The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites those interested in Rainy Lake fisheries management to share their thoughts on a draft update of the plan for the lake.
The Rainy Lake Fisheries Management Plan was last updated in 2013. It is important for the next update to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the lake should be managed.
The updated plan will be used to guide management of Rainy Lake fish populations. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for the next 10 years.
Public input opportunities
The DNR will host a virtual public meeting to provide an overview of the plan and its purpose, answer questions, and collect public input. Registration is not required.
The virtual public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 6. The public can join the webinar from the DNR’s Rainy Lake webpage.
Review and comment on the plan
The public can get a digital copy of the draft update on the Rainy Lake webpage. Comments on the draft plan may be submitted by:
- Using the online form at the Rainy Lake webpage.
- Emailing [email protected].
- Calling International Falls area fisheries staff at 218-598-8196.
- Mailing comments to 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649.
- Providing verbal or written comments at the April 6 virtual meeting.
The DNR is accepting comments on the draft plan through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 13.
About the lake
Rainy Lake spans 220,800 acres along the Minnesota-Ontario border, with 54,140 acres in Minnesota, including significant waters within Voyageurs National Park. The lake’s Canadian Shield geology, mesotrophic character, diverse fish community and extensive recreational use make it biologically unique and highly valued. While 42 species have been documented in Rainy Lake, anglers primarily target exceptional angling opportunities for walleye, black crappie, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Intensive monitoring of the fish populations occurs annually due to the popularity, size and statewide value of this resource.