Big Fall Walleyes In The Rainy River
Category: article
Oct 17th, 2022 by Keith Worrall
Modified Oct 17th, 2022 at 11:03 AM
There has been a trend over the past few years, maybe longer. Right before and during the traditional MN Gun Deer Season which takes place in early November, big fall walleyes are in the Rainy River.
As we roll into mid October, there are reports of a lot of emerald shiners and good numbers of walleyes being caught up and down the river. Some anglers are catching good numbers of fish. Others are reporting some bigger walleyes just starting to show up. As we get closer to ice up, fishing the river will only get better. The bottom line, if you are willing to brave the cold temps, there are big fall walleyes in the Rainy River.
Yep, this time of year, many outdoors-people minds turns to hunting. Very understandable. With that being said, having the chance to hit the river just one more time before ice up could be the best and most memorable trip of the year for big fall walleyes.
Every year the river is different. Some years, there is a lot of current. Other years, hardly any. An angler has to adapt.
Right now, there are walleyes in the river and this week there was a good run of shiners again. Only Mother Nature knows, but things could be shaping up for some great late fall walleye fishing.
What is the go to presentation. No surprise to many, it is jigging. When the current is just about right with anglers using 1/4 – 1/2 ounce jigs. When increased current, it is important to have heavier jigs. With the stained water, the walleyes don’t seem to mind. When we mention heavier jigs, it is good to have them up to 1.5 ounces just in case. In most cases, a smaller jig will suffice if you are fishing out of the current. The boy scout motto, “Always be Prepared”.
There are a number of jigging techniques on the Rainy River that can be effective. One technique is to anchor up and vertically jig over the side of the boat. Depending upon the current, your line may be a bit downstream, but that can be ok. It is good to use a jig that can “thunk” the bottom once in a while, which can attract walleyes.
Another technique is to purposely have a bit more angle in your line. Especially in current, pull the jig forward in the current and let it drop back until you feel it hit bottom. Lift it off a bit sharper next time. Maybe shake the jig, hold it steady. It is up to us as anglers to figure out what the walleyes want.
Jig colors? With the stained waters of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, big walleyes are typically interested in gold, orange, chartreuse, and glow or a combo of such. There are other nuances some use for jigging. In the stained water, noise can be helpful. Rattles, blades and spinners all add not only sound but also in some cases, extra flash.
As far as the bait on the jig, emerald shiners are the go to. Emeralds are native to the Rainy and is one main reason the walleyes are there. Emeralds run up the river in the fall. There is no for sure reasoning why they run. I have heard theories such as it is food related or the shiners are running to toughen up for the winter, getting re-slimed in the big schools. Nobody really knows. What we do know, big fall walleyes love them and stay close.
Yep, it is a bit cold outside. If you can handle the weather, the reward could be massive numbers of big fall walleyes and perhaps that fish of a lifetime!
To learn more about the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.
To find lodging or a guide, check out our lodging page.