Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report..August 25, 2026

lake of the woods

The successful summer pattern rolls on at Lake of the Woods, with big numbers of fish stacked over the deep mud. Most anglers are pulling spinners and crawlers or trolling crankbaits, and both are producing with great success.ย 

Big Traverse Bay (South Shore)

The deep mud on the south end remains the place to be. Big schools of walleyes are roaming the basin, and the same two presentations continue to shine: crawler harnesses pulled slowly behind a bottom bouncer, and crankbaits trolled to cover water and trigger active fish. Watch your electronics, get your presentation down to the fish, and the rest tends to take care of itself.

Just how good is that deep-mud bite? Good enough that the AIM Pro Walleye Series held its Minnesota Championship here this past week, and the winning bag of five walleyes tipped the scales at 54.29 pounds โ€” right around an 11-pound average per fish. Many of the tournament anglers were using forward-facing sonar to sharp-shoot individual walleyes out over the deep mud, and the huge weights that came to the scale tell you everything you need to know about the caliber of fish swimming out there right now.

Most anglers are finding eater walleyes (under 19.5″), saugers, some slot fish that must be released (19.5 – 28.0 inches), and an occasional trophy (over 28″).

Rainy River

For a change of scenery, the Rainy River is always a rewarding option. A resident population of walleyes lives here year-round, joined by good numbers of smallmouth bass, pike, and sturgeon, so there’s plenty to keep a rod bent. Some anglers make the river their main destination this time of year, while others treat it as a great fallback when the wind kicks up on the big water. With miles of navigable, fish-filled current to explore, it rarely disappoints.

NW Angle

Up among the islands at the Angle, variety is the name of the game. Walleyes are being caught on both the Minnesota and Ontario sides, with spinners and crankbaits doing much of the work, though guides who favor structure will keep jigs tied on all summer with good results. Whether the fish are spread out over mud or schooled tight to a reef, good numbers and a genuine mixed bag are the rule up here โ€” walleyes, pike, smallmouth, perch, and more all in play.

There’s lots of good muskie activity throughout this part of the lake.ย  Reports are overall very good, with anglers casting shorelines with a variety of lures from spinners to topwater to hardbaits, nice fish are being caught.

Before You Go

We appreciate the tournaments that choose to come to Lake of the Woods, and we especially appreciate the catch-and-release format the vast majority of tournament circuits have adopted. Sending those big, healthy walleyes back to the water is a big part of what keeps this fishery as strong as it is.

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.

Fishing has been excellent, and there’s still plenty of open-water season left to enjoy. Plan your trip, come on up, and make some memories.

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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 youโ€™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 (Mayโ€“June): Walleyes are often shallower and very active.
  • Mid-Summer (Julyโ€“August): Fish spread out, often over deeper mud basins and structure.
  • Fall (Septemberโ€“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 โ€“ Known for open water walleye fishing, especially over deep mud flats.
  • Rainy River โ€“ A scenic and protected option, excellent in both summer and fall.
  • Northwest Angle (Lake of the Woods) โ€“ 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. Itโ€™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 fryโ€”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 youโ€™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 thatโ€™s hard to match. With beautiful scenery, abundant fish, and full-service options, itโ€™s a destination anglers return to year after year.

184 Boats, One Big Lake: Warrior Boats Shootout Keeps Growing at Lake of the Woods

Warrior Boats, 2026 David A. Andersen Memorial Walleye Shootout, Boats in water, Wheeler's Point, tournament day 2026

Every August, Wigwam Resort fills up with something you don’t see anywhere else on Lake of the Woods or in North America: row after row of matching Warrior boats, rigged out and ready to fish, with anglers from every corner of the country standing around them swapping stories. That was the scene again this year as the 11th Annual Warrior Boats Shootout, held in memory of David A. Andersen, brought 184 boats to the lake on August 15th, 2026.

What started as a small get-together for Warrior boat owners has turned into one of the bigger events on the Lake of the Woods calendar, and this year’s turnout proves it isn’t slowing down.

A Team Effort From the Start

Kent Andersen, National Sales Manager for Warrior Boats, has watched this event grow from the ground up. “We started back in 2016 with around 36 boats,” Andersen said. “Lake of the Woods Tourism brought us in with open arms and they still do with 184 boats. We are looking at potentially 200 boats in 2027.”

That’s not a typo. In just over a decade, the Warrior Boats Shootout has gone from three dozen boats to well over five times that number, and Andersen doesn’t think it’s peaked yet.

More Than Just a Fishing Tournament

2026 Warrior Boats David A. Andersen rule meeting at Wigwam Resort, Lake of the Woods

While the walleye tournament is the headline event, Andersen was quick to point out that it’s really just one piece of a much bigger week for Warrior owners and dealers.

