Lake of the Woods

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

On the south end...   Summer fishing is prime time right now up at Lake of the Woods.  Good numbers of walleyes being caught.  A nice variety of sizes, which bodes well for the fishery.  Small fish, eaters, slot fish which must be released (19.5 - 28.0 inches) and trophy walleyes over 28 inches all in the mix.  The mud is holding big numbers of fish and two main fishing techniques are being used to get it done.The first technique is drifting or trolling crawler harnesses.  Using a two ounce bottom bouncer and a two snelled spinner will do the trick.  Best spinner colors have been gold, gold/pink, orange/chartreuse.  
Making sure your weight is near the bottom, but not dragging the bottom is key.  Try to maintain a 45 degree angle and make sure the spinner is spinning, normally 1.0 - 1.3 mph.  Walleyes will load up, almost feeling like you are dragging a wet sock.  A good feeling!
The 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.
Most popular depths on the mud are 30'-36' of water over the mud basin.  Not every walleye in the lake is focusing on the same forage base.  There has also been success in that 12-20' range over sand and even shallower along shore.  
Reefs can be their own ecosystem and can always hold fish.  Fish can be on top, sides, on the rock to mud transition or even adjacent to reef out in the mud.  Go fishing, watch electronics.On the Rainy River...  With drier weather, the flow of water is decreasing on the Rainy River.  Water clarity has improved and so has fishing.  
Most are targeting the edges of the main current where water is slower moving.  Points, bridges, underwater structure, docks and bends in the river can all change current flow, creating good spots for fish to live.Jigs, spinners and crankbaits are all catching fish.  There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River with literally thousands of fun spots to fish.The sturgeon season is open.  Some nice fish were caught this week.  Anchor up on a hole or adjacent to a hole in the river and soak some nightcrawlers.  Local tackle shops have flat no roll sinkers and sturgeon rigs.  
There is a big population of smallmouth bass in the Rainy River.  Although they don't receive much attention due to walleyes, they are abundant.Up at the NW Angle...  Great walleye fishing is the rule of thumb using three techniques, jigging, trolling spinners and trolling crankbaits.  
Reports of walleyes sliding deeper off of structure.  If fishing a "spot on a spot", jigging is the preferred method.  If fish are spread out or you are searching a flat, spinners and crankbaits will cover more water and walleyes are normally cooperative.  Some big pike caught again this week.  These predators are often hanging around schools of walleyes and saugers, but rocky points, bays and sunken islands are great spots as well.Muskie anglers continue reporting good success fishing a variety of structure amongst the islands.  

On the south end...   The walleye bite is excellent.  The mud is holding big numbers of fish and a variety of techniques are getting it done.Interestingly, some of the success this week came with slight adjustments while on the water.  In one case, lots of fish were being marked but the water in this part of the lake was muddy.  The fish were there, but couldn't see the baits and success was marginal.  The move was made to another part of the basin with cleaner waters and it was game on with lots of walleyes caught in a hurry.
Another instance, a charter boat captain was fishing amongst a bug hatch in the lake.  The walleyes just were not responding as they were probably full of larvae, so he went to another area where the hatch wasn't so strong and caught good walleyes.
Three main techniques are getting it done, drifting or trolling crawler harnesses, trolling crankbaits and jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or leech.  Most popular depths on the mud are 30' - 36' of water.  Gold / glow white, gold / pink, orange, chartreuse, or a combo of these colors are a great place to start.On the Rainy River...  Above average precipitation has the Rainy River flowing. Most are targeting areas on the edge of current or in slack water. One thing good about higher current is it isolates the fish and they aren't so spread out.For walleyes, jigging with a frozen emerald shiner can always be effective.  If you are looking for fish or the fish are spread out, trolling spinners and crankbaits against the current is effective.  The Rainy River on any given day will produce a mixed bag of fish.  Shoreline breaks, slack water areas, the backside of a hump or even along docks are good places to start.There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.  Up at the NW Angle...  Fishing is excellent.  Walleye anglers are finding success pulling spinners and crawlers over mud flats and adjacent to structure just off in the mud.A jig and minnow is also producing nice walleyes.  Some guides never take the jigs off all summer long.  This area of the lake is loaded with structure and a jig and minnow are hard to beat in many areas.If you are new to the area or are looking for fish, trolling crankbaits this time of year will catch a lot of fish.  Certainly walleyes and saugers, but pike, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch, crappies and muskies will also surprise you. Muskie anglers continue reporting good success fishing a variety of structure amongst the islands.

