Rainy Lake and International Falls.
Ice fishing has been great on Rainy Lake, jigging with minnows in anywhere from 25 to 35 feet of water has been working well from sand Bay eastward to Cranberry Bay. The best places to look for lurking northern pike are around Black Bay and there are sporadic reports of crappie in Sand Bay.
Some of the best ice fishing spots have been opened up with the Park Service Ice Road around the north side of Dryweed Island and looping back to the Cranberry Bay Road. There are lots of spots to try with portable gear along both stretches of ice road. Access to the Park roads is at the ramp at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
The area snowmobile trails are in great shape and riding conditions will be excellent for the next several days. All the park service snowmobile trails are open and staked as are all the ski and snowshoe trails. To get the latest snowmobile trails reports, go to the local club’s website at www.ridetheborder.com where they usually post info after every grooming run.
For the most up-to-date information you can call the International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-325-5766.
