Fishing Report 7.14.2025

fishing

It’s mid-July, and the fishing action on Lake of the Woods is nothing short of spectacular. From the Rainy River into Big Traverse Bay up to the NW Angle, anglers are making memories every day. And if you need proof of just how incredible this fishery is, look no further than the Minnesota Tournament Trail (MTT) results this past week.

MN Tournament Trail Recap…  Lake of the Woods recently hosted two back-to-back, one-day catch and release tournaments on July 10th and 11th. The MTT uses Fish Donkey, a fishing tournament hosting platform that features Catch Photo Video Release technology. This means fish are quickly measured, photographed, and released back into the lake to fight another day.

fishing
Trophy Walleye

The stats from these tournaments are simply jaw-dropping.

-45 teams competed, measuring approximately 450 fish each day!
-On day one alone, there were 9 walleyes over 30 inches recorded.

-Day two topped that with an incredible 16 walleyes over 30 inches.

It’s yet another testament to why Lake of the Woods is proudly known as the Walleye Capital of the World.

On the South Shore…  Fishing remains excellent along the south end of Lake of the Woods. Interestingly, the jig bite is still going strong, even though by this time of year most anglers typically switch over to pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits. This season, all three techniques are producing fish.

Jigging: The classic jig and frozen emerald shiner combo continues to catch nice walleyes. Hot jig colors have been orange, yellow, gold, gold/chartreuse, and orange/yellow.

Spinners: Pulling spinners with crawlers is really picking up steam. Gold paired with red, pink, or orange on the blades is a solid bet right now. Trolling around 1.0 to 1.25 mph is a good starting point.

Crankbaits: Trolling crankbaits is also delivering nice catches. In the stained waters of LOW, colors like gold, firetiger, pink UV firetiger, chartreuse, and chrome/blue are hard to beat.

Walleyes are taking advantage of various forage opportunities, hence, can be found in many areas and depths.  The go to depths are 25 – 35 feet.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River continues to be a relaxing and productive option for anglers. Right now, the sturgeon keep season is open, and some anglers are enjoying the beautiful summer days soaking crawlers for these prehistoric giants.

Of course, walleyes and saugers are still in the river too, often hanging out in deeper holes or near current breaks. Plus, don’t forget about the strong population of smallmouth bass and pike in the river — they’re often overlooked but provide some awesome rod-bending action.

fishing
Big Muskie

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Fishing remains strong at the NW Angle with its variety of structure, scenery and wildlife amongst the 14,552 islands in this part of the lake.

Walleyes: Many anglers are still jigging with minnows or plastics along the edges of structure, in neck-down areas with some current, and off rocky points. Sunken islands surrounded by open mud are also holding good numbers of walleyes. Drifting or trolling these areas with a bottom bouncer and spinner tipped with a crawler or imitation crawler has been super effective.

Muskies: The muskie bite is picking up as the water warms. Good numbers of fish are being reported, with many caught right at the boat on the figure 8. Gold and bronze blades have been hot colors for those throwing big bucktails.

Multispecies action is common with pike, smallmouth bass and jumbo perch in the mix.

Why Lake of the Woods Shines All Summer.  When other walleye lakes across the Midwest start to slow down this time of year because of heavy weed growth, too many young-of-the-year perch or bluegills competing for attention, and boat traffic, Lake of the Woods just keeps pumping out fish. It’s no wonder anglers travel from all over the country to experience this world-class fishery. Whether you’re after eater-sized walleyes for a fish fry or a trophy to photograph and release, Lake of the Woods has it all.

Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Jigging Walleyes on Lake of the Woods

Orange Chartreuse jig with an emerald shiner on Lake of the Woods MN, Rainy River

Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Jigging Walleyes on Lake of the Woods

Table of Contents

Orange Chartreuse jig with an emerald shiner on Lake of the Woods MN, Rainy River

If you’re looking for one of the best places on earth to jig up walleyes, and are looking for some walleye fishing tips and jigging techniques for walleyes, you have come to the right place.  Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World, and this massive body of water is loaded with hungry walleyes and saugers that make it a top destination for anglers. While fishing with spinners and crankbaits is popular here, jigging remains one of the most tried-and-true ways to catch these fish.

