By Nick Schlesser, DNR Large Lake Specialist

After a summer in 2008 that saw high water, cold temperatures, and occasionally frustrating fish movements on Rainy Lake, many would be surprised to know that we also saw a new record high crappie harvest, record high walleye catch rates, and an estimated 184,000 pounds of walleye caught and released by anglers. As we look forward to the 2009 open water season, looking back may help us predict what is in store for the coming summer.

Walleye fishing on Rainy for 2009 should continue where it left off last year. Catch rates should remain high with plenty of large fish, protected by the slot limit, available for anglers. There should also be large numbers of smaller fish growing into harvestable size (Figure 1). Fish for the frying pan will likely be running on the small side, 11-13 inches, during the spring and early summer, but will grow throughout the season providing more acceptable size options by fall. Fish in the 15-17 inch size range will likely continue to be caught in below average numbers. This is due to a series of poor year-classes produced from 2002-2005 (Figure 2). During this period only one good year-class (2003) was produced, and we recorded the worst year-class in lake history (2004). When combined, these events have focused heavy angling pressure on fish from the 2003 year-class. As mentioned, good numbers of fish from recent years are beginning to fill gaps left by poor year-classes and recruit to the fishery. Over the next year or two these fish should replenish the portion of walleye size structure valued by anglers for harvest.

Crappie catch and harvest in 2008 shattered old records for Rainy Lake and, weather permitting, this excellent fishing opportunity should continue in 2009. Individuals from the 2003 year-class, which made up 55 percent of harvest in 2008, will likely provide large numbers of 11-13 inch fish. In addition, early spawners from the 2005 year-class will likely increase their contributions to the catch in 2009 as 9-11 inch keepers. Remnants of year-classes prior to 2003 will provide some trophy potential for anglers seeking fish 14 inches or larger.

Sampling efforts show that smallmouth bass numbers should be looking up for 2009 as well. The 2003 year-class, a record for Rainy Lake, should provide plenty of opportunities for bass anglers in 2009.

Consistency is the word that best sums up Rainy Lake northern pike production in recent years. With the last weak year-class for Rainy’s pike recorded in 1992 there are plenty of fish available for anglers interested in numbers, and trophy fish, 40 inches or longer, are always a possibility.

Yellow perch continue to be caught in our gill nets in high numbers, and will likely provide good angling opportunities in 2009 due to a series of strong year-classes produced in the early 2000s. Approximately 28 percent of yellow perch captured during the 2008 fall gill-net survey were greater than 9 inches.

Reports from Lake Kabetogama, south of International Falls, indicated excellent fishing during the summer of 2008. Lake Kabetogama walleye continue to suffer from a long string of poor year-classes that may make fishing difficult in 2009 (Figure 3). Fish from the last two strong year-classes (1996 and 2001) will provide opportunities for anglers to catch larger fish protected by the slot limit. Preliminary reports show the 2006 year-class to be average, and it will likely provide much of the angler harvest with numbers of fish in the 12-14 inch range.

With all that said, have a good fishing season and be safe out there! If you have any questions or comments please call me at (218) 286-5220 or stop by the DNR’s Area Fisheries office located at 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649.

Schlesser is originally from northwest Iowa where he split time between Sioux City and his farm north of Le Mars. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2003 with a bachelor of science degree in animal ecology - fisheries. Immediately after graduation, he began work on his master of science degree in conservation biology - fisheries and aquatic biology specialization from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

His research at the University of Minnesota focused on the impacts logging near forested streams might have on fish habitat and communities in those streams. In 2006 I was hired by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Baudette as a fisheries specialist. Much of his work in Baudette involved the Lake of the Woods/Rainy River system, though he was also active in the Red River basin and with fisheries education programs like MinnAqua and Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW).

He began work as the large lake specialist for Rainy Lake and Lake Kabetogama out of the International Falls fisheries office in June of 2008.

With one field season under his belt in the International Falls area, he says he is looking forward to this coming spring and more chances to better get to know the people and resources this community has to offer.