Excellent Week of Walleye Fishing

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  An excellent week of walleye fishing.  Walleyes are being found in a variety of areas, but most anglers focusing on deep mud in 30 - 34' of water, although anglers found fish in less than 20' as well.

Walleyes can be scattered across big mud basins or hanging out in small schools.  Covering water by drifting snelled spinners with a crawler or leech or trolling crankbaits has been effective.  

Anglers using a 2-3 ounce weight for spinners in deeper water.  For trolling crankbaits, many options.  Downriggers, lead core line, a 4 oz bottom bouncer with a 6' mono / fluorocarbon leader or snap weights to get your lures down to the fish.

A nice mix of sizes include small fish, eaters, slots (19.5 - 28") and trophy walleyes over 28".  Summer is a great time to target big fish.

On the Rainy River...   The river producing a mixed bag of fish.  Walleyes, saugers, smallmouth, pike and sturgeon are all available.  

From the mouth of the Rainy River at Wheeler's Point to Birchdale, there is 42 miles of navigable river.  A fun option on high wind days or for a change of pace.  Water levels are low so use caution in shallow areas.  

The sturgeon "keep" season opened July 1st and is open through Sep. 30.  Catch and release Oct 1 - April 23, 2022.

Up at the NW Angle...  Lots of walleyes being caught.  Some fish over the mud, others hanging around structure and a few in shallow rocks eating crayfish.  

Anchoring up with jigs and minnows on structure is still effective as if fish are there, they will come through in waves.  Most anglers drifting spinners and crawlers over deep mud areas.  Trolling crankbaits has also been effective.

Good pike fishing for those who like targeting them.  Muskie anglers boating some nice 50 plus inch fish all on the U.S. side as the border is closed.  Smallmouth hanging around deep rocky areas.  .

With the Canada border still closed, there are many ways to get up to the Angle.  

1.  The LOW Passenger Service, charter boat shuttle service from the south end, is open and running.  2.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  3.  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service from the south end of the lake.