“This event is special. The fishing tournament is only one piece of the week,” he said. “We bring dealers, have test rides in different models of Warrior boats and reveal changes and new products.ย  This year, we actually introduced our new model, the FFS.ย  The new 2027 Warrior v208 FFS (Forward-Facing Sonar) is purpose-built for live-scoping anglers, featuring a massive, redesigned bow layout with three pedestal seat bases, a flush-mounted recessed trolling motor foot pedal, and a dual-graph recessed “Beatdown” mount to keep large electronics out of your line of sight.

Warrior Boats is a small company compared to many in the industry, building boats in Melrose, MN. We ship boats all over the nation. This week, we had owners from all over the country, NY, Montana and many others in between.”

For a company built in central Minnesota, that kind of reach says a lot. Warrior owners didn’t just drive up from the Iron Range, the Twin Cities or dakotas for this one.ย  They loaded up their boats and trailers and made the trip from New York and Montana, among plenty of other states in between, to participate in an event filled with pride, camaraderie, family, friends, a tournament and the opportunity to fish one of the best walleye lakes on the planet, Lake of the Woods.

Why They Keep Coming Back

30.5 inch walleye, Jeff Bauler and Holly Wahlberg, Lake of the Woods 2026 Warrior Boats David A. Andersen Walleye Shootout

Ask anyone who’s fished here once why they came back, and the answer is usually some version of the same thing: the fishing is as good as advertised, so many big fish and the lake itself really grows on you. Andersen sees it every year.

“People come to Lake of the Woods and absolutely love it. They love the area and naturally the great fishing. We actually had anglers from Lake Erie this year talk about how great of a fishery this is and so impressed with the overall size of the walleyes. Combined with the many great resorts and natural beauty, it is hard to beat.”ย 

The Results

With 184 boats on the water fishing a 5-walleye limit, the competition at the top of the leaderboard was tight. Here’s how the top three teams stacked up:

PlaceCaptainPartnerWeight (5 Walleye)
1stLuke SpicklerBeau Schilling55.25 lbs
2ndPeyton SumnersJayden Wendel52.89 lbs
3rdRoss GrotheRoger Grothe52.30 lbs

Luke Spickler and Beau Schilling took top honors with a five-fish bag weighing an impressive 55.25 pounds, an average of better than 11 pounds per fish. Peyton Sumners and Jayden Wendel weren’t far behind at 52.89 pounds for second, and the father-son team of Ross and Roger Grothe rounded out the top three with 52.30 pounds. Just a pound and a half separated first from third place, which shows just how good the walleye fishing was out on Big Traverse and the connecting waters that week.

Behind the leaders, the field stayed just as competitive. Jack Slipy and Arie VanderBeek weighed in 50.38 pounds for fourth, with Mike Nelson and Jesse Longtin close behind at 48.93 pounds for fifth. All told, 115 teams weighed fish, a field that speaks to both the size of the event and the quality of fishing Lake of the Woods continues to produce year after year.

A Fitting Tribute

The tournament carries the name of David A. Andersen, and every boat on the water that day was there in part to honor his memory. It’s a reminder that behind the boats, the leaderboard, and the new model introductions, this event is still rooted in family, friendship, and a shared love for this lake.

Looking Ahead

With Andersen already talking about 200 boats in 2027, the Warrior Boats Shootout shows no signs of slowing down. Lake of the Woods has become a proving ground for Warrior owners from across the country, and if this year’s tournament was any indication, this special event that takes place in this one of a kind setting with world class walleye fishing will keep bringing them back.

For more information on the Warrior Boats Rally and future events, visit warriorboatsinc.com/owners/warrior-rally.

The Northernmost Point Buoy Turns 10: Join the Buoy Bash Celebration at the Northwest Angle

10th Annual Buoy Bash up at Minnesota's Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods

If you’ve spent any time exploring Lake of the Woods, you’ve probably heard people talk about “the Angle” like it’s a place all its own. That’s because it is. The Northwest Angle is one of the most interesting and most fascinating spots on the map of the United States, and this September, it’s throwing a birthday party for the northernmost point buoy, ten years in the making.

A Place Unlike Anywhere Else

To understand why the Northwest Angle is so special, you have to look at a map. When the U.S.-Canada border was drawn back in the 1800s, a surveying mistake left a small chunk of Minnesota stranded north of the 49th parallel, cut off from the rest of the state by Canadian waters and land. Today, if you want to drive to the Angle, you actually have to leave the United States, cross through Manitoba, and cross back into the U.S. again, checking in with border authorities along the way. It’s one of the only places in the Lower 48 where you have to pass through a foreign country by road just to reach another part of your own state.

