Rainy River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 7

The Rainy River flows between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, connecting Rainy Lake to Lake of the Woods and creating one of North America's premier fishing destinations. This border water offers world-class angling opportunities with its diverse fish populations and unique seasonal runs. The river carves through a captivating landscape of lush forests and meandering waterways dotted with islands and sheltered coves. As a border water, it features extended fishing seasons and special regulations that distinguish it from other Minnesota waters, making it particularly attractive during spring when many other waters remain closed.

Minnesota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Rainy River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Sauger

Sander canadensis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Rainy River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Rainy River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Rainy River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Rainy River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Rainy River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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