Spinners and trolling crankbaits continue to yield good results, offering multiple effective strategies for anglers targeting walleyes and saugers.

For those pulling spinners, a two-hook crawler harness with spinner blades in gold, pink, orange, glow red, or glow white has been successful. Adjust your weights to 2 – 3 ounces to match the depth and breezy conditions.

Trolling crankbaits remains a strong option for covering water, especially with walleyes spread across the mud flats in Big Traverse Bay.  Areas with structure, such as rock reefs, or fish adjacent to these spots, are also holding fish.

Good numbers of walleyes along the south shore with some big schools and some big fish.  The bite has been excellent and is really shaping up nicely for the fall jig bite both on the lake and in the Rainy River.

On the Rainy River… A variety of species continue to be caught on the Rainy River. The presence of decent current is still drawing extra fish into the river, and there have been positive reports from anglers targeting walleyes and sturgeon alike.

Sturgeon fishing remains productive, with anglers anchoring up and using a combination of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners. The key is patience—let the bait soak and wait for that big bite.

Walleye anglers are also having success on the river, with some nice-sized fish reported. There are already signs of emerald shiners in the river, which typically draw in walleyes. Jigging, trolling spinners with crawlers, or trolling crankbaits are all working well and will continue to be effective as the fall run approaches.

Up at the NW Angle… Walleye fishing at the NW Angle remains excellent. Fish are being found on the structure as well as on the flats. As always, different forage in various areas influences where these predators are focused.

The deep mud east and northeast of Little Oak Island holds numbers of walleyes with mixed in perch.  Good fishing around Four Blocks, and north of Garden Island as well, continuing to produce solid walleye catches.

Spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits are ideal for covering water and locating active fish in these areas. Anglers are finding success in 15 – 32 feet of water.

The cooler temperatures, with some days dipping into the 40s, are beginning to slowly lower water temperatures, which will only increase the walleye bite as we move deeper into August.

Fall and winter lodging and fishing packages are all available at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.