On the South End… Walleyes continue to congregate along the south shore, and despite unseasonably warm weather, anglers are putting good numbers of fish in the boat. The best bite has slid slightly deeper this week to 22–30 feet. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner remains the top producer. Hot jig colors have been green, gold, orange, chartreuse, and glow white; on certain days, pink or plain gold still shine.
Schools of walleyes are located across traditional stretches, Pine Island, Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point, and Twin Islands, with bonus jumbo perch mixed in. While jigging is the go-to, some anglers continue to pull spinners with crawlers or troll crankbaits to cover water when marks are scattered. Expect shoreline activity to strengthen further as temperatures cool.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are trickling into the river, and walleyes are following. The bite is improving by the day; a real cool-down will kick things into high gear. Work a jig and frozen shiner along current breaks, deeper holes, and sand flats.
Josh Beckel Fishing Guide with Huge Fall Pike
Sturgeon action remains strong. A classic sturgeon rig with crawlers (optionally tipped with a shiner) has been effective. Reminder: sturgeon harvest season is open through September 30, switching to catch-and-release October 1 – April 23, 2026. The Rainy River offers about 42 miles of navigable water from Wheeler’s Point through Baudette to Birchdale, with numerous public ramps for access.
Northwest Angle… Excellent walleye fishing continues on both the Minnesota and Ontario sides. The program is simple and productive: a jig and minnow on points, over reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions. Saugers, jumbo perch, and pike are also showing up consistently.
It’s prime time for fall crappies. Many anglers are finding nice fish around islands and off of points. Muskie reports are strong as water temps edge downward, with follows and hookups on shoreline structure.
Plan your fall trip… Excellent fall fishing typically runs into November. If you’re looking for that last good open-water trip before ice season, now’s the window.
It’s the season to hunt these beautiful birds and when you’ve completed your hunt, take them home to a very tasty meal. Here’s a great recipe.
This is a go-to recipe when you want something quick and flavorful. The key to cooking ruffed grouse is not to overcook it. The meat is lean, and if you leave it on the heat too long, it can dry out.
Ingredients
2 ruffed grouse breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the grouse breasts with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Place the grouse breasts in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and just cooked through.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
This simple recipe allows the natural flavor of the grouse to shine while the garlic and herbs complement it beautifully.
On the South End… Walleye action has been excellent along the south shore in 17 – 27 feet of water. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be the top producer, with anglers reporting strong numbers of both walleyes and saugers. Jig colors making a big difference this week include gold/red, green, plain gold, white, pink, and gold/orange.
The fall bite is setting up nicely, with fish spread out across a variety of locations. Anglers are targeting traditional spots like Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, and Long Point, but schools are showing up in other nearshore areas as well. Jumbo perch remains a nice bonus, adding variety to the bucket alongside limits of walleyes and saugers.
While jigging has been the go-to, some anglers are still pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits to cover water effectively, proving all three techniques can produce depending on conditions. As water temps continue cooling and daylight shortens, expect shoreline activity to strengthen even more in the weeks ahead.
The 10 day forecast shows warm temps and very low precipitation, a great stretch of fall weather ahead.
Rainy River… Emerald shiners are starting to show in the river, and walleye fishing in the river this week was good. The bite will only improve as the shiner run builds. The most effective presentation remains a jig and frozen emerald shiner, worked along current breaks, holes, and sand flats.
Sturgeon activity is also strong this fall. A sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers, sometimes tipped with a shiner, has been the winning setup. Remember, the sturgeon harvest season is open through September 30, switching to catch-and-release October 1 – April 23, 2026.
The Rainy River offers 42 miles of navigable water from Wheeler’s Point through Baudette and east to Birchdale, with numerous boat ramps for access.
Northwest Angle… Fishing is excellent up at the Angle, with strong numbers of walleyes and saugers keeping anglers busy. Crappies are also in the mix, and many are being found around islands and over basin mud. Structure such as reefs, neck-down areas, and mud-to-rock transitions remain key.
Muskie activity is ramping up as water temps cool, with both follows and successful hook-ups being reported. Pike and smallmouth bass remain solid backup options, with pike coming from weedy bays and smallmouth relating to rocky points and shorelines.
