Lake of the Woods Fishing Reports & Ice Conditions by Lake of the Woods Tourism

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Fish are on the move and are active. Structured areas and reefs ranging from 24-32 feet of water hot. Structure near Knight and Bridges islands doing well. Steady sauger bite all day, with walleye favorable early mornings, and mid to late afternoon. Fish biting light, downsizing presentation may be helpful. Smaller baits better this week, still using gold, glow, and pink, with orange also hot this week. Use a live minnow on a dead stick, minnow heads on a jigging stick. Houses fishing mud are spread out and are catching fish. More sporadic vs structure, but still catching. Electronics showing suspended fish which are eating. Trophy walleyes showing up. 8" of new snow last night.

Up at the NW Angle. Fishing is consistent. Houses around Little Oak Island and Garden Island. Good action for walleyes and saugers. Crappies and whitefish still being caught in remote areas. Big northerns being caught when targeted. Info on LOW lodging and fishing at www.fishingminnesota.com and Facebook at fishingminnesota

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Fish are still deep this week as resort houses are in 28-32 feet of water. Resorts targeting deep mud on south end as well as structure towards mid-lake and the north end of the lake. Overall, better bite north. Saugers of all sizes are showing a steady bite all day, with walleyes biting more in mornings and afternoon. Jig with one line, dead stick with a live minnow for second line. Tip-up fishing has been great for the evening northern bite in shallower water.

Gold and glow red are still producing big results. The weather is looking steady, sunny, and warm this week, so it should keep the bite steady as well. Put your extensions on the augers. 30-36 inches of ice is still enough to make it through March 31 for permanents and April 14 for the regular walleye season.

The Northwest Angle has seen a lot of action this week. Fish are starting to move into shallow waters. Resorts reporting in some cases, you only need one line for all the action! Many of the fish cleaned have had emerald shiners in them. Crappies and pike have been active. Info on LOW lodging and fishing at www.fishingminnesota.com or on Facebook at fishingminnesota

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

The bite is picking up and has been consistent as we move into March. The angle of the sun and the warmer weather tells the fish spawning is coming and the fish are reacting positively. Some resorts moving houses back to mud on south end from reefs as fish are beginning to stage. Plenty of action throughout the day and great numbers! Lots of sauger action, and walleye are pretty steady, but still better in the mornings and late afternoon. Most commonly, houses are in 26-31 feet of water. Gold is still the best color, but most glows are doing really well, one on a dead stick, the other jigging. Reports that smaller jigs are being hit more than larger. 30-36 inches of ice and at least 18 inches of snow is still plenty to keep permanent houses out throughout March 31st. Don't forget, our walleye season runs until April 14! Pike open all year.

Up at the NW Angle, fish are on fire. 50 fish per day. Houses spread out around Oak and Little Oak Islands. 24 - 28' of water. Gold, glow red and glow white. Any colors representing emerald shiners. Last hour of day, shallow current areas are HOT! More info at www.fishingminnesota.com or www.hotspotoutdoors.com (3474).

[Walleyehooker]

Sounds pretty good. Im headed up to the Angle tomorrow for a few days and then over to Warroad area for a couple days chaseing Pike.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Fishing is turning on as we head towards the end of the season. Electronics are lit up and the walleyes are eating. Saugers, walleyes, tulibee, northern pike and a few jumbo perch is the mix on the south end. Resorts are fishing the mud as well as some still fishing the reefs on the north and west end of the lake. South end mud starting to turn on. 26 - 31' have all produced this week. The warm weather, longer days and angle of the sun has been making fish active. Highs in the 30's this week and freezing at night keeps the ice through the end of March. Afternoons are producing the best bite. Anglers are catching on light colors this week; small gold, pink, white, and silver jigs with a live minnow. Actively jig one line and dead stick the other.

