Rainy Lake, St. Louis County Fishing
St. Louis County and Koochiching County, 210,200 acres, 161 feet deep.
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Rainy Lake, St. Louis County in numbers
In St. Louis County and Koochiching County, Rainy Lake, St. Louis County spreads across 210,200 acres as a lake. It reaches 161 feet at its deepest point, with an average of 32 feet. Water shallower than 15 feet makes up 5,427 acres, or 3%. Census data put Ranier nearest, around 17 miles away. The International Falls DNR fisheries crew handles surveys here. The lake lies on Canada-Minnesota border water.
Expect walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, going by DNR survey records. Public use comes through 4 public water accesses. A large lake survey on July 1, 2025 is the newest on file. At 7.17 walleye per gill net, the catch ran within the 3.6-10.8 normal range. Ice usually leaves around May 4, the DNR median across 107 records.
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Read each row against its normal range; data from the large lake survey on July 1, 2025.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 172 | 7.17 | 3.6-10.8 | 1.15 | 0.8-1.3 |
| Walleye | Standard trap nets | 45 | 2.25 | 0.9-1.9 | 3.27 | 0.9-1.3 |
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 65 | 2.71 | 1.1-2.4 | 4.72 | 2.8-4.3 |
| Northern pike | Standard trap nets | 46 | 2.3 | 3.09 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 176 | 7.33 | 1.4-6.8 | 0.29 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Yellow perch | Standard trap nets | 15 | 0.75 | 2.2-8.5 | 0.3 | 0.2-0.2 |
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 27 | 1.12 | 0.2-0.8 | 0.49 | 0.2-0.6 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 162 | 8.1 | 1.3-2.6 | 0.84 | 0.3-0.6 |
| Smallmouth bass | Standard gill nets | 11 | 0.46 | 0.2-0.6 | 0.99 | 0.7-1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | Standard trap nets | 1 | 0.05 | 0.1-0.3 | 3.01 | 0.5-0.8 |
| Cisco species | Standard gill nets | 69 | 2.88 | 1.03 | ||
| Cisco species | Survey seining | 43 | 0.7 |
What the Rainy Lake, St. Louis County gill nets held
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
DNR notes on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
“Rainy Lake is part of the statewide Large Lake Program, an intensive fisheries management program on the 10 largest Walleye lakes in Minnesota.”
“The Large Lake Program includes annual standard fish assessments, annual water quality monitoring, and regularly scheduled creel surveys.”
“A variety of sampling gear is used during standard assessments to collect the various fish species and life stages.”
“These gear types include gill nets, trap nets, beach seines, and an electrofishing boat on Rainy Lake.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Rainy Lake (report). Checked October 2026.
Trailering a boat to Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Rainy Lake, Frank Bohman Memorial Access2 ramps, 25 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Rainy Lake, Tilson Access2 ramps, 20 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Rainy Lake, Black Bay Narrows Rainy Lake Visitor Center Access1 ramp, 40 trailer stalls, 4 docks, toilet, National Park Service
- Rainy Lake, Dove Island Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Fishing piers along Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Rainy Lake – Tilson Bay Fishing Pierfishing pier, Rainy Lake Sportsmans Club, Rainy Lake, Tilson Public Water Access Site
Landings neighboring Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Kabetogama Lake (NE), Wooden Frog AccessKabetogama, 7 miles southwest
- Kabetogama Lake (N) AccessKabetogama, 7 miles southwest
- Kabetogama Lake (SW) Kabetogama Visitor Center AccessKabetogama, 9 miles south
- Kabetogama Lake (E) Ash River Visitor Center AccessKabetogama, 12 miles southeast
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
The Rainy Lake, St. Louis County basin
Secchi disk readings on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County number 1, the first in 2007.
Rainy Lake, St. Louis County has lost its ice as soon as April 6, 2012 and as late as May 22, 1950.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Gauge readings for Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
Gauge readers send the DNR the Rainy Lake, St. Louis County readings; the newest is shown with its date.
DNR lake level record (datum MSL 1912).
Rainy Lake, St. Louis County fish list
The list for Rainy Lake, St. Louis County follows the DNR LakeFinder record of fish caught in surveys over the last ten years or the latest survey.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Keeping walleye and panfish from Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
These Rainy Lake, St. Louis County rules take precedence over statewide limits.
