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.

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.

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.