Spring Fishing Adventures on the Rainy River: Catching Walleyes Amidst the Excitement
- Wade Watson
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Open water fishing excitement? Not yet on my home lake of Kabetogama but the Rainy River this time of year always creates a buzz.
*As of this week- 24-30" of ice still on Kabetogama (my source Tim Watson aka FishKab)
So to dream about open water fishing, maybe you're a Pool 2, or 3 guy down by Redwing, MN...but i've always loved the thrill of the Rainy River in the spring!
Springtime on the Rainy River brings a unique thrill for anglers. The river awakens from winter’s hold, and walleyes begin their spawning run, creating prime fishing opportunities and some of the earlies open water fishing for the season.
At the same time, the anticipation and eagerness of fishermen add a lively energy to the scene. This combination of nature’s rhythm and human excitement makes spring fishing on the Rainy River a memorable experience.
What's all the excitement about the Rainy River in the Spring?
BIG WALLEYES...yes, spring walleye fishing on open water, in your boat...Walleyes are known for their elusive nature, but spring changes everything. As water temperatures rise to around 40-50°F, walleyes move from deeper waters to shallower spawning grounds. This migration makes them more accessible to anglers.
The Rainy River, which feeds Lake of the Woods bordering Minnesota and Ontario, is home to some of the best walleye fishing on the planet. From the third week in March until the end of April, the walleyes are in pre-spawn/spawn and put on the feed bag in the area between Baudette, MN and International Falls, MN
This is shallow-water river action at its best. Finding current breaks in this system around the slow tapering shores is the key to bigger fish, which are spread out here. You may not catch a ton, but they will be big ones. If you are after eating-size fish as well as quantity, head to the deeper breaks and use heavier jigs.
While you don’t need a large boat to fish this river, a good GPS unit and a powerful trolling motor are key. Water level and current speed dictates whether you should pull slowly upstream or slip downstream.
With the “constant” feature, you can adjust the proper speed and hold it constant. With the autopilot you can head in a course and stay on in, regardless of changes in wind or current. And with the anchor lock feature you can lock and hold in a spot, just like dropping the anchor. Subtle movements can be made with the "jog" feature and move your boat smaller distances to put you on more fish. If you have the upgraded link feature, when you hit the anchor lock button it will mark a GPS point on your Humminbird unit so that you can return to that hot spot quickly and easily.
What to use:
Coldwater walleyes equal cold-water plastics.
While many anglers employ the traditional jig-n minnow, trophy hunters Luke Haugland and Bob Gillispie have more faith in plastics, specifically when targeting larger fish.
Big bright walleye plastics, like B-Fish-N Tackle’s 3.2-inch Pulse-R and 4-inch Moxi Ringworms, elicit hard strikes from walleyes that would barely bite your minnow. Besides the plastic, the right jig head is key to matching the fish’s mood for the day.
A heavier 3/8-ounce B-Fish-N H20 jig will keep the jig tight on the bottom where these larger fish lay belly-to-bottom. Make a pitch toward shore and slowly drag it back to the boat. Lighter weights like 1/4 or 5/16 ounce allow the ringworm to “slide” back, which is another great retrieve method. Simply cast toward shore and allow the current to slide the jig to the back of the boat and then reel in slowly. In these shallow areas, fish can be anywhere from 6 inches right up onshore to 5 feet right under the boat—it is best to have several rods rigged with different weight and color combinations.
The difference between the Moxi and traditional ringworm is the size and action. The Moxi has a huge thumper tail that creates a lot of disturbance. The body of the Moxi is fat, giving a much larger profile. The Pulse-R on the other hand, has the same body shape and size, but has a paddle tail, which is in constant motion, even at the slowest speed.
Spawning behavior: Walleyes gather in large numbers near rocky shoals and gravel beds to spawn. These areas are easier to target.
Feeding patterns: After spawning, walleyes feed aggressively to regain energy, increasing the chances of a catch.
Water clarity: Spring runoff can affect water clarity, but walleyes rely on their keen eyesight and lateral line to hunt, so fishing techniques can be adjusted accordingly.
The Rainy River’s diverse habitats, including deep pools, rocky points, and shallow flats, provide excellent spots to find walleyes during this season.
Preparing for the Rainy River Spring Fishing Trip
Preparation is key to a successful fishing adventure. Here are some practical tips:
Gear selection: Use 6 1/2-7' medium-action rods with sensitive tips to detect subtle bites. Spinning reels with smooth drag systems work well. Absolutely love my St Croix Rods: Legend Tournament, or the AVID series walleye rods- See Link
Tackle choices: Jigs tipped (US side of river) with minnows or jigs with plastics are the most popular. Hair jigs or stick/jerk baits are another method if the bit is slow.
Clothing: Spring weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable.
Safety: The river can be swift and cold. Always wear a life jacket and inform someone about your fishing plans.
Parking at many of the launch facilities is at a premium, as well. Depending on the day, and when they arrive, anglers should expect to have to park a certain distance from the ramp area. Two that offer the most parking, according to Peterson, are the Baudette Access in Timbermill Park just east of the city and the Vidas Access about 1½ miles east of the town of Clementson. “Nelson Park access at Birchdale, the Frontier access, and the Vidas access get the most attention because they usually open up first,” he says.
Remember, too, that the Rainy forms the boundary between Minnesota and Ontario. Anglers who plan to fish on the Canadian side of the river must have in their possession a valid Ontario fishing license. “Many fishermen stick with a Minnesota fishing license, though, and simply stay on the American side of the river,” says Doug Peterson. “Really, you can catch all the walleyes you want without crossing the mid-river borderline.”
Techniques That Work Best for Catching Walleyes in Spring
Walleyes can be tricky, but certain methods increase your chances:
Jigging: Cast near rocky structures and let the jig sink to the bottom. Use a slow, steady lift-and-drop motion to attract walleyes. Pitch short distances from boat and drag in current.
Trolling: Cover more water by trolling crankbaits or spinner rigs at slow speeds near spawning areas. Essential gear: Minn Kota Quest, Alterra or Terrova with spot-lock and using the "jog" feature.
Pitching Plastics: Move slow, look for studdle contours or break lines and target the edge with short to medium casts. Let the bait fall to the bottom and hop or drag the jig and plastic back to the boat.
Adjust your approach based on water conditions and walleye behavior. Patience and observation pay off.
Local Regulations and Conservation Efforts
Minnesota DNR fishing license info: Minnesota Fishing License
Before heading out, it’s important to know the local fishing regulations to protect the walleye population and the river ecosystem.
Spring Regulations in effect- March 1st to April 14th, 2026
Walleye and Sauger Lake of the Woods (May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026)
The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5 through 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed.
Rainy River and Four Mile Bay
(March 1, 2026 – April 14, 2026) Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
See MN DNR for More information: Spring Rainy River Regulations:
Supporting conservation efforts helps maintain the Rainy River as a premier fishing destination.
Tips for Handling and Releasing Walleyes
If you plan to practice catch and release, proper handling is essential to ensure the fish survive.
Use wet hands or gloves to handle walleyes gently.
Avoid squeezing or dropping the fish.
Remove hooks carefully with pliers or a hook remover.
Minimize air exposure by keeping the fish in the water as much as possible.
Release the fish facing upstream to help it regain strength.
These steps help sustain the walleye population and promote ethical fishing.
Stories from the Rainy River:
Some of my (Wade Watson) favorite links & fisherman to follow on the Rainy River.
Rainy River 101: TJ Erickson- excellent educator and fisherman to follow
Northland Tackle: Donnie O'bert and James Linder-
Midwest Outdoors- Spring fishing the Rainy River (2023 article but good read)
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