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.
Huge Pike
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.
Lodging, complete fishing packages, small boat guide trips, and charter trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
It’s July. Surface water temps in areas on Lake of the Woods have heated up. Various bug hatches have, and will continue to, take place. And to nobody’s surprise, spinners and crawlers are the go to method. Some anglers are adding downriggers to their boats. Crankbaits are picking up steam. It happens every year, the walleyes are kicking into summer mode. There is a lot of life taking place below the water surface. To capitalize as an angler, it is important to make good on the water decisions for summer walleyes.
Lake of the Woods summer walleyes are being caught many ways, in many spots and in many depths. A recent day on the water was a great illustration of how to make decisions that lead to more summer walleyes.
Different schools of walleyes doing different things. Some are in the shallows being opportunistic with that part of the ecosystem. Others walleyes are hanging out in deep water basins or adjacent to deep water structure. Some are living in that 15′ of water in Little Traverse Bay which is the area north of Garden Island. Others are taking advantage of that deep water aquarium full of forage called Big Traverse Bay which is the big open water south of Garden Island.
There are many forms of forage in the lake to feed on, one of the reasons Lake of the Woods is so healthy. Walleyes are feasting on mayfly larvae, perch minnows, perch, young of the year walleyes, tulibees, crayfish, blood worms, etc. This variety of forage is also why one group of anglers will fill a cooler in less than 10 feet of water and others will be targeting fish in that 30 – 34′ range and also filling their cooler.
Bug Hatches
Adapting while on the water is an important skill for anglers. For example, a charter captain fished an area he had fished the day before and the fish just weren’t firing. He noticed the amount of bug hatches on top of the water. For a long ways, you would see mayfly carcasses. He decided to move to another part of the lake where the bug hatch was not nearly as strong and filled the cooler with nice walleyes.
Another example, when there is a bug hatch, and it has happened on many occasions, the sonar reveals a ton of bait and summer walleyes suspended about 15 – 20 down in about 30′ of water. In this instance, when I say the screen was loaded, it was loaded. Not a good sign typically on Lake of the Woods. From experience, it is hard to get these suspended fish to eat. We believe they had one thing on their minds, mayfly larvae. We still fished that area hard with just a couple of fish.
Rather than beating ourselves up, we switched spots to another reef we knew there were big fish hanging around. Some of these fish were on the bottom. They show up as big arches or “hooks” on the sonar on or adjacent to the bottom. Just what we wanted to see. Again, these fish were uncooperative. We pulled spinners and crawlers through a number of fish with no success. We switched over to crankbaits, again no success.
Rather that beating a dead horse, there is so much water, so many spots to fish that we moved on. In this case, we decided to do a “milk run”. Let’s quickly and efficiently work a number of spots until we can get something rolling, and we did.
We stopped on the edge of a deep underwater point. We worked it from 26′ down to 6′. A couple of saugers. After a short time, we pulled the plug and hit another spot.
This spot was the right spot but small. It had a couple of charter boats on it who were doing well. Rather than crowding them, we decided to move away from them and at about 5mph, watch our sonar. In a different area we started seeing signs of life. After the screen looked healthy, even though we didn’t plan on fishing this exact area, we decided to give these fish a try. Why? We trusted our electronics.
After about five minutes, we had a nice 16 inch walleye in the boat. Soon another and another. Summer walleyes in this spot cooperated nicely. With no boats around, we were on active fish. After catching all the fish we needed and the live well healthy, we decided to go looking for big fish (just for fun).
We pulled a deep water spot and fished it for 30. We could see some sleds but no takers. Other boats were not swinging nets. Time to move on.
Fishing memories, there was a shallow water spot were were basically going right by to get to a big fish deep water spot. I talked my partner into giving the shallow water 20 minutes. “Either they are there or they are not,” I said as I was very curious about the spot as I had good memories there.
After about 10 minutes and in 7′ of water, we hooked into a 24 incher. We went on to catch eaters, some larger walleyes, nothing huge but a few fish between 22-24″. A good move. A fun and healthy spot.