Here are some tips, tricks, and techniques to help you get more walleyes in the boat on your next trip to Lake of the Woods.

Switch Things Up to Find What Works

When you’re out on the water with a group, it’s smart for everyone to try different things. Use different jig colors, sizes, and even different baits until you figure out what the walleyes want that day. One person might use pink and gold with a minnow, another might try chartreuse with a leech, and someone else might go with orange and glow white tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Once you see which setup is getting bites, the whole boat can switch over.

And speaking of bait, an emerald shiner is tough to beat on Lake of the Woods. These shiny minnows are native to the lake and walleyes just can’t resist them.

Pound the Bottom to Get Their Attention

A great tip for jigging on Lake of the Woods is to make sure you’re hitting the bottom. Lift your jig and let it fall so it taps the lake floor, kicking up a little puff of sediment. This creates noise and vibration that walleyes pick up with their lateral line, even before they see the jig. This is super effective in the stained water of Lake of the Woods, where fish often sense vibration first.

Use a Big Enough Jig

Don’t be afraid to go with a slightly heavier jig than you would on a clear water lake. The stained water on Lake of the Woods allows for a bigger profile without spooking fish. Plus, a heavier jig makes it easier to feel the bottom, helping you stay in the strike zone. Many anglers find that a 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig is just right.

Shake It Up

When your jig is near the bottom, try shaking it with quick, short movements. This action keeps it wiggling right in the strike zone. Think about how you might jig for crappies or perch through the ice—fast, small shakes, and then pause. Walleyes often can’t stand it and will strike.

Try Lifting and Dropping

Another trick is to slowly lift your jig up a few feet off the bottom and then slowly let it fall back down. Fish often see up better than down, so by lifting your jig, you might actually catch the attention of a walleye nearby. Sometimes they’ll follow it up and hit it, other times they’ll grab it on the drop.

Watch for “Extra Weight”

Not every walleye bites with a telltale “tap.” Sometimes, they just inhale the jig and sit there. Make a habit of slowly lifting your rod tip every so often. If it feels heavy or different than before, set the hook! More often than not, you’ll be rewarded with a walleye on the line.

Jig Bite Stays Strong

While July and August are typically the months anglers switch to pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits over the mud, the jig bite often holds strong on Lake of the Woods well into summer. In fact, some guides up at the Northwest Angle fish with jigs for their clients all season long, and it continues to pay off.

A Fishery Like No Other

The good news? No matter how you fish, the walleyes and saugers continue to bite like crazy on Lake of the Woods. While other lakes slow down in summer due to thick weeds or too many young-of-the-year baitfish like perch, Lake of the Woods shines. The deep mud basins of Big Traverse Bay, thousands of reefs, and countless rocky points keep walleyes biting all summer long.

So, if you’re ready to jig up some world-class walleyes, make plans to visit Lake of the Woods. Try these tips and tricks, and you’ll be well on your way to filling the livewell and enjoying the fishing trip of a lifetime.

For more information on fishing, lodging, guides, and planning your adventure, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. Good fishing!

General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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The Tradition of a Fresh Walleye Fish Fry at Lake of the Woods

Fresh fish fry of walleye, Lake of the Woods MN

When you think about Lake of the Woods, one of the first things that comes to mind is fishing. Lake of the Woods Tourism logo It’s no surprise since this area is known as The Walleye Capital of the World. People from all over travel here to experience the incredible fishing. But there’s something just as important as catching walleyes — and that’s enjoying them at a good old-fashioned fish fry.

Walleye: Mild, Flaky, and Delicious

There’s a reason why walleyes are such a sought-after fish, both for sport and for the dinner table. Their meat is mild, slightly sweet, and has a wonderful flaky texture. Unlike some fish that taste too “fishy,” fish fry walleye has a clean flavor that almost everyone enjoys, even people who don’t normally eat fish.

You can cook walleyes in many ways — grilled, baked, or broiled — but frying them is by far the most popular. That crispy golden crust around tender white fillets is hard to beat. Add in some tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe some homemade coleslaw, and you’ve got a meal that’s simply perfect.

