Girls Gone Fishing 2025: Crowns, Costumes, and Catching Walleyes!

Girls Gone Fishing female walleye tournament participants 2025

Girls Gone Fishing 2025: Crowns, Costumes, and Catching Walleyes!

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Girls Gone Fishing female walleye tournament participants 2025

The 2025 Girls Gone Fishing tournament on Lake of the Woods was one for the books! Held Saturday, June 7 out of River Bend Resort, this year’s all-female fishing event once again lived up to its growing reputation as the most fun you can legally have in a boat wearing a costume.

What began years ago as a lighthearted way to get the girls together for some fishing and laughs has grown into one of the biggest and best weekends of the season. It’s not just a fishing tournament anymore—it’s a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and of course, walleyes.

From glitter and tutus to battle armor and boas, the teams showed up in full force, rocking their themes with flair and ready to hit the water with smiles and serious fishing gear. Many teams even decorated their boats to match their outfits, and guides played along too, vying for the coveted “Best Guide” bragging rights.

🎣 2025 Tournament Results: Top 5 Teams

With 36 teams competing, the fishing was strong and the competition was tight! Here’s how the top five teams stacked up:

  1. Team RANGER DANGER – Sarah Greene & Tessa Wright, guided by Ross Swenson – 16.24 lbs
    (Also won Big Fish honors with an 8.86 lb walleye!)

  2. Team QUEENS OF LAKE OF THE WOODS – Rachel Przekwas & Macey Marcotte, guided by Andy Przekwas & Cole Buley – 15.75 lbs

  3. Team SINK THE PINK – Jena Theis & Sarah Monk, guided by Marshal Monk – 9.45 lbs

  4. Team THE LAKE LEGENDS – Ciera Amundson & Jenica Mercil, guided by Ryan Amundson – 8.98 lbs

  5. Team DOUBLE TROUBLE – Jessica Weiss & Marisha Mollberg, guided by David Weiss – 8.26 lbs

A huge congratulations to all anglers and guides who participated this year. Whether you caught the big one or just the bug to do it again next year, everyone walked away with memories that’ll last a lifetime.

🎭 New in 2025: Renaissance-Themed Auction Brings the Drama

As if the tournament wasn’t fun enough, this year introduced a brand-new event that had everyone talking. Themed “Bid in the Grand Ball, Win Royal Favor!”, the Friday night festivities took on a Renaissance flair with costumes, laughter, and competitive bidding for great prizes.

Participants gathered after the rules meeting for an interactive auction that combined Medieval-themed games of chance and skill with the excitement of bidding for gear, trips, and local treasures. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear this new tradition is here to stay.

To participate next year, be sure to plan ahead. Registration details and online forms can be found at:
👉 https://riverbendresort.com/girls-gone-fishing

Trophy walleye caught at the 2025 River Bend Resort Girls Gone Fishing all female walleye tournament
2025 Girls Gone Fishing walleye tournament on Lake of the Woods
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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4th of July Celebration at Lake of the Woods

fireworks Baudette MN
Celebration
Girls Gone Fishing big walleye caught at tournament

The Celebration of July 4th, our nation’s great Independence Day, at Lake of the Woods this year will be one to remember.  Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™. Lake of the Woods is known as having the finest and healthiest fishery around. Hundreds of anglers visit the lake during all seasons and have great adventures each time. Whether fishing on “hard water” or “soft water”, success is always guaranteed.

Currently the open water season is proving to be one of the best. Check out our fishing report on our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. You’ll find all of the details you need there whether limits of fish or lodging. Celebrate this great fishery with us.

This northernmost area which borders the US and Canada holds many great events throughout the year. Celebration The annual LOW County Fair is happening from June 25th-28th with carnival rides, horse- shows, races, music events, displays and food vendors. The community only wants to continue celebrating so here’s more info.

The community comes together to offer the public and vacationer a great holiday experience. This year is no exception. Our neighboring town of Roosevelt has an Annual Flea Market and Vendor Swap inviting entrepreneurs and craftsmen from all areas. This event runs from July 3rd and 4th from 8 am to 6 pm each day. Roosevelt is right on Hwy 11 and the flea market is just to the north of the Highway.

