On the South End… A strong late-fall walleye and sauger bite continues across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Fish are staged and hungry, setting up beautifully for the start of the upcoming ice fishing season. On average, ice fishing kicks off around December 10, though Mother Nature will ultimately decide when it’s time.
Boy with nice Fall Walleye
Resort guides and outfitters who work the ice daily will monitor conditions closely and let everyone know when the ice they’re on is ready.
The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water along traditional fall locations from Pine Island to Morris Point Gap, Zippel Bay, Long Point, and over to Twin Islands. The water temperature has dropped to 45°F, and fish are actively feeding as they transition into winter patterns.
Brandi Johnson with a Fall Walleye on Lake of the Woods MN
Vertical jigging with a frozen or live minnow continues to be the top presentation. Gold, orange, and glow colors remain productive, with combinations of gold/orange and pink doing especially well. Some anglers are still covering water by trolling crankbaits, but most agree the jig bite is unbeatable right now.
The fall fishing is consistent and action-packed — expect a nice mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, perch, and occasional pike. This bite is also setting the stage for what looks to be another excellent early ice season!
On the Rainy River… Good numbers of walleyes have moved into the Rainy River and fishing has been strong. Anglers are catching a nice mix of “eaters” along with slot fish (19.5–28 inches). A jig and minnow remains the go-to bait choice, and anglers are focusing on current breaks, deeper holes, and river bends.
As tradition goes, the deer hunting season timeframe often produces some of the biggest walleyes of the year — while some folks are in a tree, others are on the river catching trophies!
Up at the Northwest Angle… Once again, fishing is excellent. Walleyes are stacked up on points, reefs, and mud-to-rock transitions, and when you find them, it’s game on. A simple jig and minnow is all you need for steady action on both walleyes and saugers, along with perch, crappies, and pike.
Anglers are reporting strong numbers of fish across both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the islands. Resorts and guides continue to offer lodging, late-fall open-water trips, and upcoming ice fishing packages as the season shifts.
Get ready to catch those walleyes and perch through the ice. This combination of lemon juice, basil and other seasonings is fantastic. Maybe even try grilling them while on the lake during hard water season. Recipe by Taste of Home.
Ingredients
1 pound walleye, pike, perch or trout fillets
2 teaspoons butter, softene
Walleye Delight Recipe by Taste of Home.
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1-3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
Directions
Coat an 18-in. square piece of heavy-duty foil with cooking spray Place fillets on foil. Spread with butter. Sprinkle with lemon juice, basil, lemon-pepper and garlic salt. Top with mushrooms.
Seal foil tightly. Grill, covered, over medium-hot heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Carefully remove foil to allow steam to escape.
Everyone at Lake of the Woods is excited about Ice Fishing this winter. We must preface this article by stating that we don’t have ice here just yet. Mother Nature has decided to give us some mild temps and that is nice for travel but it is slow in making ice. The Rainy River is a good indicator and it’s fun to watch as the current gets slower and slower during the late fall season. Temperatures are dipping at night and any day now we will see a skim of ice on the bay.
Caution and Safety are very important words for this beginning ice season. MN DNR gives some great guidelines and we are recommending that you contact your favorite outfitter before trying the ice.
You, for sure, don’t have to be a professional and you don’t have to hold back from a new experience of ice fishing. Everyone of all ages and genders can have this exciting time. You don’t have to buy expensive fishing poles or tackle or even expensive outer wear. “Come as you are!” and be ready to reel in an adventure of a lifetime. Of course, once you’ve put your hand to this great outdoors experience, you’ll be “hooked” and after the first time you won’t be a novice anymore!
What is your favorite species? Lake of the Woodsis the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the United States. There are 14,552 islands and over 65,000 miles of shoreline to capture your attention at any time. It is the home of walleye, sauger, northern, perch, smallmouth bass, black carp, tullibees, eelpout and muskies.
However, as wonderful as open water fishing is, fishing through the ice has become an exciting national favorite. The waters of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River will soon freeze over completely r and suddenly you will see a whole city of houses
This Novice caught her first walleye of the Season on the ice on Lake of the Woods MN
placed in various spots on the lake. It has been said that the “city” consists of
thousands of ice houses of many varieties and colors. A site to behold!!! Let’s describe this experience from the eyes of a novice angler.
First, choose the resort of your preference and let them drive you on a well-maintained ice road (actually plowed and graded) in a track vehicle fully equipped to take you up over an island and out to the great expanse of ice and snow. Ice can reach depths of over 50” throughout the winter.
Before your arrival, guides have gone out to the ice “shacks” and opened holes, turned up the furnaces, and placed poles and bait for your use. These little houses are toasty by the time you arrive and you’ll be taking off a few layers of clothing to get ready for the catch.
