Rainy Lake is an impressive winter fishing destination. The lake is large, dotted with hundreds of pine-studded islands and submerged reefs. Anglers who fish Rainy Lake during open water season will tell you this structure is ideal for superb winter angling too. Walleye, northern, crappie, smallmouth bass, whitefish, burbot, perch and tullibees are among the many species dwelling in Rainy Lake.

Ice fishing is the fastest growing winter sport in North America – primarily because of the high tech equipment now available to anglers. Rainy Lake lends itself well to the angler who has this equipment. Many visitors travel the lake via snowmachine (or ATV) and portable fish houses, heaters – you name it! Just ask your lodging representative (or bait shop employee) about current conditions and where the hot spots are.

For those who are not equipped, but desire the “mobile” experience, quality guide service is available through many of our lodging facilities. Of course, we also have various plowed roads on portions of Rainy Lake – where you can drive your vehicle, park and walk to a fishing hot spot – or you can rent an ice-fishing house that will be open and warm upon your arrival.

Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular ways to explore the Rainy Lake area. Visitors bring their own equipment – or rent snowmachines at various businesses. Skis and snowshoes are available through the Park Service.

First time snowmobilers to the area are awe-struck – and now make Rainy Lake an annual destination. The area boasts hundreds of miles of scenic and impeccably groomed trails. Most trails link to other trails in Minnesota and Canada. Voyageurs National Park has 110 miles of snowmobile trails – with the majority of them on the frozen lake surfaces of Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Mukooda and Little Trout lakes. Snowmobiling on park land surfaces is on the groomed safety portages and the Chain of Lakes scenic trail.

Numerous park area snowmobile clubs, the Park Service and Department of Natural Resources work in concert to mark and groom a network of trails – all for your riding pleasure and safety. All of the lodging facilities in International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake are tied directly into the trail system – for your convenience.

Whether you are ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing or snowshoeing, wildlife sightings are the highlight of any trip. Eagles, deer, otters, mink, wolves – and even moose – reside in the Voyageurs National Park area.