With dropping water temps and shorter days, the bite across Lake of the Woods will only continue to get better. For more information on fishing, guides, charters, resorts, and lodging, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
On the South End… Walleyes are setting up in good numbers in 22 – 27 feet of water, with the bite excellent as we move deeper into fall. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner has been the most popular and productive technique, but anglers are also having success pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits to cover water.
Water temps remain in the low 60s, and fish are starting to slide into a variety of locations adjacent to the south shore. Anglers are reporting limits of walleyes and saugers, with some jumbo perch showing up in the mix as well. As the days shorten and the waters cool further, expect shoreline activity to steadily increase.
The areas in front of Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, and Long Point area are all holding fish. Jumbo perch have been in very good numbers all year and are a welcome bonus.
Rainy River… There are some emerald shiners that have entered the river, but the big push has not arrived yet. Still, anglers are finding walleyes in the system and catching fish fairly consistently. It will only get better as water temps cool down and days get shorter.
The go-to presentation remains a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Working fishy areas in the river such as holes, bars, current breaks, and flats will produce walleyes.
In addition, sturgeon activity is picking up as fall progresses. A sturgeon rig with a load of nightcrawlers, sometimes paired with a frozen shiner, has been the winning setup. The sturgeon “harvest” season runs through September 30, with catch-and-release beginning October 1 and running through April 23, 2026.
There are 42 miles of navigable river from the mouth of the river at Wheeler’s Point down through Baudette and east to Birchdale with many boat ramps along the way.
Northwest Angle… Up at the NW Angle, fishing remains excellent with big numbers of walleyes and crappies keeping anglers very busy. The incredible variety of structure—islands, neck-down areas, reefs, and mud transitions—is producing fish consistently.
Muskie anglers are also reporting success, with both follows and catches coming as fish ramp up feeding in the cooling water. Pike remain a mainstay in the mix, while smallmouth bass continue to provide action around rocky points and shorelines.
As the waters continue cooling, anglers can expect the shoreline bite and river action to only get better in the coming weeks.
For more information on fishing, guides, charters, resorts, and lodging, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
Place taco seasoning in a large resealable bag; add perch fillets, one at a time, and shake to coat. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Combine cornmeal and flour in another shallow bowl. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place in a single layer on a plate; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Webcams are a great invention these days to view landscapes and conditions of areas before you arrive or just because you are curious about what an area looks like. Lake of the Woods is very fortunate to have many resorts that use these great inventions to display conditions at their localitites. They allow you to see the landscape of the water, the waves, their facility and the general condition of the weather surrounding their location. A couple of areas at Lake of the Woods also show road conditions which is very important in this northern rural area.
For those who live far from northern Minnesota but hold a special place in their hearts for Lake of the Woods, these webcams offer an exciting way to stay connected to this incredible region. Whether you’re a frequent visitor, a former resident, or simply someone who enjoys following the action from afar, these real-time cameras bring the Walleye Capital of the World right to your screen.
A Growing Trend for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Webcams have surged in popularity across the outdoor and tourism world, and Lake of the Woods is no exception. With modern technology and internet access, fans of the area can now view current conditions on the lake 24/7. These webcams show it all—waves, weather, sunrise and sunset, fishing activity, boat traffic, and the changing of the seasons.
From the Rainy River to Big Traverse Bay to the Northwest Angle, there are a variety of webcams available depending on what part of the lake you want to check in on. Whether you’re watching for the lake to ice over, wondering about wave conditions, or just missing the scenery, webcams give you a live look into what’s happening at Lake of the Woods.
A Peek at Resort and Area Webcams
Here’s a look at some of the webcams available in the Lake of the Woods area and what you can expect to see: Feel free to click on each area and explore with your eyes the terrain. Thank you to the establishments who have invested in these great cameras. May we also mention that the website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com has the availability of WaveBuoys which will give you information on the actual wave conditions on the lake as well.
Located on the southwest shore
of Big Traverse Bay, Arnesen’s webcam offers views of Muskeg Bay and the resort’s boat and ice access points. Throughout the year, you’ll see charter boats heading out at sunrise, snowmobiles on groomed winter trails, and even bombardiers moving anglers to fish houses during the ice season. The camera offers a lively snapshot of resort life.
