Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report..July 14, 2026

lake of the woods south shore nw angle rainy river walleyes
The summer patterns continue with great success on Lake of the Woods. The hot weather has the walleyes fired up and eating, and coolers are being filled with walleyes and saugers across the system. Three techniques are dominating right now, spinners and crawlers, jigging, and trolling crankbaits.   
 
Hot colors remain gold paired with brighter shades such as pink, chartreuse, orange, glow white, or a combination of these. Here’s where things stand across the three areas this week.
 
Big Traverse Bay (South Shore)
 
The big schools of walleyes and saugers are out over the deep mud, and all three of the go-to presentations are producing. Spinners and crawlers, jigging, and trolling crankbaits will each put fish in the boat.  Oftentimes, it’s just a matter of matching the method to how the fish are set up on a given day.
 
Crankbaits deserve a closer look this week. Both shad-style baits and the thinner minnow-style baits are doing well, so don’t be afraid to alternate cranks until you find what the walleyes want that day. A lot of little factors go into that choice: Is it sunny or cloudy? What forage is prevalent in this part of the lake? Is the water stirred up or clean? All of these matter, and they can change from one day to the next.
 
It also pays to experiment with speed. This time of year, 2.2 to 3.0 mph is a good bet. And think about where you’re positioning the crankbait in the water column.  Sometimes, they want it right in their face, and other times it’s better to run it above the fish and make them chase. Small adjustments like these often turn a slow stretch into a good one.
 
Rainy River
 
The Rainy River continues to offer up a nice mixed bag. The walleyes here don’t stack up the way they do during the spring and fall runs, but there’s a strong resident population that lives in these forage-rich waters year-round, and the same summer presentations working out on the lake translate well to the river.
 
The sturgeon harvest season is underway too, and these prehistoric giants remain one of the river’s biggest draws — in most cases the largest freshwater fish an angler will ever catch. Smallmouth bass round out the mix around rock, current breaks, and shoreline structure.
 
Northwest Angle
 
Up at the Angle, there’s endless structure and plenty of fish, so there are always walleyes relating to the rocks and reefs. As with the south end, though, many walleyes have slid off that structure and out over the adjacent mud, where the same spinner, jig, and crankbait programs are getting it done. It remains a true multispecies destination, with walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, and smallmouth all in the mix.  In addition, the muskie fishing is in full swing on some of the best water in the nation.
 
Before You Go
 
Lake of the Woods absolutely shines this time of year. While many bodies of water struggle to produce consistent walleye catches through July and August, the fishing here stays strong right through the heat of summer.
 
It’s a great time to show the kids, or someone who doesn’t fish much, some quality walleye action by stepping aboard a charter or hopping in with a guide. All guides on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are licensed charter captains, and they’re among the most talented in the walleye belt. All fishing equipment, bait, and fish cleaning is provided, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day. Lodging and fishing opportunities around the lake are available.
 
A quick reminder on the regulations: 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.
 
To find out more about fishing Lake of the Woods, check out our website at lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fishing/.
 
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lake of the woods south shore nw angle rainy river walleyes
walleye fishing Lake of the Woods, MN
walleye fishing Lake of the Woods, MN
lake of the woods south shore nw angle rainy river walleyes
walleye fishing Lake of the Woods, MN
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.

VIEW PAST FISHING REPORTS

Summer Adventures Around Lake of the Woods… Besides Fishing

Summer kayaking adventure, Lake of the Woods MN

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is widely celebrated for its world-class fishing, but the region offers a plethora of other summer adventures that can make your visit truly unforgettable. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking to unwind, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore the many exciting adventures you can enjoy around Lake of the Woods.

ATV Trails and Mountain Biking

ATV, Lake of the Woods Minnesota For those who crave adventure and the thrill of the outdoors, the Lake of the Woods area boasts extensive ATV trails that cater to all skill levels. These trails wind through lush forests, offering scenic views and a chance to spot wildlife. The network of trails is well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience.

Mountain biking enthusiasts will find plenty of challenging terrain and breathtaking routes. The trails range from easy paths for beginners to more rugged tracks for seasoned bikers. Riding through the dense woods and open meadows provides a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Hiking and Kayaking

Hiking in the Lake of the Woods area is a treat for nature lovers. Numerous trails traverse diverse landscapes, from dense forests to lakeside paths. Popular hiking spots include Zippel Bay State Park and Pine Island State Forest. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, making them accessible for families and solo adventurers alike.

Kayaking is another fantastic way to experience the tranquility and beauty of Lake of the Woods. Paddle along the serene waters, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for both novice and experienced kayakers. Renting a kayak from a local outfitter is easy, and guided tours are available for those who want a bit more structure in their adventure.