Monster pike season is upon us and monster fish are coming in from around the lake. Shallow water adjacent to spawning areas, 4-12' of water. Use a tip-up and a quick strike rig with dead bait or a live sucker. Pike season is open all year long! Walleye closes on April 14, permanent houses must be off on March 31.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing very consistent for all species with a very strong shallow evening bite for walleyes. Snowmobile trails in good shape. Resorts across the lake have March and April openings. For more info or available lodging, www.fishingminnesota.com or www.hotspotoutdoors.com (HSO).

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Good ice and good fishing as we move into the middle of March. Walleyes and saugers are still the prominent fish, but a lot of tulibees, eelpout and more jumbo perch are on the move. Fishing on the reefs was good this past week. Consistently good fishing out along Knight Island and Bridges Island, numbers good on the South Shore, but more timid bites. Suspended fish are reported, the use of electronics have been beneficial. Fish deep in 26-34 feet of water. Smaller jigs and plain hooks with live minnows are still getting the most bites; use pink, glow/red, and gold. Reports of dark blue and purple also doing well on bright days. Best results are to still use a jigging stick and dead stick, but with lighter bites switch it up.

Northern pike the best early mornings and late afternoons. Pre-spawn areas adjacent to bays, streams and ample shoreline with fish in the shallows 4-12 feet of water. Live suckers or dead bait on a tip-up with a quick strike rig is the best. Remember, pike season is open all year long! Walleyes open to April 14th. Spring sturgeon fishing is just around the corner!

At the NW Angle, good numbers of walleyes and saugers coming in with jumbo perch and big pike mixed in. Numbers of big walleye the last couple weekends, and eelpout are being caught by the dozens around the Canada spots. Crappie bite is average. Still plenty of open rooms open for the next 2 weeks for that last minute experience! For lodging information anywhere on the lake or river, www.fishingminnesota.com or www.hotspotoutdoors.com (HSO).

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Another great week of ice fishing. The ice is still active at LOW and will be well into April. Spawning season is approaching and trophy walleyes are biting. Walleyes and saugers are a 50/50 mix, and we are still getting a good number of big northern pike, jumbo perch, tulibee and eel pout. Resorts are deep in 29-34 feet of water. Some fish are still suspended. In addition to deep mud, good fishing on Arnesen's reefs and Knight and Bridges. The best bite is in the mornings and late afternoon. Good morning/evening shallow bite in 15' - 17' in front of both gaps off of Pine Island. Pink, glow, gold and chartreuse have been hot. Permanent houses off March 31st. Walleye season is open until April 14. Pike season open all year. In April, bring up collapsibles. Some resorts taking customers out on open ice providing collapsibles and windbreaks.

March and April are still the months for monster pike! Get out on the ice early morning or evenings with a tip-up and live sucker minnow, and you are set! Live suckers outproducing dead bait. Shallow along shore or adjacent to streams and bays is the place to be in around 6-12 feet of water. Pike season does not close!

Up at the NW Angle, walleyes, sauger, crappies, northerns with some jumbo perch mixed in. Great fishing right now.

For more info or lodging, www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

The walleye season is open to April 14th and the ice is still in great shape. Great ice fishing continues. Anglers using portables or fishing in open as weather warms. Resorts still transporting anglers to the hot spots. A good mix of walleye and sauger are being caught in 26-30 feet of water, with suspended trophy walleyes 6-8 feet above bottom. Knight and Bridges, the reefs west of Long Point and the mud on the South Shore is in good shape as the walleye move in for spawning. Pink, glow, and gold have been the hottest colors all season. Actively jigging will get those fish to bite.

Lots of monster pike this spring. Stay shallow in depths of 6-12 feet of water with a tip-up and live sucker minnow or dead bait just below the ice with a quick strike rig. Along shore spawn areas, the bays, and adjacent to feeder streams are most productive. Early mornings and late afternoon best. Pike season open year round.

