Located along the border of the United States and Canada, Rainy Lake is a large lake with a partial presence in the state of Minnesota. Approximately a third of Rainy Lake is protected by the U.S. National Parks Service but the entirety of the lake spans over 220,000 acres (890 square km). The 10 largest lakes in Minnesota are part of the Large Lake Program, a management program that monitors and sets various fishing limits and regulations for Minnesota’s largest lakes.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of angling opportunities from small sunfish to monster sturgeon, there is something for anglers of all ages. While this guide will discuss a handful of important fish located at the lake and how to catch them, a more comprehensive list of fishing techniques for this region can be found here.
In addition to fishing, lake-goers can enjoy camping, hiking, and water sports opportunities during the warmer months. Camping on park lands requires a permit and reservations should be made prior to setting up at any public camping sites. The lake’s location in the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere also allows visitors to experience the stunning Northern Lights.
Fish Species in Rainy Lake
1) Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of North America; not native to Rainy Lake[/su_icon_text]
Smallmouth bass are beautiful fish that exhibit a solid greenish-gray coloration and are distinguished from other black basses by their striking red eyes, which are most prominent in adults. Unlike largemouth bass, smallmouth bass mouths do not extend beyond the outer edge of their eyes. Smallmouth bass are introduced to Rainy Lake, and it is important to note that non-native smallmouth bass can threaten native fish populations through competition and predation.
Despite their non-native nature, smallmouth bass are popular among anglers and make delicious panfish. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass can reliably locate them near rocky beaches and gravel beds. Exhibiting voracious predatory behavior, they eagerly consume various bait, making it easy to hook on the line intentionally and unintentionally.
During the spawning season in spring, smallmouth bass construct nests to safeguard their eggs. The male individuals diligently guard these nests until the eggs hatch, making them easily visible during this period and easier to fish. Discovering a group of breeding males ensures multiple, large catches in a single trip.
The fishing season for smallmouth and largemouth bass in the Rainy Lake region lasts from mid-May to the end of February, and anglers may harvest up to six largemouth and smallmouth basses per day. Note that these are the regulations for the territories in Minnesota; those in Canada may differ.
2) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of North America, including Rainy Lake[/su_icon_text]
Largemouth bass derive their common name from the size of their mouths and their remarkable ability to consume large prey. While the average size of largemouth bass is around 16 inches (41 cm), they can grow to an impressive 38 inches (97 cm).
This species can be found in various sport fishing locations, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Largemouth bass exhibit a preference for clear bodies of water that are abundant in submerged vegetation; such environments offer ample hunting ground and necessary cover for largemouth bass. These fish tend to hide among aquatic plants, utilizing the element of surprise to ambush unsuspecting prey. Their diet may consist of various prey items such as other fish, amphibians, leeches, insects, and occasionally even small mammals and birds.
During the spawning season and feeding periods, largemouth bass tend to occupy nearshore areas, while they seek refuge in deeper waters during other seasons, often requiring a boat to reach them. Anglers can employ a variety of baits and lures to catch largemouth bass effectively.
As previously mentioned, the fishing season for smallmouth and largemouth bass in the Rainy Lake region lasts from mid-May to the end of February, and anglers may harvest up to six largemouth and smallmouth basses per day. Note that these are the regulations for the territories in Minnesota; those in Canada may differ.
3) Northern pike (Esox lucius)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of the US and Canada, including Rainy Lake[/su_icon_text]
Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and piscivorous habits, are ambush predators that thrive amidst dense vegetation, patiently waiting to strike at their prey. This species is commonly found in lakes and reservoirs and even migrates to streams during spawning. Between March and May, northern pike scatter their eggs over weed beds in a process called broadcast spawning. When targeting northern pike during the breeding season, focusing on streams and shorelines proves most effective, while at other times, they can be found near areas with dense submerged vegetation.