That geographic quirk is exactly what makes the Northwest Angle the northernmost point in the contiguous United States. It’s also where the massive island country of Lake of the Woods truly begins. The 14,552 islands located in the northern part of Lake of the Woods begin around the Angle, creating a maze of channels, bays, and hidden fishing spots that anglers travel from all over the country to explore.

The Buoy That Became a Landmark

Marking this one-of-a-kind spot is a giant buoy, painted in the same colors and style as the navigational buoys you’d find out on the lake, standing at the true northernmost point of the contiguous U.S. Since it was installed in 2016, the Northernmost Point Buoy has grown into something bigger than a marker. It’s become a destination, a photo stop, and a symbol of everything that makes the Angle worth the trip: the remoteness, the natural beauty, and the tight-knit community that calls it home.

This year, that buoy turns 10 years old, and the Northwest Angle community is celebrating with a full weekend of events.

The 10th Annual Northwest Angle Buoy Bash

2026 Northwest Angle Buoy Bash schedule of events

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026. What started as a single celebration has grown into a full weekend of festivities across the mainland Angle, with the big birthday bash happening on Saturday, September 5 at the buoy itself, located at 7609 Youngs Bay Dr NW, Angle Inlet, MN.

History, Mysteries, and Legends

NW Angle 2026 buoy bash, History, Mysteries, and Legends

Friday kicks things off with History, Mysteries, and Legends, a community gathering under the tent near the buoy where longtime Angle residents share stories from the area’s past. Speakers will cover the region’s commercial fishing history, life at the Angle’s one-room schoolhouse, and the legendary Jake’s Resort, with the evening led by local historian Joe Laurin and shaped by questions from the audience. The Max Foundation Fishing Derby also checks in Friday evening, followed by a Welcome Parade for Buoy to Buoy riders winding through the Angle to the buoy.

Saturday is the main event, packed with birthday games all day long, including water balloon tosses, sack races, a spoon and egg relay, three-legged races, and ring toss. The vendor market opens under the tent, canoes and kayaks head out on a guided paddle to the “true” northernmost spot up the inlet, and the community squares off in a Blueberry Dessert Bake-Off Challenge, a nod to the Angle’s former Blueberry Days celebration. There’s also a cheesecake giveaway, a painting session with a local artist, and a scavenger hunt for teams of two or three. As the sun goes down, everyone gathers at the buoy for birthday cake, live music under the tent, and fireworks over Lake of the Woods.

The celebration continues through the weekend with a church service and the Max Foundation Awards Banquet on Sunday, and wraps up Monday with a happy hour at the buoy, a guide appreciation event, and even an NWA Fantasy Football snake draft for those settling in before the season starts.

Whether you’re coming up for the fishing, the history, or just the chance to see the northernmost point of the Lower 48 for yourself, the Buoy Bash is a reminder of what makes the Northwest Angle so special: a place you have to work a little to get to, and one that’s always worth the trip.

For the full schedule of events and updates leading up to the celebration, follow the Northernmost Point Buoy (Official) on Facebook.

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Info about Minnesota’s NW Angle

Lodging and Fishing Guides up at the NW Angle

Northwest Angle FAQ’s

How many miles through Canada do I have to drive to reach the NW Angle by vehicle?ย  About 40 miles.

Can I travel to the NW Angle without having to clear customs?ย  Yes, if you travel on Lake of the Woods via boat in the open water season or across ice in the winter.ย  By staying on the lake, you are stayng in Minnesota.

What credentials do I need to drive to the NW Angle?ย  A passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license, or original birth certificate combined with a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.ย ย 

Can someone travel to the NW Angle if they have a DUI on their record?ย  Yes, but not through Canada. ย Canada typically does not allow non-residents with a DUI to enter Canada as it is considered a felony, whereas, in the U.S, it is considered a misdemeanor.ย  Travelers with a DUI can reach the Angle via the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service or their own means across Lake of the Woods staying in Minnesota.

Are there resorts, bars and restaurants up at the Northwest Angle?ย  Yes!ย  There are more than 15 lodging options along with four nice bars and restaurants.ย  Resorts also have a talented group ofย  fishing guides all ready to go.

Inside the DNRโ€™s Multi-Front Effort to Track Lake of the Woods Sturgeon

MN DNR with a 71 inch sturgeon on Lake of the Woods MN

By Julie Bergman, Northern Light Region (Baudette, MN)

Boaters on Lake of the Woods may have noticed something unusual bobbing on the water this summer: orange buoys marking the ends of 300-foot gillnets, four to a site, part of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources effort to sample lake sturgeon on Lake of the Woods. There were about 40 sites on the lake that the DNR sampled there this year as part of a lake-wide survey spanning 136 sites in all.

