On the South End… Now is a great time to get up to LOW and the Rainy River as fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is on fire. Lots of limits of walleyes and saugers with a great weather forecast ahead.
Like any fishing, being flexible pays dividends. If you are fishing on a charter or with a guide, your guide will make necessary adjustments to put you on fish. If you are fishing on your own, some considerations…
-If water clarity isn’t good as maybe a big blow has muddied up the water, find an area of cleaner water. This could be a different area of the lake or switching to / from the river or NW Angle.
-Things change quickly. One group went way out on the lake from a resort on the river, only to get a call from their buddies the walleyes moved in the river. They came back and fished in front of their resort and limited out with nice fish. No wonder there were so many seagulls on the river that morning!
-Don’t be afraid to trailer your boat to a different shoreline, which is often easier and more economical vs making long runs on the water, especially on days with some wind.
-Trailering your boat to different sections of the Rainy River is not only effective, it’s enjoyable to learn other areas. So beautiful this time of year.
-Fishing reports, resort owners, guides, other anglers, bait shops, social media groups are all sources of info.
-Dress warm, be comfortable. Wear ice fishing gear in the morning when it is chilly. As the day gets warmer, shed clothing. Hat and gloves or mittens are also helpful.
Walleyes and saugers are being caught in a variety of locations across the south shore from 18-25 feet. Water temps are in the low to mid 50’s.
Vertical jigging with frozen, or live emerald shiners is catching a pile of fish. Have plenty of bait as typically, lots of small fish to sort through but boats are getting their keepers along with some larger walleyes.
Good numbers of jumbo perch and along with some pike are also being caught by walleye anglers.
Good jig colors this week were gold, gold / glow white, gold / chartreuse, gold / orange, and gold / pink.
On the Rainy River… More shiners and walleyes moved into the river this past week. Nice walleyes are being caught up and down the river, including areas throughout Four Mile Bay. The morning and evening hours have had the best bite.
Jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners and trolling crankbaits have been the most popular methods of catching walleyes. 15 – 25 feet of water has been the norm.
Sturgeon fishing continues to pick up as the days get shorter and the water cools. The “Catch and Release” sturgeon season is in place right now.
Up at the NW Angle... A great week of fall fishing up at the Angle. Walleyes are being found around traditional areas with structure. Points, neck down areas with current, shoreline breaks and transition areas from rock to mud are good right now.
In addition to good numbers of walleyes, pike, jumbo perch and crappies being caught. A jig and minnow continues to be the staple presentation and very effective.
Muskie anglers are both casting and trolling this time of year to find the predators in this part of the lake.
For more information on fall and winter fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