Bring along a thermos of coffee and your favorite sandwiches or snacks and now you are ready for a full day of fishing fun. There is no other sport that compares to this!!! So Exciting!!! An added benefit is that many of the houses are now equipped with bathrooms inside the houses – especially nice for the ladies and children. Many “shacks” are also equipped with small stoves and a few pans to use for heating up your meals. No need for a refrigerator…..haha.
The guides will set you up, teach you to feel the bottom, teach you how to jig and what color to use to lure (pun intended) those fish up the holes and into your bucket and eventually to your table. Exciting? The sounds of excitement will be heard house to house as screams of delight are heard when that fish flies out of the hole. Every fish caught is an extreme accomplishment no matter what size it is. There is no greater exciting time than pulling a fighting fish through that hole. Everyone is hooting and hollering and celebrating your catch.
Soon, limits of fish are caught and you look out over the horizon and it seems as though creation smiles at you as you will see some of the most gorgeous sunsets to ever behold.
Guides that have checked on you many times during the day will now arrive again to transport you back to your favorite resort. Now….you are no longer a “novice” but an experienced angler. Men and women alike can’t wait to return to these waters year after year for their fishing fun. That’s especially true of this author!! Come…there’s lots of room!!!
On the South End… A good week of fall walleye fishing on Big Traverse Bay. Anglers reported nice numbers of fish. Fish continue to be found in different locations along the south shore in 15–22 feet of
Boy with a Huge Fall Walleye
water, setting up nicely for the upcoming ice fishing season.
Water temperatures continue to cool at a moderate pace. According to the Lake of the Woods Tourism Wave Buoys, the Big Traverse Bay surface temperature is now 49°F, down from 53°F last week. As water temperatures drop, walleyes are sliding shallower and feeding heavily in preparation for winter, which means the bite is only getting better.
The best presentation remains vertical jigging with a frozen or live emerald shiner. A few anglers are still finding success trolling crankbaits to cover water, but the classic jig-and-minnow bite is tough to beat right now.
Fall Walleye caught on a Charter
Hot jig colors this week include orange/chartreuse, gold/orange or solid gold combined with pink, and glow white.
Expect a nice mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and the occasional crappie or northern pike. The fall transition bite has been consistent and action-packed.
On the Rainy River… Emerald shiners have moved into the Rainy River, though large schools have yet to arrive. Still, walleye reports were solid this week with plenty of fish being caught. Anglers are working current breaks, deeper holes, and weed edges, primarily jigging with a frozen or live shiner. Others are trolling crankbaits to cover water and locate active fish.
Sturgeon fishing is good with many anglers catching multiple fish per trip. A classic sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers — and optionally tipped with a shiner or two — is effective. The catch-and-release sturgeon season is in effect.
Up at the Northwest Angle… Fishing continues to be excellent across the islands and reefs of the Northwest Angle on both sides of the border. A jig and minnow remains the go-to tactic on points, reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions. Anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, smallmouth bass, and pike in good numbers.
Muskie anglers are also finding good success as cooling water temps have fish on the move. Fall is prime time for trophy muskies over the 50-inch mark, and anglers are reporting plenty of follows and hookups on both artificial and live bait.
Guides still have openings for that last fall trip, or, bring up your own boat. Lodging, guides and ice fishing packages at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
On the South End… A very similar report to last week with another great week of walleye fishing on Big Traverse Bay. Strong numbers of walleyes are set up in traditional fall locations across the south shore of the lake. In front of Pine Island, Morris Point Gap, in front of Zippel Bay, Long Point over to Twin Islands. This is also setting up nicely for ice fishing!
The bite is very good and will even get better as water temps decrease. From the Lake of the Woods Wave Buoys, the water temp last week was 55 degrees. It is down to 53 degrees this week.
Big Fall Walleye caught on Lake of the Woods MN
The best bite this week is in 17 – 25 feet. Vertical jigging with a frozen or live emerald shiner is definitely the goto presentation, however, some anglers are still trolling crankbaits with good success.
Hot jig colors this week were orange / chartreuse, gold / orange or gold, pink, and glow white. When hooking the minnow on a jig, place the hook of the jig through the mouth and out the gill of the minnow, pushing the minnow as far up towards the jig head as possible, and then hook the minnow about half or 2/3 of the way back on the minnow. In the stained waters, the walleyes aren’t as picky and your hookups will increase.
Expect a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch and an occasional crappie or pike in the mix.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are in the river but not in big numbers yet. There are decent numbers of walleyes with some good reports this week. A jig and frozen or live shiner along current breaks, deeper holes, and weed edges, while others were covering water trolling crankbaits.
Big Fall Walleye
Normally, emerald shiners are the go to bait. Fall is when bait dealers net, freeze and package emerald shiners which are used all year long. Consequently, some live shiners are currently available.