Perched above the Rainy River, this webcam gives viewers a front-row seat to the “boat parade”—a daily procession of charter boats heading out to chase walleyes. You’ll see captains prepping boats at dawn, wildlife along the riverbank, and anglers returning
Border View Webcam
after a day on the water. It’s also a great camera to watch ice conditions in spring and fall during freeze-up and ice-out periods.
Positioned between Twin Rocks and Long Point, Dale’s webcam delivers a scenic view of Big Traverse Bay. Whether it’s waves rolling across the open water, boats launching in their brand new harbor, or ice roads being used for winter fishing, this camera captures the rhythm of the lake throughout the seasons.
Dale’s Webcam
It’s also a popular view to watch snowfall and sunsets on crisp winter evenings.
Located on the south shore of Big Traverse Bay, Morris Point’s webcam provides a direct view of open water and ice fishing traffic. On Saturdays during the summer, you may catch a glimpse of activity around the
Morris Point Webcam
resort’s popular fish fry nights. Calm days and wild storms are equally mesmerizing from this camera’s vantage point.
At the very northern tip of Minnesota, this webcam at Young’s Bay captures the gateway to the NW Angle’s island resorts. Watch boats navigating the harbor in summer or snowmobiles and bombardiers heading across the ice in winter. It’s also located near the northernmost point buoy and Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant, giving a local flavor to your view.
Roadside Webcams for Travel and Scenery
Highway 72 – South of Baudette This roadside camera is located south of Baudette and offers a year-round view of weather conditions and foliage changes along one of the region’s main travel routes. From golden fall colors to spring greens and snow-covered pines, it’s a great snapshot of the seasons in northern Minnesota.
Highway 11 – Roosevelt, MN This camera captures a view of a vital east-west corridor near the south shore of the lake. Watch active railroad tracks, passing traffic, and seasonal transitions. It’s a practical webcam for travelers and a beautiful one for fans of northern landscapes.
Birds, Weather, and More
Webcams are also a fantastic way to observe the area’s bird migrations, including pelicans, bald eagles, various species of waterfowl, and other species. Plus, there’s something magical about watching a northern storm roll in, or seeing a quiet snowfall blanket the shoreline in the winter.
For many, these webcams are more than just tools—they’re a way to stay connected to a special place. Whether you’re daydreaming about your next trip, checking in on favorite resorts, or just love watching life unfold in a remote northern corner of Minnesota, webcams are a fun and useful way to keep in touch. Besides being fun, these webcams are used throughout the winter to view how the ice is shaping up on the lake and helps with resort owners who are so careful when it comes to safety for their clients coming up to do ice fishing. What great tools to have available.
On the South End… Water temperatures are starting to drop into the low 60s, with wave buoys on Big Traverse Bay showing 61 – 63 degrees. This cooling trend combined with shorter days signals the transition period for walleyes, and anglers are finding fish in a variety of places.
Walleyes are still holding over deep mud, but schools are also showing up adjacent to shorelines and on the edges of reefs.
As waters cool, more fish are pushing toward the shorelines, and this movement will only increase as the fall progresses. All three primary methods of fishing are producing fish right now: Jigging with a frozen emerald shiner, pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits to cover water.
Each technique has its time and place, and being versatile is paying off for anglers. The shoreline bite will only get stronger in the weeks ahead.
Rainy River… The first signs of fall are beginning to show on the Rainy River. Emerald shiners are starting to trickle in, and with them comes an uptick in walleye activity. The big run hasn’t started yet, but anglers are finding more fish in the river each day. Four Mile Bay, an area between Big Traverse Bay and the Rainy River, is also giving up some nice walleyes.
A jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be the go-to approach, a tried-and-true method for tempting these river walleyes.
The lake sturgeon bite has also picked up which is the norm in the fall. A sturgeon rig with a ball of nightcrawlers and even a frozen shiner or two is the goto bait. The sturgeon “harvest” season continues through September 30th. From Oct 1 – April 23, sturgeon fishing continues with catch and release.
Northwest Angle… Up at the NW Angle, walleye fishing remains excellent. This region is known for its sheer abundance of fish, and right now it’s living up to its reputation. With countless islands and diverse structure, anglers are working areas such as deep mud, neck-down spots with moving water, underwater points and reefs, and transition areas where walleyes are staging.