On the south end...   The summertime bite is in full swing on LOW!  Three main techniques are getting it done and lots of fish are being caught.  The three fishing techniques being used are drifting or trolling crawler harnesses, trolling crankbaits and jigging.   Most popular depths are 24 - 35' of water.  When fishing structure, fish can be holding on top of the reef, on the edges or in the transition areas from the rock to mud.  Watching your electronics and fishing the various areas will help find the walleyes.The second area holding good numbers of fish is the deep mud.  Various schools of walleyes, as is the norm this time of year, are roaming around over the basin focusing on a variety of forage.  Emerald shiners, tullibees, bug hatches, blood worms, and perch minnows are just a few.  Those jigging basically mark fish on their electronics, anchor up or spot lock and jig.  Emerald shiners and leeches on the jigs have both been successful this week.Pulling spinners with a crawler and trolling crankbaits are techniques that are catching good numbers of fish.  These tactics cover water and get more reaction bites.  Gold / glow white, glow and pink, orange, chartreuse, or a combo of these colors are a great place to start.On the Rainy River...  With recent rains, the river is flowing with a strong current.  Focus fishing efforts in areas on the edge of current or in slack water. For walleyes, a jig and minnow is effective when fishing small, isolated spots.  Trolling spinners and crankbaits against the current will produce a mixed bag of fish.  Shoreline breaks, slack water areas, the backside of a hump or even along docks are good places to start.The sturgeon "keep" season opened July 1st.  You can catch and release sturgeon with a normal MN fishing license.  If you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5.  Anglers are allowed one sturgeon per calendar year between 45 - 50 inches or over 75 inches.  Up at the NW Angle...  Fishing remains excellent.  Lots of walleyes being caught, along with a mixed bag for many.Some walleyes are starting to gravitate towards sunken islands.  Some fish are out over deep mud.  Others are in areas such as points, neck down areas and weed edges.  Lots of walleyes focusing on a variety of different forage. Jigging on structure and over fish you mark has been effective.  When fish are a bit spread out, pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits is catching a lot of fish.  In this portion of the lake with thousands of islands, expect to catch walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, smallmouth bass and muskies.Muskie anglers are reporting good success with many nice fish caught and released.  

On the south end...   This week was a great week of walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods.  In addition, saugers, jumbo perch, some monster pike and an occasional crappie in the mix!  
There are three fishing techniques being used to score Lake of the Woods gold (walleyes).  First, drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses.  In a nutshell, using about a 2 ounce weight and a 3-4 foot harness with a spinner, two hooks and a crawler.  

A tip for crawler harnesses, hook the dark part or head of the crawler on the front hook.  Try to keep the crawler straight between the two hooks.  Try to leave a few inches of crawler off of your last hook and pinch off the rest.  The walleyes and saugers will still hit it, but you will create more hookups.

The second presentation is a jig and minnow or frozen emerald shiner.  Basically locate fish out on the mud or on structure, anchor up and jig.  If you are amongst fish, they will find you.  

The third way walleyes are being caught, and some may be surprised about, is trolling crankbaits.  Some have put on the trolling gear when the walleyes weren't as cooperative or when the fish are spread out.  Lots of success catching good numbers of walleyes and good sized fish.  

Lots of fish out over deep mud or deep structure.  The deep mud is holding a lot of walleyes in 21' - 27'.  Electronics will help you mark fish.  

There is another shallow water bite still taking place anywhere from 5 - 17'.  Much of the shallow bite has to do with feeding opportunities on various minnow spawns, crawfish and hatches.  Not every walleye is targeting the same prey.  Lots of opportunities.  .

Gold, orange, chartreuse, glow and pink, or a combo of these colors, are a great place to start.

Anglers can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers.  Up to 4 can be walleyes.  All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released.  One fish over 28 inches may be kept.  The possession limit in MN is one day's possession.  If you catch a limit, eat some fish and freeze a couple, make sure to count your remaining fish left over for your possession.  

On the Rainy River...  With some rain in the area, the river was flowing with a strong current and some debris this past week.  Debris has slowed considerably and water clarity is starting to improve.  

Water clarity is important for walleyes, saugers, pike and smallmouth bass.  Sturgeon are much more dialed into scent to find their next meal, consequently, when the sturgeon season opens again on July 1st for the keep season, things should be good.

The fishing happening on the river is focused in areas just out of the current.  Most fish will hang just off, able to grab a passing meal but not having to expend too much energy.  Current can be good as it focuses fish in areas.

Jigging with a minnow is effective when you are on fish.  Otherwise, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 - 12' of water is producing a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass and an occasional crappie. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Fishing for a variety of species has been excellent and is in full summer swing up at the Angle.

For those fishing out of the NW Angle, both the Minnesota and Ontario waters of Lake of the Woods are producing a number of nice walleyes.  Many fish have slid off onto deeper structure.  With that said, there are so many areas of forage on LOW, walleyes will be in numerous spots, some shallow and some deeper, taking advantage of opportunities.  Lots of fish to be had, just go fishing.  