The netting is only one piece of a much larger, coordinated set of sturgeon research and monitoring programs the DNR runs across Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, according to Matt Skoog, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Baudette. Skoog outlined seven separate sturgeon-focused sampling and tagging programs, plus two additional efforts tied to water level management, that together track a population still rebuilding from near-collapse a century ago. Michael Wolf, also with the DNR’s Baudette office, provided specific numbers behind several of those programs.

Large-Mesh Netting Across the Lake

The large-mesh Lake of the Woods netting survey โ€” the one responsible for the nets spotted near the Angle โ€” ran from 2021 through 2026, typically setting nets in early June before the water warms past 70 degrees, which helps limit stress and mortality on captured sturgeon, Wolf said.

Crews divided the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods into four sections: three nearshore areas in 5 to 20 feet of water โ€” Muskeg Bay, Big Traverse, and the Northwest Angle โ€” plus one offshore area in 25 to 35 feet of water. In total, the survey covered 136 sites: 32 in Muskeg, 24 in Big Traverse, 40 at the Northwest Angle, and 40 offshore. Crews set four nets at each site, for 544 nets total. Each net measured 300 feet long, and the four nets at a given site used different mesh sizes โ€” 4, 5, 6 and 7 inches โ€” to target sturgeon of different sizes, Wolf said.

Catch rates varied notably by area: crews caught just under one fish per net at the south shore sites in Muskeg and Big Traverse, about half that rate at the Northwest Angle, and far fewer offshore, where crews averaged only about one fish for every seven nets, according to Wolf.

Sturgeon sampled this year ranged from 20 to 72 inches, with a mean length of about 50 inches. Crews caught two fish over 70 inches. The largest was a 71-inch sturgeon weighing 98 pounds, caught just south of Oak Island, Wolf said.

A Parallel Survey on the Rainy River

Sites of sturgeon catch rates on Lake of the Woods

A similar survey covers the Rainy River, Skoog said, with the same basic objectives and methods as the lake-wide netting effort. The river is divided into sampling reaches, and every reach is sampled once every three years. Timing depends on water temperature โ€” the survey runs in either August or October, whichever keeps stress and mortality on captured sturgeon to a minimum.

A Decade-Long Telemetry Study

Perhaps the most ambitious of the programs Skoog described is a multi-year telemetry study tracking sturgeon movement throughout the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, running through 2030. So far, 70 lake sturgeon have been surgically implanted with transmitters โ€” 20 juveniles and 50 adults, Wolf said.

Those fish are tracked by a network of 17 receivers: six in the lake itself, at Zippel Bay, Rocky Point, Stony Point and Little Massacre Island, plus two more near Kenora maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; eight along the Rainy River; and one each in the Rapid, Little Fork and Big Fork rivers.

Early results already show a clear split in behavior by age, Wolf said. Most juvenile sturgeon have stayed within the lower Rainy River, roughly between Fourmile Bay and Vidas Landing. A handful made small movements into Lake of the Woods, but none were detected past the Zippel Bay receiver โ€” though one 24-inch juvenile did travel roughly 30 miles in just a few months. Adults have behaved very differently, sometimes covering more than 100 miles in a matter of days, moving into and throughout Lake of the Woods as well as up and down the river. The general pattern so far: river movement in spring and fall, and movement throughout the lake during summer.

Watching the Next Generation

A separate annual survey focuses specifically on juvenile sturgeon in the Rainy River, conducted each August or October using smaller-mesh experimental gillnets, Skoog said. Biologists use the survey to monitor juvenile relative abundance, tag subadult fish with both internal and external tags, and identify where juvenile sturgeon density varies along the river โ€” work aimed at pinpointing critical juvenile habitat.

Nearly Every Fish Gets Tagged

Outside of the dedicated surveys, Skoog said the DNR tags nearly every sturgeon its crews encounter with two tags: an internal PIT tag, which is highly unlikely to be lost, and an external Carlin Dangler tag that anglers can read and report. Comparing capture records over time lets biologists track individual growth and broader movement patterns โ€” for instance, a fish tagged at one site and later recaptured at another. Anglers who catch a tagged sturgeon are encouraged to report the tag number, catch location, and the fish’s approximate length to the DNR, whether the fish is kept or released.

Anglers who report tags typically receive the fish’s tagging and recapture history in return.

Tagging on the Spawning Grounds

During the spawning run, DNR crews also capture sturgeon directly at spawning sites โ€” using both gillnets and hand-grabbing โ€” specifically to examine the sex ratio and size structure of the fish that are spawning each year, Skoog said.

Water Levels and International Cooperation

Beyond the netting and tagging programs, Skoog pointed to two efforts tied to water-level management on the Rainy River system. The first is a modeling project led by the International Joint Commission’s Adaptive Management Committee, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, examining how water-level management affects lake sturgeon spawning habitat using hydrology data alongside substrate and depth mapping.