It is important to handle the northern pike cautiously due to its aggressive reputation. Their mouths have sharp teeth, which can cause serious injury if improperly handled. Anglers should exercise care and respect when handling these fish. White or yellow lures tend to yield the best results when targeting northern pike and anglers can use a variety of bait, including live fish like small sunfish, suckers, or locally available baitfish.
In Minnesota, anglers may fish for the northern pike from mid-May to the end of February. During this period, they can only keep 2 northern pike and only one may be over 40 inches (101.6 cm). The remaining northern pike must be less than 30 inches (76.2 cm) long.
4) Walleye (Sander vitreus)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the US and Canada[/su_icon_text]
The walleye, characterized by its dark green dorsal surface transitioning to yellow along the sides before culminating in a white belly, displays distinctive blotches along its body, with the intensity varying among individuals. Those inhabiting the clearest waters often exhibit the most striking patterns. As the largest species within the perch family, the walleye typically reaches an average length of approximately 21 inches (53 cm). Live bait such as minnows, earthworms, and leeches are often recommended for successful walleye fishing excursions.
Walleye prefer large, clear bodies of water and bottomless pools. They exhibit remarkable temperature tolerance, with the ability to withstand temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F (0°C to 32°C). However, they prefer water temperatures around 65°F (18°C). During the summer, walleye undertake seasonal movements to seek out cooler water sources and maintain their optimal body temperature.
Like the previous sportfish species, the angling season for the walleye extends from mid-May to the end of February. At Rainy Lake, anglers may harvest up to 8 walleye and sauger combined, and only one walleye may be over 26 inches (66 cm). Any other walleye must be shorter than 18 inches (45.7 cm).
5) Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of North America, including Rainy Lake[/su_icon_text]
Despite their small size, yellow perch exhibit a remarkable abundance and tendency to form large schools, making them a readily caught species. They typically reach a maximum height of 4 pounds (1.8 kg) and 14 inches (35.6 cm) in length. This abundance and their small size render them an important food source for various predators, including larger sunfish species and birds.
While not particularly large, yellow perch compensate with their wide distribution and abundance, boasting one of the most extensive native and introduced ranges among perch species. Native populations of yellow perch stretch as far south as Louisiana and extend north into Canada, resulting in their presence throughout much of Canada and the northeastern United States. They favor lakes and tend to avoid extremely cold or warm weather. Additionally, yellow perch demonstrate tolerance for hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions in water bodies.
6) Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the Great Lakes region of North America and some water bodies in the midwestern US[/su_icon_text]
The Iowa darter is a tiny fish belonging to the Percidae family and boasts a silver body adorned with vibrant blue and red patterns along its sides and fins. With an average length of around 2 inches (5.1 cm), the Iowa darter exemplifies the small size characteristic of darter species. Due to their diminutive stature, darters do not serve as sportfish like their larger perch relatives. Instead, they hold ecological significance as prey species within aquatic ecosystems. They are sometimes used as bait fish and can also be found in the aquarium trade, leading to instances where Iowa darters have been introduced into areas where they are not naturally found.
The Iowa darter seeks refuge in vegetated areas of cool water bodies. It demonstrates a certain tolerance towards turbidity, although human development, habitat destruction, and disturbance have significantly reduced some populations. This species is less common in large water bodies, preferring shallow streams or slow-moving rivers that provide suitable habitats.
7) Sauger (Sander canadensis)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the Mississippi River, northern US, and Canada[/su_icon_text]
The sauger, a highly predatory fish, resembles another perch species, the walleye. However, saugers can be distinguished by their distinctive blotchy pattern and patterning on their caudal fin. In contrast, walleyes typically have a clear patch on the bottom edge of their caudal fin and lack blotches on their bodies. Identifying saugers can be further complicated by hybrids known as saugeyes. Saugeyes are popular sportfish and are introduced to help control populations of smaller fish and invasive species, such as the pumpkinseed, enhancing sportfishing opportunities in a water body. Saugers thrive in cold, flowing, and turbid waters.
