On the south end…  Summer fishing patterns are producing good numbers of walleyes and saugers. The deep mud is holding a lot of fish, which is a typical scenario this time of year.
Two main techniques are catching the majority of fish.Â
1. Pulling spinners.  A two or three hook crawler harness, a juicy nightcrawler and a gold, chartreuse, pink, orange, glow red, glow white, or combo of these colors spinner blade colors working well.
Team the spinner up with a 2 ounce, or if fishing 30+ feet of water, even a 3 ounce bouncer to maintain a 45 degree angle is effective.
2. Trolling crankbaits. With so many walleyes spread out over the miles and miles of mud over Big Traverse Bay, covering water and putting your lure in front of thousands of walleyes works well also.
Charters that troll normally use downriggers. Other ways to get lures down to deeper depths are lead core line, snap weights or even a 4 ounce bottom bouncer with a 6′ leader and shallow diving
Some are still anchoring up over schools of walleyes and jigging with a frozen emerald shiner with success. Lots of ways to get it done.
Most popular depths on the mud are 28′-34′ of water over the mud basin.
On the Rainy River…Â The flow of water on the Rainy River has decreased and some good fishing taking place.
Sturgeon anglers are catching. Fish of all sizes with some good action.
Walleye anglers are pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream to cover water, or, if fishing isolated spots, using a jig and minnow.
Smallmouth bass tend to relate to rocky areas and areas with structure. Tube jigs, small crankbaits and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer getting the bronzebacks.
Up at the NW Angle… The walleye fishing continues to be consistent. Jigging with a 3/8 ounce jig and minnow or plastic, drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits all catching fish.
There are fish being found in various depths, with the most common ranges being 15-20′ or 27-33′.
A mixed bag on this part of the lake with perch, crappies, pike, and bass common.
Muskie anglers getting after it amongst the 14,552 islands and reporting some good fish.
Good availability this time of year. Book some memories!
Lodging, complete fishing packages, small boat guide trips, and charter trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