It takes many volunteers from many organizations to pull off a celebration like July 4th. The VFW, the Women of Today, the Banks, the businesses, the Hospital, the Fireworks crew, the American Legion, the resort community and many many others pull together to offer the public an enjoyable holiday experience.

Many people plan their vacations around this holiday because fishing is good, the weather is great and people are glad to be in the north country. The Women of Today put together a fabulous fish fry on Thursday, July 3rd starting at 5:30, at the Moose Lodge and serve until the fish are gone. They are also sponsoring Kiddie Race on Willie Walleye Hill after the parade and at 3 p.m. they are hosting Bingo at the American Legion. All these events are fund raisers for other events. Thanks ladies. Celebration

Border Bank has stepped up and his organizing a huge parade. Because we are at the northern border and are friends with the other small towns along this border, we all pull together to make each other’s parades spectacular. Displays and advertisers come from other towns to show the people a great celebration. People line the streets greeting one another as they pass by and watch for old neighbors and friend and classmates that return for the holiday. That parade starts at 2:00 but come early because seats are at a first come, first serve basis.

Celebration
Fireworks over Baudette Bay

The most spectacular event of July 4th is the incredible fireworks. Let it be said that this small town on the border outdoes itself when it comes to fireworks. There is a special committee that works hard to purchase the best of the best and they are not outdone by any other bigger town. People gather in many place along Baudette Bay, the home of Willie Walleye, and especially on the hill. It is a sight to behold when the hillside is covered with thousands of people happy from and exciting day of celebrating the nation and family, food and friends. And then the feast of the eyes begins!!!! Oohs and aahs can be heard all across the crowd and the final applause resonates across the waters for a show well received.

But wait, the day isn’t over. There’s a street dance going on. Yes, people still want to continue the celebration and especially because it’s the weekend. So head on back to the main street when a bandstand has been set up and the band is playing on.

The Resort community here also plays a huge part of this holiday celebration as it serves its guests and makes it special. There are all you can eat fish frys available, taco feeds, and other great dining as well as beautiful evening boat tours available to add to your holiday weekend. Beautiful lodging facilities will accommodate your needs for the whole weekend. Check out availability at our Availability Tab under Lodging at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

For other information on the area see: www.lakeofthewoodmn.com

See our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Fried Lemon Fish

Fried Lemon Fish

Lemon and fish are a classic combination, and this fried lemon fish is a great example of how the two blend together so well. A savory yet lightly sweet batter creates a crispy layer around the flaky white fish fillets, with lemon juice flavoring each bite. This is a simple recipe that calls for ingredients most people already have at home. It’s a fantastic way to cook all that fish you just brought home from a fishing trip too.

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time15 min

Yield6 servings

IngredientsFried Lemon Fish

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice, divided
  • 2 pounds perch or walleye fillets, cut into serving-sized pieces
  • Oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges, optional

Directions

  1. Combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In another bowl, combine egg, water and 1/3 cup lemon juice; stir into dry ingredients until smooth.
  2. Place remaining 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/2 cup flour in separate shallow bowls. Dip fillets in lemon juice, then flour, then coat with egg mixture.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 in. oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Fishing Report 6.10.2025

girls gone fishing tournament

On the South Shore…  It was another great week of fishing on Lake of the Woods!  A couple of days, anglers changed up where they fished based on weather, but overall, people caught fish.  

Walleyes are active, but they’re also beginning to transition in how they’re girls gone fishing big walleye caught at tournament feeding and where they’re hanging out. The jig bite remains strong in many areas, but some anglers are now switching things up to spinners with great results.

Some anglers are still anchoring or spot-locking and jigging with frozen emerald shiners, which continue to be a top bait.  A 3/8 to 1/2 oz jig is ideal.  Some are experimenting with leeches on their jigs and finding good success, especially as water temps rise. Don’t forget to try those classic LOW colors—gold, glow white, chartreuse, pink, or combinations like gold/glow white/pink.

