Warmer weather...time to fish!

Crazy enough, we are already up upon our fourth weekend of fishing. Many things have changed already in this season such as the temp of the water and air, the lake levels, and where you can find the fish...but many things haven't changed such as basic fishing knowledge of where to fish on a windy day (fish on the side of the island or bay where the water is blowing into) and where to get your bait from!
Fishing has been excellent-
Great ideas are to the extent of GULP leeches for bass fishing..people that find them can seemingly only catch them on GULP.
Crappie fishing isn't the greatest because of the water temp-recently a high of 63 and a low of 40. There hasn't been any steady temp lately therefore making them scattered and hard to find as a school, but they can be found! You will most likely catch one or two here or there but if you keep moving you should pick up a limit-it's only going to get better as the water warms up.
Most walleys that are being caught right now are in the 15-20 inch range, good places to try fishing are Stop Island, Jackfish Bay, The Narrows, and the Northwestern side of Big American Island. Try using a lindy right with either a chub or a small size shiner.
Keep fishing,
Sara Lindberg

Opener is coming quickly!

Unlike last year, ice is out already on just about most of the lake! As we approach the fishing opener, each fishermen or women wants to know where to go...well with the cold windy weather and cloudy days, it is best known that so far the walleyes are going to be pretty shallow at about 20 feet. I believe the fishing is going to be excellent for opener unlike the weather.

But..the weather is what is going to make the fishing so well! It will most likely be in the low 60's and slight rain. Don't be detoured by this weather because the fishing is definitely going to pay off when you crank up thoses monster walleyes..and the good eaters! The best ideas for fishing areas are on the river mouths. Try a light jig of 1/8 or 1/4 ounce or try a Lindy Rig! Top them off with a minnow, test all kinds. Leaches are not going to be a good idea because of the temperature and the supply to the bait shops. For other locations try offshore of an island, don't go to one with too steep of a drop-off. Such islands for example would be on the southside fo Red Pine Island or the south side of Bushyhead.

Good luck next weekend, and remember the regulations! DNR will be out checking!
Come to Rainy Lake for the early opener and the small crowds!

Sara Lindberg