As for the Rainy River, there is still good ice on Four Mile Bay. Open water anglers with small boats and jon boats have been pushing over ice into open water East by Birchdale and catching fish. Safety first.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing still consistent. Edges of current areas attracting all species in 18' - 30'. Active morning/evening bite in 12' - 15' around Flag and Oak Islands. Walleyes, sauger, crappies and big northern pike still active. More info at www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Rainy River open water report...Walleyes have turned on big time. Boats averaging 75 fish per day, 18" - 30". Birchdale access, 2 lanes open to big boats. Frontier access, 1 lane open to big boats. Vidas landing (1.5 mi east of ClementsonAccessOnRainyRiver), small boats over ice. Low current, thus 3/8 oz jig. Pink/gold or pink/white hot. Large rainbows doing well. Monster sturgeon reports numerous. Rainy River fishing regulations, links, etc at www.fishingminnesota.com

Ice...Good morning/evening bite for walleyes in front of Lighthouse and Morris Point gaps in 15' - 18'. Knight/Bridges and other reefs still producing during day.

Northern Pike active in 6' - 15' depending upon spot. Pike staging for spawn. 4 Mile Bay, Lake side of Pine Island, Zippel Bay, in front of ditches coming off of lake and Swift Ditch for starters. Quick strike rig with live suckers or dead bait mid range in water column. Clip tails of big suckers to reduce inadvertent flags.

NW Angle. Same story, multi species doing well and the fish are biting. Evening shallow bite for walleyes can be exceptional. Crappie and northern bite going well.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Ice fishing on the lake or open water on the Rainy River, take your pick. Walleye season is closed and re-opens May 11th. Right now the focus is on Lake Sturgeon and Monster Pike. The Rainy River is open 2 miles west of Baudette. Water temperatures are warming, currently at 34-37 degrees. Pre-spawn sturgeon are active. Lots of big fish and good numbers being caught. Lots of fish in the 60" range. Go to method, 2/0 circle hook on a 6-12" snell and a sinker appropriate for the current. Many anglers use heavier gear causing less stress on the fish. Spring season, catch and release to April 23rd. Keep season April 24 - May 7.

Those on the lake are still catching Pike! Tip-up fishing with a live sucker minnow is still producing numbers of northern pike as they stage for spawning. Lots of snow and good ice left on the lake. Fish shallow in 5'-10' along shore adjacent to bays, reefs and ditches where spawning takes place. Pike season open all year. More info at www.fishingminnesota.com

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Get your sturgeon tag! The "Keep" portion of the Sturgeon season runs from April 24th to May 7th, then the season is back to catch and release. Anglers are allowed one fish per season, 45-50" or over 70". Pre-spawn sturgeon have been very active, with many in the mid 60 inch range. Currently the best bite is up river by ClementsonAccessOnRainyRiver Rapids, but fish being caught throughout river. Using a 2/0 circle hook with live crawlers for bait, 6" - 12" behind sinker producing the best results.

The water continues to warm, now in the high 30's. More pike are moving upstream and numbers will continue to grow as the water gets warmer. The Rainy River is now open within a couple miles of the lake.

Timbermill landing in Baudette is open to big boats. The other landings open are Vidas, Frontier, Birchdale, and Franz Jevne.

Big pike action is picking up. Many reports of 40"+ fish. This time of year, take necessary precautions. Communicate with resorts and bait shops, don't fish alone, bring ice picks, etc. More info at www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Sturgeon fishing is on fire. Now through May 7th continues the "keep one" season for sturgeon. A $5 sturgeon tag is required and must be purchased before you fish if you intend on keeping a sturgeon. The limit is one fish per calendar year and the slot is 45-50" or over 70". Good numbers being caught with many fish over 60 inches, weighing over 80 lbs reported. Sturgeon are biting in deep pockets. The "go to" bait, night crawlers on a circle hook fished on the bottom.

The Wheeler's Point ramp is now open. The Rainy River is open into 4 Mile Bay to the Lighthouse Gap. Expectations on the Rainy River are positive for the May 11th walleye opener. Lots of walleyes in the river with cold water temps.