Some anglers are starting to pull spinners with good walleye success. Most are using crawlers on their spinner rigs, but switching over to a minnow once in a while can also produce better results some days.  This time of year, it pays to be versatile.  Good spinner colors are similar to jig colors, hammered gold combined with pink, glow white, orange and glow red are good options.

Some anglers have reported excellent walleye action in 14 to 18 feet of water, tied to a dragonfly hatch in some areas. Walleyes are feeding on these larvae that emerge from the bottom.  Throughout the summer, various bug hatches around the lake can concentrate fish in specific areas—keep your eyes open for these fish catching opportunities.

Trolling crankbaits is also gaining momentum and is catching walleyes as water temps continue to climb. Crankbaits help anglers cover water quickly and find scattered fish. It’s a great way to target walleyes and can produce bonus species like pike, smallmouth bass and perch.

As for depth, fish are being caught everywhere from shallow sand in 8 feet to deep mud and rocks in 31 feet. That 14 – 18 and 25 to 29-foot range have been particularly productive.

nice pike caught while fishing at Ken Mar Ke Resort On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is still holding some decent walleyes.  As water temps rise and the current remains steady, a 1/2 – 3/4 oz jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner remains effective, especially when vertically jigged in deeper holes and along the channel edges.

Looking to change things up?  Spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits are great ways to explore and find active fish. Want even more variety? Casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or swim jigs along shorelines, docks, and back bays can always be a productive option producing a mixed bag that includes walleyes, pike, and smallmouth bass.

Reminder: The sturgeon season is currently closed, but will reopen July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per year—either 45–50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Fishing continues to be excellent at the Angle. Walleyes are being caught in 12 to 24 feet of water, particularly around shoreline structure, underwater points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite is still going strong, especially on rock and sand transitions.

Trolling crankbaits along shallow structure has also been productive. This approach is helping anglers cover water and locate schools of feeding fish. In addition to walleyes, many are catching jumbo perch, pike, and smallmouth bass.

Speaking of bass—now is a great time to target smallmouth.  June is a month that can be really productive simply working shorelines.  Focus on points, scattered rubble and small areas of structure.  

Looking ahead: The muskie opener in both Minnesota and Ontario Zone 5 is coming up June 21st. With Lake of the Woods’ healthy muskie population and 14,552 islands to explore, anglers are getting ready for another great muskie season!

Plan Your Trip.  Lake of the Woods continues to produce consistent catches of nice walleyes.  Some anglers bring their own boats.  Others prefer to board a charter boat or in with a guide.  Whether you’re jigging, pulling spinners, trolling cranks, or casting for a mixed bag, the lake is healthy and good catches are being reported around the lake.

For more information on resorts, guides, charter boats, and trip planning, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Explore Lake of the Woods in a Whole New Way with Summer Boat Tours

Lake of the Woods Passenger Service charter boat running at sunset

Explore Lake of the Woods in a Whole New Way with Summer Boat Tours

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Lake of the Woods Passenger Service charter boat running at sunset

There’s a brand-new way to enjoy the beauty of Lake of the Woods this summer—and it’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to get out on the water. The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service, which usually shuttles people up to the Northwest Angle, is now offering sightseeing boat tours that let you explore this incredible area like never before!

These new tours give guests a chance to experience the lake’s history, scenery, and hidden gems—all from the comfort of a spacious Sportcraft boat. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or already staying in the area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these fun new tours.

Kenora Farmers Market Tour – A Full Day of Adventure

If you want a fun-filled day of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing on the water, this is the tour for you.

  • ⛴️ 9-hour round trip

  • 🛍️ Visit Kenora, Ontario and check out the Matiowski Farmers Market

  • 🍴 Enjoy great food, shopping, and entertainment

This tour runs every Wednesday from June 25 through Labor Day and is a full day of fun! You’ll ride in a 30’ Sportcraft boat that holds up to 6 people. It’s a comfortable and easy way to see Kenora and experience one of the most famous farmers markets in the region.

Prices start at $265 per person for groups of six, and private tours or last-minute deals are sometimes available too—just ask when you book!

Northwest Angle Buoy Tour – A Unique 4-Hour Cruise

This tour takes you up to the northernmost point in the contiguous United States—yes, really!