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and Sauger | Combined possession limit eight (not more than four can be walleye). All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One walleye over 26" allowed in possession. | Including the Rainy River above the dam at International Falls, all of Rainy Lake to the dam at Kettle Falls, Black Bay |
Border rows for Canada-Minnesota waters, including Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 6 combined total (only 1 over 20" in possession) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Lake of the Woods and tributaries from mouth to upstream boundaries listed on p. 67 | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Namakan, Sand Point and Little Vermilion lakes | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy Lake | 8 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and all tributaries from the mouth to the upstream boundaries liste | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and tributaries) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Saganaga Lake | 3 (only 1 walleye over 20") | May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Northern pike | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 3 (only 1 over 30" in possession) | Continuous |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Northeast Zone) | 2 (only 1 over 40" in possession, all from 30-40" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Northeast Zone) | 2 (only 1 northern pike over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 8, 2026 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Zone rows for Rainy Lake, St. Louis County: Northeast Zone.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Lakes near Rainy Lake, St. Louis County, side by side
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainy Lake, St. Louis County | 210,200 | 161 | 4 | 7.17 | |
| Locator Lake | 3 miles south | 133 | 52 | 0 | |
| War Club Lake | 3 miles south | 80 | 40 | 0 | |
| Quill Lake | 4 miles southeast | 85 | 46 | 0 | |
| Loiten Lake | 5 miles southeast | 94 | 49 | 0 | |
| Shoepack Lake, St. Louis County | 7 miles southeast | 299 | 24 | 0 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Near Rainy Lake, St. Louis County on the map
Lakes neighboring Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Locator Lake3 miles south
- War Club Lake3 miles south
- Quill Lake4 miles southeast
- Loiten Lake5 miles southeast
- Shoepack Lake, St. Louis County7 miles southeast
Where to grab leeches near Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Seegert's Marinemarina, Koochiching, 10 miles
- Seegerts Landingmarina, International Falls, 10 miles
- Kab Outdoorsbait and tackle shop, Kabetogama, 11 miles
- Freds Marine Centerbait and tackle shop, Koochiching, 17 miles
- Cold Springs Incfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Orr, 18 miles
- The Fishermanbait and tackle shop, International Falls, 19 miles
Guide trips on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Adrian's Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (218) 634-1985
- Ballard's Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 776-2675
- Bayview Lodgeice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 652-2194
- Border View Lodgeice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 776-3474
- Lake of the Woods Outdoorsmanice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (218) 280-1674
- Lakeroad Lodge & Motelice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (866) 634-2336
- Rainy River Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (218) 634-2258
- River Bend Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 292-3084
Lodging towns close to Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
- Ranier17 miles
- International Falls19 miles
- Littlefork29 miles
Rainy Lake, St. Louis County county pages
- St. Louis Countyseat: Duluth
- Koochiching Countyseat: International Falls
Piscifun tackle for a day on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
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What Minnesota anglers ask about Rainy Lake, St. Louis County
Where in Minnesota is Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
St. Louis County and Koochiching County holds it, managed from the International Falls fisheries office, about 17 miles from Ranier.
How many acres does LakeFinder list for Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
About 210,200 acres, 161 feet at the deepest.
How many accesses does Rainy Lake, St. Louis County have?
4 public accesses, including Rainy Lake, Frank Bohman Memorial Access.
Which fish has the DNR found in Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
DNR surveys list walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and cisco.
How many walleye did the DNR net in Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
On July 1, 2025, a large lake survey. walleye ran 7.17 per gill net.
What are the limits on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
Walleye and Sauger: Combined possession limit eight (not more than four can be walleye). All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One walleye over 26" allowed in possession.
What does a license for Rainy Lake, St. Louis County cost?
On border water a Minnesota license ($25 resident, $51 nonresident) works under the shared rules; on Canadian water the Canadian portion needs a Canadian license.
When does the ice go out on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
The DNR median is May 4, with the latest record May 5, 2026.
Which shop is nearest Rainy Lake, St. Louis County?
Try Seegert's Marine, around 10 miles off.
Get out on Rainy Lake, St. Louis County this season
Buy the Minnesota license online before the drive north.