fishing reports 2020 Lake of the Woods Fishing Reports & Info

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

5.5.2020

The lake and river are ice free and are primed for walleye fishing.  Lake of the Woods resorts and hotels are welcoming guests back and have implemented a variety of COVID - 19 safety measures within their businesses to ensure guest and employee safety.  Lodging is available.

On the south end...  The MN Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 9th and Big Traverse Bay is open water.  Traditionally, walleyes and saugers will be spread out across the south shore in various schools.  The majority of anglers will be catching fish anchored up and jigging with frozen emerald shiners or other minnows.  The walleye / sauger limit on LOW and the Rainy River is a combined limit of 6 fish, up to 4 can be walleyes.  The slot limit is 19.5" - 28" must be released.  One walleye can be kept over 28".  Good numbers of pike are being caught in bays.  The pike season on LOW never closes.  

On the Rainy River...   There will be a good population of walleyes in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay come opening day based on walleyes being caught by sturgeon anglers.  The sturgeon bite has been hot with fish over 70" being caught.  The sturgeon "keep season" continues through May 7th.  May 8-15 is catch and release only.  May 16th the sturgeon season closes until July 1st.

Up at the NW Angle...  The US and Canada have agreed to keep the international border shut until May 20th.  Residents of the NW Angle and necessary supplies can travel across, others including visitors and land owners for the time being cannot.  

Until the border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Some resorts are offering transport service across the lake in MN waters to the Angle prior to the border opening.  Various south shore resorts are offering parking to guests of NW Angle resorts.

The NW Angle has open water and is prime for the opener.  Resorts are prepared and looking forward to the open water season.  Most fish will be caught jigging shoreline structure, points and neck down areas. 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

5.18.2020 On the south end...  Resorts are open and anglers enjoying fishing and fish frys.  A strong walleye bite continues with best success in 20 - 30 feet of water.  Anchored up and vertical jigging a jig and minnow or frozen emerald shiner has been very successful.  Gold / pink or gold / orange colors hard to beat.  South end water temps warmer than north end of lake.  Fish on the south end mainly post spawn, up north, still spawning.  A nice mix of eaters, slots and trophies.  Some big pike continue to be caught as well.  

On the Rainy River...   Some good walleyes were caught in the river this week.  Best depth 12-24'.  Jigs and minnows working the best.  Some fish still being caught in the Four Mile Bay and the Bostic Bay areas.  Fish are post spawn.  Some shiners are in the river holding fish. The sturgeon season is closed until July 1st when the season re-opens.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Some resorts are offering transport service across the lake in MN waters to the Angle prior to the border opening.  Various south shore resorts are offering parking for guests of NW Angle resorts.

Fishing is great.  Anglers fishing the Angle are catching good numbers of walleyes.  Jigging rocky points and reefs close to islands in 8 - 25 feet of water effective.  Some good fish also coming on crankbaits in 8-12' of water. 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Anglers had an excellent week of good fishing and fish frys.  A strong walleye bite continues with best success in 17-28 feet of water.  It is good to remember, not all walleyes do the same thing.  Some schools are deep, some shallow.  Some may be feeding on minnows, others critters in the mud.  Good reports in various areas along the south shore of the lake as well as Knight / Bridges Island area.  Anchored up and vertical jigging a jig and minnow or frozen emerald shiner has been very successful.  Gold / pink  / orange or a combo hard to beat.  Drifting with spinners and trolling crankbaits also catching fish.  A nice mix of eaters, slots and trophies.  Some big pike and jumbo perch in the mix.  

On the Rainy River...   Anglers caught some good walleyes in the river this week.  Best depth 12-24'.  Jigs and minnows working the best.  The edge of the river channel in Four Mile Bay also giving up some walleyes.  Smallmouth bass in good numbers.  Typical spots, rocky areas, current breaks, bridge and rip rap areas.  Somie big pike still hanging out in bays.  The sturgeon season is closed until July 1st when the season re-opens.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Some resorts are offering transport service across the lake in MN waters to the Angle prior to the border opening.  Some guests are setting up with transport to follow charters in their own boats.  Various south shore resorts are offering parking for guests of NW Angle resorts.

Fishing is great.  Anglers fishing the Angle are catching good numbers of walleyes.  Jigging rocky points in 10 - 22 feet of water producing nice walleyes.  Some good fish also being caught on crankbaits in 8-12' of water.  Big pike in bays and creek mouths.  Smallmouth bass in bays and shallow rocks.  