  • 🧭 Visit the Northwest Angle U.S.A. buoy marker

  • 📷 Stop for photos, snacks, and drinks at Jerry’s Restaurant

  • 🛶 A relaxing 4-hour ride that shows off the northern edge of Lake of the Woods

This is a great tour for visitors who want to say they’ve been to the top of the country. Plus, the ride through the islands is beautiful. The trip is $950 for up to 6 passengers and includes lunch at the stop. Add on more time to explore for just a little extra.

Big Island Loop Tour – History, Nature, and Scenic Beauty

This 4-hour adventure shows off some of the most special parts of Lake of the Woods.

  • 🪨 Visit Red Rock, a 1,000-foot cliff dating back to 1800 B.C.

  • 🏝️ Stop at Garden Island, part of Garden Island State Park

  • 🐾 Enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and a peaceful nature walk

This tour gives you a mix of local history and natural beauty. The 562-acre Garden Island is a peaceful and quiet spot where you can stretch your legs, walk along the beach, or have a picnic. You’ll also learn about the Native American history of the area, with sites and stories that go back hundreds of years.

The trip is $950 for up to 6 people and includes two hours to explore on Garden Island. Want more time? Add an extra hour for just $50 more.

Ready to Book?

No matter which tour you choose, you’re in for an amazing time. Each boat tour is private, smooth, and guided by friendly captains who know the lake well. These are not your average sightseeing trips—they’re full of local knowledge, fun facts, and jaw-dropping views.

To learn more or to book your trip, visit www.lowpassenger.com, text 218-395-0414, or email gregg@lowpassenger.com.

Get out on the lake this summer and see Lake of the Woods like never before!

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, the Lake of the Woods Summer Boat Tours are an unforgettable way to explore one of Minnesota’s most beautiful areas. Bring your camera, your friends, and your sense of adventure—it’s time to hit the water!

Northernmost Point Buoy
Lake of the Woods Passenger Service charter boat
garden island state recreation area, Lake of the Woods
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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New! Night River Cruises at Border View Lodge

Night River Cruises on the Rainy River at Border View Lodge

New! Night River Cruises at Border View Lodge

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Night River Cruises on the Rainy River at Border View Lodge

After a fun-filled day of fishing or exploring, there’s no better way to wind down than with a relaxing cruise up the beautiful Rainy River. Border View Lodge is excited to introduce Night River Cruises — a brand-new way to enjoy the sights, sounds, and peaceful waters of this amazing river.

What’s Included

Here’s what you can expect on the new Night River Cruise:

  • ✅ A 1-hour scenic boat ride on a comfortable pontoon

  • ✅ Complimentary beer for adults (21+)

  • ✅ Room for small groups up to 9 people

  • ✅ Great views, good company, and a calm river setting

 

Whether you’re staying at Border View Lodge or somewhere else in the area, you’re welcome to join the cruise. Just bring your favorite drinks (and maybe some snacks), gather your group, and hop on board!

A Peaceful Evening on the River

The Rainy River is one of the most beautiful parts of northern Minnesota. It stretches 42 miles from Wheeler’s Point all the way to Birchdale. To give you some perspective, it’s about 12 miles from Wheeler’s Point to the town of Baudette, and then another 30 miles east to Birchdale, where you’ll start to see rapids.

This river is calm, peaceful, and lined with tall trees, wildlife, and the occasional eagle flying overhead. At night, the river turns even more magical. The setting sun casts golden light over the water, and as the skies grow darker, you can sometimes spot stars beginning to twinkle above.

It’s a perfect end to a great day.

Who Should Come?

This cruise is great for just about anyone. Maybe you spent the day on a charter boat fishing for walleyes. Maybe you explored Baudette, hiked through the woods, or enjoyed a relaxing day at your cabin. No matter how you spent your day, the Night River Cruise is the perfect way to sit back, take it easy, and enjoy being on the water.

Here are a few reasons people love the idea:

  • Friends who want to share a quiet evening together

  • Couples looking for a simple date night

  • Families who want to cap off a full day of activities

  • Visitors who want to try something new and unique

It’s a perfect end to a great day.