A Tradition That Goes Back Generations

Fish fries have been a part of life around Lake of the Woods for as long as anyone can remember. When people come here to fish, they aren’t just thinking about filling their coolers to take home. They’re dreaming about the evening’s fish fry. Whether it’s a shore lunch during a day out on the boat or a big gathering back at the cabin or resort, frying up your own catch is one of the best parts of a fishing trip.

fish fry
Shore Lunch

Locals and visitors alike enjoy sharing stories while preparing the fish fry. Some people even have their own secret batters or “breadings” passed down through the family. No matter how you do it, there’s something special about eating fresh fish that you caught yourself, surrounded by friends and family, looking out over the beautiful waters of Lake of the Woods.

Many Resorts Make It Easy

Not sure about cleaning your own fish or cooking them? No problem. Many of the resorts around Lake of the Woods offer to clean and package your catch for you. Even better, several local restaurants will take your fillets and prepare a fresh fish fry, complete with sides like fries, beans, or salads. Each resort often has its own special recipe or homemade tartar sauce that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

fish fry This means you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about the cooking — while still getting to enjoy the unbeatable taste of a fresh walleye meal. Check out our Lodging page at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging to pick and choose from over 50 resorts from three different areas of the lake.

Not Just About the Food

While the crispy fillets are definitely the star of the show, a fish fry is really about more than the food. It’s about relaxing after a great day on the water, sharing laughs and stories of the ones that got away (and the ones that didn’t). It’s about spending time with friends, family, or maybe even meeting new people at the resort who have traveled from across the country to fish these famous waters.

For many, these fish fries become cherished memories. They mark the highlight of a vacation and a tradition that families look forward to year after year.

Plan Your Own Fishing Trip and Fish Fry

If you’ve never been to Lake of the Woods, or if it’s been a while since your last visit, there’s no better time than now to plan a trip. Summer is the perfect season for fishing walleyes. Whether you book a guided charter that provides everything you need or bring up your own boat to explore the lake’s endless fishing spots, you’re in for an adventure. Pay It Forward veterans event 2024

And at the end of the day, you’ll have the chance to keep the tradition alive with your own walleye fish fry. Trust us — once you’ve tasted fresh walleye prepared right after catching it, you’ll understand why this is one tradition that never gets old.

Start Planning Today

To learn more about planning your Lake of the Woods getaway, where to stay, who to fish with, and the best places for that unforgettable fish fry, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. We can’t wait to help you make memories that will last a lifetime, one walleye at a time!

Also see our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Fried Fish with Tartar Sauce

fish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    fish
    Fried Walleye with Tartar Sauce Recipe and Photo by Taste of Home
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • FISH:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1-1/2 cups ice water
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 2 pounds walleye fillets, cut into 6 pieces
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; cover and refrigerate until serving.
  2. For fish, in a shallow bowl, combine flour, lemon pepper, baking powder, garlic salt and parsley flakes. Combine ice water and 2 tablespoons oil; whisk into dry ingredients just until smooth.
  3. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Dip fillets in batter, turning to coat; allow excess batter to drip off. Fry fillets, a few at a time, until golden brown and fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, 5-7 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sauce and lemon.

Fishing Report 7.9.2025

fishing is awesome on lake of the woods

It’s classic midsummer on Lake of the Woods, and the fishing is living up to its world-class reputation. Right now, anglers are catching walleyes and saugers three main ways: jigging with frozen emerald shiners, pulling spinners with crawlers, and trolling crankbaits. Each of these techniques is putting plenty of fish in the boat.

On the South Shore…  Good limits of walleyes and saugers continue to be the story.  Fish are being caught in a wide range of depths, from 12 feet all the way out to 36 feet. Many walleyes have made their summer move over the deep mud, where both eater-sized fish and plenty of slot fish (19.5 – 28.0 inches) are being caught. fishing is awesome on lake of the woods

If you’re looking for hot colors this week, try pink/gold, blue/white, gold/red, or orange/chartreuse. Jigging with a frozen emerald shiner is still going strong, but spinner rigs tipped with crawlers are really picking up steam. Running spinners at 1.0 – 1.25 mph is a great way to cover water and find active fish. Trolling crankbaits is also very effective, whether you’re using leadcore, snap weights, bottom bouncers with a shallow diving crank, or downriggers to target the 25-36 foot range.

