Rainy

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. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species. Excellent Walleye angling opportunities continue to exist on Rainy Lake. The 2025 Walleye gill net catch rate was 7.2 fish per net, which is greater than the historic average of 6.1 fish per net for Rainy Lake. Walleye catch rates have increased following historic overfishing prior to the 1990s. Rainy Lake produced a good hatch of Walleyes in 2021 and most of these age-4 Walleyes in the 2025 survey were in the 12 to 14-inch length groups but overall ranged from 9.2 to 20.4 inches long. The 2025 survey also caught a good number of age-3 Walleyes from the 2022 year-class. Most fish from this year-class were in the nine- to 11-inch length groups but ranged in length from 8.8 to 17.7 inches long. Overall, the 2025 survey caught above average numbers of seven to 10-inch and 12 to 14-inch Walleyes. Rainy Lake also produces large Walleyes over 25 inches for those interested in catching memorable and trophy-sized Walleyes. The good size distribution we are currently seeing in Rainy Lake Walleyes is the result of consistent recruitment in recent years. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 6.1 to 26.8 inches and had an average length of 13.4 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Rainy Lake; an 18-26-inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock. Sauger numbers are low, growth is slow, and they generally do not reach a large size in Rainy Lake. The 2025 overall gill net catch rate was 1.7 Sauger per net. Lengths ranged from 7.2 to 14.4 inches and averaged 10.1 inches. Eighty percent of Saugers caught in gill nets were less than 11 inches long. Occasionally larger, harvestable-size Sauger are encountered in and around Black Bay and Sand Bay. While anglers can occasionally catch larger Sauger in these areas, the species is not a primary target for harvest on Rainy Lake. The 2025 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 2.7 fish per net, slightly more than the historic average for Rainy. Northern Pike gill net catch rates have historically been low on Rainy Lake. However, Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 17.5 to 39.4 inches in 2025. The average length was 26.9 inches. Anglers regularly report catching Pike over 40 inches, making Rainy Lake a popular destination for trophy Pike fishing. These large fish provide exciting angling action and help maintain the ecological balance of the lake by preying on smaller fish species. Yellow Perch numbers and sizes were at historic highs from 2003-2012. The record high catch rate occurred in 2012 at 13.5 per net. The 2025 gill net catch rate was 7.3 per net which is similar to the long-term average for Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake saw good Perch production from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 year-classes. In fact, the 2020 year-class appears to be one of the strongest ever produced. Weaker year-classes were produced in 2021 and 2022, but preliminary numbers suggest the 2024 year-class may be above average. Overall, 2025 Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 4.8 to 11.4 inches and the average was 8.1 inches. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish. Fifty-five percent of the 2025 Yellow Perch caught in gill nets were eight inches or greater in length. These conditions give anglers ample opportunity to harvest quality-sized perch while still maintaining a sustainable population for the future. Rainy Lake is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches are often caught in our sampling gear and by anglers. Harvest numbers are low on Rainy Lake, and angler opportunities in 2025 should remain good. Trap nets are set in Black Bay and the lower Rat Root River each spring targeting adult Black Crappies. A total of 162 crappies were caught in 2025 for a catch rate of 8.1 per net, which is above average for Rainy Lake. Black Crappie catch rates have been above average in eight of the past nine surveys. Good Black Crappie reproduction and recruitment on Rainy was observed from the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 year-classes and is the driver of the high catch rates in recent years. Lengths ranged from 5.5 to 14.7 inches and averaged 11.2 inches in 2025. Fifty-nine percent of the catch was from the 2020 year-class and an additional 11.4 percent from the 2017 year-class. The 2020 year-class dominated the 2025 catch and ranged from 9.6 to 12.4 inches and averaged 10.7 inches long. Ninety percent of fish were over 10 inches, and 27 percent exceeded 12 inches, providing excellent angling opportunities for panfish enthusiasts seeking both numbers and trophy-sized crappies. Rainy Lake is infested with spiny waterfleas and zebra mussels. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.