Bird Watching and Wilderness Drives

Pelicans at Flag Island Resort, Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods Minnesota

Lake of the Woods is a paradise for bird watchers. The diverse habitats around the lake support a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot these magnificent creatures. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your bird-watching excursions. 

For a more relaxed way to enjoy the wilderness, consider taking a scenic drive through the region. The Lake of the Woods area offers several picturesque routes that showcase its stunning landscapes. The Great River Road and the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway are two popular drives that provide breathtaking views and numerous opportunities to stop and explore. Beltrami Island State Park is another great spot for driving around on dirt roads, looking for wildlife, and taking in the sheer beauty of the area.

 

Local Food Experiences

Fish fry, River Bend Resort, Lake of the Woods No visit to Lake of the Woods is complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. The area is home to several charming restaurants and eateries that offer fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From freshly caught fish to hearty comfort foods, the dining options here are sure to satisfy any palate.

Every Saturday morning, the Fresh Start Farmer’s Market in Baudette is the perfect place to sample local produce and artisanal goods. Additionally, small-town shopping and delicious coffee shops add to the local charm, providing visitors with unique finds and tasty treats.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Baudette, the Walleye Capital of the World, is home to the iconic Willie Walleye statue, a must-see landmark that celebrates the region’s fishing heritage.

The Lake of the Woods Historical Society is a wonderful local museum full of items from days gone by. It provides an insightful look into the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. Additionally, Timber Mill Park in Baudette features a beautiful veterans memorial signifying “mail call,” a poignant tribute to the region’s service members.

Northernmost Point Buoy, Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods Minnesota Another notable landmark is the northernmost point buoy at the Northwest Angle, marking the top of the contiguous United States and offering a unique photo opportunity.

Relaxation and Wellness

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy your vacation is to simply relax. The Lake of the Woods area is perfect for unwinding and recharging.  Whether is it sitting in front of your cabin watching the waves, boating activity or birds, just chilling out can be just what the doctor ordered.  For many, this includes a bit of fishing thrown in, of course.

The natural beauty of the lake itself provides a tranquil backdrop for relaxation. Spend your days lounging on the beach, taking a leisurely boat ride, or watching the sunset over the water. The peaceful ambiance and slower pace of life here create an ideal environment for relaxation.

Resort Amenities and Guided Tours

Full-service resorts around Lake of the Woods provide a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. Many offer guided tours and excursions, from nature walks and wildlife spotting trips to historical tours of the area. These guided experiences are a fantastic way to learn more about the local ecosystem and history.

Scenery, Lake of the Woods MN Family-friendly activities are also plentiful. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities like treasure hunts and arts and crafts. These amenities ensure that every member of the family has a memorable and enjoyable vacation.

Plan Your Visit to Lake of the Woods

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is a summer destination that has it all. With its diverse range of activities, iconic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that visitors return year after year. Plan your visit today and discover the many ways you can enjoy this remarkable region beyond its renowned fishing opportunities.

Info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging around Lake of the Woods

 

Summer Walleyes Can’t Resist Crawler Harnesses

Summer walleyes on crawler harnesses, Lake of the Woods MN
Youtube video

For many, a classic jig and a minnow is the go to presentation for summer walleyes on Lake of the Woods.  It could be argued that the jig and minnow has caught more walleyes out of the big lake than any other presentation.  It still is the go to and super effective.  However, there can be some very good arguments made in learning the nuances of pulling spinners for walleyes, also called crawler harnesses or simply snelled spinners with a crawler, minnow or leech can have big advantages.  The bottom line, summer walleyes can’t resist crawler harnesses.

Spinners for summer walleyes really kicks into gear as the water begins to warm up.  Normally when water starts to hit the mid 50’s, it is time to start considering drifting or trolling with spinners.

This video was not filmed this year but it has some good info about pulling crawler harnesses that is pertinent all of the time.  Check it out.

First off, a crawler harness and snelled spinner are basically the same thing.  When you are not using a night crawler, we don’t call is a crawler harness anymore, thus it’s a snelled spinner.  Semantics out of the way, these set ups are effective for summer walleyes.

Why are spinners for walleyes so effective?  A lot of reasons, the flash of the blade.  The different color combinations of the beads and blades.  The vibration of the spinner is sensed by the walleyes lateral line much like that of the prey they feed.  You can put crawlers, minnows, leeches and plastics on a harness.

My go to set up is a two ounce bottom bouncer with a harness between 4-6′ long.  It is conducive to use a longer snell in clearer waters, thus on Lake of the Woods, I normally go about 5′ or so as the water is stained.  In a nutshell, the key with this presentation is to slowly be pulling this through the water column where the fish are so the blade is spinning and a desirable speed the walleyes want that given day.

