Lake Sturgeon
Once nearly wipe out of the Rainy River, sturgeon are now a very popular fish for anglers. These fish are famous for their large size and unique appearance. Females of this long-lived species typically don’t spawn for the first time until their mid-20s!
Lake sturgeon fishing is most popular during the spring which are typically areas of the river with rapids. Anglers commonly use multiple nightcrawlers and/or minnows for bait. Bring appropriate gear if you hope to land a large sturgeon. Extra heavy rods, 100-pound line, and large nets or cradles capable of holding a 6+ foot fish are a must.
Sturgeon are some of the most incredible and fragile fish in our area. These prehistoric giants can reach over 70 inches and weigh several hundred pounds. Because of their size and unique physiology, special care is needed:
- Never hold sturgeon vertically doing so can cause internal damage due to the weight of their own organs.
- Avoid grabbing them by the gills, especially on larger fish.
- The best method: one hand on the tail (firm grip) and the other under the belly to support the body. If the sturgeon is especially large, two anglers should cradle the fish together.
- When possible, release sturgeon in the water. Use a large net if needed and gently remove the hook without lifting the fish into the boat.
Note: Anglers must follow specific seasons and tag requirements when targeting sturgeon. Spring and fall are catch-and-release only, while the early fall harvest season allows for one sturgeon per year with a valid tag. Always check the current DNR regulations before fishing.
MN Catch and Release Record: 73 inches, Rainy River
Walleye & Sauger
Walleye are the most desired gamefish for Rainy Lake anglers. The sauger is very similar in appearance and behavior and is frequently caught by anglers targeting walleye. The self-sustaining populations of both species in Rainy Lake contain a wide range of sizes for anglers to eat or hang on the wall. The Rainy River also holds a popular early fishing season for walleye while the rest of Minnesota’s waters are closed to walleye fishing.
The early spring season on the Rainy River us popular for anglers looking to catch trophy sized walleye. Late summer gishing over mid-lake rock reefs is popular on Rainy Lake.
A jig and a minnow is always a good option.
Handling walleye: Grip walleyes by sliding your fingers under the hard cartilage in the gill plate but never touch the red gills themselves. For larger fish, support their body horizontally by placing your other hand under the belly.
Minnesota State Record: 17 lb 8 oz, 35¾″ (Seagull River/Saganaga Lake)
Northern Pike
The Northern Pike is a toothy predator found in many Minnesota lakes. These fish grow to trophy sizes in large bodies of water with low-density populations, such as those found in Rainy Lake and Rainy River. The border water regulations offer a continuous season for extra fishing time in the spring when the rest of Minnesota’s waters are closed to pike fishing.
Norther pike move to shallow water to stage for spawning in the spring as the ice is melting. This is a great time for fishing with tip-ups. Anglers commonly catch large pike on live suckers, frozen melt and even hot dogs. During the summer they can be found near areas where there is heavy vegetation. Be sure to use tackle capable of landing 40+ inch fish.
MN Catch and Release Record: 46.25″ Mille Lacs Lake on January 22, 2023
45.25″ Rainy Rivers
Pike & Muskie Handling:
Use a firm grip on the gill plate cartilage and support their body horizontally, especially for larger specimens. Never hold by the eyes, a practice that can cause blindness.
Rainy Lake is also known for muskellunge, a closely related but much rarer species with separate seasons and regulations.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth are another aggressive predator in the Rainy Lake/Rainy River system. Known for their fighting ability, the smallmouth is a popular sportfish for tournament anglers. Rainy Lake is consistently in the top 100 bass lakes in the U.S. as ranked by the Bassmaster magazine, making it a prime spot for targeting these fish.
Smallmouth are most often near rock, where they can easily forage for crayfish. Crankbaits or jigs with plastics usually work well. Anglers who would like to test their skills usually have a few opportunities to compete in tournaments on Rainy Lake each summer.
MN State Record: 8 lbs 0 oz, caught in West Battle Lake (Otter Tail County) in 1948.
Bass & Crappies:
These can be safely lip-gripped and are relatively easy to handle. Be gentle and avoid squeezing their sides.
Crappie
In a lake full of large predators, the black crappie provides a great opportunity for Rainy Lake anglers who seek panfish. Rainy Lake is a hidden gem for crappie anglers, offering healthy populations that grow to impressive sizes. In spring, crappies move into shallow bays and protected shorelines to stage and spawn, making them accessible and fun to target. As summer settles in, look for schools relating to weed edges, timber, and deeper structure, especially during low-light periods.
Crappies here are commonly caught on small jigs, minnows, and soft plastics, and the lake also provides solid ice-fishing action during the winter months.
MN State Record: 3 pounds 13 ounces, caught on Cedar Lake in Rice County in 2024