Not only is this a great environment for walleyes, but it also holds a wide variety of other species, making the Angle a multi-species destination this time of year. Fall is a go-to time for those fishing big black crappies in this region. Pike and smallmouth bass are staples and are only more aggressive as the waters are cooling. Muskie anglers are also reporting good activity with both follows and catches.
Summary
South End: Walleyes transitioning from mud to shorelines; all methods (jigging, spinners, crankbaits) still working.
Rainy River: Shiners trickling in, walleye activity increasing; jig and frozen emerald shiner the go-to. Sturgeon activity is increasing.
NW Angle: Excellent walleye bite continues, with diverse structure and plenty of fish.
As water temps continue to cool, expect the shoreline and river bite to heat up even more in the coming weeks.
Ladies—are you ready for a winter adventure like no other? Imagine laughing with your best friends while reeling in fish through the ice, sipping hot coffee in a cozy heated house, and finishing the day with a fresh-caught walleye dinner prepared at a local
resort. Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota isn’t just about fishing—it’s about fun, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.
For women who already love fishing—or even those who have never ice fished before—this is the perfect destination.
Resorts and outfitters around Lake of the Woods make the entire experience easy, comfortable, and exciting, so all you need to bring is your warm clothes, a sense of adventure, and your favorite people.
Full-Service Comfort for First-Time Ice Anglers
One of the biggest reasons women are embracing ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is the full-service accommodations. Resorts take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. You’ll stay in comfortable lodging—from cabins to modern hotels—before being transported across the frozen lake to a heated fish house that’s ready to go.
Guides are always nearby, checking in throughout the day to make sure you’re having fun and catching fish. They’ll even clean your walleyes, saugers, or perch at the end of the day. From there, you can either have your fish packaged to take home or enjoy them fresh at a resort restaurant. A walleye fish fry with your girlfriends? That’s a memory worth making.
Sleeper Houses and Cozy Nights on the Ice
For those who want the full northern Minnesota adventure, consider renting a sleeper fish house. These larger houses are warm, spacious, and often sleep up to eight people—perfect for a group of friends. Bunk beds, propane heat, and a cozy atmosphere make it feel like a cabin on the ice. You’ll fish, laugh, and even drift off to sleep right over one of the best walleye lakes in the country.
Beyond Fishing: Fun on the Ice and in Town
The fishing is fantastic, but your trip can be about so much more. Lake of the Woods offers unique winter attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
The Igloo Bar at Zippel Bay Resort
and the Angry Walleye at Cyrus Resort are actual bars located out on the ice. Yes—you can grab a drink, watch the game, and even drop a line through the floor while you socialize.
Shopping and Coffee Stops: Spend a morning browsing small-town shops or grab a latte at a cozy coffeehouse before heading back out on the lake.
Nightlife and Dining: The area offers a variety of restaurants, taverns, and bars—many with live music or entertainment. After a day of fishing, there’s nothing better than sharing stories over good food and drinks.
Safety, Warmth, and Cleanliness
One concern many first-time ice anglers have is safety and comfort—but rest assured, Lake of the Woods resorts have thought of everything.
Safe Ice: Resorts and outfitters monitor ice conditions daily and maintain plowed, staked roads to ensure safe travel. Some even transport guests to their fish houses so you don’t have to worry about driving.
Warmth: Heated transportation and propane-fueled furnaces keep you cozy, whether you’re in a day house or sleeper. Most houses are already warm before you arrive.
Clean and Comfortable: Resorts sanitize and prepare houses between guests. Many offer restrooms on the ice, either inside the house or in nearby facilities.
Why Ladies Are Loving Ice Fishing
Across the Midwest, more and more women are discovering the joys of ice fishing. Groups like Women Anglers of Minnesota and WI Women Fish have built communities around the sport, proving that fishing isn’t just for the guys. Some resorts
even host special women’s events—like “Girls Gone Fishing” weekends—that combine angling with social time, making them popular for bachelorette parties, birthday getaways, or just a winter girls’ trip.
And for moms or grandmothers, ice fishing is a fantastic multi-generational activity. Bringing daughters or granddaughters out to catch their first walleye is the kind of memory that lasts forever.