Fun and Easy

The best part? This river cruise is easy. You don’t have to worry about driving a boat, bringing gear, or planning a thing. Just show up, get on board, and enjoy. Border View Lodge will take care of the rest.

And yes — complimentary beer is included for those who are 21 and older. If you have a favorite drink or snack, feel free to bring it along. It’s your cruise, your way.

This river is calm, peaceful, and lined with tall trees, wildlife, and the occasional eagle flying overhead. At night, the river turns even more magical. The setting sun casts golden light over the water, and as the skies grow darker, you can sometimes spot stars beginning to twinkle above.

It’s a perfect end to a great day.

A Great Addition to Your Vacation

Whether you’re staying for a few days or enjoying a week-long getaway, the Night River Cruise is a great extra to add to your trip. It’s fun, it’s peaceful, and it’s something that will make your time at Lake of the Woods even more special.

And remember — this cruise is open to everyone. Even if you’re not staying at Border View Lodge, you can still reserve your spot and come enjoy the ride.

Ready to Climb Aboard?

If you’d like to learn more or book your spot on the Night River Cruise, contact Border View Lodge today. Spots are limited to keep the cruise small and comfortable, so don’t wait too long to reserve your place!

Border View Lodge
📞 800-776-3474
🌐 www.borderviewlodge.com

Come enjoy the new way to experience the Rainy River — relaxed, refreshed, and with a cold drink in hand. See you on the river!

Eagle grabbing redhorse on the Rainy River
Rainy River sunset near Baudette, MN
pelicans on the Rainy River
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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Should We Bring the Golf Clubs?

NWA golf course

Absolutely!! The next time you’re up to Lake of the Woods be sure to bring your golf clubs!! There’s always time to squeeze in a quick round or maybe you only have time for 9 holes. The best part about Lake of the Woods is the variety of recreation you can enjoy while you’re vacationing here. Lake of the Woods is a renown fishery and is known as the Walleye Capital of the World. After you’ve caught your limit and have eaten at one of the local dining areas that fix your catch of the day. Head out to the Course and hit a few balls.

golf If you’re staying near Baudette on the Rainy River or at any of our south shore resorts,  Oak Harbor Golf Course is your stop. This beautiful 18 hole, par 72 championship course will provide golfers of all skill levels and abilities with fair, enjoyable and exciting golf experiences. The vintage front nine, created in 1968, offers a true and natural layout nestled along the Rainy River with scenic fairways carved into mature and heavily wooded confines. Also check them out at: www.facebook.com/oakharborgolflakeofthewoods/

The newly designed back nine is a Scottish link style with fairway and greenside bunkers, large ponds and quick greens. It features a fairway bunker that is self-proclaimed to be the world’s largest walleye attraction. Located 9 miles north of Baudette, Minnesota on Highway 172. The golf course itself is 6549 yards long from the tips.

The greens are firm so even some the best will be challenged. Oak Harbor Golf Course also comes with a full bar and grill which is quite the eye-catching hangout after a round to have some of your favorite beverages. Tournaments, leagues, and events are held here and can be viewed on the course webpage. There is a driving course there to practice your swing and golf cars and clubs are available to rent also.

If you fish Lake of the Woods at the Northwest Angle, you have golfing options too. The Northwest Angle Country Club has 2 grass greens and 7 sand greens.  The sand is local sand and is firm so you can actually putt on it.  It’s been said, “Sometimes it isn’t as smooth as the grass so you have to hit the ball a bit harder.”  Everyone is putting on the same green so it is equal across the board. golf

Facebook site at Northwest Angle Life: Northwest Angle Life | Facebook reports these current facts: Yes, it’s still open. Yes, 9 holes with sand greens. Unique hazards – deer, geese and other critters on the fairways . Small clubhouse, men’s and women’s leagues. On-site post office . Owned by Judy and George Risser. 223-8001.

golf There is an etiquette to using sand greens that is good to know.  A special two sides rake is used to groom the green.  One side of the rake is toothed to create grooves in the sand.  The other side is smooth to create a smooth putting surface to the hole. Two holes border the water, holes #4 and #5.  The scenery on this course cannot be beat.  And neither can the hospitality.

