Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

Starting with lake… ice took a beating by Mother Nature this weekend.  Large cracks on the lake with thin and soft ice near shore. Lots of ice on the lake once out. Safety first. Ice roads [...]

The walleye/sauger season closed April 14th with a bang.  Strong numbers of big walleyes caught on the Rainy River this past week.  Rainy River setting up very nicely for MN Fishing Opener May [...]

Ice fishing on the lake doing well. Reefs near Arnesen’s and Long Point producing some nice keepers. Some big walleyes being caught along Pine Island.  Rattles working well on all [...]

Ice fishing on the lake heated up this week. Reefs to the west produced some nice fish as did areas adjacent to the south shore. Shallows overall producing nicely for the morning / evening bite.  [...]

Just like that we are in the final week of fish houses on the ice as last day is March 31. Walleye season will remain open through April 14. Some anglers on the ice, others on the river in a [...]

Fishing reports all over the board this week. Some anglers filling the bucket, while others getting just enough for dinner.  Lots of little fish to sort through with a lot of small fish in the [...]

As we roll through March fishing has heated up.  Electronics helpful.  Some fish are aggressive and others must be enticed. Most resorts are out in 24-33′ and continue to push shallower. [...]

Fish activity increasing as we roll into March. The fish have always been there but temperamental. Stable weather helpful. As always, some houses doing better than others  and some days better [...]

Fishing reports last week, good days and OK days. Some schools aggressive and attack the jig, some window watchers following jig through water column, and some just crusing through. Electronics [...]

Weather forecast looks to be consistent starting Wednesday with average temps in the  mid 20’s. Consistency typically good.  Right now anglers are working fish hard and putting fish in the [...]

Finally warmer temperatures to begin on Tuesday. With subzero weather, fishing was challenging so working every fish was crucial. Electronics key. Resorts fishing in deep mud in 30-33′ [...]

Beautiful keeper walleyes and saugers coming in to fish cleaning houses. When fish are tight lipped, anglers who work baits constantly and use electronics are finding more success than those who [...]

A cold front moved in which made walleyes a bit more lethargic for a bit so anglers are having to work every fish with nice fish being caught. Resorts primarily fishing 24-32′. Long Point [...]

A nice bite continues with anglers catching all sizes of walleyes and saugers.  Most of the action on the south shore is in 24-30′ of water.  Daytime bite continues thanks to stained waters [...]

The arctic temperatures have moved on for now. Fishing is good and fish cleaning houses are busy!  Ice roads permitting trucks and sleepers.  Walleyes continue to spread out and resorts and [...]

Sub zero temps making great ice. In the Pine Island, Bostic Bay, and Morris Point area there is an average of 18 inches of ice and are letting out most all vehicles and houses. In other areas, [...]

Ice fishing continues to be very good. On the south shore fishing Big Traverse Bay, nice mix of walleyes and saugers in 20 – 28′. Varying ice conditions all over the lake so please go [...]

Ice fishing continues to be very, very good. The morning bite has been great for walleyes and then the bite turns to more saugers with some walleyes mixed in for the afternoon. Varying ice [...]

Ice fishing is on fire right now. Varying ice conditions all over the lake so please go through a resort and use the ice roads as they are checked daily. Water clarity is good. Trails are staked [...]

The wait may be over soon for cold temperatures to create more ice. Varying ice conditions to report currently. Water clarity appears good.  Resorts are out measuring ice thickness and assessing [...]

The lake locked up with ice but still a few open spots.  Some local guides have ventured out finding varying ice conditions.  So far, a bit of rough ice near shore but not bad.  Water clarity [...]

The wait for the lake to get entirely locked up with ice continues. Good sections of ice with pockets of open water.  This time of year, this is common based on direction of wind.  Everyone [...]

The wait for ice fishing has begun. The lake has ice stretching as far as the eye can see from the south shore.  The Rainy River has a skim of ice across it with only a few open areas left. All [...]

Some nice walleyes being caught despite very cold temps and opening of MN deer hunting season.  Ice is forming on back bays, not on the lake yet.  It won’t be long.  For the few anglers [...]

The walleye bite continues strong as a taste of winter weather moved in over the weekend! Hearty fall anglers finding good fish.  On the main lake, anglers sorting through a lot of fish and [...]

The walleye bite is good! Lots of small saugers and walleyes to sort through to find good eaters. Walleyes are staged in front of Pine Island, Zippel Bay, Long Point, Graceton Beach and the Gap [...]

The walleye bite remains strong!  Report is very similar to last weeks. Walleyes are staged in front of Pine Island, Graceton Beach and Zippel Bay in 18-30′.  Anglers sorting through a few [...]