Plan Your Trip Today
Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™, and with thousands of fish houses dotting the ice each winter, it’s truly a sight to see. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with friends, a family trip, or a new adventure with your fishing buddies, this destination checks every box.
Ladies—it’s your time to claim this adventure. Don’t let the guys have all the fun! Gather your girlfriends, book a resort package, and experience the excitement of ice fishing in comfort and style. You’ll come home with incredible memories, stories to share, and maybe even a new tradition.
Learn more, explore lodging options, and start planning your trip at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
Step 2. Combine lemon juice, salt, hot sauce, oil, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl then mix for 15-20 seconds.
Step 3. Place the 6 pieces of northern pike in a shallow dish and cover with mixture. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Turn once and marinate for another 30 minutes.
Step 4. Once done marinating, take out pike fillets and set aside. (Do not throw out the remains of the marinade. This will be used later on.)
Step 5. Place fish in a well-greased broiler basket and sprinkle with salt.
Step 6. Grill over medium-hot coals or grill setting Now use the leftover marinade for basting the pike fillets and turn.
Step 7. Grill for 5-8 minutes until the pike flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8. Sprinkle paprika, and enjoy your tasty pike!
On the South End – Big Traverse Bay It was another excellent week of fall walleye fishing on Big Traverse Bay. Good numbers of walleyes continue to hold over the deep mud basin in 28–32 feet of water, and the bite has been very cooperative. Other reports show fish sliding up into 20–22 feet, which is typical as not every walleye in the system is keying in on the same food sources during this fall transition.
Anglers are catching fish using a variety of techniques:
Drifting or trolling spinners at 1.0–1.25 mph with crawlers has been very productive. Top spinner colors this week were gold/pink, gold/red, and silver/blue.
Trolling crankbaits is also putting fish in the boat. Productive colors include gold, chrome/blue, chartreuse, pink, and firetiger. Covering water over the deep mud remains an effective approach.
Some anglers are now anchoring up and jigging with a jig and frozen emerald shiner. Once a school of fish is located, this method allows anglers to sit tight and entice steady action.
Jumbo perch remain a bonus catch, mixing in with the walleyes across the basin.
Veterans attending the 12th annual Pay It Forward veterans event caught good numbers of walleyes this week, filling coolers of ice on charter boats along with some trophy fish. A walleye over 31 inches took big fish honors with a handful of walleyes over 28 inches in the mix as well.
The Lake of the Woods wave buoys report water temps at 68 degrees.
On the Rainy River Activity is picking up on the Rainy River. With cooling water temperatures, both walleyes and sturgeon are becoming more active. Anglers with dock lights are reporting increased shiner activity, a sure sign that the annual emerald shiner migration from the lake into the river is just beginning. Bird activity has also noticeably increased, another signal of bait movement.
Walleyes are being caught jigging with minnows or by trolling crankbaits along current breaks and deeper holes. Sturgeon fishing has been solid as well—anchoring with a 3-ounce no-roll sinker and a sturgeon rig packed with crawlers continues to produce big fish. Some sturgeon over 60 inches along with many smaller fish in the mix as well. Sturgeon anglers report catching some walleyes and suckers while waiting for the sturgeon bite.
Up at the NW Angle Fishing remains strong at the Angle, with good numbers of walleyes spread across the deep mud of Little Traverse Bay (east and NE of Little Oak Island). Covering water with spinners or crankbaits has been the best way to connect with pods of fish.
Other productive areas include north of Garden Island and west of Little Oak Island, where anglers are finding walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch.
On the Ontario side, jigging with frozen emerald shiners has been very effective. With 14,552 islands starting at the Angle and stretching into Ontario, anglers have countless spots holding walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, and jumbo perch.
Muskie fishing has been consistent, with good numbers of fish reported boated this past week. As days shorten and water temperatures cool, the bite will only continue to improve.
The Fall Outlook September and October are prime months for fishing on Lake of the Woods. Fish are actively feeding, water temperatures are dropping, and the scenery is unmatched as fall colors take hold. Whether chasing walleyes on the main lake, jigging the Rainy River, or casting for muskies at the Angle, anglers are set up for some of the best fishing of the year.
