Fresh Walleye Dinner

fresh walleye dinner fried potatoes pork and beans lake of the woods

Walleye season has begun on Lake of the Woods and its time to celebrate the best tasting fish that there is. This fish can be prepared many ways but this tradition method is the very favorite.

Prepare walleye fillets

Dry the fillets.

Place canola or vegetable oil in a fry pan. Heat to 350 degrees.
Add some butter for additional flavor and browning.

Dip the fillets in a floured batter with seasonings
Seasonings include: salt, pepper, lemon pepper, paprika,
season salt, onion powder and cajun seasoning if you like.
Add baking powder to get a crisp finish to the fillet.

Fry fish on both sides. About 4 minutes on the side or until
a light brown color.

Place in a dish lined with a paper towel to absorb oil. fresh walleye dinner fried potatoes pork and beans lake of the woods

Serve with your favorite tartar sauce.

Your meal could include fried potatoes, pork and beans
and a side salad with a dinner roll and a beverage of your
choice. Enjoy!

Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report..May 13, 2026

fishing report lake of the woods south shore nw angle rainy river walleye

The MN Fishing Opener kicked off Saturday, May 9th and walleye season is officially underway on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River!

It was a cold and windy opener day, which pushed some anglers away from the main lake spots they had originally planned. But that’s the beauty of this fishery — with protected bays, 42 miles of navigable Rainy River, and up at the NW Angle, countless islands to slide behind, there’s always fishable water no matter what the weather throws at you. For most anglers who adapted, some good walleyes and saugers were caught.

It has been a cold spring, and spawning activity is still being reported on the Rainy River. Reports of males milking when caught are coming in, and some anglers found big females still holding in their traditional mid-April areas. The spawn is running later than usual this year, but that means the best fishing is still ahead. As the less windy days arrive and waters warm through this week and the forecast ahead looks beautiful the bite will only improve. This fishing report is sure to keep anglers informed and prepared.

What’s Working: Presentations and Techniques

The go-to presentation — and this comes as no surprise — is a jig and frozen emerald shiner. Traditional colors are producing well, including gold mixed with glow white, pink, orange, or chartreuse. Stick with these proven combinations and you’ll be in good shape.

Vertical jigging is deadly on staged fish — anchor or spot-lock over structure and work a jig vertically to keep your bait in the strike zone. Fan casting shorelines is effective for covering water and locating active fish by casting jigs to shallow structure and working them back to the boat. 

As a rule, walleyes are near the shore throughout Lake of the Woods. The late, cold spring means walleyes haven’t pushed deep yet — they remain accessible in shallow, near-shore areas. 

Up at the NW Angle, points and neck-down areas are key. These natural funnels concentrate fish and create perfect ambush points, and on windy days, running to the island side offers both shelter and structure. Along the south shore, near-shore rock piles and sand-to-gravel transitions are holding fish. 

The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay remain loaded with walleyes staged later than normal due to the cold spring and will be hot spots well into the week.  The bite has been light, pay attention as some fish have been less aggressive.

Pike Fishing — A Silver Lining on Windy Days

With the wind on opener, a number of anglers headed to the back bays to target pike — and had great success. 

Pike regulations: limit is 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30–40 inches must be released immediately.

Sturgeon Season Update

The sturgeon harvest season has closed, but catch-and-release opportunities remain open through May 15th before the season closes May 16 through June 30.

Catch and release: May 8–15, 2026 Closed: May 16–June 30, 2026 Harvest season resumes: July 1–September 30, 2026

Know Your Limits

The combined walleye and sauger limit is 6 fish total, with up to 4 being walleyes. All walleyes between 19.5 and 28.0 inches must be released immediately, with one walleye over 28.0 inches allowed. A 2026 Minnesota fishing license is required.

Fishing Guides Available

Fishing guides from the Rainy River, Lake of the Woods and NW Angle resorts are ready to put you on fish. Everything is provided — boat, tackle, bait, and the local expertise that makes all the difference. Book now, as prime dates fill quickly.

For resort information, lodging, and guide services visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ and for complete fishing information visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com.

