On the South End… Walleyes continue to congregate along the south shore, and despite unseasonably warm weather, anglers are putting good numbers of fish in the boat. The best bite has slid slightly deeper this week to 22–30 feet. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner remains the top producer. Hot jig colors have been green, gold, orange, chartreuse, and glow white; on certain days, pink or plain gold still shine.
Schools of walleyes are located across traditional stretches, Pine Island, Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point, and Twin Islands, with bonus jumbo perch mixed in. While jigging is the go-to, some anglers continue to pull spinners with crawlers or troll crankbaits to cover water when marks are scattered. Expect shoreline activity to strengthen further as temperatures cool.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are trickling into the river, and walleyes are following. The bite is improving by the day; a real cool-down will kick things into high gear. Work a jig and frozen shiner along current breaks, deeper holes, and sand flats.
Josh Beckel Fishing Guide with Huge Fall Pike
Sturgeon action remains strong. A classic sturgeon rig with crawlers (optionally tipped with a shiner) has been effective. Reminder: sturgeon harvest season is open through September 30, switching to catch-and-release October 1 – April 23, 2026. The Rainy River offers about 42 miles of navigable water from Wheeler’s Point through Baudette to Birchdale, with numerous public ramps for access.
Northwest Angle… Excellent walleye fishing continues on both the Minnesota and Ontario sides. The program is simple and productive: a jig and minnow on points, over reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions. Saugers, jumbo perch, and pike are also showing up consistently.
It’s prime time for fall crappies. Many anglers are finding nice fish around islands and off of points. Muskie reports are strong as water temps edge downward, with follows and hookups on shoreline structure.
Plan your fall trip… Excellent fall fishing typically runs into November. If you’re looking for that last good open-water trip before ice season, now’s the window.
Lake of the Woods Selected to Host 2027 AGLOW Annual Conference
Table of Contents
For Immediate Release
BAUDETTE, MN – September 30, 2025 – The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) announced at its annual meeting in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, last week that Lake of the Woods Tourism has been chosen to host the 2027 AGLOW Annual Conference. AGLOW’s annual conference is the premier gathering for outdoor media professionals from across the nation. Each year, outdoor communicators connect with leaders from the fishing, hunting, shooting, and outdoor industries, along with conservation groups and destination representatives. This unique blend of professionals creates opportunities and collaborations that would otherwise not be possible.
As the host location, Lake of the Woods Tourism will once again showcase the world-class fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation for which the area is famous.
“We are honored and excited to be chosen for the 2027 AGLOW conference,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism. “The host facility for the conference will be Sportsman’s Lodge. Sportsman’s is perfect for this event—it offers wonderful facilities located right on the Rainy River, an incredible staff, and delicious food. With meeting space that accommodates 300 people, plus additional rooms for meals, breakouts, and lots of room for evening campfire gatherings, Sportsman’s is absolutely ideal. Its central location among many great resorts ensures ample lodging options for our guests.”
Lake of the Woods Tourism has proudly hosted AGLOW twice before, in 2008 and 2017. Both conferences left a lasting impression on attendees.
“AGLOW members are still talking about the 2017 conference,” Henry added. “Participants loved stepping outside the resort onto a charter boat and catching walleyes, sturgeon, smallmouth bass, and pike. They hunted grouse, ducks, and geese. They enjoyed a fresh walleye fish fry, fresh wild rice and other Minnesota traditions. And most importantly, they shared these experiences with the world.”
The 2027 conference is scheduled for the last week of September, a time that highlights the incredible fall bite on both Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the region’s abundant hunting seasons and breathtaking fall scenery.
About AGLOW
Founded in 1956, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) is a dynamic organization of writers, editors, publishers, broadcasters, photographers, artists, media specialists, outdoor industry representatives, and tourism professionals. AGLOW works to promote the conservation and responsible use of outdoor resources. As individuals, members educate and inform the public through the written and spoken word. As an organization, AGLOW fosters fellowship, networking, education, and craft improvement for its members.
It’s the season to hunt these beautiful birds and when you’ve completed your hunt, take them home to a very tasty meal. Here’s a great recipe.
This is a go-to recipe when you want something quick and flavorful. The key to cooking ruffed grouse is not to overcook it. The meat is lean, and if you leave it on the heat too long, it can dry out.
