Incredible Multi-species of Fish at Lake of the Woods/Rainy River

Lake of the Woods is the most fascinating lake around. Not only is the largest fresh-water lake besides the Great Lakes, but it is known for its healthy fishery and the multi-species of fish it contains. Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™, however, the fishery is not limited to only Walleye.

The Walleye’s first cousin is the Sauger. These fish are in great abundance and reproduce very quickly. They are smaller than the walleye usually but their taste is very similar to the walleye. Most people find it hard to tell the difference when on the same platter. They may be distinguished from walleyes by the distinctly spotted dorsal fin, by the lack of a white splotch on the back fin, by the rough skin over their gills, and by their generally more brassy color, or darker (almost black) color in some regions. The typical sauger is 300 to 400 g (11 to 14 oz) in weight.

Northern Pike inhabit these waters also and are extreme fighters in the water. These fish are quite tasty as well but most people don’t choose to eat them because of the massive amount of bones they have. Anglers here often refer to them as “slimers” and won’t even keep them. However, pike grow to trophy size and many anglers have their trophies mounted and hung on the wall. Multi-species!

In the northern part of the lake, especially on the Canadian side, Crappies are part of the multi-species available. Visitors to the Northwest Angle can find an abundance of these fish in their waters. The black crappie prefers deeper, cooler, clearer water than the white crappie and that’s what you find up north.

Crappie may compete with walleye to some degree because their habits are similar. Both species travel open water in schools, feeding on similar foods at night, dawn and dusk.

Another amazing multi-specie of fish is the Musky. This is found in the northern waters of the Northwest Angle also. These fish are giant fighters and they can be seriously huge. What a catch!!

Have you ever fished for Perch? Yes, these waters also contain yellow perch. The yellow perch is one of the most commonly caught fish in Minnesota. This smaller cousin of the walleye is good to eat and eagerly bites worms, but it often is so small that anglers throw them back into the water. See Larry Smith Outdoors and search for fishing at Lake of the Woods. Multi-species.

Perch are considered “panfish,” or fish commonly caught to be cooked in a frying pan and eaten. Very large perch have been caught in these waters, especially while anglers are ice fishing.  They seem to like the cold waters. Basically a miniature walleye, the perch is a great food fish. The fish is especially popular with out-of-state anglers such as those from North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, where perch are a highly desirable fish.

Another member of the multispecies, is the Smallmouth Bass. Now this is a newer feature of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. However, these fish are showing up both in the northern part of the lake and now also in the Rainy River during this fall season. These guys are fighters and are often caught using crankbaits. They are beautiful fish and lately have been caught in the 2+ pound size.

Are you hearing that it’s always an adventure when you come to the waters of Lake of the Woods?!?

At the current writing the emerald shiners are swarming to the waters of the Rainy River. When outfitters see swarms of shiners, they are convinced that the walleye feed will be very healthy. The shiners swim upstream in the Rainy to spawn. The hungry walleye chase after them for their great fall meals.

Anglers from all over come to the Rainy River for the fall fishing season.  Lines of vehicles and boat trailers adorn the small wayside rests and roads intersecting them. All the way to Birchdale and beyond the walleyes are chasing their meals. Large trophy walleye make their appearance and thrill the anglers that hit these waters.

Multi-species also include sturgeon. The fall season is known for seeing these prehistoric fish jumping up through the waters of the Rainy. What a thrill when you land one of these fish and believe me, it takes time and a lot of patience. Sturgeon is only catch and release during this time but it’s still a thrill when catching one. Some of them are huge and the numbers of them have increased in these waters in the last couple of years.

Here’s just a funny little thing but crayfish are also in these waters. Some sportsmen catch and eat these tiny creatures and comment that they are a delicacy. ???Who knows???

See what we mean when we say that fishing at Lake of the Woods offers the avid sportsman an incredible variety of multi-species. Come and catch any type of fish you’d like and change up the catch from day to day if you like.

Resorts are still open and welcoming both lake and river fishermen. For lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.

Find more information on fishing these waters at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fishing.

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