During the spawning season, adult saugers migrate to specific spawning locations where they scatter their eggs over rock beds, leaving the eggs to fend for themselves. Young saugers primarily feed on invertebrates, while adults are prolific piscivores, preying on other fish. Equipped with a mouth full of teeth, eyes well-adapted to low-light conditions, and a sensitive lateral line, saugers exhibit exceptional predatory skills, allowing them to detect and pursue their prey.
The angling season for the sauger extends from mid-May to the end of February. At Rainy Lake, anglers may harvest up to 8 walleye and sauger combined.
8) Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to North America[/su_icon_text]
Black crappies are small, dark-colored sunfish with a mottled pattern. This species has 7 – 8 dorsal spines supporting the dorsal fin, which can help distinguish them from the white crappie. The mouth of a black crappie is also curved upward. On average, black crappies reach around 10.8 inches (27.4 cm) and can live up to fifteen years.
Black crappies tend to avoid the bottom of the water column, so bobbers or floating rigs work best. However, they will accept a variety of baits, and the best way to target black crappies is to fish near vegetation or submerged woody debris. They are not difficult to catch and can be fished using a variety of rigs and strategies, like classic bobbers and spider rigging.
The limit for crappies in Minnesota is ten fish per day.
9) Rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the northeastern US and Canada[/su_icon_text]
The rock bass is a sunfish and therefore shares characteristics with black basses, fish in the genus Micropterus. Typically, rock bass are dull green or brown, with striking red eyes that help distinguish them from other species. In addition, they can change their color within a limited range from silver to dark gray to camouflage themselves. Finally, they should have six spines on their anal fin.
This species is less common than other large sunfish species. Rock basses prefer clear water with loose gravel substrates and patchy, but not dense, vegetation. As is typical with sunfish, males construct a nest in the substrate, and females leave their adhesive eggs for them to care for and protect. The rock bass diet includes insects, fish, and aquatic invertebrates like crayfish–all of which make great bait options if an angler wants to catch one.
Anglers may harvest up to 30 rock bass per day in Minnesota.
10) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of North America[/su_icon_text]
Bluegills are popular panfish often stocked in lakes and reservoirs for recreational fishing. These fish have brown bodies and fins tipped with blue and orange. Males are more colorful than females and have reddish chests. They used to be extremely popular, like the largemouth and smallmouth bass, but are no longer routinely stocked on their own. However, they can accumulate alongside larger species as a food source.
Bluegills primarily consume insects and only occasionally eat other small fish. As a result, they bioaccumulate fewer toxic metals and can be safer to eat than species higher up on the food chain. Minnesota anglers may harvest up to 20 common sunfish in the Lepomis genus daily.
11) Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to parts of North America, including Rainy Lake[/su_icon_text]
This round and beautiful sunfish sports an iridescent blue and orange coloration; they are native to the northeastern United States. Pumpkinseeds are abundant in Minnesota and are particularly fun for kids to catch because they are striking and easy to fish.
This sunfish is smaller than the smallmouth and largemouth bass, with a maximum length of 15 inches (38 cm) and an average length of 3 inches (7.6 cm). They almost exclusively consume invertebrates and snails. In areas where they are introduced, they adversely affect invertebrate populations and readily hybridize with other sunfish.
Minnesota anglers may harvest up to 20 common sunfish in the Lepomis genus daily.
12) Brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the eastern US and Canada[/su_icon_text]
The brown bullhead is a species of catfish reaching approximately 9.8 inches (25 cm) in length. While it may have a superficial resemblance to the yellow and black bullheads, the brown bullhead distinguishes itself with a mottled pattern towards the caudal fin and spots on its fins. All barbels on brown bullheads are dusky or dark-colored and possess saw-like teeth on the rear edge of their pectoral spines.
Brown bullheads are not well-suited to fast-flowing water and are typically found in rivers, lakes, and ponds with soft substrates. They display a remarkable tolerance for pollution, anoxic (low oxygen) conditions, and elevated water temperatures. To avoid unfavorable water conditions, they can bury themselves in the mud until conditions improve.
The daily limit for bullheads in Minnesota is 100 fish per day.
