2009 Rainy Lake Fishing Expectations
2009 should be another memorable fishing season on Rainy Lake. Walleyes will be plentiful; the stock of brood fish continues to grow each year. It is hard to believe but some of the walleyes are twenty years or older. I wonder what the age would be if they had a formula for age similar to dogs.
The 2006 year class is large; they will be the main population of fish that are legal to keep over the next couple of years.2008 was spectacular for crappies, 2009 may even be better. There are two very large back to back year classes that should provide plenty of action from spring through fall. One of the best crappie areas on Rainy Lake is Black Bay and the Rat Root River system.
Last September and October were unbelievable; you can expect more of the same this year. Northern Pike populations are growing in both size and numbers. Rainy Lake has a large population of pike that are starting to exceed 40”. The 40” mark is the mark used for trophy
consideration. Both Minnesota and Ontario have provided protection for the pike. In Ontario waters all pike must be released from 27 to 35.5 inches, Minnesota waters you are allowed one northern pike over 30”. These regulations have helped drastically in two different areas. The first is larger fish. The ability for the pike to thrive inside a slot limit has increased the number of larger fish. The population has also increased, the larger the fish the more eggs and the larger the amount of fry. Slot limits have also helped the fisherman become more cognizant of there own actions on the water. If you kill a 35” pike he will never be a 40” pike.
The smallies are probably the least successful spawning population in any lake. They are the last to spawn, need the warmest water, and hatch when there are the greatest amount of predators in shallow water. Catch and release fishing for smallmouth is critical for a continued strong smallmouth fishery.
If you would like updates while you are on the water you can call our office on the marine band radio. Often our guides can reach you by radio and give you an update. We are the only houseboat company with its own licensed professional guide staff.