Sturgeon anglers are reporting some nice fish, and in many cases, good numbers. A classic sturgeon rig with crawlers (optionally tipped with some shiners) has been effective. The sturgeon catch-and-release season is upon us and continues through April 23, 2026.
Northwest Angle… Walleye fishing continues to be excellent on both sides of the border. Again, a jig and minnow on points, over reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions is catching good numbers of walleyes with saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, smallmouth bass and pike.
Muskie anglers are reporting good activity with cooling water temps. Fall is one of the best times of the year to pursue trophy fish over that 50 inch mark in these parts.
With a mild weather forecast for this time of year, some great fall fishing is still available. Charter boats and guides are still available through October, or bring up your own boat. You don’t have to travel far to find good numbers of walleyes this time of year. For fishing info, guides, fall hot deals and resort packages, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fall-fishing-rainy-river-boat-ramps/
2 large sweet red peppers
Walleye with a Cornmeal Crust
4 large ears sweet corn, husks removed
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1-3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
3 tablespoons butter
Directions
Broil red peppers 4 in. from the heat until skins blister, about 15 minutes. With tongs, rotate peppers a quarter turn. Broil and rotate until all sides are blistered and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a large bowl; cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, brush corn with 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to an ungreased 13×9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° until tender, 30-40 minutes. Peel off and discard charred skin from peppers. Remove stems and seeds. Finely chop peppers. Cut corn from cobs.
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and cayenne. Coat walleye in cornmeal mixture.
In a large skillet, saute mushrooms in butter until tender. Add peppers, corn and remaining salt; saute 2-3 minutes longer.
In another large skillet, fry fillets in remaining oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with corn salsa.
On the South End… Good numbers of walleyes are being caught in numerous locations across the south shore. More “fall-like” weather is starting to slowly bring the lake temps down which is a benefit to walleye anglers. The current water temp on the lake is 55 degrees.
The best bite this week is in 17 – 27 feet. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner is definitely the goto presentation, however, some anglers are still trolling crankbaits with good success.
Giant Walleye caught by Chris Philen on the south shore of Lake of the Woods MN
Hot jig colors this week were gold or gold combined with other bright colors such as orange, chartreuse, pink, and glow white. Lake of the Woods has stained water from the natural tannins in the water which keeps the walleyes and saugers biting throughout the day.
Expect walleyes of all different sizes, saugers, jumbo perch and an occasional crappie or pike in the mix.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are in the river as are some nice walleyes. Anglers fishing the river, overall, pulled in nice numbers of fish this past weekend. Some were working a jig and frozen shiner along current breaks, deeper holes, and weed edges, while others were covering water trolling crankbaits.
Sturgeon fishing continues to be good. A classic sturgeon rig which is a 3 ounce flat no-roll sinker teamed up with an 18″ heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader and a 3/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers (optionally tipped with a shiner) has been effective. The sturgeon catch-and-release season is upon us and continues through April 23, 2026.
Northwest Angle… Walleye fishing continues to be consistently very good throughout the island region of Lake of the Woods. Both sides of the border are producing nice numbers of fish that are becoming increasingly active with dropping water temps.
Big Muskie caught in Lake of the Woods at the Northwest Angle of MN
A jig and minnow on points, over reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions is catching walleyes combined with saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, smallmouth bass and pike.
Fall crappie anglers continue to take advantage of the season finding nice slabs in various locations around points and in deeper water off of structure.
Muskie activity continues to increase with cooling water temps. Most anglers are casting for fish, but fall is also a time to troll points and other areas of structure which often produces some nice muskies.
Charter boats and guides are still available through October, with a few still fishing into November. A great time to get that last fall trip or make plans for ice! For fishing info, guides, charters, resorts, and lodging, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/lodging.
On the South End… Walleyes are stacking up along the south shore. Weather has been unseasonably warm and water temps are holding in the low 60’s. Despite the “summer like” weather, days are getting shorter and this is kicking fall patterns into gear.
Big Fall Walleye caught by an Angler with Walleyes Unlimited on Lake of the Woods MN
Additionally, more traditional fall temps are in the forecast and this too will turn the walleyes on even more. The best bite this week is in 17 – 27 feet. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner this time of year is definitely the goto presentation, however, those trolling crankbaits are still having good success.
Hot jig colors. Lake of the Woods has stained water from the natural tannins in the water. This causes the walleye and sauger bite to be good during the day. Stained water is also conducive to certain colors, specifically gold or gold combined with other bright colors such as orange, chartreuse, pink, and glow white.
Walleyes and Jumbo Perch make these anglers very happy with their catch on Lake of the Woods MN
Various schools of walleyes are located across the south shore in areas such as Pine Island, Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point, and Twin Islands. All year long, walleye anglers have been catching good numbers of bonus jumbo perch. The lake is full of them and that trend continues.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners continue moving into the river with walleyes following. The bite is good, but cooler weather and water temps will kick things into high gear. A jig and frozen shiner along current breaks, deeper holes, and sand flats.
