Mar 1, 2010 
The 1st photo is at mile marker 169, open completely across. The 2nd is at Indus, between 168 and 167, it’s opening right down the middle.
Warm sunny days are ahead this week. There’s only 10 miles between open water and Franz Jevne landing. 12 to Birchdale. A nice week could open things right up 
We do have availability so call anytime 800-433-6085 if we’re out of the house leave a message we spend a lot of time outside or checking the river this time of year!
11 Comments 
Hey,
Just wanted to say thank you for all the info again this year!!
Brad
I was thinking of coming up to the Rainy river this year for the first time for the first ice out. I do not know the ins and the outs of this area, I was looking online to find some info out and and came across your web site. I was thinking of coming up April 8th thru the 11th is that going to be to late?
Thanks Greg
You will be right on time Greg!! I will be up there the same time, always go that weekend every year and always do very well. Biggest last year was 29.5 (caught by my son), 2 yrs ago we had 2 over 29. An average day we usually catch 10-15 walleyes per person, good day gets you 15-25 per person and we’ve had days of 25+ per person when you really hit em. Just straight jig and minnow, verticle jigging as close as you can to the bottom and hit the bends in the river. Pretty simple stuff, usually cool in the morning but warms up late morning and usually well worth it. Been going up there since 99′…..Can’t wait!!
Greg, the whole timing thing on this early ice out on the Rainy is Key. Depending on if you where planning on pushing a small boat over shore ice or if you are taking a bigger boat which requires an open landing. We always fish out of 17-19 foot pro V’s which obviously require an open landing. We plan on going as soon as the Birchdale landing is open to boat trafic. this seems to give us at least a 5 day window before the big and little fork rivers let loose. When those rivers let loose it muddies the water and the great fishing comes to an end. So keep an eye to the Clementson Website they are awesome at letting you know what is happening on the river. Also make sure your rig is ready to go before you get here. you will see 100’s of people at the landing. Be patient and good luck!!!
I have been up there the last few years. The folks at Clementson or in that area can tell you that it is completely a crap shoot as to when the bite is on. If the water is too dirty, you may as well ice-fish. 2 years ago was insane and I was there both weekends in April. Last year was good and I also fished both weekends. I would say watch this site constantly from fellow anglers and have your boat and time off ready!!! Gonna be fun!!
Greg, ive been going up to the rainy for the ice out fishing since 89. we watch this website and try to make our first trip soon as birchdale opens up. we use a 16ft. light alum boat and slide in over shore ice to start. timing is the key cause when the big and little fork let loose it can be done. have had some of the best walleye fishing of my life on these rainey spring trips. have even even had days with multiple ten pounders. bring warm clothes dress in layers. best of luck hope the fishing is great for you.
I am going to be making my first trip up here. when do you think the ice will be off by birchdale access or Franz access?
Is pelland access open yet?
I looked at some past “archives” and noticed people fishing mid to late March if the River is open. If someone is familiar with that early of fishing, does it look like this year could be an early bite like some years past???
when will the ice be off by birchdale??
Thanks for all the info I can’t wait to get up there!!
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