Pike season is heating up. Limit is 3 and all 30-40" must be thrown back, only one over 40" kept. Bays are slowly opening. Pike season does not close on Lake of the Woods! More info at www.fishingminnesota.com and on Facebook at fishingminnesota.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

A great week of fishing. On the south end, most anglers finding limits of walleyes in front of both gaps, Pine Island, Zippel Bay and Twin Islands in 8' to 22' of water. Anchoring up with a jig and frozen shiner best method. Pink, bubble gum, glow and gold were strong for colors. Trophy fish being caught with regularity.

Pike action still going strong. Zippel Bay, Four Mile Bay putting out good numbers.

Up at the NW Angle. Limits of walleyes. Most fish being taken in 15' - 30' of water. Moving slowly with a jig and minnow is go to method. Orange, chartreuse, or glow hot colors. On the MN side, Soldier's Point, American Point, and Brush Island. In Ontario, try Deepwater Bay, or areas adjacent to spawning areas with warmer water. Fish relating to shorelines. Some big fish, 28"+ being caught.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Great week of fishing as the walleyes are starting to move. Charters having success all over lake, from south end all the way up to Garden Island and Knight and Bridges reefs. Big walleyes are still being caught anywhere from 16-33 feet of water. Anchoring and jigging still the "go to" method. Trollers catching good fish on rattling crankbaits in 12 - 20' of water. Brighter colors such as pink/gold/chartreuse have been the go to this week. Limits being caught. Fish most active before noon or early evenings.

Still plenty of fish in the Rainy River. Strong current this week, walleyes shallow in 5-12 feet of water as they move back towards the lake. Plenty of eater fish to fill a limit. Signs of sturgeon spawning up river near the rapids.

Up at the NW Angle. Big walleyes being caught with regularity. Limits the norm. Best depth, 14 - 24' on points. Smallmouth bass are still deep and just starting to move up on beds. Lots of bass being caught by walleye anglers. Shore lunches in full gear.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Lots of rain this week, and the cold front sends fish deep. Fishing still steady, anglers and charters are headed deep over Bridges, Knight and Garden Island reefs and mud in 25-33 feet of water. Anchoring and jigging with a frozen shiner still working. Some using bottom bouncers and spinners with bright colors such as pink or chartreuse on dark days. Mornings and evenings drifting over sand/gravel at Pine Island or Zippel Bay with a live minnow, leech, or crawler in 6-14 feet catching lots of eaters.

Lots of limits caught on the NW Angle this week. Walleye and smallmouth bass are staying shallow over sand near islands. Drifting with a jig in 16-25 feet of water producing the best bite.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

The fishing is excellent all over the lake. Key spots this past week are both gaps, Pine Island, Knight and Bridges, Archies Reef, Arnesens Reef and Garden Island. Walleyes are being caught from 5 ft of water with a wind swept shoreline to 30 feet on main lake basin. Good numbers and big fish are the norm. Jigging, spinners and pulling cranks effective. Colors, gold, glow and orange. Fishing is on fire right now.

Smallmouth bass are in the shallows. Good numbers coming form the Rainy River. Tapering shorelines with bolders or incoming rivers have been key.

Up at the NW Angle. Excellent fishing continues. As on south shore, limits of walleyes the norm. 15 - 25 feet of water, jigging, spinners and cranks. Walleyes starting to move to reefs. Smallmouth bass in shallows. Target by casting shallow diving cranks. Big pike being caught by walleye and bass anglers. Muskie season is open in Ontario waters. 50+ inch fish were caught this weekend.

More info at www.fishingminnesota.com or on Facebook. Watch Lake of the Woods shine this week on the Rapala Scatter Rap Challenge.

[Hooktup]

That's good news! I'm heading up Thursday afternoon to the long point area. I'll be staying not far from long point resort. What's my best bet, north to bridges or can I find good fishing closer? I have fished the gaps and around arnosons this time of year but never where I'm going I just don't want to waste a day.

Thanks

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Fishing has been hot on all parts of the lake all day long! Mornings and evenings have been active with both slot fish and eater fish along shore lines as they move out deep for the day. Drift or troll the sand/shore line with gold crankbaits or a spinners with a crawler or leech in 7 - 10'. Move deeper as the day goes on, currently the best bite is 20-25 feet of water. Rocky areas and reefs are the go to spot jigging with a minnow on an orange/gold jig. Try the West or East banks of Garden Island. Also fish being caught in 27' in front of Morris Point gap.

