Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report… December 16, 2025

fishing report lake of the woods mn rainy river walleye

Ice Fishing Off to a Fantastic Start!

South Shore – Ice Fishing Has Started Out About as Good as It Gets

Ice fishing along the South Shore is off to an excellent start. Resorts report strong early ice, houses are out, and fishing has been outstanding. Anglers are catching a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, an occasional eelpout, pike, and once in a while even a surprise sturgeon through the ice.

As always, we remind anglers that Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water with conditions that vary from place to place. With great fluctuations in temps, ice cracks and expands.  Resorts and outfitters check ice daily, maintaining their ice road / trail for maximum safety.  We strongly recommend working through them rather than traveling independently.

Most day houses have now been out for about a week. Some resorts are allowing travel by ATV, snowmobile, or side-by-side to their fish houses, while others continue to transport anglers directly to the door of their heated houses.

Best Presentations

Fishing has been excellent with the classic Lake of the Woods one-two punch:

  1. Jigging Line:
    A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail, or an attractor like a Rippin’ Rap.

  2. Deadstick Line:
    A plain hook or small ice jig with a live minnow set 6 to 12 inches off the bottom.

Hot Colors

Big Walleye Fishing report lake of the woods mn
Big Walleye on Lake of the Woods

  • Gold

  • Glow red

  • Pink

  • Glow white

  • Orange

  • Chartreuse

These colors continue to shine in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.

Rainy River – Ice Forming Well, but Use Extreme Caution

Ice is forming nicely on the Rainy River, but as always, current creates variable conditions. Resorts and outfitters on the river monitor the ice continuously and provide the safest access—please check with them before venturing out.

Those fishing through resorts report nice walleyes and good sturgeon action so far. Safety remains the top priority.

Northwest Angle – Excellent Early Ice Fishing Reports and Snowmobile Trails Marked

The Northwest Angle is off to a strong start as well. Favorable early ice conditions have some resorts opening earlier than normal. Initial fishing reports mirror the South Shore—very good fishing right out of the gate.

Resorts continue to check ice, mark safe ice routes, and place fish houses. Some designated ice aviation areas are active as well.

Snowmobile Trails

  • Snowmobile trails throughout the Angle are marked.

  • The trail from Four Mile Bay on the south shore to Northwest Angle was staked on Monday, December 15th and is open.

  • Snow depth is around 5 inches in most places but varies with wind. Trails will improve as they see more use.

For the latest updates and reservations, contact your favorite Northwest Angle resort.

Safety First – Always

No matter which area you fish, please remember:

  • Every area of ice is different.

  • Work through a resort or outfitter.

  • Stay on marked ice roads and trails.

  • Follow posted weight limits.

  • Do not venture off on your own.

There are plenty of fish where resorts are placing their houses. Let the professionals keep you safe.

Great Fishing and More Cold Weather Ahead

With additional cold weather in the forecast, ice conditions will continue improving. Early ice fishing has begun with excellent success, and December typically brings some of the best fishing of the year.

fishing report lake of the woods mn rainy river walleye

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is the most popular ice fishing destination in North America. It has a consistent healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eel pout, and crappies.

The lake enjoys stained water meaning, the water is very clean but has a light coffee tint to it. This “tint” makes fishing all day very productive versus fishing in a lake with clear water.

The Lake of the Woods resort community provides full service ice fishing, taking the work out of ice fishing. Resorts and outfitters create well marked and groomed ice roads, they shuttle people to heated fish houses that are all ready to fish and are moving fish houses often to stay on the fish.

Some Anglers fish out of a day house and go back to shore at night to sleep at a resort and eat at the many restaurants and bars.

Others enjoy staying in a sleeper fish house, where they stay overnight on the ice in a nice warm sleeper fish house equipped with a strong furnace, cooking facilities and the opportunity to wake up in the morning with your favorite cup of coffee and start jigging.

Ice skates will clean your fish and if you like, Resorts will even cook up your fresh catch.

