A Local's Guide to Sturgeon Fishing on the Rainy River

Lake sturgeon fishing is becoming more popular, especially in the Rainy River, due to the large number of fish. Beginners may find it helpful to hire a guide from a local resort. They can provide suitable sturgeon gear, show the correct setups with sturgeon rigs, and direct to the best fishing spots on the river. If you want to use your own boat and tackle, strong rods, reels, and line are recommended. Sturgeons are strong, so heavier gear can shorten the fight time, reducing stress on the fish and aiding in its release.

A suggested sturgeon rig is an 18″ snell with a 5/0 circle hook, baited with nightcrawlers, frozen emerald shiners, or both. This should be fished on the bottom, like fishing for carp or catfish. Sturgeons don't bite hard, so a hard hook set isn't necessary. Instead, tighten the line by reeling and moving your rod away from the fish. The circle hook is designed to hook the fish in the lips, avoiding internal damage.

The best area to fish for sturgeon is from Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River to the falls near Birchdale. This 40-mile stretch is ideal sturgeon habitat. Anglers usually anchor just upstream from a deep hole in the river, as sturgeons move from the deep hole to shallower water to feed.

For sturgeon fishing, you need suitable tackle for a fish that weighs 100 pounds or more, a camera, a large landing net, gloves, pliers, a device to measure the fish, a wet towel, and a pen and paper to record numbers from tagged fish.

First-time sturgeon fishing can be daunting, but most anglers have some success initially. With time, knowledge and confidence increase, leading to more successful catches. Local bait shops and resorts can provide necessary bait and tackle and offer advice. The MN DNR keeps a catch and release record for the Lake Sturgeon fishing season, so it's important to know the regulations on measuring the fish, taking the required pictures, having a witness verify the catch, and submitting the correct form. The sturgeon season is open most of the year, with specific dates for catch and release, keep season, and closed season.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.