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  A very successful week for Lake of the Woods anglers.  Great walleye fishing continues with best success in 17-28 feet of water, with walleyes also being caught shallower.  A number of areas along the south shore from Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point are producing.  Knight / Bridges Island area also still holds good numbers and size of fish.  Anchored up and vertical jigging, drifting crawler harnesses and pulling crankbaits all working.  Gold / pink  / orange / glow all working well.  A nice mix of eaters, slot fish to be released between 19.5" and 28" and a good number of trophies over 28".  As last week, big pike and jumbo in the mix.  

On the Rainy River...   Most walleyes are being targeted and caught in the lake.  There is always a population of resident walleyes that live in the river.  Best depth is 12-24'.  Jigs and minnows working the best however trolling a crankbait and covering water is also effective.  Smallmouth bass near rocky structure.   Good pike hanging in and adjacent to bays.  The sturgeon season is closed until July 1st when the season re-opens.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Fishing continues to be excellent.  Walleyes being caught on 5-7' flats with snelled spinners and crankbaits as well as jigging rocky points in 10 - 20 feet of water.  Walleyes being caught in many different areas on the Minnesota side.  Pike in bays and creek mouths.  Water temps 55-57 degrees. 

[PRO-V]

In spite of all the recent hype fishing on the south end Morris Gap to Pine island was very slow today for us and everyone we talked to or saw. Threw everything at them and finally got 6 eaters, one on a jigging Rap and the rest on cranks in 8'. Every launch and those in the know headed straight up around Little Oak and pounded them. This seems to be a yearly pattern now. Knight and Bridges wasn't even any good.

[Rick]

20 hours ago, PRO-V said:

In spite of all the recent hype fishing on the south end Morris Gap to Pine island was very slow today for us and everyone we talked to or saw. Threw everything at them and finally got 6 eaters, one on a jigging Rap and the rest on cranks in 8'. Every launch and those in the know headed straight up around Little Oak and pounded them. This seems to be a yearly pattern now. Knight and Bridges wasn't even any good.

Thank you Pro V

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  An excellent week of walleye fishing.  Great to have charter boats running again.  Best success in 13-28 feet of water.  Anchored up and vertical jigging on structure areas very effective.  Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses effective this week on flats or basin areas.  Spinners cover water when fish are spread out and not stacked.  Gold / pink  / orange / glow all working well.  Most anglers catching limits of eaters.  Larger walleyes are also being caught in good numbers.   Nice pike and jumbo being caught while walleye fishing.  

On the Rainy River...   Most walleyes are being targeted and caught in the lake.  There is always a population of resident walleyes that live in the river.  Best depth is 12-24'.  jigs, spinners and crankbaits catching some fish this week.  Smallmouth bass in typical areas with rock and current breaks.   Pike in bay mouths and current breaks.  The sturgeon season opens July 1st.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Fishing around the Angle continues to be excellent.  Walleyes are still being caught on 5-7' flats with snelled spinners and crankbaits.  Jigging rocky points in 10 - 20 feet of water where fish are schooled tight effective.  Good numbers of walleyes caught this week on flat areas between 10 - 20 feet covering water with spinners tipped with a minnow or half crawler.

[PRO-V]

Every charter boat we saw went 25 miles north. NONE of them fished the south end.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  An incredible week of catching walleyes on Lake of the Woods.  A few patterns this week.  Some walleyes are shallow, 4-10' of water being caught with crawler harnesses and crankbaits.  Anglers are still anchored up on or near structure with a jig and frozen shiner or leech in 15-30'.  Others drifting crawler harnesses in 23-28' with good success.  Gold / pink  / orange / yellow / gold or combo of these colors still working well.  Lots of eaters with larger slot and trophy walleyes being caught.   Some big pike showing up in shallow water this week.  

On the Rainy River...   Smallmouth bass being caught around bridges and rocky areas.   Pike are also active cruising in bays, bay mouths and current breaks.  Walleyes hanging out in 15-25' and being caught with a jig and minnow.  The sturgeon "Keep" season opens July 1st.  1 per calendar year.  Must be 45-50" inclusive or over 75".  