The second is a standing arrangement in which the Adaptive Management Committee and local technical advisors provide water-level preferences intended to benefit sturgeon spawning each year, which are then worked into the operational rule curve governing Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. Minnesota DNR Fisheries and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry both provide guidance on those recommendations, alongside representatives from Rainy River First Nations.

Recovery on Display: A New State Record

The scale of the sturgeon population’s recovery was on vivid display this spring. On April 18, angler Travis Keating landed an 80-inch lake sturgeon on the Rainy River during an annual sturgeon-fishing trip with friends, fighting the fish through a bitter cold front with wind gusts over 40 mph and wind chills near 5 below zero. The DNR certified the catch on May 4 as a new catch-and-release state record. Using standard length-girth-weight charts, the fish โ€” with a 38-inch girth โ€” was estimated at roughly 165 pounds.

Fisheries officials pointed to the catch as further evidence of the decadeslong recovery underway in the Lake of the Woods Rainy River system, noting that very large, old individuals are increasingly turning up in a population that was nearly wiped out by commercial overharvest a century ago. DNR’s own survey crews landed a smaller but still notable specimen of their own this year โ€” the 71-inch, 98-pound sturgeon caught near Oak Island during the large-mesh netting survey.

Taken together, the DNR’s sturgeon work โ€” from summer gillnetting to a telemetry study running through 2030 to international water-level talks โ€” shows a population being watched from nearly every angle, even as full recovery remains a slow, multi-decade process still playing out on the water.

Parmesan Crusted Baked Walleye

walleye

Prepare and wash 4 Walleye Fillets

Dry them.

Prepare your baking dish covered with parchment paper
coating the paper with olive oil so your fillets donโ€™t stick

Preheat Oven to 400 degrees

Combine:

ยฝ cup flour

ยฝ cup panko bread crumbs

ยฝ tsp salt

ยฝ tsp pepper

ยฝ tsp garlic powder

ยฝ tsp onion salt

Roll fillets in mixture and place on the baking dish.

Combine:

ยผ cup mayonnaise and ยฝ cup fresh Parmesan Cheese
and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Top the fillets with this mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until fillets
are golden brown. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

walleye
walleye

Hot Weather Walleyes… Crankbait Strategies for the Dog Days of Summer

pay it forward
In many Midwestern waters, the sultry days of August or โ€œdog daysโ€ is a tough time to catch walleyes.ย  The weeds are up, baitfish are prolific which are tough to compete with and catching walleyes consistently is downright tough.ย  Lake of the Woods late summer is an anomaly.ย  Many anglers actually plan their fishing trip during the late summer because the fishing is so good.ย  Yes, you can catch fish a number of ways this time of year, but one of the absolute go-to methods for plucking basin walleyes is pulling cranks.

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Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay

Big Traverse is the big open water of the south part of the lake.ย  Little Traverse is the open water up at the NW Angle that is much smaller in comparison, but still big to most and is also loaded with fish.

No manโ€™s land this time of year is a prolific aquarium full of life.ย  As the water warms, many of the walleyes slide to the deepest depths of this basin (30 โ€“ 35 feet of water) in search of cooler water and less light penetration.ย  Most importantly though, there is a smorgasbord of bait in this part of the lake.ย  Roaming schools of emerald shiners, tulibees, perch and trout-perch minnows (a minnow that lives in the deeper depths) are in abundance.

There is also a variety of critters walleyes eat that call the mud their home.ย  Blood worms, a variety of invertebrates, and nymphs of aquatic insects (before they reach the surface to shed their skin reaching adult stage) are just a few.

So, hereโ€™s the scenario, tens of thousands of walleyes all living in a big expanse of open water.ย  In most cases, there is very few โ€œspot on a spotโ€ areas that will group walleyes tightly.ย  Thus, it makes sense to cover some water.ย  Hence, pulling crankbaits is not only a great fit, but it is also effective.

The trick is to present the right crankbait at the walleyeโ€™s desired speed in front of or a few feet above the walleyes in the relatively deeper waters.ย  With technology and ever developing products, getting a crankbait down to 35 feet has become much easier.

Downriggers

It isnโ€™t realistic that most anglers will have downriggers on their boats.ย  Up at LOW, many do, however.ย  Getting cranks down to the bottom foot or two of the lake in 30-35 feet of water where the majority of the walleyes are living is key. ย Downriggers are extremely effective in consistently positioning the lures in the strike zone, even when the boat surges from a wave.

In other bodies of water, some may argue downriggers spook walleyes.ย  Perhaps they do, not here, however.ย  Maybe it is the stained color of the water, but year in and year out, riggers catch a ton of walleyes.