Ingredients
2 ruffed grouse breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the grouse breasts with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Place the grouse breasts in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and just cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
This simple recipe allows the natural flavor of the grouse to shine while the garlic and herbs complement it beautifully.
On the South End… Walleye action has been excellent along the south shore in 17 – 27 feet of water. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be the top producer, with anglers reporting strong numbers of both walleyes and saugers. Jig colors making a big difference this week include gold/red, green, plain gold, white, pink, and gold/orange.
The fall bite is setting up nicely, with fish spread out across a variety of locations. Anglers are targeting traditional spots like Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, and Long Point, but schools are showing up in other nearshore areas as well. Jumbo perch remains a nice bonus, adding variety to the bucket alongside limits of walleyes and saugers.
While jigging has been the go-to, some anglers are still pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits to cover water effectively, proving all three techniques can produce depending on conditions. As water temps continue cooling and daylight shortens, expect shoreline activity to strengthen even more in the weeks ahead.
The 10 day forecast shows warm temps and very low precipitation, a great stretch of fall weather ahead.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are starting to show in the river, and walleye fishing in the river this week was good. The bite will only improve as the shiner run builds. The most effective presentation remains a jig and frozen emerald shiner, worked along current breaks, holes, and sand flats.
Sturgeon activity is also strong this fall. A sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers, sometimes tipped with a shiner, has been the winning setup. Remember, the sturgeon harvest season is open through September 30, switching to catch-and-release October 1 – April 23, 2026.
The Rainy River offers 42 miles of navigable water from Wheeler’s Point through Baudette and east to Birchdale, with numerous boat ramps for access.
Northwest Angle… Fishing is excellent up at the Angle, with strong numbers of walleyes and saugers keeping anglers busy. Crappies are also in the mix, and many are being found around islands and over basin mud. Structure such as reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions remain key.
Muskie activity is ramping up as water temps cool, with both follows and successful hook-ups being reported. Pike and smallmouth bass remain solid backup options, with pike coming from weedy bays and smallmouth relating to rocky points and shorelines.
With dropping water temps and shorter days, the bite across Lake of the Woods will only continue to get better. For more information on fishing, guides, charters, resorts, and lodging, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
On the South End… Walleyes are setting up in good numbers in 22 – 27 feet of water, with the bite excellent as we move deeper into fall. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner has been the most popular and productive technique, but anglers are also having success pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits to cover water.
Water temps remain in the low 60s, and fish are starting to slide into a variety of locations adjacent to the south shore. Anglers are reporting limits of walleyes and saugers, with some jumbo perch showing up in the mix as well. As the days shorten and the waters cool further, expect shoreline activity to steadily increase.
The areas in front of Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, and Long Point area are all holding fish. Jumbo perch have been in very good numbers all year and are a welcome bonus.
Rainy River… There are some emerald shiners that have entered the river, but the big push has not arrived yet. Still, anglers are finding walleyes in the system and catching fish fairly consistently. It will only get better as water temps cool down and days get shorter.
The go-to presentation remains a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Working fishy areas in the river such as holes, bars, current breaks, and flats will produce walleyes.
In addition, sturgeon activity is picking up as fall progresses. A sturgeon rig with a load of nightcrawlers, sometimes paired with a frozen shiner, has been the winning setup. The sturgeon “harvest” season runs through September 30, with catch-and-release beginning October 1 and running through April 23, 2026.
There are 42 miles of navigable river from the mouth of the river at Wheeler’s Point down through Baudette and east to Birchdale with many boat ramps along the way.
Northwest Angle… Up at the NW Angle, fishing remains excellent with big numbers of walleyes and crappies keeping anglers very busy. The incredible variety of structure—islands, neck-down areas, reefs, and mud transitions—is producing fish consistently.
Muskie anglers are also reporting success, with both follows and catches coming as fish ramp up feeding in the cooling water. Pike remain a mainstay in the mix, while smallmouth bass continue to provide action around rocky points and shorelines.
As the waters continue cooling, anglers can expect the shoreline bite and river action to only get better in the coming weeks.