We continued on to on last deep water spot that I know for big summer walleyes. Lots of hooks. Lots of suspended hooks, some on the bottom. Worth a pull. Right away, a 25 incher decided to commit. A nice fat fish. We thought this was going to be good. I missed a fish shortly after. We fished this spot for an hour making circles around the spot we had action right away. Nothing. No bites, no fish. Crazy, but that is fishing.
Overall, a wonderful and memorable day of fishing. If we wouldn’t have done a milk run, I anticipate we would have caught a few fish. By looking for the right scenario with summer walleyes willing to eat our offerings, our day turned into one that makes Lake of the Woods famous. What a fishery!
Muddy Water
On a recent day of fishing with TV host, Jon Thelen of Destination Fish, we headed north to fish around Garden Island and the north portion of Big Traverse Bay. Jon had caught nice fish there earlier in the week.
Upon arriving, we could see some nice walleyes on the electronics. I did make the comment, however, the water looked dirty. Long story short, we pulled spinners through hundreds of walleyes in three different spots in that part of the lake over the course of a few hours with only two walleyes in the livewell. We knew something was different and we both believed it was the muddy water from a few days of a strong south wind stirring up that part of the lake.
We proceeded to head to the south shore, the same water we just drove over hours before. The water looked way better. There were fish and upon dropping down our 2 ounce bottom bouncers, two hook spinners and crawlers, immediately started catching nice fish. We knew then the water was just too dirty up north for walleyes to see or have the interest in chase down our offerings. We made an adjustment and it changed the entire day.
The next time you are out fishing and things aren’t going your way, observe your surroundings. Take a deep breath and just think. Do you need to make s lure change? Speed up or slow down? Do you need to leave those fish and head to another school or perhaps part of the lake? Remember, and this shines true from both charter captains and tournament fishing, someone almost always figures it out. By observing your surroundings and taking in all of the info presented to you, what changes can you make to change a tough day into a day to remember.
Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is widely celebrated for its world-class fishing, but the region offers a plethora of other summer adventures that can make your visit truly unforgettable. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking to unwind, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore the many exciting adventures you can enjoy around Lake of the Woods.
ATV Trails and Mountain Biking
For those who crave adventure and the thrill of the outdoors, the Lake of the Woods area boasts extensive ATV trails that cater to all skill levels. These trails wind through lush forests, offering scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife. The network of trails is well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of challenging terrain and breathtaking routes. The trails range from easy paths for beginners to more rugged tracks for seasoned bikers. Riding through the dense woods and open meadows provides a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Hiking and Kayaking
Hiking in the Lake of the Woods area is a treat for nature lovers. Numerous trails traverse diverse landscapes, from dense forests to lakeside paths. Popular hiking spots include Zippel Bay State Park and Pine Island State Forest. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, making them accessible for families and solo adventurers alike.
Kayaking is another fantastic way to experience the tranquility and beauty of Lake of the Woods. Paddle along the serene waters, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for both novice and experienced kayakers. Renting a kayak from a local outfitter is easy, and guided tours are available for those who want a bit more structure in their adventure.
Bird Watching and Wilderness Drives
Lake of the Woods is a paradise for bird watchers. The diverse habitats around the lake support a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot these magnificent creatures. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your bird-watching excursions.
For a more relaxed way to enjoy the wilderness, consider taking a scenic drive through the region. The Lake of the Woods area offers several picturesque routes that showcase its stunning landscapes. The Great River Road and the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway are two popular drives that provide breathtaking views and numerous opportunities to stop and explore. Beltrami Island State Park is another great spot for driving around on dirt roads, looking for wildlife, and taking in the sheer beauty of the area.
Local Food Experiences
No visit to Lake of the Woods is complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. The area is home to several charming restaurants and eateries that offer fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From freshly caught fish to hearty comfort foods, the dining options here are sure to satisfy any palate.
Every Saturday morning, the Fresh Start Farmer’s Market in Baudette is the perfect place to sample local produce and artisanal goods. Additionally, small-town shopping and delicious coffee shops add to the local charm, providing visitors with unique finds and tasty treats.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Baudette, the Walleye Capital of the World, is home to the iconic Willie Walleye statue, a must-see landmark that celebrates the region’s fishing heritage.