Stay connected on social media for daily updates all week long!

 
fishing report lake of the woods south shore nw angle rainy river walleye
fishing report lake of the woods rainy river nw angle south shore walleye northern
Open Water Fishing on Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River (Summer & Fall): FAQs

Open water fishing on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offers some of the most consistent and rewarding fishing in North America. From late spring through fall, anglers experience everything from easy, action-packed summer fishing to trophy opportunities in the fall.

Whether you’re fishing the expansive waters of Big Traverse Bay, the scenic Rainy River, or the island-rich Northwest Angle, this is a destination where both beginners and experienced anglers can succeed. With full-service resorts, experienced guides, and millions of fish, planning your trip is easier than you might think.

Open water fishing refers to the season when the lake is free of ice, typically from May through October. This includes both summer fishing and fall fishing, each offering different patterns, techniques, and opportunities for anglers.

Lake of the Woods is known for its abundant walleye population, consistent fishing success, and ability to produce quality fish throughout the open water season. Anglers regularly catch walleyes in high numbers, along with trophy-class fish, making it one of the most reliable walleye fisheries anywhere.

Fishing is excellent throughout the entire open water season:

  • Early Summer (May–June): Walleyes are often shallower and very active.
  • Mid-Summer (July–August): Fish spread out, often over deeper mud basins and structure.
  • Fall (September–October): Big walleyes feed aggressively, especially in the Rainy River and nearshore areas.

There is always a productive bite happening somewhere on the lake.

Lake of the Woods offers three distinct fishing areas:

  • South Shore / Big Traverse Bay – Known for open water walleye fishing, especially over deep mud flats.
  • Rainy River – A scenic and protected option, excellent in both summer and fall.
  • Northwest Angle (Lake of the Woods) – A remote area with thousands of islands, offering incredible structure fishing and multi-species opportunities.

Each area provides a different experience, and many anglers return to explore them all.

The Northwest Angle is the northernmost point of the contiguous United States and part of Lake of the Woods. Known for its rugged beauty and more than 14,000 islands, it offers outstanding fishing for walleyes, muskies, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. For anglers looking for a remote, scenic, and structure-rich experience, the Angle is hard to beat.

Yes. The Rainy River is excellent throughout the open water season. In the summer, it provides a calm, scenic alternative to the lake and is great for walleyes, bass, and pike. In the fall, it becomes a hotspot as walleyes follow emerald shiners into the river, creating outstanding opportunities for big fish.

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer a wide variety of species:

  • Walleyes (primary target)
  • Saugers
  • Northern pike
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Crappies
  • Muskellunge (muskie)
  • Yellow perch

This diversity makes it ideal for both serious anglers and families looking for steady action.

No. Many resorts offer full-service fishing packages that include guided charter boats, equipment, bait, and fish cleaning. It’s an easy and stress-free way to experience the lake, especially for beginners or visitors traveling from out of town.

Absolutely. With high fish populations, simple and effective fishing techniques, and knowledgeable guides, Lake of the Woods is one of the most beginner-friendly fishing destinations anywhere.

Techniques vary throughout the season, but common methods include:

  • Spinner rigs with crawlers
  • Jigging with minnows or soft plastics
  • Trolling crankbaits to cover water

Guides and anglers adjust techniques based on fish location and seasonal patterns.

Depths vary depending on the time of year and location, but anglers commonly fish between 15 and 35 feet during the open water season. Fish may relate to mud flats, reefs, points, or shoreline structure depending on conditions.

If fishing with a guide or charter, you typically only need:

  • A valid Minnesota fishing license
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
  • Food and beverages

Most equipment and gear are provided.

Yes, within Minnesota fishing regulations. Many anglers enjoy a traditional shore lunch or bring fish back to their resort for a fresh fish fry—one of the highlights of a trip to Lake of the Woods.

Planning is simple. Start by selecting a resort that fits your style, whether you’re looking for a full-service experience, family-friendly lodging, or a remote getaway. Many resorts offer packages that include lodging, meals, and guided fishing. Booking early is recommended, especially for peak summer and fall dates.

From easy, action-filled summer fishing to trophy opportunities in the fall, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer an experience that’s hard to match. With beautiful scenery, abundant fish, and full-service options, it’s a destination anglers return to year after year.