Lead Core Line

In todayโ€™s world, an angler can pick up an entire rod and line counter reel filled with lead core line for around $100.ย  What a great option at a moderate price point to be able to play at these deeper depths.ย  Lead core line is exactly that, line with lead as its core which causes it to sink.ย  The more line you let out, the deeper your crankbait will reach.

In a nutshell, lead core line has a different color every 10 yards.ย  For every color of lead core let out, your lure will go down an additional 5 feet.ย ย  I really encourage anglers who may be intimidated by formulas and dive charts to keep it simple.ย  Estimate how deep your crankbait dives.ย  Figure out how much deeper you want your lure to run and let out what you believe is the amount of lead core to get you there.ย  Then, troll and watch your rod tip. Crankbaits for Lake of the Woods

If your rod tip starts to bounce, the crankbait is hitting the mud, reel line in 10-foot increments until it stops.ย  If your rod tip does not bounce, let out more line until it does, youโ€™ve found the bottom.ย  Again, reel up line in 10-foot increments until you are not hitting bottom.ย  This will get you in that bottom two feet of the water column, right whereย you need to be.

One disadvantage to using lead core is it takes a long time to reel in fish and let the lure back out.ย  Because of this, there is lead core product I use that has been helpful.ย  Suffix 832 Advanced Lead Core dives 30% deeper than traditional lead core which allows you to reach your desired depth with less line.ย  To me, that 30% less reeling is worth something.

Braided line with a deep billed crankbait.ย  When looking to reach depths in excess of 30โ€™, some of the deeper diving crankbaits teamed up with a thin diameter braided or superline will get down deep.ย  If the fish are hitting the bigger billed cranks, you are in business.ย  If by chance you want to use smaller baits, it is tougher to get down deep with just the crank.ย  When the walleye show a liking to the larger billed crankbaits, this method is effective.as been helpful.ย  Suffix 832 Advanced Lead Core dives 30% deeper than traditional lead core which allows you to reach your desired depth with less line.ย  To me, that 30% less reeling is worth something.

Bouncers and Three-Way Rigs

I had a conversation recently at a sports show with an angler who spends a fair amount of time trolling the deep mud on LOW with success.ย  He laughed as he said, โ€œeveryone has this fancy equipment, heck, we still use a 4 oz bouncer with a 6-8โ€™ leader and a shallow diving crank and we catch all the walleyes we want.โ€ย  There are a number of ways to get down there, and it doesnโ€™t have to be rocket science.ย  A tip, make sure to lower your bouncer slowly to avoid tangling.

A three-way rig is similar to a bouncer, but instead of a wire with a piece of lead as in the case of a bottom bouncer, a three-way rig uses a 6-12โ€ piece of line down to a sinker.ย  The third part of the three-way swivel has a leader to the crankbait.ย  Believe it or not, there are days when three ways are the ticket and will greatly outfish a bouncer set up.

I have literally heard anglers discuss how they have had success on every shape, color, wobble, and brand.ย  Here is my advice.ย  The water is stained, meaning it is stained a light brown color from natural tannins.ย  With this being said, as a rule, gold or bright colors dominate.ย  Gold is a staple color on Lake of the Woods.

My go-to colors are gold, blue/chrome, pink and UV pink, firetiger and black.ย  Yes, black.ย  By raising the black crank up a bit, walleyes see that dark silhouette against the sunlight above.ย  Just like night fishing, dark-colored lures can rule against the shine of the moon.

When fishing with a partner, I will start us out with two different colors and wobbles.ย  When pulling through fish I can see on the electronics if the fish arenโ€™t responding, we rotate lures, speeds, and nuances until something clicks and then we hone in.ย  Every day can be different.ย  Itโ€™s just a matter of going fishing.

Nuances to Get More Walleyes

During a Minnesota Tournament Trail event using lead core, I was reeling in a crankbait while we were trolling to check for mud as it didnโ€™t seem to be running right.ย  About 25% of the way in, I get hit, a nice walleye.ย  My partner notices so he started reeling in and letting out and reeling in, as we are trolling, and he gets a fish.ย  The rest of the day, we began trolling very erratically, speeding up to 4 mph, dropping down to a crawl, making sharp turns, and began to fill the livewell.

In another instance, I was trolling lead core in a boat that didnโ€™t have rod holders.ย  Consequently, since the rod was in hand, I began zipping the lure forward, dropping it back and BANG, a fish.ย  For whatever reason, the walleyes that day wanted the lure to pause and take off abruptly and as soon as it took off again, they ate.

Every day is different, and it is up to us to figure out what the walleyes want.ย  The point here is rather than just going in a straight line with the same crank at the same speed, mixing it up and noticing what happens will put more fish in the boat.

Charters allow everyone to enjoy this bite.