On the Rainy River…  July 1st kicked off the sturgeon “keep season,” which means if you have a sturgeon tag, you can harvest one sturgeon between 45-50 inches or over 75 inches per calendar year. Catch and release is still allowed as well, offering plenty of chances to battle these prehistoric giants. The river is loaded with sturgeon right now, so it’s a perfect time to try your hand at these big fish that can reach weights over 100 lbs.

Walleyes and saugers are also being caught in the Rainy River, especially in deeper holes and around current breaks. Don’t overlook the river’s strong smallmouth bass population either — there are some real footballs to be caught.

There are some great summer options for fishing the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River.  It is also a nice option if the wind blows or you want a change of scenery.

fishing for Muskie at the Northwest Angle
Fishing for Muskie at the Northwest Angle

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Most anglers are still jigging around the thousands of islands in 15-30 feet of water.  As the summer progresses, bottom bouncers paired with crawler harnesses become even more effective, letting anglers cover ground across flats and along edges where mud meets structure.

It’s also muskie season up at the Angle, and fishing is going strong.  Anglers are catching and releasing some beautiful fish. Remember, muskies are sensitive predators, so please take extra care when handling and photographing them to ensure a healthy release.

Why Lake of the Woods Shines in Summer.  Across much of the walleye belt, summer can bring tough fishing. Weed growth, millions of young-of-the-year perch and other baitfish, and heavy boat traffic make them harder to catch. But that’s not the case on Lake of the Woods. The massive mud basin, countless reefs and rock piles, and sheer abundance of walleyes keep the bite consistent all summer long.  More info at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Video Fishing Report from the Water… Greg Jones of Midwest Outdoors and Joe Henry Discuss Summer Fishing on Lake of the Woods

Greg Jones and Joe Henry with a walleye caught on a jig on Lake of the Woods
Youtube video

There’s nothing quite like summer on Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods. The sun is shining, the lake is alive with boats and happy anglers, and the walleyes are biting. In a new video from Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism and Greg Jones with Midwest Outdoors, they provide a firsthand look at just how good the fishing is right now — and what we can look forward to as the summer rolls on.

Lake of the Woods is famous for its walleye fishing. This huge lake, located in far northern Minnesota, stretches out with more than 14,500 islands and miles upon miles of shoreline. It’s known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” for a reason. Every year, thousands of anglers travel here to get in on the action, and this summer is proving why.

A Strong Start to Summer

In the video, Joe and Greg talk about how the season has been so far. The bite started strong this spring with anglers catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers using jigs tipped with minnows. As June rolled in, that action didn’t slow down one bit.

Even during their day on the water filming, Joe and Greg were still jigging up nice fish. They show how a simple jig and a frozen emerald shiner is still putting walleyes and saugers in the boat. They also point out that bright colors like orange, chartreuse, gold, and glow combinations are hard to beat on Lake of the Woods, thanks to the lake’s stained water.

Right now, anglers are catching fish in a variety of places. Some are jigging shallower around 14-20 feet, while others are finding schools of walleyes out in deeper mud flats in 25-30+ feet of water. That’s one of the things that makes fishing here so fun — there are lots of spots and lots of options.

Spinners and Crankbaits Heating Up

Jigging isn’t the only game in town. As Joe and Greg explain, pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits is starting to take off. As the water keeps warming into the heat of summer, these techniques become even more effective.

Pulling spinners, also called crawler harnesses, is a classic summer way to catch walleyes on Lake of the Woods. It’s simple — a snelled spinner with a two or three hook harness tipped with a nightcrawler. The flash and vibration of the blade attracts fish from a distance, and the scent of the crawler seals the deal.

Drifting or slowly trolling spinners is a great way to cover water. It lets you find active walleyes that might be scattered out over the mud flats. As summer goes on, many anglers also start trolling crankbaits. This is another super effective method, especially if you want to catch a lot of fish or hunt for a big one. It’s also a fun way to fish because you can watch the rod bend and the reels sing when a hungry walleye smashes your lure.