The walleye bite is on!  Walleyes increasing in numbers still along the south shore, Long Point, Zippel Bay, Lighthouse Gap, Four Mile Bay and in river.  Anglers picking through small fish to [...]

Fishing is excellent!  Walleyes in good numbers along the south shore, Long Point, Zippel Bay, Lighthouse Gap, Four Mile Bay and in river.  Anglers filling livewells. Walleyes are fat, full of [...]

Lighthouse Gap and along the south shore continues to gain steam and numbers of walleyes. As the shiners push shallow and into the Rainy River the walleyes are hot on their heels.  Charter boats [...]

There has been great walleye action right outside the Lighthouse Gap and along the south shore in anywhere from 11-17 feet of water.  Charter boats have still been fishing all parts of the lake. [...]

As the water temperature continue to drop the walleyes have in turn put the feed bags on. Lots of shiners have made there way closer to shore and lighthouse gap for the spawn. Walleyes caught [...]

Fall temperatures are here and excellent fall fishing has come with it. Good numbers of walleyes moving closer to shorelines.  Walleyes in front of Lighthouse Gap increasing. Crankbaits and [...]

A hint of fall in the air with some low 40’s air temps this week.  Excellent walleye fishing continues with limits the norm. Lots of fish of all sizes but a spike in walleyes over 28″ [...]

Fishing is going excellent. Lots of fish of all sizes. Spinners with crawlers and pulling crankbaits in the mud in 28-31 ft still doing the best. Areas south of Garden Island great. Reefs on [...]

The bite is on and good numbers of walleyes and saugers being boated daily. Lots of big fish. Spinners with crawlers and pulling crankbaits in the mud in 28-31 ft doing very well. The area [...]

If you like big walleyes, the bite is on.  Spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits in 28-31 ft pulling numbers of fish and big fish. Deep mud (no man’s land) and deep reefs [...]

Late summer fishing on Lake of the Woods is famous for walleyes, muskies, bass and pike and if the last week of July is any indication, August is going to be epic. Spinners with leeches, [...]

Everything is building up for a great end of July and August fishing on Lake of the Woods. Spinners with leeches, crawlers, or minnows in 15 feet and out to 31 feet catching walleyes and saugers. [...]

Full coolers and big smiles were the theme this week as walleye fishing remains hot. Spinners with crawlers or minnows are putting lots of fish in the boat in 16-30 ft. Gold, glow and bright [...]

Many limits this week as the bite remains excellent.  Jig/minnow or jig/leech and bouncers with spinners with crawlers or minnows remaining a great tactic to land fish. Gold, glow and bright [...]

Good numbers of nice walleyes and sauger this week.  Jig/minnow or jig/leech and bouncers with spinners with crawlers or minnows still producing a lot of fish. Gold, glow and bright colors doing [...]

Excellent summer fishing.  Charters catching strong numbers.  Jig/minnow or jig/leech and bouncers with spinners with crawlers or minnows still producing walleyes. When the wind is right for [...]

Overall, a great week of fishing.  High winds and storms early to the middle of last week made fishing difficult at times. Dirty water from the winds didn’t help fishing but the storms have [...]

Strong numbers of walleyes and saugers all over the lake being caught with many different tactics.  Key depths between 18-30′ of water. Jig and a frozen shiner or leech and pulling spinners [...]

An incredible week of walleye fishing on the big pond.  Strong numbers of walleyes and saugers continue.  Lots of walleyes and saugers being caught with anglers catching and enjoying across the [...]

Memorial weekend proved to be a great fishing weekend.  Fishing remained consistently good.  Big numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught.  Small fish, keeper walleyes and saugers and some [...]

Another great week to start off the open water fishing season! Fishing has been consistent even with the ever changing weather last week. Some boats still catching over 100 fish in a day, weeding [...]

The MN fishing opener was this past weekend was excellent. Some boats caught over 100 fish in a day. Fish ranged in size from small all the way to trophy walleyes. Weeding through small fish to [...]

The MN fishing opener is this Saturday, May 13th. Anglers looking to strike LOW gold this this weekend should use a 1/4- 3/4 ounce jig (depending upon current, no current, depth) with a shiner or [...]

Finally some warmer days again after a spring snowfall this week! Many big sturgeon boated up and down the river this week.  Fish different holes until you find fish as one day one hole may be [...]

Many big sturgeon boated this past week again.  Has been a great year for sturgeon so far up and down the river.  Fish different holes until you find fish.  Use a 3 ounce no roll sinker, a 1-1.5 [...]

The spring walleye season closed with a bang as the water cleared up and the fish had the feed bags on with walleyes and saugers of all sizes boated. Now that walleye season is closed until the [...]

The lake is open up to one mile outside of Lighthouse and Morris Gap. Water depth hasn’t been an issue lately. Walleyes of all sizes with good eaters, small ones and some nice slot fish [...]

The ice fishing season has come to an end for our area with the last couple resorts shutting it down because of deteriorating ice. Thank you everyone for making this ice season one for the ages. [...]

Ice is good in some areas of main lake but bad in areas with moving water / springs. All resort / outfitter access’s are closed to vehicles but some are open to four-wheelers. side by [...]

Ice continues to be good with 24-27 inches in most areas.  As always, use a resort or outfitter road for safety as they are monitored daily.  Some resorts have pulled houses, some still have [...]

Ice continues to be good with 24-34 inches in most areas.  As always, use a resort or outfitter road for safety as they are monitored.  Bite varies daily but good catch rate most days. Fish are [...]

Our ice remains 24-30 inches and with single digit nights coming up in the back half of the week.  Ice fishing in full swing.  A very active bite continues.  In some areas, anglers are having to [...]

With ice as thick as 24-30 inches and long range forecast for freezing temps, ice fishing season through March in good shape. Roads have smoothed out from the warmer weather and now freezing [...]

Sonar units continue to be an anglers best friend. Still some suspended fish out there. Working every fish hard is key. Some fish are players and some pretenders. A good tullibee and perch bite [...]

Resorts are on the move to stay on fish. The bite has been good overall. Working every fish is a must! The anglers working a jigging spoon with a rattle and a dead stick are being rewarded.  Key [...]

The anglers working their one two punch of a jigging line and a dead stick are being rewarded.  Good reports continue.   Most catching in 29-31 ft with glow red, pink and gold with a rattle on [...]

Resorts moving around to stay on walleyes.  Another great fishing week.  Warm weather and a lot of fish.  Most catching in 29-31 ft with glow red, chartreuse, pink and gold with a rattle on [...]

Great ice fishing continues on Lake of the Woods. The key depth’s are 28 – 31 ft with glow red, pink and gold overall best colors.  Walleyes and saugers mix with some jumbo perch, [...]

Ice fishing has heated back up quickly with stable weather. The key depth’s remain 24 – 31 ft and glow red, pink and gold.  A one-two punch of jigging with a rattle spoon tipped with [...]

On the main lake, Big Traverse Bay…  Ice fishing is in full swing and fishing is good. The key depth’s are 24 – 31 ft and glow red, pink and gold are good colors to start with.  [...]

Ice fishing is in full swing and remains excellent. The key depth’s are 20 – 25 ft and glow red or pink rattle spoons tipped with a minnow head or tail has been the best for the [...]

Fishing so far is excellent. The key depth’s are 20 – 25 ft and glow red or pink rattle spoons tipped with a minnow head or tail has been the best for the jigging line.  Use a plain [...]

The main lake is frozen over and making ice.  Resorts and guides are out checking ice daily. As of now the ice varies quite a bit. If the forecast remains the same, some resorts hoping fish [...]

The walleyes continue to chow in the lake and river. Some very good days recently with a strong bite in the morning and evening. Those who have not put away the boat are getting rewarded. [...]

Strong late fall fishing continues for anglers who have been out.  Deer hunting and colder temps have kept many off of the water but now is excellent fishing if you dress warm! Many hawg walleyes [...]

Fishing continues to be steady with some hog walleyes reaching over 30″ boated.  Lots of fish all along south shore from the gap to Morris Point to Rocky Point.. 15-20 feet of water is [...]

Excellent fall fishing continues.  Lots of fish in front of the gap and Pine Island.  Anglers have been catching walleyes, saugers, and perch in 15-20 feet on the lake. Action has been hot with [...]

Some of the best fishing of the year taking place as we head into deer hunting opener this weekend in MN.  Anglers have been catching walleyes, saugers, and perch in 15-20 feet on the lake. [...]

Excellent fall fishing continues!  Walleye in 15-25 feet of water with a jig and a minnow all along south shore, Pine Island, Long Point, Zippel Bay and up north near Garden, Knight Bridges [...]

The fall bite is on!  Great fishing continues in 15-25 feet of water with a jig and a minnow all along south shore, Pine Island, Long Point, Zippel Bay and up north near Knight and Bridges and NW [...]

Just like that another fall weekend goes by. Walleyes and saugers have the feed bag on! 15-25 feet of water with a jig and a minnow is the ticket. Hot colors are bright colors especially when its [...]