Sturgeon action remains good. A classic sturgeon rig with crawlers (optionally tipped with a shiner) has been effective. The sturgeon catch-and-release season is upon us and continues through 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… Walleye fishing is just flat out very good right now, and has been all summer. Good fishing on both sides of the border. Again, a jig and minnow on points, over reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions. Saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, smallmouth bass and pike are in the mix.
Fall crappie anglers are reporting nice catches. A jig and minnow off of points and in deeper water off of structure. Electronics help to find the crappies.
Muskie activity traditionally increases as days get shorter and water cools. We have one of the two and things will only get better into the rest of October.
Get in on a last minute fall trip and plan for ice… Charter boats and guides are rolling through October, a few into November. Fishing is excellent and now is a great time to slide up.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect fall window, this is it. Colors are approaching peak around Lake of the Woods, and the combination of blazing maples, golden aspens, bright birch, and pockets of tamarack next to deep green spruce and pine makes every bend in the road—and every mile on the water—feel like a postcard. Add in an amazing 10-day forecast, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable getaway: leaf-peeping, a hot walleye bite, and maybe a cast-and-blast for grouse.
This writer just finished a 10-day trek through Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and back to Minnesota. May I say that Michigan had some great colors but by and large our northern Minnesota area at Lake of the Woods is some of the prettiest. One of my personal favorites is when the tamarack turns their golden color and shine their glory in bright sunshine. Be sure to check out the MN DNR site as they put out great
information on colors throughout the state.
Beltrami Island State Forest: Big Country, Big Color
Beltrami Island State Forestis one of Minnesota’s largest, and fall really shows off its variety here. Think long forest drives, sandy two-tracks, and wide vistas where shimmering aspen and birch glow against evergreen ridgelines. It’s an ideal place to wander—slowly. Bring a thermos, roll down the windows, and stop often for photos where tamarack stands turn that unique, golden color later in the season at this location.
Pro tip: Morning and late afternoon light make the colors pop and wildlife more visible. If you’re chasing grouse, these same edges and mixed stands are classic habitat—hike a little, drive a little, and keep your eyes on the cover.
Zippel Bay State Park: Shoreline Gold Meets Big Water Blue
Zippel Bay State Park
Zippel Bay State Park pairs hardwood color with the big-lake backdrop of Lake of the Woods. Walk the beach, wander the harbor area, or take the short trails through stands of maple, aspen, and birch 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: Fish a half-day charter or small-boat outing, then picnic under the canopy. Fall walleyes are close, and when you hop back on shore you’re minutes from classic color loops.
Rainy River & the South Shore: Drive, Drift, and Double-Dip
Follow the Rainy River corridor and you’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 you’re on the water, you’ll get the best possible vantage point—color on both Canadian and US sides and reflections in the river.
Beautiful Rainy River Fall Sunset
Boat or bank: A jig and frozen shiner is the simple, effective fall setup. Drift the current breaks, then take a scenic drive along the river or the south shore between access points for bonus leaf views and wildlife sightings.
The Variety Effect: Why Colors “Pop” Up Here
Lake of the Woods country shines because of its mix of species. Aspen and birch deliver bright yellows; maples throw sparks of orange and red; tamarack 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 saturated—great for photos.
Make It a Three-Fold Treat: Leaves, Walleyes, Grouse
This season is perfect for a three-in-one trip:
Leaf-peeping: Start your day with a slow drive in Beltrami Island State Forest or a shoreline walk at Zippel Bay State Park.
Fishing: Slide out midday for a walleye run on the south shore or a Rainy River jig bite. Shorter days don’t hurt the bite—often they help.
Grouse walk: Wrap with a late-day stroll along forest roads and trail edges. Even a quick loop can produce flushes when the sun gets low.
Grouse Walk
Quick Planning Tips
Timing: With colors approaching peak, the next couple of weeks are prime.
Layers & lenses: Mornings are crisp; bring an extra layer and polarized sunglasses for lake glare and river reflections.
Camera-ready: Golden hour (one hour after sunrise, one before sunset) turns the canopy electric.
Guides & charters: A local captain or guide maximizes your short fall window—focus on the experience while they dial in the bite and the best photo stops.
Fall up here feels different—quieter, richer, and a little more special. Whether you come for the colors and stay for the fishing, or plan a full-on fall colors + fishing + grouse adventure, now is the moment.
For lodging, guides, charters, maps, and current fishing reports, start at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com and make your fall trip happen before the leaves (and the first skim of ice) say otherwise.
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.
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Walleyes Cooked in a Beer Batter
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup very cold beer or nonalcoholic beer
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges
Directions
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, baking powder and seasonings. Stir in beer and egg until smooth. Dip fillets in batter; allow excess to drip off.