When you are up ice fishing, don’t forget to check out the two bars out on the ice. The first is the igloo bar located out of Zippel Bay Resort. The second, is the Angry Walleye located out of Cyrus Resort. Both are located off the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in North America for beginners to experience ice fishing, even if you have no equipment, no experience, and no idea where to start. Unlike many lakes where you must bring your own gear, drill your own holes, and navigate the ice on your own, Lake of the Woods offers a complete full-service ice fishing experience designed for first-time anglers, families, and groups.

Our resorts and outfitters provide everything you need, including:

  • Heated rental fish houses (warm, comfortable, fully set up)

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation to and from your fish house

  • Bait, gear, and tackle

  • Fish cleaning services

  • Lodging, meals, and snacks

  • Guides and expert advice

  • Safe, maintained ice roads

This means you can simply show up, walk into a warm fish house, drop a line, and start catching walleyes.

What makes Lake of the Woods perfect for beginners is the simplicity and safety of the experience. You don’t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobile—our professional resorts make it effortless. They place your fish house on productive walleye and sauger areas, monitor the ice conditions daily, and ensure everything is ready for you.

With one of the largest and most abundant walleye populations in the Midwest, Lake of the Woods also gives first-time anglers an excellent chance to catch fish right away—something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.

For anyone searching online for “best beginner ice fishing lake,” “easy guided ice fishing trips,” “ice fishing without gear,” or “where to try ice fishing for the first time,” Lake of the Woods consistently ranks as a top destination. It combines world-class fishing, highly experienced outfitters, and a stress-free, all-inclusive setup that makes ice fishing enjoyable for everyone.

In addition, there are a wide variety of lodging options including cabins, villas, suites and lodge rooms.  

Eat out or cook your own meals.  Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars.  There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin.  Some guests do both!

Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if it’s your first time. The region is designed for visitors, with full-service resorts, professional guides, heated fish houses, and easy trip-planning support. Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Choose the part of Lake of the Woods you want to experience.

Each area offers something unique:

  • South Shore (Baudette–Williams area): Most popular, easy access, lots of resorts and ice roads.

  • Rainy River: Great early and late ice, plus excellent walleye and sturgeon action.

  • Northwest Angle: Remote, scenic, and famous for world-class walleye ice fishing and thousands of islands.

2. Pick a resort or outfitter.

Lake of the Woods is known for its full-service lodging and fishing options. Most resorts provide:

  • Heated day houses or sleeper houses

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation on the ice

  • All gear, bait, and advice

  • Fish cleaning

  • Meals and comfortable lodging

This means you don’t need to bring equipment—everything is ready when you arrive.

3. Decide whether you want a day house or sleeper house.

  • Day Houses: Fish during daytime and return to the resort at night.

  • Sleeper Houses: Stay overnight on the ice in a warm, fully equipped fish house—an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

4. Pick your dates.

Ice fishing typically runs early December through late March, depending on conditions. Many anglers book early, especially around weekends and holidays.

5. Purchase a Minnesota fishing license.

You can buy your license online in minutes before your trip.

6. Dress warm and bring personal essentials.

Resorts provide the fishing gear, but you’ll want warm clothing, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

7. Arrive and let the experts handle the rest.

Your resort will transport you to your heated fish house, show you how everything works, and get you fishing within minutes.

For anyone searching “how to plan an ice fishing trip,” “Lake of the Woods trip planning,” or “best way to book an ice fishing vacation,” this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easy—and the adventure is unforgettable.

Lodging Options

Ice Fishing Packages

Sleeper Fish Houses

Lake of the Woods offers one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in North America. Anglers can catch a wide variety of species all year long, which is one of the reasons the lake is known as The Walleye Capital of the World® and a top destination for both open-water and ice fishing.

Here are the primary fish species you can catch on Lake of the Woods:

Walleyes

The signature species of Lake of the Woods. Known for high numbers and impressive trophy potential, walleyes are the most targeted fish year-round.

Saugers

Common alongside walleyes and often caught in large numbers, especially during winter. Many anglers enjoy catching walleye–sauger “combo limits.”

Northern Pike

A top predator with incredible size potential. Lake of the Woods consistently produces trophy pike over 40 inches, especially during late ice and spring.

Yellow Perch

Abundant throughout the lake. Jumbo perch are a favorite among ice anglers.