What that looks like is drifting or trolling your set up with a desirable 45 degree angle.  When I am trolling in my boat, my goal is 1.25 mph.  You don’t want the harness way behind the boat like when you are trolling with a crankbait.  You want that 45 degree angle and have total control.

Keep the sinker just off the bottom, not dragging the bottom, but rather touch the bottom once in a while to know you are down there and lift just off so you avoid snags and other debris.

When a walleye grabs it, it loads up like a wet sock.  Normally they don’t hammer it.  Simply lower you rod tip back at the same speed of the boat so the walleye doesn’t feel anything change for two seconds and swing the rod with a mild hookset.  Baitcaster rod in rod holder, Lake of the Woods

When using a crawler, I suggest a two hook harness and pinch off the crawler once hooked on the harness so only about 3-4″ of tail hangs off of the back hook.  This will avoid missing walleyes that grab the back of the rig.

This set up covers water.  It can be used from shallow to deep.  It will catch everything that swims.  And for the folks who go fishing with you less experienced, is a relatively easy way to get walleyes hooked up.

There are many good brands of snelled spinners or crawler harnesses you can purchase with length, fluorocarbon line and quick change clevices.  Some anglers like to tie their own crawler harnesses as well which allows creativity in the bead pattern, length of snell, etc.

Crawler harness, Lake of the WoodsGive spinners for summer walleyes a try this year, you might be surprised how many more fish end up in your boat!

 

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Navigating from Wheeler’s Point Through the Lighthouse Gap

Lighthouse Gap on Lake of the Woods, Navionics Map

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JEl0MAZCaE&time_continue=155&source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Flakeofthewoodsmn.com%2F

One of the very common navigation routes used by anglers up at Lake of the Woods is traveling from the mouth of the Rainy River through Four Mile Bay to Lake of the Woods through the Lighthouse Gap.  It is important to be aware and use caution along this route.  That means knowing and understanding a few basic principles of boating and navigation to navigate safely along this route.

First off, to navigate safely, there are a number of tools used in navigation that if used in unison, can greatly increase safety.  Using just one tool is dangerous because if it fails or isn’t accurate, there is risk.  Common navigation tools are…

GPS

Using a GPS is very helpful to successfully navigate, especially with a chip in it that adds detail to the map.  Please know navigation using a GPS can be off due to lost signal, map chips being Lowrance GPS Map, navigate Lake of the Woods MN inaccurate and a myriad of other reasons.  Overall, a GPS with the proper map chip that matches the body of water you are on is very helpful.

Another tip, make sure to zoom in enough to be able to see details but not too close that you cannot see on your map where your vessel is headed.

Visual aids to navigation

These can be visual markers on the water or adjacent to the water aiding in navigation.  Again, these are helpful but only one tool in navigation, such as the case in the Lighthouse Gap.  Imagine if you use red and green buoys on the water as your sole source of navigation and a storm blew them away from the correct spot of placement.  The results could result in an accident. Red navigational buoy, Lake of the Woods MN

As a rule, when boating through red and green buoys, remember the saying, red right return.  What this means is when you are navigating, you want the red buoy on your right side and the green buoy on your left side.

This is also helpful if there is only one color buoy in an area.  Remember red right return, meaning if you are returning to harbor, the red needs to be on your right.

The rule is then reversed when headed out to the lake or away from port.  When headed out, have the red buoys on your left, the green on your right.

Be aware and use common sense

Charter boat on plane, Lake of the Woods There are many clues that if you are paying attention while boating, can tip you off to avoiding danger to navigate safely.  In some cases, logs or other hazards can be floating in the water.  Watching the waves breaking or a bird that looks like it is standing on the water are clues of an obstruction.  Both sides of the Lighthouse Gap are perfect examples as they are shallow sand bars.

Pay attention to where other boats are safely navigating.  It doesn’t necessarily mean they are in the right area, but again, it can be a good clue to assist in the overall assessment while navigating.

Reduce your speed

Slower speeds allow boaters to have more time to assess situations and react if necessary.  When navigating through the Lighthouse Gap or anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and navigate safely.  It probably isn’t a good move to all of a sudden stop if you are on plane with a boat right behind you.  Plan your route, use your tools and make good decisions.

Paul Johnson of River Bend Resort does a nice job of illustrating how to navigate the route from the Rainy River through Four Mile Bay and the Lighthouse Gap to Lake of the Woods.

 

Navigation on any body of water is about safety first.  The Lighthouse Gap is a narrow area where boat traffic coming from the Rainy River and Wheeler’s Point area get constricted before entering the big open waters of Lake of the Woods.  Knowing a few of the rules to navigation will help wherever you might be boating.  Be safe on the water!

 

Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

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Fried Perch Dinner

lake of the woods perch

Step 1:
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the flour, lemon-pepper seasoning, baking powder, garlic salt and parsley flakes.

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