For more information on fishing, guides, charters, resorts, and lodging, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
2025 Grouse Hunting Season up at Lake of the Woods: What Hunters Need to Know
Table of Contents
As summer winds down and the forests begin their fall transformation, grouse hunters are gearing up once again for one of Minnesota’s most beloved small-game seasons. Here in the Lake of the Woods region, grouse hunting is more than just tradition — it’s a chance to get outdoors, connect with nature, and chase “chickens of the northwoods” across some of the best public land in the state.
Here’s what you should know for the 2025-2026 season.
🗓 Season Dates & Regulations
Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the official dates and limits for the 2025 grouse‐hunting seasons as follows:
Ruffed Grouse & Spruce Grouse: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hungarian Partridge (Hun) also follows the same season dates.
Sharp-tailed Grouse (Northwest Zone): September 13 – November 30, 2025
Sharp-tailed Grouse (East‐Central Zone): Closed this year due to population concerns.
Woodcock: September 20 – November 3, 2025
Bag & Possession Limits
Combined ruffed & spruce grouse: 5 birds per day, 10 in possession, with a maximum of 2 spruce grouse per day (and 4 in possession) under the new regulation.
Sharp-tailed grouse (in the northwest zone): 3 daily, 9 in possession.
Hunting Hours: From ½ hour before sunrise until sunset.
What’s New / What to Watch Out For
Spruce Grouse Limits Adjusted: For the first time since the late 1970s, the limit on spruce grouse harvest has changed. Hunters may now only harvest 2 spruce grouse per day, and may have no more than 4 in possession. The overall combined limit of ruffed + spruce remains 5 daily, 10 possession.
Sharp-tailed Zone Closures: The east-central zone remains closed for sharp-tailed grouse this year due to population declines. Hunters who typically go after sharptails will need to check zone maps carefully and plan accordingly.
Public Land Conditions: Preliminary reports indicate many of the trails and public lands (especially in the Beltrami Island State Forest and around Baudette) are in good shape. Dry summer weather so far has helped, though hunters should always check recent local conditions.
Tips for Success up at Lake of the Woods
Scout now: Even before the opener, getting familiar with public land access points, hunter walking trails, and drumming areas will pay off.
Go off trail: Grouse often use thick cover away from main roads and trails. Getting off the beaten path increases chances of flushes.
Hunt when foliage drops: Mid-September through October is prime time; as leaves fall, visibility improves and grouse tend to be more visible and less skittish.
Bring proper gear: Brush-proof clothing, good boots, and blaze orange/pink for visibility are essential. Don’t forget dog partners if you use them.
Check license & permit requirements: Ensure you have your small game license, any necessary validations, and understand the limits and zones.
Why Lake of the Woods is Special
Few places in Minnesota can match the hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, habitat variety, and bird numbers that Lake of the Woods offers. Between large state forest tracts, tree cover, brushy edges, swamps, and mixed woods, grouse habitat is abundant. Plus, fewer hunters in certain remote areas mean less pressure and higher odds for adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter, a hunter with a dog, or just looking to try something new, this season offers plenty of opportunity.
Get ready: September 13, 2025 will mark opening day for many of the upland bird seasons. Pack your gear, map out your routes, and enjoy the woods. We’ll be watching for stories, photos, and flushes—share them with us!
The 10th Annual Warrior Boats David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Tournament was already one for the record books. Held August 16, 2025, at Wigwam Resort in Baudette, the Shootout drew 178 boats, making it the largest walleye tournament in Minnesota. Now, anglers and fans everywhere can relive the action thanks to a newly released episode of Larry Smith Outdoors.
Larry and his crew captured all the drama of this special event in a segment titled “Lake of the Woods DELIVERS With the Craziest Ending.” From breathtaking drone footage of Warrior Boats powering across Four Mile Bay to the excitement of weigh-in day, the episode perfectly showcases the magic of Lake of the Woods and the Warrior Boats family.
A Historic Walleye Tournament with a Thrilling Finish
The 2025 walleye tournament will be remembered not just for its record turnout, but also for its unprecedented results. For the first time in tournament history, the leaderboard ended in a tie for first place:
Jake Caughey and Jared Erickson
Isaac Lakich and Hunter Nitti
Each team weighed an astonishing 54.47 pounds for five walleyes, averaging more than 10 pounds per fish—a true testament to the incredible fishery that Lake of the Woods provides.
Larry Smith Outdoors captured the raw excitement of this moment, including the roar of the crowd as the tie was announced. Viewers will get a front-row seat to what many are calling the “craziest ending” in tournament history.