Introduction This investigation was designed to document the population characteristics of Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in Rainy Lake, Minnesota. Changes in water level management enacted by the International Joint Commission (IJC) in 2000 were expected to be beneficial to Lake Whitefish in the Namakan Reservoir and could impact Rainy Lake whitefish as well. Lake Whitefish spawn in shallow water during October and November with eggs hatching early in the following spring. Whitefish eggs, therefore, are susceptible to desiccation during winters with significant water level drawdown. This investigation used the Fish Community Index Netting (FCIN) protocol developed by the Province of Ontario to collect baseline population characteristics of Lake Whitefish in Rainy Lake. FCIN is carried out on a two of four-year rotation. The 2024 sampling season represents the second of two surveys in the current four-year rotation on Rainy Lake. There is currently one commercial fishing license issued on the Minnesota side of the lake; however, the fisherman has not harvested Lake Whitefish since 2018. Methods Twelve FCIN nets were set from August 19th through August 23rd, 2024. Sets were approximately 24-hours in duration. The deeper portions of the lake were broken into four sectors, with each sector having three net stations. Gill nets used were eight feet tall and consisted of nine 50-foot panels of various mesh gill net (1.0, 2.25, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 1.75, 0.5, 2.0, and 1.25 inch bar measure). Net locations were selected to sample two depth strata (60'-80' and greater than 80'). Eight nets were set in the shallow-water stratum and four were set in the deep-water stratum. Net location and orientation were chosen randomly within strata, however, nets could not be within 330 feet of shore or exposed shoals. All fish captured in each net were separated by species and capture mesh. Total length, weight, sex, and state of maturity were recorded for all Lake Whitefish captured. Otoliths were collected from Lake Whitefish for aging. Five metrics were incorporated to track long-term trends in the Lake Whitefish population. 1) Mean age of first maturity 2) Mean age of FCIN catch 3) Relative abundance (Catch per unit effort (CPUE)) 4) Recruitment/ juvenile abundance (CPUE of age 3, 4 and 5) 5) Spatial distribution of FCIN catch Results and Discussion Ten species totaling 372 individual fish were caught in the 2024 summer FCIN assessment. Cisco species were the most common fish, making up 36.6% of the total catch by number while Lake Whitefish made up the largest portion by weight at 41.0% of the catch. A total of 110 Lake Whitefish were sampled for a catch rate of 9.2 per lift. A total of 136 Cisco (CPUE = 11.3 per net), 65 Walleyes (CPUE = 5.4 per net), 46 Burbot (CPUE = 3.8 per net) and five Northern Pike (CPUE = 0.4 per net) were caught during the survey. Lake Whitefish ranged in length from 8.5 to 24.7 inches, with a mean of 17.7 inches. The mean weight was 2.1 pounds. Eighteen age-classes were represented in the 2024 catch with the age-5 year-class composing 23.6 percent of the total catch while the age-3 and age-4 year-classes made up an additional 12.7 and 10.9 percent of the total catch, respectively. In addition to overall catch rate, four metrics for evaluating the Lake Whitefish population were calculated. The age of 50% maturity (females) was 9.4 years. The mean age of Lake Whitefish in the FCIN catch was 7.4 years. Recruitment criteria showed that the juvenile catch rate (CPUE of age 3, 4, 5) of Lake Whitefish was 10.4 per net which is the greatest catch rate since sampling began in 2003. Lake Whitefish were sampled at 12 of 12 stations. FCIN sampling from recent years suggest the Lake Whitefish population is stable and healthy. Sampling was carried out in a two of four-year rotation resulting in 12 years of sampling between 2003 and 2024. The catch rate of Lake Whitefish has been relatively stable over the long-term. However, the 2023 catch rate of 3.8 per net was the lowest overall Lake Whitefish catch rate since sampling began in 2003. This was followed by one of the highest catch rates in 2024 at 9.2 per net. Only the 2007 gill net catch rate was greater at 10.4 per net. The mean age of the commercial catch (11.6 years) had been consistently higher than the mean age at 50% maturity for females (9.5 years in 2024) allowing a few years of spawning opportunities before becoming vulnerable to harvest. However, this is no longer a factor as the last commercial fisherman has not harvested Whitefish since 2018. There is no discernible change in the mean age of the FCIN catch over time and there were several age classes of Lake Whitefish present in the 2024 catch with individuals up to 22 years old. Consistent catch rates of juvenile Lake Whitefish suggest good reproduction and recruitment. Monitoring of the Lake Whitefish population and the commercial harvest (if commercial fisherman starts fishing again) for signs of overexploitation or stress should continue.

