Gear & Tackle

Lakes & Reservoirs

Spin, Cast & Bait

Rainy Lake Fishing Guide

Minnesota

A 220,800 acre lake on the Minnesota and Ontario border near International Falls, where anglers target walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Rainy Lake for smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike. In October, smallmouth bass, walleye and northern pike are in season, and Ned Rig, Spinnerbait and Suspending Jerkbait are a good place to start. We don't list a shop within 45 miles yet, so stock up before you go. Lake Vermilion is about 64 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

Smallmouth Bass
Walleye
Northern Pike
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What You'll Catch

Rainy Lake Species

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Oct

Walleye

Walleye

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS; Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. marks species in season in October.

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Ned Rig 2.5 to 3 in

    Lure

    Finesse · Smallmouth Bass

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  • Spinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Northern Pike

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  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Walleye

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  • Tube Jig 3 to 4 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass

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  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Northern Pike

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  • Jig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Walleye

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  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Walleye

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Smallmouth Bass

Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Northern Pike

Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Rainy Lake

Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

Check Price

Rigs

Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness

Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.

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Reels

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel

A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.

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Rods

St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.

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Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Reels

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel

A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.

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Within 25 Miles

Shops Near Rainy Lake

No shops listed nearby yet. Suggest one.

Within 25 Miles

Guides and Charters Near Rainy Lake

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota · About 64 mi

Lake Vermilion

A rocky Northwoods lake with about 340 miles of shoreline and 365 islands.

Walleye · Muskellunge · Smallmouth Bass

Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota · About 72 mi

Lake of the Woods

A vast border lake called the walleye capital of the world, with a big winter ice fishing scene.

Walleye · Northern Pike · Yellow Perch