Fishing Opener Recap 2020 Impressive
Some look forward to this day all winter. Others simply make a mental note. If you are from MN or fish in MN, you are certainly aware of it. The 2020 MN Fishing Opener took place this past weekend and Lake of the Woods did not disappoint.
Known as The Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods is one of the best fisheries in the world for walleyes. The fishing opener did not disappoint. The majority of the anglers caught limits of walleyes and saugers with a lot of trophy walleyes mixed in. When we say trophy walleyes, we are talking walleyes over 28 inches which is typically about an 8 pounder with a good share of fish over 30 inches as well.
The majority of fishing opener walleye anglers used jigs and minnows or frozen shiners. On some lakes, anglers are used to moving around slowly with jigs and minnows trying to get over more active fish. On Lake of the Woods, however, anchoring up and jigging is a very effective method for a number of reasons. First off, the walleyes and saugers on LOW seem to move around a lot which bodes well for still fishing and simply staying put.
Second, some believe a mini ecosystem is actually created under your boat when anchored up and jigging. Scent and scales from the minnows are in the water attracting fish. In addition, anglers are jigging, often contacting the bottom of the lake and shaking their jig. All of this commotion creates vibration which equates to a meal for a walleye or sauger. More fish start to congregate, anglers are reeling in fish and there you have it, an ecosystem for angler success!
Walleyes were caught in many locations during the opener. Anglers fishing the Rainy River experienced good fish in the river. There was a bit of wind on opening day, many anglers fished the Rainy River. Again, a jig and minnow were used the most with success.
Anglers on the fishing opener also found fish throughout 4 Mile Bay. When walleyes spawn in the Rainy River, some stay in the river and others slowly make their way back into the lake. 4 Mile Bay is a natural spot to hang out with it’s warmer water, many areas just off of the current and good forage offerings for walleyes.
The majority of anglers fished Lake of the Woods along the south shore. There were good reports from the Lighthouse Gap all the way to Long Point. The most popular depths were 18-22 feet, but walleyes and saugers were caught very shallow around 5 feet and deeper than 22′ as well. As you know, walleyes are not all congregated in one area, especially in a lake with a lot of walleyes.
Up at the NW Angle, great success was also had during the opener. Shoreline structure, points and neck down areas where there is some current was the best. Once again, a jig and minnow was by far the most used presentation.
Right now is an incredible time to fish Lake of the Woods. The fish are hungry and relatively close to shore. They are caught in the river, bays and along shorelines. The water is cold and the fish are hungry.
There are many ways to experience LOW. Some anglers bring their own boat. There are numerous nice public and private boat ramps to land a boat of any size along with safe parking.
Others who don’t own a boat or simply want to make their trip easy jump in with a guide. As restrictions are lifted from early season COVID – 19 orders, more options are available each week. Contact your favorite resort for more information. 
Up at the NW Angle, most visitors will hook up with one of the guides who work through the resorts. Guides up amongst the islands typically use a nice 20′ boat, perfect for accessing the 14,552 islands Lake of the Woods is famous for. This is an adventure before you even wet a line navigating amongst the islands and many great fishing areas.
With early season COVID – 19 restrictions in place which prevented visitors from traveling across the border to travel to the Angle, the options of boating across the lake from the south shore and staying in MN is one option. Another option is there are transport services which will transport you from the south shore to your favorite NW Angle resort. Contact your favorite NW Angle resort for details.
The Walleye Capital of the World rarely disappoints. If you have been to LOW, you understand. If you have not, now is the time. You wont’ regret it!