Lake Sturgeon

A prehistoric giant found mainly in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Strict seasons apply, but catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a major draw in spring and fall.

Muskie (Muskellunge)

The Northwest Angle is world-renowned for muskie fishing, offering some of the best trophy muskie opportunities anywhere.

Smallmouth Bass

Strong populations throughout the islands and reef areas, especially in the Northwest Angle.

Crappies

Black crappies can be found mainly in the Northwest Angle, offering excellent spring and winter opportunities.

Why the variety matters

For anyone searching “what fish are in Lake of the Woods,” “species to catch,” “best fishing in Minnesota,” or “multi-species fishing destinations,” this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same trip—often in the same day.

With millions of acres of water, endless structure, and world-class habitat, Lake of the Woods offers one of the most complete freshwater fishing experiences anywhere.

There are some ice anglers that target sturgeon through the ice, primarily on safe stretches of the Rainy River.

Up at the NW Angle, in addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike, there are resorts that specialize in targeting big crappies!

The best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is generally mid-December through late March, depending on ice conditions. Early ice offers excellent walleye and sauger action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallower water. Mid-winter provides consistent daily catches across Big Traverse Bay, the South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. Late winter—late February into March—is prime for trophy northern pike, perch, and suspended walleye patterns.

Because Lake of the Woods has one of the longest and most stable ice seasons in the Midwest, anglers enjoy reliable fishing for nearly four months. Resorts and outfitters monitor ice thickness daily and ensure safe access, making any time between December and March an excellent choice.

You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitors—especially beginners—choose a full-service resort or outfitter. Lake of the Woods is famous for making ice fishing incredibly easy. Resorts provide heated day houses or sleeper houses, transportation on marked ice roads, pre-drilled holes, gear, bait, fish cleaning, and expert advice.

If you have your own gear and experience, you can also explore the lake on your own using public ice roads and your own equipment. However, guided or resort-assisted trips are the preferred and safest option, offering convenience, comfort, and the highest chance of success.

The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shiner—either live or frozen. This is the lake’s primary forage, and walleyes respond extremely well to it throughout the entire ice season.

Anglers typically use:

  • Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head

  • Jigging raps / glide baits for aggressive fish

  • Plain hooks or small jigs on a deadstick with a full minnow

A combination of a jigging rod and a deadstick is the most effective setup. Bright colors like gold, glow red, glow pink, and green are popular choices in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.

We are happy to provide general fish limits on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, but the Minnesota DNR sets the rules and they should be consulted officially.

Here is a helpful link to the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page.  Please note, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are considered border water with Canada and have special regs and in some cases, extended seasons.

Because most resorts supply fishing gear, augers, heaters, and transportation, your packing list for Lake of the Woods is simple. Bring:

  • Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, bibs)

  • Winter boots, hat, and gloves

  • Snacks and beverages for the fish house

  • A camera or phone for photos

  • Fishing license (Minnesota license required)

  • Optional: Favorite jigging rods, tackle, or electronics

If you stay in a sleeper house, also bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, a cooler with food, snacks, beverages, and any overnight comforts you prefer. Resorts provide clear packing guidance for each type of trip.

Fishing Report 11.18.2025

Fishing Report from Youngs Bay at the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods shows a skim of ice

On the South End…  A very similar fishing report to last week as it’s late fall, rifle shots ring out periodically as hunters harvest whitetail deer around the area and just a few anglers are taking advantage of the late fall bite.  

The walleye and sauger bite continues across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Fish continue to be staged in various areas along the south shore and are biting.  Not many are fishing this time of year as the traditional firearms deer hunting season is in progress in MN.

Fishing Report from Youngs Bay at the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods shows a skim of ice
Skim of Ice showing up at the Northwest Angle

The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water. The water temperature has dropped to 40°F, and the fish are active.

Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or live minnow continues to be the top presentation. Gold, orange, pink and glow colors remain strong.  

Ice is showing up in harbors and back bays.  On average, ice fishing kicks off around December 10, though Mother Nature will ultimately decide when it’s time. 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.