 Angle Inlet, MN is a small community and having a golf course is a privilege.  There are leagues and tournaments and the course rents clubs and carts.

The Northwest Angle is the home of a number of beautiful resorts and the town of Angle Inlet features the last one room school house in the United States, a post office, a great restaurant, and church and great scenery. The Angle can be accessed in a number of ways:

  1. Drive through Canada to the Angle (bring your passport)
  2. LOW Passenger Service (charter boat service across the lake avoiding customs)
  3. Take your own boat.  (Safety first, this is a 40 mile ride over big water)

Angle Inlet, MN is a small community and having a golf course is a privilege.  There are leagues, tournaments, etc. just like a normal golf course. The course rents clubs, has balls and tees and actually has two golf carts for rent that they keep in the storage sheds across the road.  “Everyone is welcomed” so come and enjoy. golf

The next time you are up to fish or on vacation throw the clubs in the car, you never know if you will need them for a quick round or two.

Oh yes, don’t forget to stop at Jerry’s Restaurant. May I say, they serve some of the best food around and the hospitality there can’t be beat. You’re always welcome at Jerry’s!!! So enjoy fishing, enjoy golfing and enjoy eating and good times at Jerry’s at the Northwest Angle.

For more information and Lodging Availability see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Check out our FaceBook Page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Stuffed Walleye

walleye recipe

Walleye is the No. 1 game fish in the Midwest. It’s a thrill to catch and tastes fantastic, too.

Ingredients

  • 4 bacon strips, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 1 can (6 ounces) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 cup imitation crabmeat, flaked
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 4 cups crushed seasoned stuffing walleye
  • 1-1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 walleye fillets (about 8 ounces each)

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery and crab in butter until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the stuffing, water, salt, pepper and cayenne; toss to moisten.
  2. Place fillets in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spoon stuffing mixture over fillets; top each with 2 pieces of bacon. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Fishing Report 6.3.2025

3 person limit of walleye

fishing The bite continues to be red-hot on Lake of the Woods, with walleyes and saugers providing plenty of action across many areas!  Whether you’re targeting shallow sand, deep mud, or rocky structure, fish are active and hungry.

On the South Shore… The jig bite remains the top producer on the South Shore!  Anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in a wide range of depths, with the 23 to 28-foot range being especially productive. Walleyes are relating to various forage opportunities, showing up on sand, mud, and rock alike.

The most effective technique continues to be anchoring up or spot-locking and jigging.  A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is the go-to bait.  Don’t forget those bright colors in the stained waters of LOW – gold / glow white, gold / chartreuse, gold / glow white / pink, or straight gold are all catching walleyes.

Some good pike are still being caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers.  While many have moved into the main lake, some big northerns are still lingering in the shallows, offering an exciting change of pace if you’re looking for a fight.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is still yielding some fantastic walleyes! With climbing water temperatures and steady current, a 3/4 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is working well.  Most anglers are vertically jigging in deeper holes or just off the main channel. Four Mile Bay continues to be productive, especially when fishing the channel edges and slowing your presentation.

fishing For those looking to cover more water and find active fish, consider switching to spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or trolling crankbaits. If you’re up for a fun challenge, try casting crankbaits, swim jigs, or spinnerbaits along the shoreline, around docks, or into the bays for multispecies action.

The sturgeon season is currently closed but will reopen on July 1st. From July 1st through September 30th, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per calendar year, either 45-50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Excellent fishing continues at the Northwest Angle!  Walleyes are being found in 12-24 feet of water, particularly off shoreline structure, points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite remains strong, with most anglers anchoring up and working rock or sand transitions.

In addition to jigging, trolling crankbaits along shallow shoreline structure in 6 to 9 feet of water is producing walleyes as well as a mixed bag.  Points, underwater points and rock rubble areas are holding good numbers of fish. Trolling is a great way to cover water and locate active, feeding fish. 

Muskie anglers, the muskie opener is June 21st for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5. As most muskie anglers know, the lake is healthy for muskies right now.  With 14,552 islands, there are plenty of places to spread out and fish.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, and trip planning, visit: LakeoftheWoodsMN.com