On the south end… Summer fishing is going great with solid numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught, and consequently as is tradition in these parts, plenty of fresh fish frys.
Deep summer patterns are holding true, but with that being said, things are always changing. The fish are definitely stacked on the expansive mud flats of Big Traverse Bay. The parts of the fishing equation that change are bug hatches, pressure systems, wind direction, and even the walleye’s mood at times.
Some days you mark fish and action is consistent. Other days, the fish you mark are stubborn. That is when you need to mix it up. Changing areas if there is a bug hatch and the walleyes on the graph won’t eat, changing techniques from jigging to pulling spinners to trolling crankbaits.
If you are fishing with a guide, between a good understanding of the lake and being networked with other guides, they normally figure it out and get fish.
Be observant, be flexible. Someone is always catching fish on LOW.
One consistent technique right now is drifting or trolling crawler harnesses. Use a two ounce bottom bouncer and a crawler harness with a gold, gold/pink, gold/orange, chartreuse or combo of these colors spinner and a crawler.
A second technique catching good numbers of walleyes is trolling crankbaits over the mud basin. To get crankbaits down to schools of fish normally in that 28 – 32′ range, lead core line, snap weights, downriggers and even a 4 ounce bottom bouncer with 6′ mono or fluorocarbon leader with shallow diving crankbait will work well.
Some anglers are still anchoring up over schools of walleyes and jigging with a frozen emerald shiner with success. Lots of ways to get it done.
Most popular depths on the mud are 30′-36′ of water over the mud basin. Some anglers reported success in that 12-17′ range over rocks and rubble areas this week as well.
On the Rainy River… The flow of water on the Rainy River continues to decrease and this past week was very good fishing.
Sturgeon anglers are reporting some nice fish caught this week. Fish of all sizes, from small to huge, and everything in between.
Sturgeon anglers are also catching some nice walleyes while soaking nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners. There are definitely fish to be had. Most walleye anglers are pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream to cover water, or, if fishing isolated spots, using a jig and minnow.
Smallmouth bass anglers are working areas with rock and bridges using tube jigs, small crankbaits and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer.
Up at the NW Angle… The walleye fishing continues to be excellent. There are three techniques getting it done. Jigging with a 3/8 ounce jig and minnow or plastic. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses. And finally, trolling crankbaits.
There are fish being found in various depths, with the most common ranges being 15-20′ or 27-33′.
This time of the year, it is common for walleyes to slide off of structure over deep mud. Electronics are certainly helpful in finding numbers of fish.
Trophy size pike over 40 inches continue to be caught. Most anglers aren’t targeting them, but fishing for either muskies or walleyes. Pike are in good numbers.
Good muskie reports again this week throughout the islands area of the lake.
Most resorts have availability this time of year. Summer is going fast, get that last summer trip in and make some memories.
Lodging, complete fishing packages, small boat guide trips, and charter trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