The Lake of the Woods Historical Society is a wonderful local museum full of items from days gone by. It provides an insightful look into the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. Additionally, Timber Mill Park in Baudette features a beautiful veterans memorial signifying “mail call,” a poignant tribute to the region’s service members.
Another notable landmark is the northernmost point buoy at the Northwest Angle, marking the top of the contiguous United States and offering a unique photo opportunity.
Relaxation and Wellness
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy your vacation is to simply relax. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for unwinding and recharging. Whether is it sitting in front of your cabin watching the waves, boating activity or birds, just chilling out can be just what the doctor ordered. For many, this includes a bit of fishing thrown in, of course.
The natural beauty of the lake itself provides a tranquil backdrop for relaxation. Spend your days lounging on the beach, taking a leisurely boat ride, or watching the sunset over the water. The peaceful ambiance and slower pace of life here create an ideal environment for relaxation.
Resort Amenities and Guided Tours
Full-service resorts around Lake of the Woods provide a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. Many offer guided tours and excursions, from nature walks and wildlife spotting trips to historical tours of the area. These guided experiences are a fantastic way to learn more about the local ecosystem and history.
Family-friendly activities are also plentiful. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities like treasure hunts and arts and crafts. These amenities ensure that every member of the family has a memorable and enjoyable vacation.
Plan Your Visit to Lake of the Woods
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is a summer destination that has it all. With its diverse range of activities, iconic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that visitors return year after year. Plan your visit today and discover the many ways you can enjoy this remarkable region beyond its renowned fishing opportunities.
Travelers throughout the nation visit sites, historical locations, fishing locations and others travel to treat their taste buds. Eating has become a national past-time it seems and Lake of the Woods is a great location to explore and treat your taste buds. Did you ever get to eat a shore lunch? That’s an experience you will never forget. Guides really know how to treat their clientele right. Check out this picture.
Do you like to eat quesadillas? Pizza? Tacos? Blackened Walleye? Incredible Burgers? Steak Sandwiches? or Beautiful Grilled Steaks to your liking? With 50+ resorts at this northern border area between the Northwest Angle and the south shore, you can eat yourself happy while enjoying pristine waters and one of the greatest fisheries around.
The quietness of the area feeds both your soul and feeds your appetite!
Lake of the Woodsis known as the Walleye Capital of the World with many varieties of fish and other sportsman adventures throughout the area. If you’re planning a vacation and bringing the whole family, it’s also important to plan your dining experience and where you will find it. I believe one of the best kept secrets of our area is all of the dining availability here. Between the City of Baudette and the resort area, there are enough dining places for you to eat at a different location every night of the month if you so desire.
Let’s take a dining journey to see what there is to offer. Of course, I will not be able to mention all the possibilities, but I can assure you, each business has excellent choices. If you are interested in pizza, there are many options both in the City of Baudette and at the resort community. Subway, Circle K and McDonalds are available for quick take-out items. The city also has some great “Ma and Pa” restaurants where you can order great breakfast menus, specialty coffees, and baskets to eat in or take out.
If you head towards the lake area, locals will tell you to try the pizza at a couple of resorts where one night is set aside as pizza night and special homemade pizza loaded with whatever toppings you enjoy. Resorts offer specials to the local clientele and their customers whether it’s prime rib, shrimp, blackened walleye, or liver and onions.
Views are very important to enhance the dining experience. Lake of the Woods is divided into three strategic areas: the Rainy River area, the South Shore and of course, the beautiful Northwest Angle. Choose a resort that is along the river and watch the activity of the many many launches as they travel the river taking their customers out to the great waters to find their favorite dining taste treat….the walleye.
Anglers can bring in their fresh catch and chefs will prepare their walleye for the greatest taste treat. Nothing is better than tasting that fresh catch surrounded by your favorite potatoes and salad for your dining pleasure. Some resorts offer burgers or steaks cooked over an open grill even in the cold winter months.
Another area of interest while you eat is viewing the Big Traverse Bay area. This is the biggest portion of the lake where you actually cannot see land when you’re in the middle of it. It looks like the ocean or even the Great Lakes. Mentioning this, LOW is the largest fresh-water lake next to the Great Lakes. It’s an enormous body of water, sharing its boundaries with the country of Canada.