Downrigger on charter boat, Lake of the Woods There is a great option for those who donโ€™t have a boat or equipment, donโ€™t want to get so involved and want to simply relax and reel in walleyes.ย  Jump on a charter boat.ย  The resorts on Lake of the Woods have a large fleet of charter boats with very professional licensed charter captains.ย  They provide absolutely everything needed for a great day of โ€œDog Daysโ€ fishing.ย  Resorts combine groups making it possible to accommodate a single person or up to groups of 6.

The โ€œdog daysโ€ of summer for many walleye anglers are a time to put down the fishing pole and wait for the cooler waters and dying vegetation of the fall bite.ย  On Lake of the Woods, late summer is prime time, a time many anglers actually look forward to.ย  Grab your trolling gear, a handful of cranks and be ready to reel in a bunch of walleyes!

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.

Larry Smith Outdoors with Tom Huynh and Nate Wolske: Livescope Secrets for Big Lake of the Woods Walleyes

Larry Smith Outdoors, Tom Huynh, Nate Wolske livescope techniques

For passionate walleye anglers, Larry Smith Outdoors is a trusted source of entertainment and education. In a recent episode, Larry Smith teamed up with two of the top walleye tournament anglers in the nation, Tom Huynh and Nate Wolske, to demonstrate the power of forward-facing sonar and share Livescope secrets for targeting big walleyes. Where better to showcase this cutting-edge technology than Lake of the Woods, one of the best trophy walleye fisheries in the world?

Forward-Facing Sonar: The Game Changer

With forward-facing sonar becoming an increasingly popular tool among anglers, the trio of Smith, Huynh, and Wolske set out to show just how transformative this technology can be on Lake of the Woods. Forward-facing sonar, and in this case, more specifically Garmin Livescope, allows anglers to see fish in real-time as far out as 100 feet from the boat, making it easier to identify, track, and ultimately catch the biggest walleyes in the lake.

As more and more anglers adopt this technology, it’s critical to understand how to use it effectively. In the episode, Tom Huynh and Nate Wolske break down the nuances of forward-facing sonar, sharing tips and techniques that can help both novice and experienced anglers elevate their game. From properly interpreting the sonarโ€™s signals to precise lure presentation, they cover the key details that can make the difference between catching a few fish and having a trophy day on the water.

Youtube video

Targeting Trophy Walleyes on Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is widely regarded as the Walleye Capital of the World, and for good reason. In recent walleye tournaments held on the lake, anglers have consistently caught fish that average over 10 pounds, with some tournament catches reaching an astonishing 11 pounds per fish. This consistent production of giant walleyes has made Lake of the Woods a bucket-list destination for walleye anglers across the country.

During the episode, Larry, Tom, and Nate put their forward-facing sonar to the test, targeting some of the lakeโ€™s biggest fish. By carefully studying the Livescope display, they were able to locate individual walleyes, adjust their tactics in real-time, and present their lures directly to the fish. The result? Multiple trophy walleyes caught, providing viewers with a first-hand look at just how effective forward-facing sonar can be when used correctly.

Livescope Tips from the Pros

Tom Huynh and Nate Wolske are known for their success on the tournament circuit, and in this episode, they bring that same level of expertise to the water at Lake of the Woods. Throughout the day, they offer valuable insights on how to maximize the potential of Livescope, sharing practical advice that any angler can use.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of patience. With forward-facing sonar, itโ€™s tempting to chase after every fish that appears on the screen, but Tom and Nate emphasize the value of waiting for the right opportunity. By carefully observing fish behavior and adjusting lure presentation accordingly, they were able to capitalize on the moments when the walleyes were most likely to strike.

They also stress the importance of fine-tuning your equipment. From adjusting the sensitivity settings on your sonar to selecting the right jig or lure for the conditions, Tom and Nate demonstrate how small adjustments can lead to big results. Their expertise and attention to detail are evident in every cast, making this episode a must-watch for anyone looking to up their walleye game.

Lake of the Woods: A Premier Destination for Walleye Fishing

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear why Lake of the Woods is considered one of the premier destinations for trophy walleye fishing. The sheer size of the lake, combined with its diverse structure and healthy walleye population, makes it an ideal location for using forward-facing sonar to target big fish.

Whether youโ€™re a seasoned angler with years of experience or someone new to the sport, Lake of the Woods offers a unique opportunity to catch trophy walleyes. The addition of forward-facing sonar has only enhanced that opportunity, allowing anglers to unlock new possibilities and elevate their fishing experience to the next level.

The Walleye Capital of the World

As Larry Smith Outdoors wraps up another successful episode, Lake of the Woods continues to live up to its reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. With forward-facing sonar in hand, anglers like Tom Huynh and Nate Wolske are pushing the boundaries of whatโ€™s possible, helping to pave the way for a new era of walleye fishing.

For those looking to take their walleye fishing to the next level, thereโ€™s no better place to do it than on Lake of the Woods, and no better time than now.

