a quality map.
Not unless you want to be permanently lost, turned around and completely corn-fused. Pine trees and rock all start to look the same after, oh, about 2 of each.
Every island, every bush, every rock all seems to look the same. I think the real problem is we get all turned around and confused by the constant jerking and landing of fish.
I feel the same way about having a gps & map chip.All the hazards that are present, the chip & GPS unit is a very small investment. If nothing else borrow one for the trip.
-------------------- Dean Marshall - Everts Fishing Resort
Located Below Lock & Dam #3 near Red Wing, MN!
Click on the Everts Resort banner above to visit our website!
Quote: Don't even for one second consider going to Rainy without a quality map.
Not unless you want to be permanently lost, turned around and completely corn-fused. Pine trees and rock all start to look the same after, oh, about 2 of each.
Every island, every bush, every rock all seems to look the same. I think the real problem is we get all turned around and confused by the constant jerking and landing of fish.
Or maybe we secretly want to get lost... so we can't go home.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Quote: Don't even for one second consider going to Rainy without a quality map.
Not unless you want to be permanently lost, turned around and completely corn-fused. Pine trees and rock all start to look the same after, oh, about 2 of each.
Every island, every bush, every rock all seems to look the same. I think the real problem is we get all turned around and confused by the constant jerking and landing of fish.
Or maybe we secretly want to get lost... so we can't go home.
Ummmm, that might explain the Yette, Bigfoot lookin' guy by the Brule Narrows!
Quote: I feel the same way about having a gps & map chip.All the hazards that are present, the chip & GPS unit is a very small investment. If nothing else borrow one for the trip.
When I was up there two weeks ago I used the Lakemaster chip in my LMS-112. We were able to go anywhere and everywhere, quickly, without worries. Even RainyDaze commented on how we were going places the first two days up there that took him several years to learn how to get in and out, safely.
As for the availability of that Rainy paper map from Lakemaster... I found the answer in their most recent newsletter. That newsletter was sitting in my email inbox as yet unread. After a quick read, here's what I found:
Coming Soon!
Rainy Lake Paper Maps
Watch for the all new LakeMaster Paper Maps for Rainy Lake available Fall/Winter of 2008. The Rainy Lake map series promises to be simply the best fishing maps on the market for Rainy Lake. Unequalled in detail, information, and quality fishing spots that will help put you on more fish faster and easier than ever!
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Boat 16! Boat 16! I'm a fairly good mapper, but without the gps I'd still be up there. Not a bad thing imho if that happened, the wife and kids may have gotten a little antzy. Rainy is like Lake Vermillion on steroids.
As I sit here with my morning cup of scanning through the best fishing website in the world I can't help but smile at the excitement over Rainy Lake. Flat out Gods country. I've taken over 30 trips into the BWCA and Quetico since I was a kid, and Voyageurs National Park is breathtaking. Experiencing it with a powerboat is Back saving! With that being said be very careful navigating without GPS mapping from Lowrance. The Hot Spot maps available are good maps. I've got one in my guide boats, and will look forward to a high defination one from Lake Master. Main channel rocks are marked with hazard bouys for the most part. Outside of that you will need to show caution. In all honesty if I am heading into a bay in the middle of nowhere I ALWAYS have my split screen Gps Mapping and Depth ON! I took out a lower unit in the Lower unit Graveyard in Black bay last year chasing crappies. Towed a guy in 4 days ago. Find yourself a safe route and save it to your GPS. Then you can expand your terrritory from there. Explore with your kicker or electric. Land of BIG FISH and BIG ROCKS!
Oh for the record I'm still lost up here, and there is nowhere I'd rather be. As a buddy of mine said once "Hey Buddy why did you choose to go so far up north?? That is a long way up there! I replied "AS soon as people don't think it is WAY up north then I'm going farther!!
Hey James suppose you could switch this valuable info to the Rainy Lake Forum. It would be easier for people looking for Rainy Lake info to find.
Oh Kudos on the sharing maps...
We eat at Thunderbird quite often! Great steaks!! If your bored or LOST give me a shout. When you cross Tilson creek public access you'll see the Daze headquarters across from the landing on the mountain. If there is a pile of ravens over the house don't worry!! Probably just after fish remains! LOL!
-------------------- Chris Granrud - RainyDaze Guide Service World-Class Walleye, Crappie, Pike & Smallmouth Bass Fishing! Visit RainyDaze Guide Service to book your next adventure!
You're welcome to use the Hotspots map Czech gave me - just PM me and let me know when you'll be at the T-Bird. I am out there or nearby either doing the creel survey or fishing frequently.
Quote: Well now, it looks like I need to check in with the guys at Lakemaster to see if a Rainy paper map is available. I did just check their website and I didn't see one listed. I'll shoot them an email and get back to you with their response.
I heard back from Lakemaster regarding the paper map for Rainy.
Quote: The Rainy paper won't go to print until later in Sept or early October. We're up on Rainy now revising a few details before the final paper version is read to go.
So, about another month.
-------------------- James Holst - In-Depth Outdoors TV Host IDA Guides Guide Service
Ph. 507-271-0362
Rainy Lake Map?
scanning through the best fishing website in the world I can't help but smile at the excitement over Rainy Lake. Flat out Gods country. I've taken over 30 trips into the BWCA and Quetico since I was a kid, and Voyageurs National Park is breathtaking. Experiencing it with a powerboat is Back saving! With that being said be very careful navigating without GPS mapping from Lowrance. The Hot Spot maps available are good maps. I've got one in my guide boats, and will look forward to a high defination one from Lake Master. Main channel rocks are marked with hazard bouys for the most part. Outside of that you will need to show caution. In all honesty if I am heading into a bay in the middle of nowhere I ALWAYS have my split screen Gps Mapping and Depth ON! I took out a lower unit in the Lower unit Graveyard in Black bay last year chasing crappies. Towed a guy in 4 days ago. Find yourself a safe route and save it to your GPS. Then you can expand your terrritory from there. Explore with your kicker or electric. Land of BIG FISH and BIG ROCKS! 