You can see water for miles and miles and the sight is only enhanced while dining on steak sandwiches, shrimp baskets or even walleye cheeks. Each dining facility at Lake of the Woods has its own unique character and it only enhances that dining experience.
buffets
This big lake experience offers atmospheres of warm fireplaces and the smell of good food and unique beverages soothing the soul while dining at some of the best places in the world. Many establishments also offer live entertainment and big screen TVs for your evening entertainment.
Check out our local newspaper, facebook or even the local cable channel to find the greatest menus at each resort. It’s your pick and your taste buds pleasure for dining at Lake of the Woods.
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika and basil. Brush fish fillets with butter, then dip into the crumb mixture. Place in a greased baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 500° for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
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.
Lodging, fishing packages, small boat guide trips, charter trips and summer trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
State Parks of Minnesota can be a great experience for people of all ages. This is particularly true of state parks within the Lake of the Woods area. Trails, trees, lakes and education make a great family excursion. Plan a whole trip visiting state parks in 2024 where you will find beautiful sites and education as well. Lake of the Woods is fortunate to have many state parks in the county and have a great neighbor south of us on Hwy 72, the Big Bog State Park.
The Minnesota DNR is the place to contact when looking to purchase your yearly sticker. A $35 year-round vehicle permit provides unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase. Day permits are $7.00.
By purchasing a vehicle permit, you help maintain and improve the natural resources, facilities, and education and outreach programs that make Minnesota’s state parks among the best in the nation. Vehicle permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase. Plus, you can receive a discount on additional year-round permits for other vehicles you own. In order to buy a permit you must follow one of two ways: Call: • DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities area) • Toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)
Lake of the Woods has a few state parks and forests. A year-round pass would be perfect with all the time you could spend inside these beautiful parks. A few of the closest ones include Zippel State Park, Franz Jevne State Park, and Beltrami Island State Forest. The outdoor activities you can do in the parks are endless, from fishing, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, biking, camping, etc.
The Big Bog State Recreational Area is just a few miles south of Lake of the Woods County on Hwy 72.
This very unique and educational experience is one of a kind. The boardwalk itself is 1 mile long and reaches far into the swamp while having benches and teaching plaques along the way. It’s a must to put on your vacation list.
It’s time to get outdoors now and get some fresh air and sit and enjoy the beauty of creation as it comes to life in the springtime. Zippel Bay State Park is a beautiful spot to visit at any season, but springtime has special beauty. With miles of groomed trails, you will enjoy wildflowers peeking through the undergrowth and the aspens and birch trees coming alive with their bright green leaves and beautiful white bark. This State Park is located at 3684 54th Avenue Northwest, Williams, MN 56686 on Hwy #8 northwest of Baudette. This park provides a great opportunity to take the family on a walking tour.
The State Park at Zippel Bay is also known for its sandy beach reaching out into Lake of the Woods. It’s a perfect place for children to build sand castles and explore the shoreline. The bay itself is very shallow there so it is the best place for visitors to swim and walk out a long distance. You may obtain a State Park Sticker online before you visit or right at the entrance. A great family experience while practicing social distancing.
Zipple Bay State Park also manages the Blueberry Hill and Faunce campgrounds inside the Beltrami Island State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Zippel Bay State Park office at (218) 783-6252. Blueberry Hill State Forest is located 3.5 miles west of Williams on the south side of Highway 11 and is one of the highest points of elevation in the county.
If you’re looking for remote, check out Franz Jevne State Park located on Highway 11.
Here there is primitive camping with access to the Rainy River. This is located a few miles east of Birchdale, home of one of the last unique General Stores.
Other state parks in the area include an excursion by boat to the northern-most park of Garden Island on Lake of the Woods.
Other recreation areas are also available in the Baudette, Lake of the Woods area. Baudette is fortunate to be located on the waters of Baudette Bay off of the great Rainy River that flows from Rainy Lake at International Falls to Lake of the Woods. This forms the border between the United States and Canada. So, whatever park you visit, you are able to feast your eyes on beautiful waterways.
Timbermill Boat Ramp
There are three major parks within the City of Baudette. As you travel into the city on Hwy 11, you first come to Timbermill Park which is the city park.
