The jig bite for walleyes is pretty famous on Lake of the Woods. Although there are many techniques that catch walleyes, a jig and a minnow is definitely a staple presentation that catches thousands of walleyes and saugers. In this episode, Bergsma is fishing with a couple of anglers who also have a lot of experience both fishing and fishing Lake of the Woods, Jimmy Ney and Greg Jones.
John Bergsma with Destination Outdoors and Fisherman’s Digest is no stranger to Lake of the Woods. Back in the day when he was fishing professional walleye tournaments, this body of water was a consistent stop for many of the tournaments. His history here along with strong friendships in the area bring him back a couple of times per year.
The trio is showing off the jig bite that is prevalent on Lake of the Woods. As a rule, find an area where the walleyes and saugers are living, anchor up and jig off of the bottom. The fish will move around and in most cases, find you. 
With the stained waters of Lake of the Woods, jig colors like gold, glow white, glow red, orange, pink and chartreuse are great colors. Resorts and local bait shops carry a selection of jigs that work well. Many anglers prefer using a jig that has a combo of gold and another bright color or colors. Lots of options.
For bait, frozen emerald shiners are a staple in these parts. Emerald shiners are netted in the fall and as they are a sensitive minnow, are hard to keep alive. Consequently, bait dealers will freeze them and they are used all year long. Fatheads, rainbows, chubs, leeches and even a piece of crawler will do well on a jig as well.
As a little twist, the guys also used a drop shot for walleyes. Normally a bass technique, this technique proved effective for walleyes, saugers and perch as well. With a little twist, a couple of beads were added near the hook as an attractor.
As often happens on this body of water, the group found walleyes. Big walleyes, eaters, little fish and some multi species as well.
For those who don’t have a fishing boat or perhaps don’t have the confidence to go after the jig bite and fish the larger waters of Lake of the Woods, charter fishing is going strong this summer on Lake of the Woods. There are normally openings at resorts this time of the year and what a great way to spend time with family, friends and corporate groups.
Charter boats will accommodate up to 6 anglers (6 is the magic number due to the Coast Guard license restrictions). Some resorts will allow smaller groups and simply combine them.
A normal day is after a good breakfast, step aboard just before 8am and return to the docks around 5pm. Don’t worry about fish cleaning, the guides will handle that!
Some enjoy a fresh walleye dinner that first night in camp. Resorts will often cook your fresh catch. Others will have their own fish fry back at their cabin. What you don’t clean and eat, package up and bring home. In Minnesota, you are allowed to bring one limit home per person. This your possession limit.
Fishing on Lake of the Woods brings a good level of success. There are literally millions of walleyes and saugers along with a variety of other species you may catch such as jumbo perch, trophy pike, smallmouth bass, crappies and more. Resorts and local bait shops are willing to help get you started on where to fish. There are a variety of boat ramps in the area, some public, some at resorts. If you want to make life even easier, simply get a reservation on a local resort’s charter boat.
Open water fishing takes place from May through October on the lake, with an extended season on the Rainy River. If you like catching walleyes, now is a great time to carve out time in your calendar. Life is passing by, make sure to enjoy it. You deserve it!