The Shootout is about much more than competing for the top spot. It’s a gathering of friends, families, and fellow Warrior Boat owners from across the Midwest and beyond. Divisions such as Adult/Child, Mixed Couple, and the new Conventional Angling Division (for anglers fishing without forward-facing sonar) encourage participation and celebrate fishing in its many forms.
The Larry Smith Outdoors segment does a wonderful job of capturing this family atmosphere—highlighting the camaraderie on and off the water, the support of the Lake of the Woods community, and the legacy of David A. Andersen, whose memory is honored each year through this tournament.
A Showcase for Lake of the Woods
For those who haven’t yet experienced Lake of the Woods, the episode is also a stunning showcase of what makes this fishery so special. The footage highlights not only the size and health of the walleyes, but also the beauty of the region, the facilities at Wigwam Resort, and the unmatched passion of the anglers.
It’s no wonder Warrior owners continue to make the trip north each year—whether to fish, reconnect with friends, or simply be part of the event.
Looking Ahead to 2026 Warrior Boats Event
With the 10th anniversary Shootout now in the books, excitement is already building for 2026. If you’re a Warrior Boat owner, mark your calendar now—you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. Whether you’re chasing the top of the leaderboard or just looking to enjoy a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and world-class fishing, Lake of the Woods delivers every time.
Place taco seasoning in a large resealable bag; add perch fillets, one at a time, and shake to coat. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Combine cornmeal and flour in another shallow bowl. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place in a single layer on a plate; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Webcams are a great invention these days to view landscapes and conditions of areas before you arrive or just because you are curious about what an area looks like. Lake of the Woods is very fortunate to have many resorts that use these great inventions to display conditions at their localitites. They allow you to see the landscape of the water, the waves, their facility and the general condition of the weather surrounding their location. A couple of areas at Lake of the Woods also show road conditions which is very important in this northern rural area.
For those who live far from northern Minnesota but hold a special place in their hearts for Lake of the Woods, these webcams offer an exciting way to stay connected to this incredible region. Whether you’re a frequent visitor, a former resident, or simply someone who enjoys following the action from afar, these real-time cameras bring the Walleye Capital of the World right to your screen.
A Growing Trend for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Webcams have surged in popularity across the outdoor and tourism world, and Lake of the Woods is no exception. With modern technology and internet access, fans of the area can now view current conditions on the lake 24/7. These webcams show it all—waves, weather, sunrise and sunset, fishing activity, boat traffic, and the changing of the seasons.
From the Rainy River to Big Traverse Bay to the Northwest Angle, there are a variety of webcams available depending on what part of the lake you want to check in on. Whether you’re watching for the lake to ice over, wondering about wave conditions, or just missing the scenery, webcams give you a live look into what’s happening at Lake of the Woods.
A Peek at Resort and Area Webcams
Here’s a look at some of the webcams available in the Lake of the Woods area and what you can expect to see: Feel free to click on each area and explore with your eyes the terrain. Thank you to the establishments who have invested in these great cameras. May we also mention that the website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com has the availability of WaveBuoys which will give you information on the actual wave conditions on the lake as well.
Located on the southwest shore
of Big Traverse Bay, Arnesen’s webcam offers views of Muskeg Bay and the resort’s boat and ice access points. Throughout the year, you’ll see charter boats heading out at sunrise, snowmobiles on groomed winter trails, and even bombardiers moving anglers to fish houses during the ice season. The camera offers a lively snapshot of resort life.
Perched above the Rainy River, this webcam gives viewers a front-row seat to the “boat parade”—a daily procession of charter boats heading out to chase walleyes. You’ll see captains prepping boats at dawn, wildlife along the riverbank, and anglers returning
Border View Webcam
after a day on the water. It’s also a great camera to watch ice conditions in spring and fall during freeze-up and ice-out periods.
Positioned between Twin Rocks and Long Point, Dale’s webcam delivers a scenic view of Big Traverse Bay. Whether it’s waves rolling across the open water, boats launching in their brand new harbor, or ice roads being used for winter fishing, this camera captures the rhythm of the lake throughout the seasons.
Dale’s Webcam
It’s also a popular view to watch snowfall and sunsets on crisp winter evenings.