Here you will find a great campground equipped for tent camping or RV camping with full water and electric hookups. Great amenities at the park include a boat ramp onto the Rainy River, a fish cleaning house, a beautiful shower house, and an outside water spicket. There is a sand volleyball court, basketball hoops, softball fields and a state of the art children’s playground.
Local people enjoy the park for its great pavilion. The other feature of this beautiful park is the incredible walking trail. This surrounds the park and is paved for your walking experience. Adjacent to the park is also a great skatepark where all ages find their skills using skateboards or even small bikes.
Further into town at the junction of Hwy 11 and 172 north is Willie Walleye Park. This park is a beautiful area to sit on benches there and enjoy the scenery. There is a pier that juts out into Baudette Bay where people jump off to swim or cast a line to see what species frequent the Bay. A fairly new boat ramp allows you to tie your boat and shop around Baudette.
The third beautiful park is known as Peace Park and is very unique as it sits on the land right next to the Canadian Border Crossing. Locals enjoy this park all year round as they gaze on the Rainy River, the International Bridge and also the land of Canada. It’s not unusual to find people enjoying their lunch break there or having an ice cream while enjoying the view in the evening. There are a number of cement picnic tables available and also bathroom facilities.
The greatest feature of Peace Park is the boat ramp which accesses the Rainy River. It’s quite a sight to see the boat ramp full of boat trailers parked in a line at the parking area. The view is spectacular and the park is always a great place to drive through just to gaze at the water and the bridge.
Venture to the northland very soon to enjoy the rich beauty spring offers in state parks and recreational areas.
For more information and lodging availability, please see out website at ww.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging. Feast your eyes on the beauty nature has to offer.
See our Face Book page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn
Saute Walleye pieces in butter in a fry pan. As you can see in the recipe picture, place the bites over a bed of broccoli, baby carrots and cauliflower cooked lightly. This cheesy white sauce enhances anything it is served on. Photo by Taste of Home
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash white pepper
Dash ground nutmeg, optional
1 cup 2% milk
2 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1: Make bechamel
In a small saucepan set to medium heat, melt butter completely and then add the flour. Whisk continuously until it starts to bubble, about one minute. Continue whisking and slowly pour in the milk. It will get very thick at first, but as the milk is added, it will thin out.
Step 2: Season
Reduce heat to low and continue whisking, allowing the sauce to thicken. If there are any lumps, whisk them thoroughly until they’ve smoothed out. Add the salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Step 3: Add cheese
Keeping the heat on low, add the cheese a handful at a time, allowing it to almost melt entirely before adding the next bit. Taste for seasoning, then remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Prepare your dish of vegetables and add the walleye bites over top.
Pour the sauce over all and enjoy!
Mornay Sauce Variations
Nacho flavor: For a variation on the traditional Mornay, try adding cheddar cheese in place of the Gruyere for more of a nacho cheese vibe.
Pasta: You can also make it with small diced onions, which would also go great.
If you’re an angler looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota should be at the top of your list, especially in July. Known for its abundant fish populations and stunning natural beauty, this premier fishing destination offers something for every fishing enthusiast. Here’s why July is the perfect time to fish Lake of the Woods.
Abundant Walleye Fishing
One of the biggest draws to Lake of the Woods is its thriving walleye population. July is an excellent month for walleye fishing, as the fish are active and can be found in various parts of the lake. Whether you’re fishing the Rainy River, exploring Big Traverse Bay, or venturing to the Northwest Angle, you’re likely to encounter plenty of walleyes. With the right techniques and guidance from local experts, you’ll have a great chance of landing a trophy catch.
Really want to ensure your odds for success? Jump on a charter boat or in with a fishing guide. Charter captains / fishing guides on Lake of the Woods are some of the best in the industry. Resorts have experienced guides who know the best fishing spots and techniques, increasing your chances of a successful trip.
Diverse Fish Species
While walleyes are the star attraction, Lake of the Woods is also home to a variety of other fish species. Northern pike, smallmouth bass, muskies, and lake sturgeon are plentiful, offering anglers the opportunity to diversify their fishing experience. This diversity ensures that every trip to the lake is unique and exciting, with the potential for new and memorable catches each time.
