Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

On the south end... A great week of fall fishing. Schools of walleyes and saugers are set up in various locations along the south shore of Big Traverse Bay. Some of these fish will be targeted when resorts get fish houses out, normally in early to mid December, Mother Nature dependent of course.

Anglers are catching a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch and an occasional crappie or sturgeon. A good overall depth has been 18 - 25'. Some fish are roaming the flat mud while others are adjacent to structure.

Anchored up and jigging with fatheads and frozen shiners is working well. Most anglers will anchor up and vertically jig over the side. If walleyes are in the area, they are normally moving around enough to find you.

Long Point area, Zippel Bay, Morris Point and Lighthouse Gap areas still producing fish.

On the Rainy River... A great week of fall walleye fishing. Good fish were caught up and down the river. One day the bite is hot, the next day, just okay. Who knows why, but the fish are there.

Traditionally, as we approach the end of October, some really big walleyes are caught. It might be getting colder and deer hunting is approaching, but seasoned hawg hunters know what this means on the Rainy.

Jigging with frozen shiners has been producing nicely. Gold, orange, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo of these colors are working well. Trolling crankbaits is also producing nice fish.

Sturgeon are active. Some walleye anglers are taking a bit of their walleye time and fishing dinosaurs. Some sturgeon caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers.

Boat ramps are open from Wheeler's Point to Baudette east to Birchdale.

Up at the NW Angle... Walleye fishing is great. Jigging with a minnow has been the go to method. Fish are in good numbers for anglers fishing either side of the border.

This time of year, the mouth of bays can hold schools of shiners, which is a magnet for walleyes and other species. Points, rock islands, sunken islands, neck down areas, etc. are also holding fish.

Big muskies are cooperating nicely for those pursuing them. In addition to working key structure, this is the time of the year trolling produces nicely.

Resorts are busy getting fish houses, ice transportation and other winter equipment ready as ice fishing is just around the corner.

A complete list of lodging, guides, charter boat trips and ice fishing trips at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.