13) White sucker (Catostomus commersonii)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to North America[/su_icon_text]
This sucker species can commonly reach lengths of more than 15 inches (38 cm). This silvery, streamlined fish is native to some parts of North America. However, it has been introduced to areas intentionally via bait buckets or unintentionally as a hitchhiker in trout stocking efforts. The white sucker’s introduced range competes with and hybridizes with longnose and mountain suckers. They can survive in a broader range of habitat types and are far more disturbance-tolerant than the other two species.
Like other sucker species, this one is safe for humans to eat but is more useful as food for wildlife. Anyone looking to catch white suckers should try for them in rocky pools and large lakes, especially where the water moves quickly. White sucker fry are planktivorous, while older individuals consume invertebrates. It is vital to ensure that live fish are not transported between water bodies as this sucker species readily hybridizes with other suckers and could be problematic for native suckers.
There are no limits on sucker fishing in Minnesota.
14) Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to the US and Canada[/su_icon_text]
With potential lengths of 8 feet (2.4 m) and with a maximum weight of 208 pounds (94 kg), the lake sturgeon is a true giant among North American fish. Additionally, this species’ lineage is incredibly ancient. Lake sturgeon have boney scutes and a heterocercal tail, typical of ancient fish lineages.
Lake sturgeons are demersal, occupying space in the water column closest to the substrate. They use their barbels to root around in the substrate for food. As a result, their diet is composed of benthic organisms like crayfish and snails.
The IUCN Red List considers sturgeon among Earth’s most endangered groups. Loss of habitat, particularly spawning grounds, has resulted in a severe reduction in lake sturgeon populations. They were also historically harvested by humans for their caviar. However, in the modern day, the fish is protected, and harvest is illegal in most places. Fortunately, it is not illegal to fish for lake sturgeon in Minnesota. Sturgeon tags, which cost $5 in Minnesota, are required to harvest this species during designated fishing seasons. As of 2023, the sturgeon season lasts from June 16th to April 14th.
15) Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to North America[/su_icon_text]
The muskellunge co-occurs with the northern pike in cold waters and can be distinguished from that species by the number of sensory pores on the bottom of their jaws. For example, muskellunge have 6 – 9, whereas the northern pike has five or fewer. Hybrids, known as tiger muskies, have 5 – 6.
While muskellunge can inhabit a variety of habitat types, they prefer slow-moving bodies of water, particularly densely planted lakes and large rivers. These fish spawn over weed beds, with the eggs sinking through the water column and adhering to vegetation. Musky eggs sink through the water column and stick to vegetation. The eggs can become food for small fish and crayfish. Once hatched, the young muskellunge prey on each other and small fish species. Younger muskellunge are prey to older conspecifics and other large fish like the largemouth bass. As adults, they are voracious predators, consuming fish, frogs, and even ducklings.
The season for muskellunge runs from June 3rd to December 1st, and anglers may harvest a single muskellunge or muskellunge hybrid per day during this period. This fish must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) long.
16) Burbot (Lota lota)
[su_icon_text icon=”icon: globe” icon_color=”#04629B” icon_size=”30″]Native to North America and Eurasia[/su_icon_text]
The burbot is a cod-like species commonly referred to as ling. This fish tends to be long and snake-like with smooth skin and a chin barbel. As a result, it can be confused with freshwater eels and catfish. A burbot lacks the adipose fin seen in most catfish and has two dorsal fins, whereas an eel only has one continuous fin along its back. The average size of burbot is between 16 and 24 inches (41 – 61 cm). The second dorsal fin and anal fin run almost half the length of its body. While it can live in the ocean, the burbot is remarkable because it is the only cod species that lives almost exclusively in freshwater.
They prefer cold water, including large rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, and are a bit reclusive, hiding amongst rocks and vegetation. Burbots are primarily nocturnal, so a fisherman looking to catch one should aim to do so at night. Young burbots consume invertebrates, while adults are aggressive carnivores.
There is no limit on burbot in Minnesota.
