Fall is starting to show itself on Lake of the Woods. The water has cooled to 64 degrees, and that drop is setting the stage for some of the best fishing of the year. Walleyes are still biting strong across the lake, the Rainy River’s fall run should begin in the near future, and a stretch of great weather makes this a fine week to get out on the water.
Big Traverse Bay (South Shore)
The walleye bite on the south end hasn’t let up. Spinners tipped with crawlers are still doing the damage when it comes to putting walleyes in the boat. Anglers are drifting when there is a breeze or slow-trolling on the calmer days.
Trolling crankbaits behind are still effective as well. This technique is great for covering water and putting baits in front of plenty of fish. As the water keeps cooling, look for that bite to hold steady or even pick up. Walleyes tend to feed harder once summer’s grip starts to loosen.
It won’t be long and vertical jigging will really start to pick up. As a rule of thumb, when water temperatures cool, such as from September into late fall, jigging really becomes effective.
Rainy River
Change is on the way on the Rainy River, and it’s the kind anglers wait all year for. As water temps drop, emerald shiners will begin pushing up the river, and that’s usually the first sign of the fall walleye run getting underway. It’s early yet, but the pieces are falling into place, and that bite only builds from here.
Sturgeon fishing tends to pick up too as the water cools and the days get shorter, so keep that on your radar if you’re chasing the big ones. Anchored up and watching the migration while you wait for your rod tip to do a tap dance is good for the soul.
NW Angle
Up at the Angle, fall is the name of the game. Walleye activity remains strong. Some great reports of big crappies being caught already and as the water cools, it will only get better.
Muskie activity will spike as we get late into fall, and the scattered island structure up there makes for some of the best muskie fishing of the year.
Before You Go
Fall is one of the best times to plan a trip north — cooling water, a building bite, and fewer crowds on the water. If you’ve been putting off booking, now’s a good time to lock in your dates. Charters and guides are still available.
Many are reminded to schedule your ice fishing reservations for Lake of the Woods if you haven’t done so yet. There are many options, from full service to self service, day houses or sleeper houses, on the south end or up at the NW Angle. These are good decisions to have!
To find out more about fishing Lake of the Woods, check out our website at lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fishing/.
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