Walleye Fishing
Spring fishing begins at Nelson Landing in Birchdale MN, the first boat landing west of the Manitou Rapids that opens on the Rainy River each year. Many times you may have to slide your small boat across the ice to get it into the water, which many do. But eventually they clear the remaining ice and it’s game on for all types of boats. As the ice recedes, the next consecutive boat landings heading west to Lake of the Woods are as follows: Frontier (Border), Vidas (Clemenson), Timber Mill (East Baudette), The Baudette Airport Landing, Bayview Lodge, Rainy River Marina, and finally at the mouth of the Rainy River is the Public access at Wheelers Point (the closest access to Four Mile Bay and Lake of the Woods).
The reason each of these landings bring the multitudes of boats in the spring is that each and every season 6% of the total Walleye population on Lake of the Woods (all 997,000 acres) finds their way into the Rainy River to spawn. The Walleyes ideal spawning water temperature is right around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of them are big females full of eggs, which means BIG HOG WALLEYES! With this time of year bringing the “picture takers” into such a small confined area, it is a fisherman’s dreams come true. The possession limits has been reduced to catch and release only. This time of year for me represents an opportunity to catch, photograph and release absolutely everything, while enjoying the blessing of some ultimate rod bending fun. The Walleye fishing ends every season on April 14th.
Guided Fishing Trip – $600
All guided fishing trips are for 1-3 people lasting 6 hours. All guided fishing trips will include the guide, fishing equipment, bait and fish cleaning.
Sturgeon Fishing
After the Walleye season closes the Rainy River Sturgeon fishing takes center stage. This will attract maybe even more anglers trying their hand at landing one of our areas prehistoric dinosaurs. The average Sturgeon caught will range form 25 to 50 lbs., with the possibility of catching one that exceeds 100 lbs. So don’t think you’re going to bring your Walleye rod unless you’re looking for a 45 minute to 2 hour fight per Sturgeon…having the right equipment is key. There is a harvest season on the Sturgeon, which typically will last from 3rd weekend in April to the 1st weekend in May. You may harvest 1 per season with a $5 permit purchased from the State. The Sturgeon slot is between 45 – 50 inches or anything over 75 inches to harvest…everything else must be released. For the most part 99% of Sturgeon fishermen who visit us each season will take a picture of their mighty accomplishment and release it back into the depths, from which it came. Sport fishing at it’s best!
I cannot stress this enough, the weather this time of year is completely unpredictable and it is imperative to bring adequate attire to stay warm and dry.
Guided Fishing Trip – $600
All guided fishing trips are for 1-3 people lasting 6 hours. All guided fishing trips will include the guide, fishing equipment, bait and fish cleaning.
Canadian Lake Trout Fishing
For Spring Canadian Lake Trout Fishing information, please contact the Lake of the Woods Outdoorsman for all the details…(218) 280-9731 or [email protected].