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Another great week of walleye fishing.  Walleyes are caught pulling spinners with minnows or crawlers in 12-23' of water.  Jigging rocky points in 10 - 20 feet of water where fish are schooled is still effective.  Pike, jumbo perch and smallmouth bass showing up as well.  A complete list of lodging available at www.fishingminnesota.com/Lodging

 

[PeachyHans]

Wow beautiful fish!

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  A big week of walleyes on LOW.  Fish being caught around the lake.  A lot of fish on the south shore right now near the Lighthouse Gap and Pine Island.  Get out a few miles and watch electronics.  Lots of fish from 5' - 32' of water.  Walleyes have the feedbag on.  Morris Point Gap, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point anglers all reporting good catches.  Two main techniques, drifting with a snelled spinner with a crawler or leech and jigging with a frozen shiner or fathead are go to.  Gold / pink  / glow red / glow white all working well.  Anglers catching plenty of eaters with larger slots and trophy walleyes.  Pike and some jumbo perch in the mix as well.

On the Rainy River...   Smallmouth bass bite good in rocky areas, around bridges and current breaks.   Pike are also active cruising in bays, bay mouths and current breaks.  Walleyes hanging out in 15-25' and being caught with a jig and minnow or trolling crankbaits.  Sturgeon anglers looking forward to sturgeon fishing reopening on July 1st.  A great population of sturgeon in the river. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Good walleye fishing again this week.  Some walleyes shallow in 4-10' around sandy and rocky areas being caught with spinners / crawlers and crankbaits.  Other schools of walleyes hanging out deeper adjacent to shoreline breaks and reefs.  Pike, jumbo perch and smallmouth bass showing up as well.  

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The lake just keeps producing walleyes.  Good fishing in numerous spots across the south shore, near the Lighthouse and Morris Point Gaps in 8-10' and around Garden Island.  Big numbers of walleyes also staged over deep mud in 25 - 31'.  Most anglers drifting or trolling harnesses (spinners) with crawlers or leeches.  Hammered gold is hard to beat but glow, pink, chartreuse and orange are also popular in the stained water.  Some fish are still being caught jigging on structure or rock to mud transitions.  Anglers catching plenty of eater walleyes along with good numbers of saugers.  Larger slot fish (19.5-28") along with trophy walleyes over 28" being caught often.    

On the Rainy River...   Sturgeon anglers looking forward to sturgeon fishing reopening on July 1st.  Big numbers of sturgeon await.   No roll sinkers and sturgeon rigs along with crawlers and frozen shiners available locally.  Smallmouth bass in rocky areas, around bridges and current breaks.  Pike are also active cruising weedy bays, bay mouths and current breaks.  Both species don't get much attention and are present in good numbers.  Walleyes hanging out in 20-25'.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Walleye fishing is worth the trip.  Schools of walleyes on structure, over sand and on mud.  Most fish showing up in 8 - 14' or 26 - 28'.  The best presentation is drifting and trolling spinners with crawlers or a minnow.  Pike and smallmouth bass active in weedy bays.  There are hundreds around the Angle.  Try a spinnerbait or spoon. 

[Sunset Lodge]

7.6.20 Sunset Lodge Fishing Report

 

Minnesota Lake of the Woods Walleye action continues in less than 10’ casting Rapala’s, floating leeches or pulling crawlers in rocks and sand bays. Walleye are also showing back up on classic structure including points and main lake reefs. Trolling deep diving Rapala’s has been producing very large pike and slot walleye in 12 to 18 ft. of water.

 

Lake of the Woods Musky opener was successful in shallow, weeded areas. With one over 50” boated and the rare 49.5” as well as many mid 40” fish.

 

With water temps increasing into the high 70’s this week, Rock areas are heating up. Smaller bass sized baits and blades have been favored by these toothy critters. Current musky anglers are seeing up to 10 fish a day!

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Lots of limits of nice walleyes this week with plenty of larger slot fish (19.5" - 28") and trophy walleyes (over 28").  Schools of fish all around the lake.  From the Lighthouse and Morris Point Gap area which is adjacent to Pine Island to Zippel Bay to reefs and mud near Long Point and Rocky Point all producing.  Garden Island area also holds nice schools of walleyes.  The go to presentation is pulling spinners with crawlers or leeches at 1.0 - 1.3 mph.  Some anglers are doing well trolling crankbaits as well on lead core line or downriggers.  Nice schools of walleyes also staged over deep mud.  Some fish are shallow, 7- 15', other fish holding in 23 - 31'.  Hammered gold, gold/glow, pink, and orange hot colors this week.      

