Fish Rainy Lake
Whether you are out for a trophy northern or just a nice stringer of walleye, Rainy
Lake delivers! Oh, did I mention crappies? smallies? We got them too.
With a total surface area of over 227,500 acres, 75% (170,625 acres) of Rainy Lake is
located in Canada and 25% (56,875 acres) lies on the United States side. Rainy Lake has
1,600 islands with over 635 miles of shoreline and 929 miles of shoreline on the mainland,
contributing to the1,564 total miles of shoreline.
The elevation of Rainy Lake is 1,108 feet and an average depth of 32 feet. Containing more
than 2 cubic miles of water, which is more than a trillion gallons of water or about 275
gallons for every person on the planet.
From snowmobiling to ice fishing, cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, the winter months
on Rainy Lake provide even more opportunities for outdoor play. Each spring residents and
visitors try to predict when boat travel from Island View to Kettle Falls is unrestricted
by ice. Ice out is sometimes early and sometimes late, but always celebrated on the lake.
The earliest recorded ice out was April 6, 2012 and the latest recorded ice out was May
22, 1950
There are no horsepower restrictions on Rainy Lake but personal watercraft and jet skis
are not allowed in Voyageurs National Park.
| Rainy Lake Minnesota Fishing Limits |
| Walleye/Sauger |
Limit of 8 (not more than 4 can be walleye), 18-26 inches must be released, one(1)
above 26 inches |
| Northern |
Limit of 3, with only one(1) above 30 inches |
| Smallmouth |
Limit of 6, no size restrictions |
| Crappie |
Limit of 10, no size restrictions |
| Perch |
Limit of 20, no size restrictions |
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Canada Fishing Regulations
Anglers may choose between a Sport Fishing License and a Conservation License.
| Rainy Lake Canadian Fishing Limits (Sport License) |
| Walleye/Sauger |
Limit of 1 per day and 4 in possession, Walleye must be between 13.8-17.7 inches and
only one above 27.6 inches |
| Northern |
Limit of 4, none between 27.6 - 35.4 inches and one above 35.4 inches |
| Smallmouth |
Limit of 2, must be less than 13.8 inches before July 1st. Limit of 4, no size
restrictions after July 1st |
| Crappie |
Limit of 15, no size restrictions |
In addition to your Canadian license a "Remote Area Border Crossing Permit" must
also be obtained if you plan to land your boat on Canadian soil. It is HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED that you get your permit 4 weeks ahead of arrival. The following link is
to Canadian customs if you wish to get your R.A.B.C. online: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Non Residents may obtain their Canadian outdoors card and fishing license ahead of arrival by calling
1-800-288-1155 or by going online: www.huntandfishontario.com
Guide Services
Not sure where the fish are biting? Get an experienced guide.
Although Camp Idlewood does not employ an on-site fishing guide, the International Falls
area has no shortage of talented local guides. Based on your specific needs and goals for
your trip, we can refer you to licensed and insured local guides who provide boats and
equipment to make your fishing trip hassle-free.
A guided fishing trip on Rainy Lake typically costs between $300 and $500. Of course these
rates vary based on the number of people in your party, as well as the length of your trip
and add-on features (shore lunch, bait, gas, etc.). We recommend that you have a brief
discussion with your guide before leaving shore to cover your expectations of your trip.
Ask him to show you how to navigate the Coast Guard navigational buoys, point out areas of
interest. Also discuss if you would like to fish areas farther down the lake or those
closer areas that will be easy to find again later in the week? Remember you're paying
him, it's your trip, and YOU'RE THE BOSS.
Early and late in the season you can usually book a guide with a one/two day notice. In
June, July and August we advise you to book several weeks ahead. Please give us a call or
e-mail if you need more information on guides. We will be happy to help you out.
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