Rainy Lake

How big is Rainy Lake?

How deep is Rainy Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Rainy Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Rainy Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Rainy Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Rainy Lake East

Rainy Lake West

Are there boat launches on Rainy Lake?

Rainy Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Rainy Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Rainy Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Rainy Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Rainy Lake?

Rainy Lake is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest lakes in Minnesota. The Large Lake Program includes annual population assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys. A variety of sampling gear is used during population assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages. These gear types include gill nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Rainy Lake. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year in order to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species.

The walleye gillnet catch in 2016 was 5.2 fish/net, which is near the historic median for Rainy Lake. For the past 18 years the Walleye gill net catch rate has been at historically high levels. The Walleye catch rate from 1983 to 1994 averaged 3.98 per net; since 1995 the average is 7.42 per net. The 2015 and 2016 catch rates were down from the 7.96 per gill net captured in 2013 but within the range from recent years. Age 4 walleyes from the 2012 year-class composed the largest portion of the catch at 21.0 percent. The 2011 year-class is the most recent strong year-class to recruit to the fishery. However, this large year-class is growing slower than average for Rainy ranging from 10.7 to 17.7 inches long and averaging 13.6 inches in the 2016 survey. Overall, gillnetted Walleyes ranged in length from 5.2 to 25.7 inches long and had an average length of 13.3 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Rainy Lake; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock.

Sauger numbers are low, growth is slow, and they generally do not reach a large size in Rainy Lake. Occasionally larger Sauger are encountered in the Black Bay area. The overall gill net catch rate was 1.63 Sauger/net in 2016. Lengths ranged from 7.4 to 14.7 inches and averaged 10.3 inches.

The gillnet catch of Northern Pike was 1.75 fish/net, lower than the historic average for Rainy. Northern Pike catch rates have been consistently low in recent years. However, Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 17.2 to 36.9 inches in 2016. The average length was 23.5 inches. Reports of anglers catching large Northern Pike 40 inches or longer are not uncommon on Rainy Lake.

Yellow Perch numbers and sizes have increased in recent years in Rainy Lake. The 2016 gill net catch rate was lower than recent surveys at 5.83 fish/net and slightly lower than the historic average. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 4.8 to 11.7 inches and the overall average was 8.3 inches. Yellow perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish. Fifty-five percent of the 2016 gill net catch measured eight inches or longer and 21 percent were 10 inches or longer.

An electrofishing boat is used as the standard sampling gear for smallmouth bass because they are not effectively caught in standard assessment nets. Thirty-four smallmouth bass were caught while electrofishing in 2016 for a catch rate of 21.1 fish/hour, similar to what has been seen in recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 3.9 to 19.3 inches and averaged 11.5 inches. Smallmouth Bass growth on Rainy Lake is slow compared to area and state averages. However, there are memorable and trophy sized smallmouth bass present. Smallmouth bass over 19 inches are often caught in our sampling gear including a 19.3 inch bass caught during electrofishing in 2016. A smallmouth bass measuring 19.2 inches long and weighing 4.4 pounds was caught in a 2013 gill net on Rainy Lake. Smallmouth bass harvest numbers are very low on Rainy Lake, and angler opportunities in 2016 should remain good.

Trap nets are set in Black Bay and the lower Rat Root River each spring targeting Black Crappies. A total of 115 crappies were caught in 2016 for a catch rate of 5.75 per net. This catch rate is lower than 2015 but among the highest ever recorded for Rainy Lake. Lengths ranged from 5.4 to 15.0 inches and averaged 11.0 inches. Fifty-one percent of the catch was from the 2012 year-class. Three consecutive years of good Black Crappie production and recruitment on Rainy from 2010-2012 is driving the increase in numbers. The 2010 year-class averaged 12.3 inches long while the 2012 year-class averaged 10.1 inches in 2016. Eighty percent of the Black Crappies caught in the 2016 survey were over 10 inches long and 30 percent were 12 inches or longer. The high catch rates and large sizes will provide good angler opportunities over the next few years.

Rainy Lake is known to be infested with spiny waterfleas. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.

What is the average air temp for Rainy Lake?