Transitioning to Fall Fishing Soon

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Walleye fishing has been great all summer and continues to be strong as we transition into fall.  Lake levels continue to drop, boat ramps are open, docks and charters are available!

80 veterans fished in the annual Pay It Forward event this year.  Limits across the board fishing on charter boats.  

Walleyes were caught using a few different techniques.  Most popular was drifting or trolling spinners at 1.0 - 1.25 mph.  Use a 2 ounce weight with a 2 or 3 hook snelled spinner and a crawler.  Hammered gold with glow red and glow white.

The second method is trolling crankbaits.   Lots of fish of all sizes.  Pink UV firetiger, chartreuse, orange and gold are all good colors.

Third, jigs tipped with minnows continue to put a lot of walleyes in the boat.  Anchor up or spot lock and jig over the side or if low wind, drift and jig.  

On the Rainy River...   Walleye anglers catching nice fish in the river.  Anglers are optimistic for a great fall run as there is good current.  Also good bait in the river already with anticipation of shiners starting to enter from the lake soon.

Some big sturgeon caught this week.  Colder water temps normally will help the bite, it should only get better.  

Casting shorelines for smallmouth bass and pike is always a good option for those who like to mix it up.

There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth at Wheeler's Point through Baudette east to Birchdale with many boat ramps along the way.

Up at the NW Angle...  Walleye fishing is excellent.  Jigging and pulling spinners with crawlers are both very successful methods.  

North and Northeast of Little Oak in the deep mud of Little Traverse Bay.  Lots of open water to fish with scattered small schools of walleyes and saugers.  Other areas adjacent to rock piles, over open mud, along shoreline structure holding fish as well.

It has been a great year for muskies and as water cools, it should get even better.  A lot of big pike being caught by walleye anglers, most likely feeding on small walleyes and saugers.  

Various ways to travel to the Angle.

1.  Drive through Canada to the Angle  (must be vaccinated, no covid test required)

2.  LOW Passenger Service (charter boat service across the lake avoiding customs) 

3.  Lake Country Air (fly from various Midwest locations to LOW and NW Angle, no customs)

4.  Take your own boat.  (Safety first, this is a 40 mile ride over big water, no customs)