Jigging structure has been effective.  When fish are a bit spread out, pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits is catching a lot of fish.  

In this part of the lake, expect to catch walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, pike and smallmouth bass.

Muskie anglers are after it and reporting good numbers, and in true LOW style, some big fish over the 50 inch mark.  Summer patterns are starting to take hold, but fish are holding in a variety of areas still.

On the south end...   The walleyes are biting!  A great week of fishing with a combination of jigging and pulling spinners the go to methods.  Most walleye fishing is taking place between 21 - 24' of water.  When you locate fish on your electronics, either anchor up and jig or simply drift with spinners and crawlers (or troll if there is no wind) through the schools.
When jigging, gold combined with a bright color such as glow white, pink, orange or chartreuse is a hard combo to beat.  Use a fathead minnow, rainbow or a frozen emerald shiner.  
When hooking the minnow, it is helpful to hook the minnow through the mouth and out the gills, pushing the minnow all the way up the hook to the jig head.  Re-hook the minnow as far back as possible.  This will catch the short biting fish.
 Use a two ounce bottom bouncer with a two or three hook snelled spinner and a nightcrawler.  Some good blade colors are gold or gold combined with gold, orange, glow red or pink.
As happens most years in June, another good walleye bite fired up in various areas of the south shore in 5 - 10 feet of water.  Oftentimes, minnows spawning pulls in hungry walleyes creating some excellent fishing.  Some big walleyes over 30 inches being caught, along with the eaters, smalls and slot fish between 19.5 - 28 inches that must be released.Anglers can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers.  Up to 4 can be walleyes.  All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released.  One fish over 28 inches may be kept.On the Rainy River...  The river is flowing with a strong current.  Consequently, fish are being found in areas just out of the current.  Jigging with a minnow is effective when you are on fish.  Otherwise, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 - 12' of water is producing a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass and an occasional crappie.The Lake Sturgeon season opens July 1st.  The river is a great summer option with 42 miles of navigable river and many nice boat ramps.  Up at the NW Angle...  The fish are snapping up at the Angle.  Another great week of fishing amongst the 14,552 islands in these parts.  Minnesota waters are producing nice walleyes. Some fish being found off of deeper structure.  Some nice opportunities are shallow based on forage, hatches, minnows spawning, etc.Pulling spinners with shiners or crawlers has been effective.  When you are on "a spot on a spot", jigging is the best technique.  Trolling crankbaits is working well and is a nice way to cover water and put your lure in front of a lot of fish.  In addition to walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, pike and smallmouth bass are also in the mix.Muskie anglers caught some nice fish this past week.  No specific pattern as the cold spring has fish still settling into summer.  The lake boasts a healthy population of fish, many in excess of 50 inches.

On the south end...   A good week of walleye fishing with some big fish caught along with good eaters.  All of that despite some fronts that came through and lots of wind.  Being in a charter boat a few days this week was an advantage for sure.  Wherever you fish, there are days the wind will blow.  Here are some good options for anglers when the wind blows on LOW.
-Fish on a big charter boat
-Fish the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River
-Bays such as Four Mile, Bostic and Zippel Bay
-Slide behind one of the thousands of islands that being up at the NW Angle
-Trailer your boat to a leeward boat ramp and fish that shorelineA jig and frozen emerald shiner was the go to presentation for walleyes.  Most boats are anchored up and vertically jigging.  Some are starting to use spinners and minnows or crawlers with success.  This pattern will pick up steam as the walleyes are starting to transition with warming waters.Walleyes have been caught this week in various depths.  As a rule, 21 - 32 feet of water was still the range.  Again, various areas across the lake are holding fish.   Various rock reefs have been good.  Fish are transitioning to mud as the season progresses.On the Rainy River...  The river is flowing strong right now as water is being released from the dam which controls its flow.  With the heavier current, fish are being found in areas with a current break.  Even a slight break that still has current is a fish attractor when the water is moving.Jigging with a minnow, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 - 12' of water is producing a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass and an occasional crappie.Casting to shoreline structure and even docks is also an effective method.For those who like fishing for dinosaurs, the sturgeon season opens July 1st.Up at the NW Angle...  A great week of fishing amongst the island area of Lake of the Woods.  Guides fishing the Canada side of LOW reported big numbers of walleyes along with a mixed bag.Minnesota waters also produced good fish.  Many of the walleyes are being found in deeper than normal water for this time of year, in that 22 - 28 feet.  As hatches begin and shiners begin to spawn, there will be some shallow water opportunities as well.The goto presentation continues to be a jig and minnow.  Pulling spinners with shiners or crawlers and trolling crankbaits also putting walleyes in the fry pan.  As is common in these parts, a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, pike and smallmouth bass being caught.Muskie anglers, the season opens on both sides of the lake Saturday, June 15th.  A glorious day for those who target the almighty predators!