Still a strong current on the Rainy River, but water conditions are returning to normal. Bass are active in the river, hanging out around loose boulders, weed growth, at the mouths of the river and bay areas.

Up on the NW Angle, walleye are staying over reef areas. 22-24 feet is ideal jigging or using spinners near shore. The bass bite has been active in shallow sandy areas. Shallow diving crankbaits will do the trick. Musky season is open and they are in the bays and active. For more information and the latest updates check out facebook.com/fishingminnesota or our website at fishingminnesota.com. Good fishing!

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

The fishing is fantastic. Summer patterns are kicking in. While walleyes are still being taken jigging with frozen shiners, pulling spinners and crankbaits have really heated up. Walleyes in 12 - 30' of water in front of Pine Island, 27' - 32' out from the fields (west of Zippel), Archies, Lems, Arnesens reefs, west bar (west side of Garden Island), Starren shoal (south side of Garden Island), Little Oak Island and Knight and Bridges are all holding fish. The basin bite (Big Traverse) using leadcore and downriggers kicked in on Saturday. Lots of big fish over 28" caught. Spinners, gold, pink or purple. Cranks, gold, orange or crawfish.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing remains good for all species. In Canadian waters, walleye anglers continue to find walleye on reefs and points using jig/minnow. Best depths 10 to 30 feet. The mayfly hatch has started, avoid the areas with recent hatches for best success. Musky anglers are seeing and catching nice fish in sand bays and around boulder areas. Smallmouth bass are still going strong on the shorelines, and the largest pike have been showing up on reefs and point areas; lots of walleye anglers are catching them. For weekly fishing report and LOW events, lodging and Hot Deals, sign up at www.fishingminnesota.com. Facebook at fishingminnesota.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

The reefs and deep water are producing. Limits of walleyes the norm. The many reefs on the west side of Big Traverse near Long Point and Arnesens have turned on. Garden Island and Knight and Bridges still hot on north end. Fish the tops early/late or with wave action, the rock to mud transition during the day. The deep mud basin on Big Traverse has kicked in to high gear. Jigging, crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits are all producing limits. Big fish are mixed in with eaters. Walleyes also coming from both the Morris Point and Lighthouse Gaps. Gold, pink and chartreuse have been strong this week.

Smallmouth bass are active both in the Rainy River and up at the NW Angle. Target shallow boulder areas with gradual sloping banks. Shallow diving cranks and spinners both effective.

Up at the NW Angle, the reefs are on fire. Both on the MN side and Ontario side, big numbers of walleyes being caught. Jigging and pulling crawler harnesses are the go to methods. Big pike are being taken by walleye anglers on reefs as well.

Musky anglers are having good success as weed growth increases. Good numbers of fish being taken. Weedlines, rocky points and bays with boulders have been key.

For more info, check out www.fishingminnesota.com or Facebook at fishingminnesota.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Limits of walleyes the norm as summer patterns stabilize. Walleyes are being found deep over mud flats and reefs. Arnesen's Reef, Long Point area, Starren Shoal, North Bridges Reef, Knight, and Garden Island, all the way up to Little Oak Island are doing well jigging with a frozen shiners in 30'. Windy and low light, try on top or edges, sunny or calm days, check rock to mud transitions. Crawler harnesses on off shore flats and on windier days extremely effective. Crawlers or leeches on a hammered gold or pink spinner. Deep mud in front of Pine Island in 32' and in front of the fields (near Zippel Bay) also productive.

Resident walleyes on the Rainy River holding out in deeper holes, 15' - 25'. A jig and minnow the go to bait. Smallmouth bass still active. The normal haunts, mouths of rivers, boulder areas with small crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

.

