rainy 1-23

[JohnWester]

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN)

Ice conditions have greatly improved, with more ice access now available; anglers are heading to more areas east of Sand Bay. The bite has been good, especially in the early hours of daylight and late afternoon. Birch Point, American Narrows, Rainy Lake City and MacIntyre Island are the current hot spots. Walleye have been in the general area of 30-feet deep, but some have been caught in shallower water near structure. Last week, there were at least two 29+ inch walleyes pulled through the ice. Try a glow jig and minnow for starters. Snowmobile trails still need more snow to be groomed and are described as rough. Lake trails staked in the Voyageurs National Park are a little better, but the safety portages have some exposed rocks and are described as rough. The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club has arrangements for a trail from International Falls to Rainy Lake via the village of Ranier. Be sure to follow the signs and obey all rules. The up-to-date trail conditions are reported at their website www.ridetheborder.com