On the south end...   A very good week of walleye fishing with good numbers of fish being caught by charter boats and smaller private boats.

As is the norm this time of year, a jig and frozen emerald shiner was the go to presentation for walleyes.  Most boats are anchored up and vertically jigging.  The best jig colors varied but gold/glow white, gold/pink/glow white and gold/orange were great color combinations.Not every walleye is targeting the same forage in the lake, hence, depths can vary.  As a rule, 21 - 32 feet of water was best.  Various areas across the south shore are holding fish.  Jumbo perch, pike and a few crappies in the mix with walleyes and saugers. On the Rainy River...  The best bite on the river for walleyes has been morning and evening using a jig and minnow.  With heavy flow from local rain, current breaks have been effective. 
Trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 - 12' of water will produce a mixed bag.
For those targeting bronzebacks (smallmouth bass), shoreline current breaks, areas with rock and structure around bridges has been good.  The river is full of smallies that receive little attention with all of the walleyes around.Up at the NW Angle...  A great week of fishing amongst the island area of Lake of the Woods.  Various fronts coming through as well as various bug hatches throughout the summer may affect fishing, but there are always fish biting somewhere in these parts.
Most guests staying up at the Angle head across the border and fish amongst the many islands which is smaller water.  Others prefer staying on the MN side and fishing the variety of structure this portion of the lake offers.  Good fishing on both sides.  
Some anglers are finding walleyes in 5-7' of water.  Other areas hold fish in 22-28 feet of water.  Much of this depends upon the forage walleyes in that part of the lake are focusing on.The goto presentation is a jig and minnow.  Pulling spinners with shiners or crawlers and trolling crankbaits also catching walleyes, especially when they are spread out or scattered.  Crankbait colors of shiny gold and pink UV firetiger were effective this week.  
Walleye anglers are catching some big pike, which is common in these parts.

On the south end...   Good fishing this week with nice numbers of walleyes and saugers.  

A jig and frozen emerald shiner again this week is the go to presentation for walleyes.  Rainbows and fatheads are also working and it is nice to see what the fish want each day.  Various areas across the south shore are holding fish.  Most walleyes and saugers are being caught in 17 - 24' of water.  Anglers are anchoring up and vertical jigging.A quarter ounce jig in gold, glow white, pink, orange, chartreuse, or a combo of these colors tipped with a minnow worked well again.  Pound the bottom, jig it up in the strike zone, hold.  Trying shaking the jig and lifting it off of the bottom.  Any kind of weight will be a fish hanging.  Set the hook!A mixed bag while fishing walleyes include pike, jumbo perch and a few crappies. On the Rainy River...  Some nice walleyes caught  this week on the river in 10 - 15' of water.  Typical spots such as holes, current breaks, weed edges and rocky areas all can hold fish.  There are 42 miles of navigable waters from the mouth of the river all the way to Birchdale.   Sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is closed until the keep season starts up again July 1st.
The river holds good numbers of smallmouth bass for those interested in bronzebacks.  A lot of bass are caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers.Up at the NW Angle...  A great week of fishing.  As typical with guests staying at the Angle, some fish MN waters, some slide over into Ontario waters.  Both areas are producing.  
Points, neck down areas and bays with warming water have been holding walleyes.  With warming waters, fish are in transition and there are lots of fish.  The goto presentation is a jig and minnow.  Gold, glow white, pink and orange are good colors

On the south end...   A great week of fishing with walleyes and saugers caught in good numbers.  

The goto presentation, again, was a jig and frozen emerald shiner.  Emerald shiners are a staple in LOW and walleyes love them.  Other minnows worked also, but emerald shiners are a favorite of anglers for good reason.The Lighthouse Gap area, Morris Point Gap and just in front of Pine Island held nice fish in 17 - 21' of water.  Various schools of walleyes and saugers across the south shore.  
A quarter ounce jig in gold, glow white, pink, orange, chartreuse, or a combo of these colors tipped with a minnow worked well again.
Some big pike and jumbo perch being caught by walleye anglers.
On the Rainy River...  Some nice walleyes were caught on the river this weekend, although most anglers normally head to the lake.  12 - 15' of water is holding some nice fish.Sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is closed until the keep season starts up again July 1st.Up at the NW Angle...  Some nice walleyes being caught along with a mixed bag.  12 - 25 feet of water.  Points, neck down areas and bays with warming water were holding good fish this week. The goto presentation was a jig and minnow as on the south shore.  A mixed bag as is common around the Angle.Lodging, ​