Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

September has arrived along with cooler nights.  Having options on Lake of the Woods right now will improve your chances of boating more fish. Trolling crankbaits in 30-34' 10 miles out of Lighthouse Gap is producing nice walleyes. Chrome, blue, red, and a purple-pink are hot colors. The scattered schools are starting to move closer in to shore. Pulling spinners and vertical jigging with a jig and a minnow in 12-18 feet producing some nice fish.  Reefs are holding walleyes with a few pike thrown in the mix.  Smallies are active on shallow rocks and shoreline structure.

On the Rainy River, rain continues to be a factor but the fishing is heating up regardless. As fall approaches, Rainy River fall fishing can be excellent as shiners run up the river and walleyes are close behind.  As of right now covering lots of water to find fish is key.  More walleyes are showing up in 4 Mile Bay and at mouth of river each day as the water cools.  Anglers sturgeon fishing boating some nice dinos this week. Sturgeon "keep" season is now open through Sep. 30.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing has moved to bays and shallow water. Walleye and saugers are being caught in 10-13 feet around Flag Island and Oak Island, and in 16-27 feet south of Oak.  Some drifting with spinners in shallower areas.  Others trolling cranks away from structure with success.  Spinners with bottom bouncers are best option but pulling plugs while downrigging or using leadcore good as well. In Ontario waters, walleyes in 14-24 feet and 20-32 feet and moving daily. Crappies starting to school up in deep holes. Good electronics are helpful in finding walleyes this time of year as they are in many different places and depths.  Muskies being boated in Minnesota and Canadian waters. Cast large bucktails, stickbaits and subsurface baits over rock points, reefs and shorelines as they begin to pack on the pounds throughout the fall!