On the south end… Nice walleyes being caught this week on Lake of the Woods. A nice mix of eaters (under 19.5 inches), slot fish (19.5 – 28 inches which must be released) and trophy walleyes (over 28 inches). Although cooler temps and fall is upon us, the best bite so far is still pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits. Jigging will kick in very soon!
There are walleyes being caught at many locations around the lake. One area that continues to put out good numbers of eaters is Little Traverse Bay which is located on the north end of the lake.
Various spots along the south shore from Pine Island, Zippel Bay to Long Point in 15 – 30 feet of water are starting to heat up as some walleyes are gravitating to their traditional fall areas. The key is to locate fish using electronics.
Reefs in the SW corner of the lake typically hold fish throughout the year and are also putting out some walleyes.
Drift or troll spinners at 1.0 – 1.25 mph with a gold and red, a glow red or a pink blade with a two hook harness with a crawler. This technique continues to produce.
Trolling crankbaits continues to produce good numbers of fish, including big fish. This technique will continue to produce nice walleyes into the fall months.
Jigging will pick up any time with the shorter days and cooler temps.
Saugers, big pike, jumbo perch and a few crappies in the mix of walleyes throughout a day of fishing.
On the Rainy River… A great week of fishing on the Rainy River. There continues to be good reports for walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, sturgeon, suckers and bullheads. A variety of fish is common on the Rainy River.
Walleyes are being caught in Four Mile Bay, along various shoreline breaks, bars and other pieces of structure up and down the river. Trolling spinners and trolling crankbaits has been effective covering water and triggering fish. Jigging will start to pick up soon.
Emerald shiners run in the fall up the river. Not a lot of reports yet but typically that will change in the very near future.
Pike and smallmouth bass are being caught casting shorelines, bays and areas with rock or structure.
For those targeting sturgeon, some decent activity this week. The sturgeon bite tends to be very active during the fall months. The keep or catch and release season is open throughout the fall if you like huge fish or simply want to mix up the walleye fishing a bit.Up at the NW Angle… Nice fish are being caught on both sides of the border. Most anglers are targeting walleyes, but there is a plethora of species to be had amongst the islands. Fall is an incredible time to fish the Angle.
Walleye anglers are finding fish in typical walleye haunts. Points, reefs, flats and neck down areas with current. Good reports are coming from anglers using jigs, spinners and crankbaits.
September and October are months anglers like to catch the huge crappies that live amongst the islands. Deeper areas off of points are good bets. Electronics are helpful in locating these fish. Crappies can reach up to 17 inches in these parts, with most in that 12 – 15 inch range.
Muskie activity is definitely picking up. Many reports of fish over 50 inches this week caught and released. Many other fish in that 40 – 50 inch range caught as well.Lodging, fishing charters / guides and upcoming fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
