Fishing Reports

Walleye and crappie are hitting on jigs tipped with minnows in Sand Bay and the best bite is early in the day. Other popular spots for walleye are near American Narrows, at the mouth of Black Bay and around the islands north of that. Most of the best fishing has been in the 30-35 foot depth range, but also in the shallower areas closer to the islands. The National Park Service ice road has greatly expanded access to the lake, just drive on at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Some big northern pike have been pulled from the mouths of Black Bay and Cranberry Bay and the best bait is a big minnow.

Follow up:

Snowmobile trails are in good shape and the groomers are operating on a regular schedule. There may be some thin patches where trails meet logging operations, but they are short. The Rainy Lake trails in Voyageurs National Park are all open and staked and area cross country ski and snowshoe trails are open and tracked.

For the most up-to-date information you can call the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1 800 325 5766.