Up at the NW Angle, walleyes are abundant in 22-24 feet of water over rock piles. Jig with a minnow or spinners with crawlers have been hot. Muskies and Pike are active and still in the weed beds and around boulders and saddles of islands. Lots of big fish being caught and released. Big numbers of smallmouth bass around sloping boulder areas.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Fishing remains very good. Good numbers of walleyes and saugers are being caught over reefs both deep and shallow, and over deep mud. Anchor with a 3/8 oz jig and a frozen shiner on calm days in 30-33 feet of water. Pink, gold, or bubble gum colors have been hot! Windy days mean drifting with spinners and leeches/crawlers. Both Big Traverse and Little Traverse producing good numbers and trophy fish. North of Garden Island, rock piles and shorelines 8-13 feet North of Zippel Bay, or 20-25 feet West of Zippel Bay all producing easy limits while drifting. Try hammered gold, bronze, pink, or chartreuse.

The Rainy River water has been high with strong currents. Walleyes are around rocky structures and in holes. Jig with a minnow near current seams, rapids and rocks. Smallmouth bass at mouths of rivers and along shorelines with boulders.

Up at the NW Angle, mayflies are out but have not slowed the fishing. Jig deep 28-32 feet over rocky reefs or drift with spinners near Fourblocks, Starren Shoals, and Little Oak Island. Musky and Northern Pike active in the early/late evenings. Muskie activity has been good with many fish caught and released. Bass fishing strong, relating to bays and transition areas.

Great summer fishing is in full swing. For more info on lodging, fishing charters and other activities, www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

North winds have stirred up the big fish. Many slot fish 20 inches and bigger reported along edges of reefs 28-32 feet or 29-34 feet over mud. Troll with a crank bait or drift with spinners baited with crawlers and leeches along Garden, Bridges, and Little Oak Island. Some charters have started to down rig with positive results. Also, try anchoring with a jig and frozen shiner in 30-33 feet along the CN border line closer to the South Shore near Pine Island. Red with white and hammered gold are the colors to try this week.

Water levels are high on the Rainy River. Strong currents are bringing minnows upstream and plenty of walleyes following. Casting from shore pulls in a limit. Sturgeon activity increasing.

Up on the NW Angle, spinners baited with a chub has been the go to method. Try the reef around Little Oak, Four Blocks, and Falcon Island or rocks in Little Traverse Bay. 18-25 feet with red or hammered gold. Musky still active in top waters with Danny baits and cow girls.

For more info on lodging, fishing, charters, and other summer fun, go to www.fishingminnesota.com

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Summer fishing is good on all ends of the lake using various technique with trophies, slot fish and eater fish alike! Many charter boats have started down rigging with good results. Trolling with a crank bait in 30-33 feet in the mud basin north of Long Point, near Garden and Knight Island, or 10-15 miles north of Pine Island has been effective. Drifting with hammered gold spinners baited with crawlers is good starting at the edges of reefs and working your way out 19-26 feet from Long Point to Rocky Point, to Stony Point, and near the gaps. Bottom bouncers with 2-2.5 oz of weight have been working in 30-32 feet over mud flats. Anchoring with a 3/8 oz jig and frozen shiner has been good in 30-34 feet of water near the Canadian line north of Pine Island or by Zippel Bay.

Up at the NW Angle, Johnston Passage, Skeet, Little Oak, and Fourblocks are the hot spots. Drift with spinners, jumping from reef to reef in 10-12 feet or 18-22 for best results. Deeper areas better for jigging with a minnow in 29-33. Crappies and perch showing up in the mix. Muskie fishing is showing best in the evening hours near Falcon Island. Use double cowgirls and Danny bait. For more info, www.fishingminnesota.com

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Big numbers of trophy walleyes along with the eaters this week. Trolling with bright colored crank baits on down riggers or lead core line on the main basin in the deep mud has been productive. Schools of walleyes and saugers out from Pine Island, Long Point, to Garden Island in 30 - 35' of water. Drifting with spinners with crawlers also producing on breezy days over mud, at Stony Point and Graceton Beach on south end.