Located on the south shore of Big Traverse Bay, Morris Point’s webcam provides a direct view of open water and ice fishing traffic. On Saturdays during the summer, you may catch a glimpse of activity around the
Morris Point Webcam
resort’s popular fish fry nights. Calm days and wild storms are equally mesmerizing from this camera’s vantage point.
At the very northern tip of Minnesota, this webcam at Young’s Bay captures the gateway to the NW Angle’s island resorts. Watch boats navigating the harbor in summer or snowmobiles and bombardiers heading across the ice in winter. It’s also located near the northernmost point buoy and Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant, giving a local flavor to your view.
Roadside Webcams for Travel and Scenery
Highway 72 – South of Baudette This roadside camera is located south of Baudette and offers a year-round view of weather conditions and foliage changes along one of the region’s main travel routes. From golden fall colors to spring greens and snow-covered pines, it’s a great snapshot of the seasons in northern Minnesota.
Highway 11 – Roosevelt, MN This camera captures a view of a vital east-west corridor near the south shore of the lake. Watch active railroad tracks, passing traffic, and seasonal transitions. It’s a practical webcam for travelers and a beautiful one for fans of northern landscapes.
Birds, Weather, and More
Webcams are also a fantastic way to observe the area’s bird migrations, including pelicans, bald eagles, various species of waterfowl, and other species. Plus, there’s something magical about watching a northern storm roll in, or seeing a quiet snowfall blanket the shoreline in the winter.
For many, these webcams are more than just tools—they’re a way to stay connected to a special place. Whether you’re daydreaming about your next trip, checking in on favorite resorts, or just love watching life unfold in a remote northern corner of Minnesota, webcams are a fun and useful way to keep in touch. Besides being fun, these webcams are used throughout the winter to view how the ice is shaping up on the lake and helps with resort owners who are so careful when it comes to safety for their clients coming up to do ice fishing. What great tools to have available.
On the South End… Water temperatures are starting to drop into the low 60s, with wave buoys on Big Traverse Bay showing 61 – 63 degrees. This cooling trend combined with shorter days signals the transition period for walleyes, and anglers are finding fish in a variety of places.
Walleyes are still holding over deep mud, but schools are also showing up adjacent to shorelines and on the edges of reefs.
As waters cool, more fish are pushing toward the shorelines, and this movement will only increase as the fall progresses. All three primary methods of fishing are producing fish right now: Jigging with a frozen emerald shiner, pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits to cover water.
Each technique has its time and place, and being versatile is paying off for anglers. The shoreline bite will only get stronger in the weeks ahead.
Rainy River… The first signs of fall are beginning to show on the Rainy River. Emerald shiners are starting to trickle in, and with them comes an uptick in walleye activity. The big run hasn’t started yet, but anglers are finding more fish in the river each day. Four Mile Bay, an area between Big Traverse Bay and the Rainy River, is also giving up some nice walleyes.
A jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be the go-to approach, a tried-and-true method for tempting these river walleyes.
The lake sturgeon bite has also picked up which is the norm in the fall. A sturgeon rig with a ball of nightcrawlers and even a frozen shiner or two is the goto bait. The sturgeon “harvest” season continues through September 30th. From Oct 1 – April 23, sturgeon fishing continues with catch and release.
Northwest Angle… Up at the NW Angle, walleye fishing remains excellent. This region is known for its sheer abundance of fish, and right now it’s living up to its reputation. With countless islands and diverse structure, anglers are working areas such as deep mud, neck-down spots with moving water, underwater points and reefs, and transition areas where walleyes are staging.
Not only is this a great environment for walleyes, but it also holds a wide variety of other species, making the Angle a multi-species destination this time of year. Fall is a go-to time for those fishing big black crappies in this region. Pike and smallmouth bass are staples and are only more aggressive as the waters are cooling. Muskie anglers are also reporting good activity with both follows and catches.
Summary
South End: Walleyes transitioning from mud to shorelines; all methods (jigging, spinners, crankbaits) still working.
Rainy River: Shiners trickling in, walleye activity increasing; jig and frozen emerald shiner the go-to. Sturgeon activity is increasing.
NW Angle: Excellent walleye bite continues, with diverse structure and plenty of fish.
As water temps continue to cool, expect the shoreline and river bite to heat up even more in the coming weeks.
