Rainy Lake
About Rainy Lake
Rainy Lake is a 210,200-acre lake near International Falls in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 161 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 32 feet, and has roughly 2176.3 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in St. Louis County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.2 feet. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye and sauger, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 7 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Riverside Court and Rainy Lake RV are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around May 4, based on 107 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Rainy Lake
- 210,200 acres, up to 161 feet deep, near International Falls
- 7 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.2 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Riverside Court and Rainy Lake RV
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 7 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, National Park Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 210,200 acres
- Max depth
- 161 ft
- Average depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 2176.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 18,949 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 7 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Riverside Court, Rainy Lake RV, and The Lakeview RV Sites and Cabins
- Fishing pier
- Marina: Seegert's Marine
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye and Sauger: Combined possession limit eight (not more than four can be walleye). All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One walleye over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 4
- Years of record
- 107
- Earliest
- April 6, 2012
- Latest
- May 22, 1950
- Most recent
- May 5, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Riverside Court, Rainy Lake RV, The Lakeview RV Sites and Cabins, and Lyle Mine Island are mapped on or near Rainy Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rainy Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Locator Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls133 acres
2.7 miles away
Shoepack Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · International Falls299 acres
7.2 miles away
Lake Kabetogama
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray24,034 acres
7.7 miles away
Cruiser Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ray118 acres
10 miles away
Peary Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Kabetogama116 acres
10.6 miles away
Rat Root Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreKoochiching · International Falls734 acres
14.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rainy Lake?
Rainy Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near International Falls. It covers 210,200 acres and reaches 161 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rainy Lake?
Rainy Lake covers 210,200 acres with about 2176.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 161 feet and its average depth is about 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rainy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Burbot and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rainy Lake?
Yes. Rainy Lake has 7 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and National Park Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Rainy Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Rainy Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rainy Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rainy Lake?
Yes. Combined possession limit eight (not more than four can be walleye). All walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released. One walleye over 26" allowed in possession.
When does the ice go out on Rainy Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 4, from 107 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 6, 2012 and the latest is May 22, 1950.
Can you camp at Rainy Lake?
Yes. Riverside Court, Rainy Lake RV, and The Lakeview RV Sites and Cabins are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Rainy Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Rainy Lake as infested with spiny waterflea and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.