On the South Shore…  The focus for most this past week has been the ongoing deer hunting season and/or watching the forecast and feeling optimistic about the cold temps over the next couple of weeks.  

The forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days.  Depending upon the wind, this should make some ice and get things started,  

The limited number of anglers still fishing are taking advantage of fairly mild weather for November, but that is changing quickly.  Good numbers of walleyes, saugers and a lot of jumbo perch are staged across the south shore which bodes well for ice fishing.  

No surprise this time of year, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  

Resorts and outfitters are busy, continually getting ready for the ice fishing season.  Fish house maintenance, light ice rigs, bombardiers, track rigs, augers, fish houses, sleeper houses, permitting, deep cleaning, remodeling, and the list goes on.  All good stuff that helps to make the ice fishing season more enjoyable.

On the Rainy River…  Very good fishing reports for those on the river this week, and there have been a few boats.  Limits of walleyes was the norm for most.

Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners. 

Having good numbers of walleyes in the river is desired by those who ice fish the south shore.  It is believed some of the walleyes in the river make their way out to the lake as the ice fishing season progresses, providing additional fish to ice anglers out in front of Pine Island.  All good stuff.

Up at the NW Angle…  As temps are getting colder, most are finishing up deer hunting, processing venison or getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.  For the few that got out, reports were excellent.  A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught.

Very good muskie fishing for those who braved the colder temps.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Late fall is known as a good time to catch muskies and this year has held true.

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  Day houses normally get out mid December with an extended season on LOW, lasting through March.  Mother Nature always dictates.  Resorts and outfitters will be monitoring ice conditions, posting weight limits throughout the year. 

For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging