Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

Guides and anglers had an unbelievable week.  Fish are feeding and there are limits to be had. Many resorts are downrigging and pulling crankbaits. Jig fishing and drifting spinners are also putting fish in the box. Schools of fish in the middle of the lake in 28-32 feet being targeted by jiggers and crankbaiters continues to heat up. Gold and silver colors have been strong. White baits also working because walleyes are targeting schools of tulibees. A strong bite along the south shore appears at times as well.

On the Rainy River, some walleyes are being caught near the mouth of the river and into four mile bay. Water clarity continues to be an issue as it seems to rain every couple days. Jig and minnow remains best option for catching walleyes with some anglers using a bottom bouncer paired with a stick bait as well. Most anglers fishing the lake.  Great smallmouth bass bite up and down the river.  Sturgeon “keep” season is now open through Sep. 30th.  

Up at the NW Angle, water temperature is near 73 degrees.  The north and west side of Little Oak has been producing good numbers of saugers and walleyes in depths of 25 to 30 feet. Work the offshore reefs and humps using spinners and bottom bouncers with crawlers, or a jig and minnow combination, as the majority of fish have moved off the larger islands onto the mid-lake structure. The southwest side of Oak and the areas around Four Blocks were also good producers this week. Gold, pink and orange are top color choices. On the Canadian side, the offshore reefs and humps around Bishop Bay, Deepwater Bay, and Massacre Island have been giving up fish in 18-30 feet.  Muskie action is on fire with some fish topping 50 inches. Shallow rocks seems best with bucktails and topwater baits.  Smallie, pike action strong and a emergence of jumbo perch this week.  Resorts, guides, and local events at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.