What to Expect as Summer Continues

So what can anglers expect for the rest of the summer on Lake of the Woods? More of the same great fishing! As Joe mentions in the video, this lake is unique because it stays strong all summer long. While many lakes slow down in mid-summer due to weed growth or big hatches of small perch and baitfish, Lake of the Woods keeps kicking out walleyes.

Deep mud flats are key during July and August. Walleyes move out there chasing bug hatches and baitfish, and anglers who target these areas with spinners or crankbaits often have banner days.

Plus, it’s just a beautiful time to be on the water. Beautiful and often cool mornings, bright sunny afternoons, and sunsets that light up the sky over the lake make every fishing trip special.

Plan Your Trip!

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting into walleye fishing, Lake of the Woods is a place that should be on your list. Resorts around the lake make it easy, offering everything from boat rentals to fully guided trips with expert captains. They’ll help you find the fish and enjoy every minute on the water.

To learn more about planning your trip, including guides, lodging, and even more fishing reports, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. Then pack your gear and come see why Lake of the Woods really is the Walleye Capital of the World!

A Berry Good Time: Picking Berries Around Lake of the Woods

berries

If you’re planning a trip to the Lake of the Woods area in Minnesota, you’re in for more than just world-class fishing and beautiful scenery. This region is also famous for its incredible berry picking opportunities. From plump, juicy blueberries to other tasty wild berries, it’s a summer adventure you won’t want to miss

Blueberries: A Local Favorite

Blueberries are the real star of berry picking in the Lake of the Woods area. They grow wild in sandy, sunny spots, often popping up in clearings along old logging trails, roadsides, and throughout the Beltrami Island State Forest. This area is one of the largest state forests in Minnesota, and it’s packed with berry patches waiting to be berries discovered.

berry picking
Blueberry Plant



The best time to pick wild blueberries is typically mid-July through early August, depending on the weather. A warm spring and plenty of rain usually mean a good berry crop. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during peak blueberry season, you’ll find bushes loaded with sweet blue gems.

Other Berries You Might Find

Blueberries aren’t the only berries you can pick around Lake of the Woods. You might also find wild raspberries, juneberries (also known as serviceberries), chokecherries,

berry picking
Wild Chokecherry fruit on a branch. Chokecherries were a very important part of the diet of Native Americans. It is the official fruit of the state of North Dakota.

and even cranberries in some wetter spots later in the season. Each has its own time when it’s best to pick. Wild raspberries usually ripen in July, while chokecherries and cranberries

berry picking
high bush cranberries

are often ready in August or September.

A Great Family Activity

Berry picking is more than just gathering food; it’s an experience that lets you slow down and enjoy nature. Many families who visit Lake of the Woods make it a point to spend an afternoon berry picking. Kids love the hunt, and it’s a peaceful way to take in the sights and sounds of the forest. Plus, there’s nothing like tasting a handful of berries you picked yourself.

Precautions to Keep in Mind

Of course, as fun as berry picking is, there are a few things to watch out for.

1. Know Your Berries: Make sure you know what you’re picking. Not every berry you see is safe to eat. If you’re unsure, take a field guide with you or pick with someone who knows the local berries. Never eat anything you can’t positively identify.

2. Dress for the Woods: Wear long pants and a light long-sleeve shirt. This will help protect you from scratches, bugs, and ticks. Don’t forget sturdy shoes, because you might be walking through rough or damp ground.

3. Use Bug Spray: Mosquitoes and ticks can be active in the summer. A good insect repellent makes your adventure a lot more comfortable. When you’re done, check yourself for ticks just to be safe.

4. Watch for Wildlife: The Lake of the Woods area is also home to bears and other wildlife that like berries just as much as you do. While it’s rare to run into trouble, berries make some noise as you walk and always be aware of your surroundings.

5. Respect the Land: Whether you’re picking on public land or near a trail, always take care to leave things as you found them. Don’t pull up plants by the roots and only take what you’ll use.

A Taste of the Northwoods

Once you’ve filled your pails, you can enjoy your berries in all sorts of ways. Eat them fresh, bake them into pies or muffins, or freeze them to take a little bit of Lake of the Woods home with you. Many visitors say there’s something extra special about berries from this area — maybe it’s the clean air, maybe it’s the adventure of picking them, but either way, they taste amazing.