On the Rainy River...   Sturgeon anglers catching some good fish as the season opened on July 1st.  Fishing holes in the river with a 3 ounce no roll sinker and sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers and/or frozen shiners.   Nice smallies in rocky areas.  Pike are also active cruising weedy bays, bay mouths and current breaks.  Walleyes hanging out on flats and can be caught with crawler harnesses or trolling crankbaits.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle services available and fishing for multi species has been excellent.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Excellent fishing for walleyes, pike and bass continue.  Schools of walleyes on structure, over sand and on mud.  Nice walleyes 8 - 17' on the sand or 25 - 28' around structure.  The best presentation is drifting and trolling spinners with crawlers or a minnow.  Pike and smallmouth bass active in weedy bays.  Bucktails for pike retrieved slow working well.  

[gimruis]

My parents are hammering the big ones this week.  I don't know how deep or what tactic they are using, I only received the photos.  The top one is 30 1/4 inches.

[Rick]

Very very nice walleyes!

[gimruis]

I was able to talk to my Father about his days at LOTW.  He and my Mother caught 12 walleyes in 3 days over 27 inches, plus numerous other smaller ones.  Didn't catch a single sauger.  They caught them jigging, spinner rigs, and on lead core.  Lead core seemed to catch the bigger fish as they use bigger crank baits that weed out the smaller fish.  It was calm all 5 days so they could get to and fish just about anywhere they wanted to without any difficulty.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Great walleye fishing this week.  Lots of limits, plenty of larger slot fish (19.5" - 28") and trophy walleyes (over 28").  The MTT Photo and Release Walleye Tournament winners had over a 9 lb average each for 5 fish both days of the tournament.  Lots of big walleyes in the lake.  Different parts of the lake have different things happening.  In some areas, the mayfly hatch was over.  In other areas, it was just firing up.  Fishing was better where the hatch was not in full force.   

The go to presentations are spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits.  Nice schools of eaters on the south shore and up north around Garden Island in 10 -15' of water.  More and more walleyes also staged over deep mud in 30 - 34'.  Hammered gold with glow white and gold with glow red strong colors.      

On the Rainy River...   Sturgeon anglers catching fish with the evening bite the best.  Fish holes in the river with a 3 ounce no roll sinker and sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers and/or frozen shiners.   Nice smallies in rocky areas.  Pike are also active cruising bays, weed edges and current breaks.  Walleyes out on flats and can be caught with crawler harnesses or trolling crankbaits.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle services available and fishing for multi species has been excellent.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Fishing has been awesome up at the Angle.  Schools of walleyes on structure, over sand and on mud.  Nice walleyes 8 - 17' on the sand or 25 - 28' around structure.  Big numbers of eaters being caught.  The best presentation continues to be drifting and trolling spinners with a crawler or a minnow.  Pike and smallmouth bass are active in numerous weedy bays. 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Anglers experienced an awesome week of walleye fishing.  Strong numbers of eater walleyes and big walleyes which were "personal bests" for many anglers.  The two most popular patterns are spinners / crawlers and trolling crankbaits.  As a rule, the larger walleyes are over deep mud and on or adjacent to deep reefs.  Eater walleyes from 7' as deep as 34' in scattered schools.  The big walleyes aren't always with the eaters so adjust accordingly.  Hammered gold, glow white, glow red, firetiger all good colors.   

On the Rainy River...   Some walleyes are being caught trolling flats and shoreline breaks.  Sturgeon are starting to cooperate up and down the river.  Use sturgeon rigs and 3 ounce no roll sinkers with crawlers.  Focus on deep holes.  Smallmouth bass around areas of rock, bridge pillars, and on weedlines.  Pike scattered in bays and weedy areas.  

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle services available and fishing for multi species has been excellent.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Fishing continues strong with big numbers of eater walleyes.  Nice walleyes 8 - 17' on the sand or 23 - 29' around structure and over mud.  The best presentation continues to be drifting and trolling spinners with a crawler, leech or a minnow.  Pike and smallmouth bass are active in numerous weedy bays. Muskies being caught in deep bays and rocky points.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  In addition to anglers catching good numbers of eater walleyes, there are a lot of big walleyes being caught and released.  Now is that deep summer pattern anglers look forward to.  Two main techniques.  Drifting or pulling spinners with crawlers or leeches.  Hammered gold, glow white and glow red are good colors.  The second technique is trolling crankbaits over the deep mud.  Trolling is a fun technique with no snags, miles and miles of space and thousands of walleyes.  29-34' has been best.  Still some walleyes are being caught in various shallow areas based on forage opportunities.