 

Info on Lake of the Woods

Lodging, Charter Boats and Guides on Lake of the Woods

Plan Ahead… Fall Colors + Fall Bites at Lake of the Woods

Fall Scenery at Zippel Bay State Park, Lake of the Woods Minnesota

Now is a great time to plan for a great fall colors trip to northern Minnesota.ย  In Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, fall colors normally peak during the final two weeks of September through early October. Because it is located in the far northern reaches of the state, the color transition happens earlier than in central and southern Minnesota.

Beltrami Island State Forest: Big Country, Big Color

Beltrami Island State Forest is one of Minnesotaโ€™s largest, and fall really shows off its variety here. Thinkย long forest drives, sandy two-tracks, and wide vistas where shimmeringย aspen and birchย glow against evergreen ridgelines. Itโ€™s an ideal place to wanderโ€”slowly. Bring a thermos, roll down the windows, and stop often for photos where tamarack standsย turn that unique, golden color later in the season at this location.

    • Pro tip:ย Morning and late afternoon light make the colors pop and wildlife more visible. If youโ€™re chasingย grouse, these same edges and mixed stands are classic habitatโ€”hike a little, drive a little, and keep your eyes on the cover.

Zippel Bay State Park: Shoreline Gold Meets Big Water Blue

fall colors, aspen, birch, lake of the woods mn
Zippel Bay State Park

Zippel Bay State Park pairs hardwood color with the big-lake backdrop ofย Lake of the Woods. Walk the beach, wander the harbor area, or take the short trails through stands ofย maple, aspen, and birchย that frame the shoreline. On calm days, the lake mirrors the color, and on breezy days the waves add a soundtrack.

    • Make it a combo:ย Fish aย half-day charterย or small-boat outing, then picnic under the canopy. Fall walleyes are close, and when you hop back on shore youโ€™re minutes from classic color loops.

Rainy River & the South Shore: Drive, Drift, and Double-Dip

Follow theย Rainy River corridorย and youโ€™ll trace a ribbon of color right to the heart of the fall walleye movement. The mix of hardwoods along the banks light up in October, and if youโ€™re on the water, youโ€™ll get the best possible vantage pointโ€”color on both Canadian and US sides and reflections in the river.

fall colors relect on the beautiful Rainy River sunsets
Beautiful Rainy River Fall Sunset

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    • Boat or bank:ย A jig and frozen shiner is the simple, effective fall setup. Drift the current breaks, then take a scenic drive along the river or theย south shoreย between access points for bonus leaf views and wildlife sightings.

The Variety Effect: Why Colors โ€œPopโ€ Up Here

Lake of the Woods country shines because of itsย mix of species. Aspen and birch deliver bright yellows;ย maplesย throw sparks of orange and red;ย tamarackย adds that late-season gold; and conifers provide the deep-green contrast that makes everything else stand out. On sunny afternoons, it looks like the woods are backlit. On overcast days, the colors read richer and more saturatedโ€”great for photos.

Make It a Three-Fold Treat: Leaves, Walleyes, Grouse

This season is perfect for aย three-in-one trip:

    1. Leaf-peeping:ย Start your day with a slow drive inย Beltrami Island State Forestย or a shoreline walk atย Zippel Bay State Park.

    1. Fishing:ย Slide out midday for aย walleye runย on the south shore or aย Rainy Riverย jig bite. Shorter days donโ€™t hurt the biteโ€”often they help.

    1. Grouse walk:ย Wrap with a late-day stroll along forest roads and trail edges. Even a quick loop can produce flushes when the sun gets low.
      fall hunting grouse walk at beltrami state forest at lake of the woods mn
      Grouse Walk

Quick Planning Tips

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    • Timing:ย With colorsย approaching peak, the next couple of weeks are prime.

    • Layers & lenses:ย Mornings are crisp; bring an extra layer and polarized sunglasses for lake glare and river reflections.

    • Camera-ready:ย Golden hour (one hour after sunrise, one before sunset) turns the canopy electric.

    • Guides & charters:ย A local captain or guide maximizes your short fall windowโ€”focus on the experience while they dial in the bite and the best photo stops.

Fall up here feels differentโ€”quieter, richer, and a little more special. Whether you come for the colors and stay for the fishing, or plan a full-onย fall colors + fishing + grouseย adventure, now is the moment.

Forย lodging, guides, charters, maps, and current fishing reports, start atย LakeoftheWoodsMN.comย and make your fall trip happen before the leaves (and the first skim of ice) say otherwise.

See www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging for all your accommodation needs.

Also check out our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmnCome to Lake of the Woods MN to find beautiful fall colors, great walleye fishing and awesome grouse hunting as well.

Fried Perch Dinner

fried perch dinner

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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