Sturgeon are on the move in the Rainy River! ClementsonAccessOnRainyRiver Landing to Birchdale has been producing big fish. If you don't want to go that far no problem, stay close to bends and the insides of elbows in the evenings as they start to jump.

Up on the NW Angle, deep rock piles are still producing. Use spinners with crawlers in 22-24 feet near Little Oak, Oak, and Lunatic Islands on the MN side. Jig/minnow around Skeet Island on Ontario side. Pike and Musky are in the weed beds, but moving deeper. Use spinner baits over beds or cast with crank baits over deeper rocky structures. Evenings have been the best time. For more info on fishing, lodging and guides, www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Some breeze this past week has been the perfect partner for fishing! Trophies coming in big numbers along with the eaters Drifting with spinners and crawler harnesses or frozen shiners has been hot, in addition to trolling crank baits. Blue/chrome, pink or black for cranks working well. Try hammered gold spinners in 30-35 feet of water over humps and structure. Most fishing over deep mud. Jigging with a frozen shiner 29-33 feet just off the Canadian Border but between the snowmobile trail North of Pine working well.

On the Rainy River, sturgeon still going strong out in front of Frontier Landing. Shady deep waters as the evening hours approach is just right to catch that dinosaur. Smallmouth bass and walleyes going well when targeted.

Up on the NW Angle, fish are on the move back to structure. Crappies and Perch are biting just off the drop-offs of reefs, walleye staying deeper on edges. Try Oak, Lunatic, 4 Blocks, and Little Oak Islands. Muskies are active. Best bite still best in the evening over weed and rock beds. For more info on fishing, lodging and charters, www.fishingminnesota.com.

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Trophy walleyes still going strong as well as eaters across the lake with methods to match. Trolling with crank baits has been the most favorable technique this week. Try deep in 32-35 over the mud in Big Traverse Bay, 26-28' in front of Morris Gap, 6 miles north of long point in 27-30', or along the border 10 miles north of Lighthouse Gap. Drifting and jigging showing better results in the evening hours shallow in sand or over rock near Pine Island 6-15'.

Sturgeon still very active on the Rainy River in deep holes with current. Keep season for sturgeon open until Sept 30. Smallmouth bass consistent on white spinner baits and crank baits. Target boulders and mouths of tributaries.

Up at the NW Angle, walleye steady in deep rocky structures 22-25 feet. Use a dead minnow with Chartreuse jig north of Skeet Island and near Little Oak Island. Pike and musky very active in deep weed beds late afternoon/evenings using cowgirls. Smallmouth bass are active along shorelines. Spinner baits and crank baits the go to method. For more info, www.fishingminnesota.com

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

Good fishing again this week at The Walleye Capital of the World. Trolling crankbaits in "no man's land" out in the deep mud, 34', still producing. Anglers starting to transition over to live bait more. Crawler harnesses and jigging with minnows kicking in. Spots to check out, 26' in front of Zippel and Morris Point. 30' in front of Lighthouse Gap and numerous reefs near Long Point.

Up at the NW Angle. On the MN side, good walleye fishing continues north of Garden Island around Little Oak Island and Oak Island. Check out both reefs and deeper mud off of reefs. Pulling crawler harnesses, pink and/or gold blades has been successful. In Ontario waters, Skeet Island has been the go to area. Jig and minnow in a bright color.

Muskies are active. Groups catching and releasing many fish up to 52". A lot of fish in the 40's. Twitch baits that can be stopped and suspend doing well. Spinners also pulling some fish. Rock points, saddles and scattered red cabbage key. 50% of fish coming on figure 8. For more info, www.fishingminnesota.com.

[JohnnyO]

Heading up Thursday morning with my wife. When you say no-mans land in 34 ft is that the area north of long point 10 miles? Or is it northwest of pine island 5-10 miles? Any color of crank baits work better? Is any body dropping anchor out in no-mans land and jigging? Thanks for any information the weather looks great. We have only fished up there in front of Pine Island in the fall or in the river.

Thank you

John

[bak2MN]

I heard over the radio last weekend they were catching good on purple! and john deere green. We only used live bait so don't know.