Rainy Lake, Minnesota

[ssmith1]

Hey guys, I have a group of 8 of us who pull our 4 bass boats up every year and we are looking for a new place to fish. We have been going to Lake Vermillion but it is getting pretty crowded and it is time for new water. We mainly target the smallmouth and would love to catch some over 5lbs. We also enjoy catching the pike.

Is Rainy Lake on the Minnesota side pretty good for smallmouths? Does this lake get a lot of pressure?

Also, thinking about staying at Island View Lodge. Any info about this place?

[basscla]

You certainly can catch bass on MN side. I usually fish for them on Canadian side. Not much pressure on the bass. I would urge you to consider fishing the Canadian side as it's easier to get out of the wind. More islands and structure. Very easy going to/from MN to Canada.

Island view is nice and so is ShaSha. I live close to island view, so if you come up, give me a shout.

[ssmith1]

Do you go by boat over or do you drive across the border?

I have only found one cabin at Island View that would work for us. I may look on the Canadian side.

[basscla]

Do you go by boat over or do you drive across the border?

I have only found one cabin at Island View that would work for us. I may look on the Canadian side.

Boat over, just need Ontario fishing license.

Thunderbird lodge has cabins also and is near island view.

[bass-o-maticjm]

Wait for Hydrashack to post. Okie transplant here in MN that has been going to the Canadian side for a number of years now.

[hydrashack]

Scott,
I grew up in Grove and now live in the twin cities. Been going up to Rainy for the past 25 years. I am sure you can catch them on the MN side, but the Canadian side is worth the effort.

I have stayed at LaBelles for the past ten trips up. Camp Narrows is another nice spot.

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions.

I go up every year in early June. I think it is the best time. I have been up in May, June, July, August and September. June hands down is my pick.

[ssmith1]

hydrashack, I sent you an email. I really appreciate the help.

Thanks to everyone for all of the posts.

[hydrashack]

Scott,
Replied to your email.

Let's connect on a call. Too much to write and chat through.

-Shack

[lundfisherman]

I go up every year in May. Have been for years. I stay on the Canadian side. Taylor's Cove at Bear Pass about 45 minutes from the border east of Fort Francis. Easy to get to. Great fishing & he has cabins that will accommodate your group.

[ssmith1]

I sent you an email if you don't mind answering a few questions.

Thanks

[croix-man]

My dad and I stayed at Island View last year. It was our first time to Rainy Lake. We mainly fished for walleye but I did catch some nice smallies and northern. This year we are staying at Coppen’s on the Canada side. Also look at Camp Idlewood.