On the Rainy River...   Sturgeon fishing is picking up.  A sturgeon rig and 3 ounce no roll sinker with crawlers and/or frozen shiners is the ticket.  Focus on deep holes.  Walleyes scattered on flats and deeper holes.  Smallmouth bass as a rule focused on rocks.  Pike scattered in bays and weedy areas.  Try hitting numerous "goto" spots up and down the river casting crankbaits, spinners and jigs.  Multi-species action and a fun day.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle services available and fishing for multi species has been excellent.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Good walleye fishing around Crow Duck Island, north of Garden Island and areas with deeper mud.  The best presentation continues to be drifting and trolling spinners with a crawler, leech or a minnow.  Big Pike and some muskies in deep bays and rocky points.  Smallies in weedy bays and rocky points. 

[Mike89]

hey that top pic is the fella from the Prairie Sportsman on PBS!!  Bret A.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The deep summer "Dog Days" patterns for walleyes are in full swing producing excellent fishing.  As a rule, the big walleyes are hanging out on the deep mud in 30 - 34' of water.  Two main techniques, drifting or trolling spinners with crawlers or leeches at about 1.0 - 1.25 MPH.  Hammered gold, hammered silver and glow white are good starting colors.  The second technique is trolling crankbaits through various schools of walleyes over the deep mud.  Switch colors often but some starters, pink uv firetiger, chrome / blue, firetiger, and gold.  Some walleyes are still being caught shallow based on forage opportunities.  Different schools taking advantage of current conditions in different areas.  Watch electronics and go fishing!

On the Rainy River...   Walleyes scattered on flats and in deeper holes.  Trolling crankbaits and covering water effective.  Sturgeon living in deep holes throughout river.  Smallmouth bass and pike active around current breaks, rocky areas and weed edges. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle services available and fishing for multi species has been excellent.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Good walleye fishing continues north of Garden Island, around Little Oak Island and areas north and east of Little Oak with deeper mud.  Spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits both producing good numbers of walleyes.  Pike and muskies in deep bays and rocky points.  Smallmouth bass in 4 - 14' in rocky areas reacting well to crankbaits.  

 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Fishing remains excellent with a nice mix of eaters, slots and trophy walleyes.   Two great ways to catch walleyes this time of year, crawler harnesses and crankbaits.  Walleyes are hanging out on the deep mud in 30 - 36' of water.  Cover water by drifting or trolling.  Crawler harnesses (snelled spinners) in hammered gold, pink, glow or orange with a 1-2 ounce weight.  The second technique is trolling crankbaits through various schools of walleyes over the deep mud.  Get lures down with lead core line, a 4 ounce bottom bouncer, snap weights, 3 way rig or downriggers.  Switch colors often but some starters, pink uv firetiger, chrome / blue, firetiger, and gold.  

On the Rainy River...   Walleyes are scattered on flats and in deeper holes.  Trolling crankbaits this time of year to cover water is effective.  Mix of walleyes and saugers.  Sturgeon anglers targeting deep holes with sturgeon rigs and crawlers or frozen emerald shiners.  Smallmouth bass and pike active around current breaks, rocky areas and weed edges. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle via boat.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Strong walleye bite with lots of eater fish on the mud adjacent to reefs and islands throughout the Angle.  Much like the south end, spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits both are producing good numbers of fish.  Pike and muskies being caught casting bays and trolling rocky point areas.  Smallies in their summer pattern, 4 - 15' in rocky areas. 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Excellent "dog days" walleye fishing this week.   The two best patterns are crawler harnesses and crankbaits over the deep basin.  Although different schools of walleyes are relating to different parts of the lake,  big numbers of walleyes are on the deep mud in 30 - 36' of water.  Cover water by drifting or trolling.  Crawler harnesses in hammered gold, pink, glow or orange.  Crankbaits in colors best for stained water, orange, pink uv firetiger, chrome / blue, firetiger, and gold are good for starters.  Mix up crankbait size, shape, rattling vs non rattling, speed and direction of trolling until you dial them in.  Some schools are active, some inactive.  Keep moving and you will have success.