Plan Your Trip

Whether you come to Lake of the Woods to fish, relax at a cabin, or just enjoy the great outdoors, make sure to plan a berry picking outing during your stay if you’re visiting in July or August. It’s a simple pleasure that adds a lot to a summer vacation and gives you a true taste of Minnesota’s Northwoods.

For more information on visiting Lake of the Woods, including places to stay, guides, and other activities, check out LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. Then grab a bucket, bring the family, and head out for a berry good time!

See our Lodging page on our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Check out our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodmn

Blueberry Crumble Pie

blueberry

July is the time when wild blueberries appear on the scene at Lake of the Woods. Use this recipe for either wild or tame blueberries and get a taste treat!!

Prep Time15 min Cook Time1 hour 15 min

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
  • 6 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    blueberry
    Photo by Taste of Home
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cubed
  • TOPPING:
  • 12 shortbread cookies
  • 3 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Dash salt
  • Whipped cream

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Unroll pie crust into a 9-in. cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pie plate; flute edge.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon and, if desired, thyme and lemon zest; toss gently. Spoon into crust; dot with butter.
  3. In a food processor, cover and process cookies until coarsely chopped. Add the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon and salt; process until crumbly. Sprinkle over berry mixture.
  4. Bake 45 minutes, lowering the temp to 350 and baking for another 30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cover edge with foil during the last 15 minutes if necessary to prevent overbrowning. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

Fishing Report 7.1.2025

walleye fishing lake of the woods

Lake of the Woods Fishing Report — Fishing Remains Excellent!

Fishing continues to be outstanding on Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re jigging, pulling spinners, or trolling crankbaits, anglers are enjoying steady action and taking home plenty of walleyes and saugers.

On the South Shore…  Good numbers of walleyes are now gravitating to the deep mud basin. This time of year, it’s common to see bug hatches over the deep mud, which attracts hungry walleyes looking for an easy meal. Fishing anywhere from 27 to 35 feet has been productive. fishing

The jig bite remains strong. Many anglers are still anchoring up or spot-locking and working a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Hot jig colors this week include orange and chartreuse, gold combined with orange or pink, as well as glow white. Mixing up your colors and letting the fish tell you what they want can really pay off.

Spinners and crawlers are also gaining momentum. Drifting or slowly trolling at 1.0 to 1.25 mph with a 2 – 3 ounce weight or bottom bouncer, a two or three hook harness with a hammered gold blade paired with pink, orange, chartreuse, or glow red or white beads has been very effective. This technique is a great way to cover water and entice walleyes spread out over the basin. Many anglers report catching a mix of walleyes and saugers using this method.

Trolling crankbaits is another excellent option right now. Some anglers are trolling using downriggers to get their lures down to the fish. Others are using leadcore line, snap weights, or a 3-4 ounce bottom bouncer paired with a 6-foot mono or fluorocarbon leader with a shallow diving crankbait. These setups are helping anglers reach the right depth and keep their baits in the strike zone. The ability to cover lots of water while presenting wobble, vibration, and color makes trolling cranks a very effective way to locate and catch walleyes.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes, and it won’t be long until anglers start shifting their attention to sturgeon again. Sturgeon season opens on July 1st, and the river is loaded with these prehistoric giants. If you’re planning a trip in July or August, soaking a few crawlers on a sturgeon rig can give you the chance to hook into one of the biggest fish of your life.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Excellent

fishing
49 inch muskie caught at Oak Island

fishing continues at the Angle. Walleyes are being found from 12 to 24 feet, relating to both mud and structure. The jig and minnow bite remains solid on rock and sand transitions, while other anglers are also pulling spinners or crankbaits along shoreline breaks and over deeper mud areas. This is producing not just walleyes, but also a nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, and even smallmouth bass.

Muskie anglers have been busy with nice numbers of fish and some big ones.  Some fish exceeding 53 inches were caught this past week.  

Plan Your Trip.  Lake of the Woods is living up to its reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. With a healthy population of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, and soon, sturgeon back in season, now is a perfect time to get out on the water. Whether you’re fishing with your own boat, hiring a guide, or jumping on a charter, the opportunities for success are excellent.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, or trip planning tools, check out LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.