Rainy River, Border river between Minnesota and Ontario, United States and Canada
The Rainy River flows roughly 85 miles from Rainy Lake to Lake of the Woods, forming the boundary between Minnesota and Ontario. Forests and wetlands line the banks throughout its course.
French fur traders named the river 'Rivière à la Pluie' in the 1600s, establishing a major trade corridor. This route connected Indigenous communities and European settlers for centuries.
The river is known as 'Gojiji-ziibi' in the Ojibwe language and remains central to the Couchiching First Nation. The community continues to maintain its connection to this area through traditional practices and land use.
Boat launches are available in International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario, for river access. Fishing requires a valid license from the respective country.
The river holds a remarkable record for a white sucker specimen that was caught near Loman, Minnesota. The catch weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces, an exceptional size for this fish species.
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