On the Rainy River...   Walleyes are scattered on flats.  Trolling crankbaits this time of year to cover water is effective.  Mix of walleyes and saugers living in the river.  Target sturgeon in deep holes with sturgeon rigs and crawlers or frozen emerald shiners.  Smallmouth bass and pike active around current breaks, rocky areas and in bays. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle via boat.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Great walleye bite this week with a nice variety of sizes.  Most anglers fishing the mud adjacent to reefs and islands throughout the Angle.  Spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits both are producing good numbers of fish.  Lots of pike caught this week by walleye anglers.  Pike and muskies being caught casting bays and trolling rocky point areas as well.  Smallies around rocky areas in 5-15'. 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Great walleye fishing this week.   Different schools of fish around the lake being caught in 14 - 36' of water.  Trust your electronics.  Two strong patterns, pulling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits.  Covering water and moving is important.  Best spinner colors, hammered gold, pink, glow white, glow red or orange.  Mix up crankbaits until you get size, shape and colors dialed in.  2.2 - 2.8 a good range for speed.  Shiny or brighter colors are good starts.  Some schools are active, some inactive.  Different feeding windows throughout the day.  

On the Rainy River...   Summer patterns continue.  "Resident" walleyes are scattered on flats and along breaks.  Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses this time of year to cover water is effective.  Anglers reporting a mixed bag of fish.  Target sturgeon in deep holes with sturgeon rigs and crawlers or frozen emerald shiners.  Smallmouth bass and pike active around current breaks, rocky areas and in bays. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle via boat.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Excellent walleye fishing this week.  Various schools of walleyes throughout the Angle.  Some nice fish around Four Blocks and Little Oak Island.  Other fish over mud in "no man's land" north and east of Little Oak Island.  Spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits both are producing good numbers of fish.  Again, some big pike caught this week by walleye anglers.  When targeting pike and muskies, casting bays and trolling rocky point areas will produce.  Smallmouth bass on rocks in 5-15'. 

 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  A lot of walleyes caught this week on Lake of the Woods.  For many of the AIM tournament anglers, a lot of huge walleyes were caught this week.   Charter boats and guides doing a nice job of finding good schools of eater walleyes as well as the slots and trophies.  At times, eaters might be in a different location vs the big walleyes.  Walleyes are being caught in 14 - 36' of water.  Two main patterns, crawler harnesses and crankbaits.  Best spinner colors, hammered gold, pink, glow white, glow red or orange.  Shiny or brighter colors are good starts for crankbaits.  It is important to get cranks down to the fish.  In deeper water, downriggers, lead core line, snap weights and a 4-5 ounce bottom bouncer will all do the trick.

On the Rainy River...   Walleyes are scattered on flats and along breaks.  Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses covering water is effective.  Anglers reporting a mixed bag of fish.  Sturgeon activity has picked up.  Target deep holes with sturgeon rigs and crawlers or frozen emerald shiners.  Smallmouth bass and pike continue to be active around current breaks, rocky areas and in bays.  There are 42 miles of navigable river from Wheeler's Point to Birchdale.  

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Walleye fishing continues to be very good up at the Angle.  Good numbers of fish living around Four Blocks and Little Oak Island.  Also good numbers of fish over the mud north and east of Little Oak Island.  Watch your electronics, scattered schools in many locations.  Spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits both are producing.  Again, some big pike caught this week by walleye anglers.  Some muskie action this week on topwater.  Smallmouth bass on rocks in 5-15'.  

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  A great week of walleye fishing as seasons are slowly starting the change up at Lake of the Woods.  Trees are turning colors and waters are starting to cool.  With a few windy days this week, anglers fished both along calmer shorelines and in the river finding some nice eaters for their efforts.  Most walleyes are still being caught on crawler harnesses.  Crankbaits are a good second choice.  Walleyes are being caught in 7 - 15' along shorelines and 24-36' over mud.  As a rule, the trophy fish have been over deep mud with the eaters being shallower.  With colder nights and warmer days, water temps are starting to drop into the mid 60's with jigging starting to turn on. 

On the Rainy River...   A fair number of small emerald shiners called "pinheads" in the river this week.  More fishing activity as well with some nice walleyes caught.  Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners.  Not a heavy run yet, but additional life for sure.  Walleyes are scattered on flats and along breaks.  Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses covering water is still effective. Anglers reporting a mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, smallmouth bass, pike and sturgeon.  There are numerous boat accesses on the Rainy River from Wheeler's Point at the mouth, Peace Park and Timbermill Park in Baudette,  Vidas near Clementson, a bit further east Frontier and Nelson Park in Birchdale.    