The fall bite is on.  Anglers are catching walleyes at many spots along the south shore including Long Point, Zippel Bay, Pine Island and the Lighthouse Gap. Key depths vary based on clarity of [...]

Walleyes and Saugers continue to move closer to the south shore. Good fishing in 23 feet of water outside the Lighthouse gap and all along the south shore. Shiner minnows in the area keeping [...]

Still big schools of walleyes, saugers and bait roaming the middle section of Big Traverse Bay from west to east part of lake.  Use electronics to locate fish.  Most anglers pulling crankbaits [...]

The fish are on the move! Good numbers showing up on the south shore. Charters targeting the south shore and the catch rate has been strong. Jig bite is on the rise tipped with a shiner. Drifting [...]

September has arrived along with cooler nights.  Having options on Lake of the Woods right now will improve your chances of boating more fish. Trolling crankbaits in 30-34′ 10 miles out of [...]

Great August fishing continues. Trolling crankbaits in 30-34′ is the most popular approach producing many nice fish. Different colors work on different days. Chrome, red, and white are good [...]

Walleye fishing continues to be good as the walleyes have the feed bags on.  Water temps starting to slowly cool.  Drifting with spinners, anchoring and jigging, and downrigging crankbaits all [...]

Walleye fishing was awesome this past week. Minimal wind and lots of sun allowed anglers to go anywhere and fish any tactic they wished. Drifting with spinners, anchoring and jigging, and [...]

Walleye fishing continues to be consistent with most getting limits. Drifting on sand flats in the right wind, anchoring near or on rock piles and jigging, and of course pulling cranks in the [...]

Strong bite continues both bait fishing and trolling crankbaits. Resorts jig fishing, drifting spinners and downrigging with crankbaits. Schools of fish in the basin in 28-32 feet giving up good [...]

Fish are active and there are limits to be had. Resorts are downrigging with crankbaits, jig fishing and drifting spinners. Schools of fish in the middle of the lake in 28-32 feet being targeted [...]

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 [...]

Guides and anglers are on good fish.  Lake of the Woods is known for excellent July and August fishing, and so far fish are cooperating nicely. Many resorts are downrigging as pulling crankbaits [...]

Excellent fishing continued through the holiday weekend. Pulling spinners, jigging, and pulling cranks all worked.  10-19 feet while pulling spinners tipped with a crawler or leech.  Anchoring [...]

Fishing continues to be strong.  Despite some summer weather systems moving through this past week, anglers still catching fish.  Pulling spinners working the best.  8-17 feet while pulling [...]

Fishing is in full swing.  Numerous weather systems moved through this past week but anglers were still on fish.  The fishing has remained steady with pulling spinners working the best.  8-17 [...]

A great week of fishing despite varying weather conditions. Despite the weather, the fish still ate.  Jig and minnow is still best tactic but pulling spinners is gaining. Guides are finding fish. [...]

Lots of fish to be had all around the lake. June showers were abundant but that didn’t seem to faze the fish. Jig and minnow remains top dog as far as tactics go. Guides are on fish. Depths in [...]

Mother Nature offered many different weather conditions this weekend for anglers but the fish didn’t seem to mind. Fish still seem to be scattered around the lake but the reefs are picking up. [...]

With temperatures doubled from the previous weekend, anglers found walleyes very cooperative. Fish are biting, finding the active schools is key. Guides are scattered all over the lake finding [...]

The MN fishing opener presented cold weather and wind making fishing challenging at times but that didn’t deter most anglers who chose 4 mile bay and the Rainy River to avoid some of the [...]

Minnesota fishing opener opens Saturday, May 14 and walleye numbers are exceptional on The Walleye Capital of the World. The opener is traditionally very successful with most anglers jigging with [...]

The weather was beautiful this weekend besides some wind at times. Pike fishing was good with reports of big fish in the bays.  Using  a frozen cisco just off or on bottom worked best as the fish [...]

Anglers had to deal with lots of rain and colder weather this weekend up on Lake of the Woods. Pike fishing was decent with some reports of big fish in the bays. Big pike over 40″ are [...]

The spring walleye season ended in a big way. Lots of boats with lots of success. The river was full of walleyes. Largest we heard of was over 32″! Walleye season opens back up May 14. [...]

Walleye fishing improving as we inch closer to the end of the walleye season on April 14th. Being aggressive was not working as well as a slow presentation in the cold 37° water.  Some trophy [...]

The main lake is continues to open up and the Rainy River is cutting away at the ice just past light house gap. The river is cleaning up as well.  We continued to see success with the walleye [...]