Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report
Category: fishing reports
Jul 19th, 2022 by Keith Worrall
Modified Jul 19th, 2022 at 10:09 AM
On the south end… Summer walleye fishing remains very good across Lake of the Woods. Different schools of walleyes keying in on different forage offers anglers numerous opportunities.
Water levels are starting to drop and debris that is consistent with high water has flushed through the system. Thankfully, fishing has been great despite a high water year.
A good bite for eater walleyes in 10-15 feet just off of Pine Island and other areas along the south shore. Some are using spinners with crawlers to catch these fish but trolling crankbaits to cover water is also producing. Some are still jigging which is still effective despite it being mid July.
Deep mud in 28 – 33′ this time of year holding good numbers of fish. You just have to find what general area they are living in, get your baits in front of them and normally good things happen.
Others are leaning on more traditional techniques of spinners with a crawler or trolling crankbaits to catch their fish, which can be especially effective when fish are spread out.
Some of the reefs in Big Traverse Bay are holding nice numbers of walleyes. Bobber fishing or jigging the top of the reefs or pulling spinners on the reef or on the transition where the rock meets the mud producing good fish.
In addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch pike, smallmouth bass and even an occasional muskie, crappie or sturgeon are being caught on the basin.
On the Rainy River… Some good summer fishing continues on the Rainy River this summer. Areas out of the current have been the go to spots this year.
A nice mixed bag in the river includes walleyes, saugers, smallmouth bass, and pike. Good numbers of shiners in the river.
Sturgeon anglers showing off some big fish being caught. Anglers can catch and release fish or keep one sturgeon through the summer if a sturgeon tag is purchased.
Big pike are still prowling backwater bays and feeder rivers. Smallies are living around rocks, current breaks, bays and bridges.
Up at the NW Angle… Fishing on both sides of the border has been excellent. Jigging and pulling spinners are the two techniques most anglers are using to catch their walleyes.
As water temps warm, some fish utilizing structure (underwater points, sunken islands, etc.) while some fish are gravitating to mud flats. Jig where tighter concentrations of fish, pull spinners when fish are more spread out.
Muskie anglers catching and releasing good number with some 50 inch plus fish in the mix.
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)
4. Take your own boat. (Safety first, this is a 40 mile ride over big water)
A complete list of lodging, guide and charter boat trips at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.