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Walleye fishing strong up at the Angle.  Walleyes in 10 - 25' being caught with spinners with crawlers or minnows, trolling crankbaits and even some jigging.  Watch your electronics, scattered schools in many locations.  Big pike being caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers.  Muskies hitting spinners and top water in bays and rocky points.  Smallmouth bass still on rocks in 5-15'.  

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  With water temps dropping, some beautiful walleyes caught this week.  Walleyes being targeted using three methods, drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses, trolling crankbaits and vertical jigging.  Walleyes are located in various areas of the lake, deep mud, shallow water adjacent shorelines and deep water reefs.   As a rule, the larger walleyes have been over deep mud and deep structure.  As fall progresses, walleyes will start getting schooled up in key areas along the south shore, in many cases relating to shiner runs. 

On the Rainy River...   Larger schools of shiners showing up in the river this week.  Shiners showing up under dock lights at night and on the sonar of anglers in Four Mile Bay and the mouth of the river.  Nice walleyes caught in the river this past week, but not the big numbers yet.  Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners.  Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses covering water is still effective. Sturgeon activity increased this past week as well.  Various feeding windows throughout the day.  Find a deep hole using a sturgeon rig (2-4 ounce no roll sinker with 18" 60 lb test snell with a circle hook) loaded with crawlers and/or shiners.   

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

Good numbers of walleyes caught this week up at the Angle.  Walleyes in 10 - 25' being caught with spinners / crawlers or minnows and trolling crankbaits with some jigging activity on structure beginning as the waters cool.  Muskies and big pike hitting spinners in bays and off of rocky points.  Smallmouth bass on rock structure in 5-15'.  Some big crappies and jumbo perch in the mix week as well. 

 

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Anglers are pulling in nice catches of walleyes with some big trophy walleyes mixed in as well.  The MN Tournament Trail Walleye Tournament just finished their championship with the winning team putting up 80.99 lbs for 10 walleyes!  Water temps have dropped to the upper 50's, shiners are running and there is a lot of bait adjacent to shorelines, fall is here.  The jig bite has picked up tremendously, but pulling a spinner with a crawler or shiner along with trolling crankbaits is still effective. Along shore try 10-16' and out on the mud 22-28'.  Gold, glow and orange are strong this week.

On the Rainy River...   More and more emerald shiners are entering the river this week.  Current on the river is slow.  Reports of some nice walleyes but still not the big run yet.  Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners.  Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses still working and a good way to cover water. Sturgeon anglers focusing on deeper holes with a 3 ounce no roll sinker with an 18" snell of heavy line (60 lb) with a 4/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers and shiners.  Pike showing up on weed edges.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

As fall kicks in, many anglers jigging with good results.  Gold spinners with crawler or minnow also producing nicely.  Some really nice walleyes caught this week targeting structure and shorelines in 10 - 15' and 21 - 27'.  Muskies and big pike hitting topwater in weedy bays.  Some big crappies on small jigs in 15-30'.  

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The traditional fall jig bite for walleyes is in full swing.  There are various schools located across the south shore.  Anglers catching good numbers of walleyes just outside the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods, in front of Zippel Bay and around Long Point.  Depths of 22-28', anchored up and jigging with a fathead or frozen shiners has been successful.  Anglers going through a lot of fish, sorting through lots of smalls to ultimately get nice eaters.  A lot of action.  Some anglers still drifting spinners with a minnow or crawler with success.  Some good walleye reports also from Four Mile Bay in 10-15'.

On the Rainy River...   Intermittent runs of emerald shiners have entered the river as have some walleyes.  Mixed reports by anglers, as the big run hasn't happened yet.  Typically activity increases as water cools.  Current on the river is low.  Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners, although trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses are still effective.  Sturgeon anglers focusing on deeper holes with a sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers and shiners.  Pike showing hanging on weed edges.

Up at the NW Angle...  Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters.  There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.  

The foliage is beautiful and the walleye fishing is good.  Jigging with a minnow on structure in 10 - 15' and 21 - 27' effective.  Gold, orange and glow colors great choices.  Water temps in the low 60's.  A nice mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and smallmouth.  Muskie anglers reporting nice fish as well.