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. Sampling for each gear type is conducted at the same time and place each year to determine population trends for the major species. Data is also collected on length, weight, age, and growth for each of the major species. The 2024 Walleye gill net catch rate was 5.4 fish/net, which is slightly less than the historic average of 6.1 fish/net for Rainy Lake. Walleye catch rates have increased following historic overfishing prior to the 1990s. Walleye numbers quickly increased as the population recovered in the 1990s and reached an all-time high of 10.0 Walleyes per net in 2004. The Walleye catch rate from 1983 to 1994 averaged 4.0 per net; since 1995 the average is 7.0 per net. Catch rates over the past 15 years have ranged from 4.6 to 8.0 Walleyes per gill net. Age-3 Walleyes from the 2021 year-class composed the largest portion of the 2024 catch at 36.4 percent. Most age-3 Walleyes in the 2024 survey were in the 10 to 12-inch length groups but overall ranged from 9.4 to 14.1 inches long. The 2024 survey also caught a good number of age-5 Walleyes from the 2019 year-class. Most fish from this year-class were in the 12- to 14-inch length groups but ranged in length from 9.8 to 20.3 inches long. Overall, the 2024 survey caught above average numbers of 10 to 14-inch Walleyes and below average numbers of 15-17-inch Walleyes. This high abundance of smaller fish in the system is the result of the above average 2019 and 2021 year-classes. There are fewer 15-17 inch Walleyes because of weak year-classes produced in 2017 and 2018. Anglers are likely to encounter more harvestable-sized fish over the next couple of years as the strong 2019 and 2021 year-classes continue to grow. Overall, gill netted Walleyes ranged in length from 3.7 to 25.6 inches and had an average length of 13.2 inches. There is a special regulation for Walleye on Rainy Lake; an 18-26 inch protected slot, with one fish allowed over 26 inches, and a four-fish bag limit. The goal of the regulation is to keep harvest at a safe level and maintain adequate spawning stock. Sauger numbers are low, growth is slow, and they generally do not reach a large size in Rainy Lake. Occasionally, larger Sauger are encountered in and around Black Bay and Sand Bay. The 2024 overall gill net catch rate was 1.6 Sauger/net. Lengths ranged from 7.4 to 13.0 inches and averaged 10.0 inches. Eighty-two percent of Saugers caught in gill nets were less than 11 inches long. The 2024 gill net catch of Northern Pike was 1.7 fish/net, slightly less than the historic average for Rainy. Northern Pike catch rates have historically been low on Rainy Lake. However, Northern Pike grow relatively fast and reach large and even trophy sizes. Pike ranged from 18.1 to 40.2 inches in 2024. The average length was 25.6 inches. Reports of anglers catching large Northern Pike of 40 inches or longer are not uncommon on Rainy Lake. Yellow Perch numbers and sizes were at historic highs from 2003-2012. The record high catch rate occurred in 2012 at 13.5/net. The 2024 gill net catch rate was 6.6/net which is slightly less than the long-term average for Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake saw good Perch production from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 year-classes. In fact, the 2020 year-class appears to be one of the strongest ever produced. Weak year-classes in 2021 and 2022 led to lower overall numbers in 2024 gill nets. However, preliminary numbers suggest the 2023 year-class may be above average. Individuals from the 2020 year-class ranged in length from 6.9 to 10.5 inches and most were in the 8-10-inch length groups in 2024. Overall, 2024 Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.2 to 12.0 inches and the overall average was 8.3 inches. Yellow Perch size structure has improved over time providing more opportunity for anglers to harvest quality-sized fish. Rainy Lake is home to a good Smallmouth Bass fishery both in numbers and size structure. Smallmouth Bass over 19 inches are often caught in our sampling gear and by anglers. Harvest numbers are low on Rainy Lake, and angler opportunities in 2024 should remain good. Trap nets are set in Black Bay and the lower Rat Root River each spring targeting adult Black Crappies. A total of 377 crappies were caught in 2024 for a catch rate of 18.9 per net, which is the highest ever on Rainy Lake. Black Crappie catch rates have been above average in seven of the past eight surveys. Good Black Crappie production and recruitment on Rainy was observed from the 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 year-classes and is the driver of the high catch rates in recent years. Lengths ranged from 7.0 to 13.9 inches and averaged 10.3 inches in 2024. Sixty-three percent of the catch was from the 2020 year-class and an additional 10.9 percent from the 2019 year-class. The 2020 year-class dominated the 2024 catch and ranged from 8.3 to 11.3 inches and averaged 9.5 inches long. Forty percent of the Black Crappies caught in the 2024 survey were over 10 inches long and 20 percent were 12 inches or longer. Rainy Lake is infested with spiny waterfleas and zebra mussels. Anglers and boaters should always take preventative measures to avoid moving invasive species to other lakes. For more information on invasive species and other DNR programs, go to the DNR website at mndnr.gov.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye in Rainy. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Rainy. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Rainy has a maximum depth of 161 feet and a mean depth of 32 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rainy is from 2025.

Yes — Rainy has confirmed spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.