RAINY LAKE/RIVER 5-7-2007

[JohnWester]

Rainy River sturgeon fishing has been very good. The rules call for catch-and-release fishing from May 8-15, so you still have a chance to hook one of the largest game fish in Northern Minnesota. The crappie and smallmouth seasons remain open. Anglers hitting the waters below the dam at International Falls are catching smallmouths, but there?s been little word of fishing on Rainy Lake. The ice is just barely out, but the suggestion is to try fishing shallow areas with dark rocky or mud bottoms where the water will warm the most first. Northern Pike remain open, and some nice ones have been caught in Rainy Lake using a hook and rubber worm combo. The lake and river will both be good bets for Walleye when the season opens May 12, try anchoring and jigging with a minnow. Wildlife watchers will find most birds have migrated north and nesting has started. Ruffed Grouse are drumming, Sharptails are dancing and the distinctive Loon call can be heard near all northland waters. Conditions have been dry, so hiking won?t earn you wet feet, but remember to be very careful with fire, as fire danger remains high.

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