Fishing Report shows a skin of ice on the Rainy River of Lake of the Woods
A Skim of Ice forming on the Rainy River and the current slowing

On the Rainy River…  Walleye fishing continues to be very good in the Rainy River. A nice mix of “eaters” along with slot fish and a few trophies being caught.  A jig and minnow remains the go-to, and anglers are focusing on edges that walleyes follow, current breaks, and deeper holes.

Those who fish during the deer hunting season are often rewarded and we heard that again this past week.  Good numbers of walleyes were consistently in the report.  

Some thin ice is appearing on parts of the the river as of 11-18-25.  Anglers are certainly looking ahead to ice fishing.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Some back bays and marinas with ice this past week.  All part of the progression as there is a bit of late fall fishing going on, but most are looking forward to ice fishing.  

For those getting on the water still, good numbers of walleyes are being caught on both sides of the border.  Location of the fish is setting up nicely for ice fishing.  It won’t be long!

Check out info about Lake of the Woods ice fishing on our new ice fishing page at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/.

Fishing Report 11.11.2025

This boy caught a huge fall walleye on the Rainy River near Lake of the Woods MN.

On the South End…  A strong late-fall walleye and sauger bite continues across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Fish continue to be staged in various areas along the south shore and are biting.  Not many are fishing this time of year as the traditional firearms deer hunting season is in progress in MN.

This boy caught a huge fall walleye on the Rainy River near Lake of the Woods MN.
Boy with Fall Walleye Caught on the Rainy River at Baudette MN Lake of the Woods.

The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water. The water temperature has dropped to 42°F, and the fish are active.

Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or live minnow continues to be the top presentation. Gold, orange, pink and glow colors remain strong.  

On average, ice fishing kicks off around December 10, though Mother Nature will ultimately decide when it’s time. 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.

fishing report includes this web came from Border View Lodge at Lake of the Woods
Web Cam on the Rainy River shows the current slowing getting ready for ice.

On the Rainy River…  Walleye fishing right now is good in the Rainy River. A mix of “eaters” along with slot fish (19.5–28 inches) and occasional “pig” being caught.  A jig and minnow remains the go-to, and anglers are focusing on edges that walleyes follow, current breaks, and deeper holes.

Those who fish during the deer hunting season are often rewarded.  There are some boats on the river, but most anglers are in the woods!  

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Some back bays froze up with a skim of ice this past week.  All part of the progression as there is a bit of late fall fishing going on, but most are looking forward to ice fishing.  

Once again, those out pursuing walleyes or muskies are being rewarded with great results.  

Big numbers of walleyes are being caught on both sides of the border.  Location of the fish is setting up nicely for ice fishing.  It won’t be long!

Check out info about Lake of the Woods ice fishing our new ice fishing page at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/.

Fishing Report 11.4.2025

Boy with nice walleye caught on the south shore of Lake of the Woods MN

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 walleye caught on the south shore of Lake of the Woods MN
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.

Fishing With Brandi Johnson shows a great Fall Walleye on Lake of the Woods MN
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.

Fishing Report 10.20.2025

big fall walleye caught on a charter on the south shore of Lake of the Woods

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 a charter on the south shore of Lake of the Woods
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 caught on charter on Lake of the Woods MN on the south shore
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/

Fishing Report 10.14.2025

Fishing on the South Shore of Lake of the Woods MN produced this giant walleye

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.

Fishing on the South Shore of Lake of the Woods MN produced this giant walleye
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 produced while fishing at the Northwest Angle at Lake of the Woods MN
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.

Fishing Report 10.7.2025

walleyes and jumbo perch fill a cleaning table at a resort on the south shore of lake of the woods mn

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 on a private boat with a group called Walleyes Unlimited caught on the south shore of Lake of the Woods MN
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 fill a cleaning table at a resort on the south shore of lake of the woods mn
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.

Fishing Report 9.30.2025

nice walleye off of Oak Island on Lake of the Woods MN

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. nice walleye off of Oak Island on Lake of the Woods MN

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.

huge fall pike
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.

Fishing Report 9.23.2025

fishing

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.

fishing 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. fishing

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

Fishing Report 9.16.2025

perch

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. perch

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.