Some anglers will inadvertently catch various species while targeting walleyes. Other anglers will target other species with strong success.
Full-Service Resorts
Many resorts around Lake of the Woods provide full-service accommodations, making it easy to plan a fishing trip. These resorts offer beautiful lodging options, guided fishing, and delicious dining choices. After a long day on the water, you can relax in comfort and enjoy the hospitality of the area.
If you are staying at a hotel, resort or cabin without a restaurant, no worries. There are plenty of dining options throughout the area if that is how you roll. Some groups enjoy preparing their own meals inside their cabins while vacationing up at Lake of the Woods.
Exploring the Various Areas of Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is vast, with three main areas to explore: the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay, and the Northwest Angle. Each area offers a variety of lodging, unique fishing experiences and scenic views.
The Rainy River is known for a variety of fishing, including lake sturgeon which can be targeted starting July 1st. The river also is home to walleyes, sauger, smallmouth bass and pike, just to name a few. There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth of the river all the way to where some rapids begin just past Birchdale, MN. The scenery on the river is breathtaking.
Big Traverse Bay provides wide-open waters and a huge population of walleyes and saugers. Much of the basin is deep mud and loaded with various kind of forage walleyes target. Tulibees, emerald shiners, perch minnows, blood worms and various hatches are just a few of the food offerings that keeps walleyes in this area of the lake.
Big Traverse Bay also has a number of reefs that pop out amongst the miles and miles of mud. These spots can be absolute magnets for walleyes looking for a meal.
The Northwest Angle offers a more secluded and peaceful setting with a variety of fish habitats and over 14,000 islands, reefs, neck down areas, saddles, transitions, points and the list goes on. Fishing in this part of the lake is excellent.
With over 65,000 miles of shoreline on LOW, an angler couldn’t fish this entire lake in a lifetime. Exploring these regions can make each fishing trip feel like a new adventure.
Other Outdoor Activities
Fishing is just one of the many outdoor activities available at Lake of the Woods. In July, the weather is perfect for boating, swimming, and hiking. The area is also known for its wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching and nature photography. Families can enjoy picnics, campfires, and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.
Local Tips and Insights
To make the most of your fishing trip, consider the following local tips:
Best Fishing Times: As Lake of the Woods has stained water, meaning tannins from local foliage gives a tint to the water, walleyes and saugers eat well throughout the day.
Bait and Lures: Jig and snelled spinners with live bait such as minnows and nightcrawlers are very effective. Trolling crankbaits can also yield good results.
Guided Trips: Hiring a local guide or boarding a resort charter boat can increase your odds of fishing success and provide invaluable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques.
Plan Your Visit
Lake of the Woods in July is a fishing paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, the lake offers something for everyone. With its abundant fish populations, full-service resorts, and stunning natural beauty, it’s the perfect destination for your next fishing adventure. Plan your visit today and discover why Lake of the Woods is a top choice for fishing enthusiasts from around the world.
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.
Trophy Walleye
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.
Lodging, fishing packages, small boat guide trips, charter trips and summer trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
Rather that beating a dead horse, there is so much water, so many spots to fish that we moved on. In this case, we decided to do a “milk run”. Let’s quickly and efficiently work a number of spots until we can get something rolling, and we did.
Bird Watching and Wilderness Drives
Don’t forget that if you’re a birding fanatic, you are able to see many species at this untouched landscape. 
out into Baudette Bay where people jump off to swim or cast a line to see what species frequent the Bay. A fairly new boat ramp allows you to tie your boat and shop around Baudette.
Many resorts around Lake of the Woods provide full-service accommodations, making it easy to plan a fishing trip. These resorts offer beautiful lodging options, guided fishing, and delicious dining choices. After a long day on the water, you can relax in comfort and enjoy the hospitality of the area.
Big Traverse Bay provides wide-open waters and a huge population of walleyes and saugers. Much of the basin is deep mud and loaded with various kind of forage walleyes target. Tulibees, emerald shiners, perch minnows, blood worms and various hatches are just a few of the food offerings that keeps walleyes in this area of the lake.
To make the most of your fishing trip, consider the following local tips:
