Catching Various Sizes of Fish

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  A nice mix of walleyes and saugers being caught in 29-33 feet.  Most anglers catching various sizes of fish, sorting through a lot of small fish to get the keepers.  Keeper walleyes running on average in that 14-17" range with saugers in that 12-15" range.  Lots of slot fish (19.5" - 28") being caught, photographed and quickly returned to the water to reproduce and fight another day. Some big walleyes over 28" are also being caught.  The limit of walleyes and saugers on LOW is a combined limit of 6 fish, with up to 4 of the 6 being walleyes.  Walleyes 19.5 - 28" must be released.  One fish over 28" allowed per day.  

Creating some noise by jigging lures with a rattle or vibration has been effective. Use a deadstick, a jig or plain hook with a live minnow under a bobber just off of the bottom, for your second line.  Electronics are helpful to show suspended fish as well as how fish are reacting to your presentation.  Some bait shops and resorts will rent units for the day.  Popular lure colors glow red, gold and pink UV firetiger.  

On the Rainy River...   Morning and evening bite still the best on the river.  The snowmobile trail on the river from Baudette to Wheeler's Point to the NW Angle staked and groomed.  Use caution and work through a resort, outfitter or gain info from a bait shop as there is current and areas not fit for travel on the river.

Up at the NW Angle...  With the border closure, there are three ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  1.  NW Angle Guest Ice Road from south shore up to the Angle.  2.  Snowmobile trails across the lake.  3.  Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (bombardier).  

Nice walleyes and saugers being caught up at the Angle with perch, eelpout, pike and tullibees mixed in.  As the season progresses, walleyes are following their typical pattern, sliding off of structure into that 26 - 30' of water.  Ripping Raps or jigging spoons with a rattle tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail working well.  Plain hook or a glow jig with a live minnow on deadstick.  Communicate with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.