Why Anglers Should Head to Lake of the Woods and Rainy River During Deer Hunting Season

Deer hunting season is nearly here, and for many outdoor enthusiasts, it brings an annual dilemma: to hunt or to fish? While Minnesota’s deer hunting season is a tradition passed down through generations, there’s another activity competing for attention in the north woods—walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. This time of year presents a unique opportunity for anglers to catch some of the largest walleyes of the season, all while others are occupied in deer stands. If you’re an angler—or even a hunter who’s already filled your tag—there’s no better place to be than these world-class fishing waters.

A Bounty of Walleyes During the Fall

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are famous for their autumn walleye runs. In late October, emerald shiners, a small baitfish, begin their spawning run up the Rainy River. As they move upstream, they draw in schools of hungry walleyes, creating one of the most exciting fishing windows of the year. Walleyes chase these shiners aggressively, giving anglers the chance to hook into trophy-sized fish.

This “walleye run” is no secret among seasoned anglers. Each year, as deer hunters prepare to take to the woods, those who prefer to fish—or those who bag their deer early—find themselves reaping the rewards on the water. The walleyes that are caught during deer hunting week are often some of the biggest and most impressive of the season. The combination of cooler water temperatures, abundant baitfish, and fewer crowds makes this time perfect for landing your next personal best.

Why Choose Fishing Over Deer Hunting?

For those torn between hunting and fishing, it’s important to remember that deer hunting season is relatively short and steeped in tradition. For many, it’s a non-negotiable event. However, if you’re someone who either doesn’t hunt, or if you’ve already had success in the woods, the opportunity to switch gears and enjoy some of the finest walleye fishing of the year is too good to pass up.

The great news is that Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are both fishing hot spots this time of year, with reports of strong walleye activity. Anglers have been catching walleyes in front of Pine Island in about 20 feet of water, as large schools of these fish are feeding on shiners. Whether you prefer jigging or trolling with crankbaits, you’ll find success as these fish are actively feeding in preparation for the winter months.

The Rainy River: A Prime Spot for Fall Walleyes

The Rainy River stretches over 40 miles, from 4 Mile Bay near Lake of the Woods all the way to Birchdale, offering anglers plenty of room to find a quiet, productive spot. Walleye fishing on the river can be fast and furious, and the chance of landing a trophy fish is always high. Anglers have reported catching fish throughout the river system, making it an excellent alternative if you want to avoid the open waters of the lake or if the weather conditions aren’t ideal.

Many anglers choose to jig while targeting these fish in the river. Live bait, particularly shiners or minnows, are popular choices, but artificial jigs work just as well. For those who prefer covering more ground, trolling crankbaits is another effective method. Both techniques have proven successful in recent weeks, and the fishing is only expected to improve as the season progresses.

The Northwest Angle: A Hidden Gem

While Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are known for their fantastic walleye fishing, the Northwest Angle offers even more opportunities for anglers this time of year. The Angle is famous for not only walleyes but also muskies and crappies. Many anglers travel to the Angle specifically for the chance to catch a monster muskie. Fall is prime muskie season, and fish over 50 inches are common. Anglers can either cast or troll for muskies, with both techniques producing impressive results.

For those interested in panfish, fall crappie fishing at the Angle is exceptional. The crappies tend to school up, with most fish falling in the 11 to 15-inch range, making for a fun and rewarding day on the water. It’s not uncommon to pull in a few 14-inch slabs, which are the kind of fish crappie anglers dream about.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity

The combination of a strong walleye bite and the relative quietness on the lake during deer hunting season creates the perfect conditions for a successful fishing trip. Many hunters are in the woods, which means fewer boats on the water and less competition at the boat ramps. You’ll have more of the lake to yourself, which can make the experience even more enjoyable.

For those traveling to Lake of the Woods or the Rainy River during this time, local resorts are well-prepared to welcome both hunters and anglers. Accommodations, bait, and guides are available to ensure your trip is a success, whether you’re on the hunt for a trophy walleye or simply want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the area.

The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you’re a dedicated angler or a hunter looking for a change of pace after a successful day in the stand, the fall walleye run on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. With the chance to catch some of the biggest walleyes of the year, and the beautiful fall scenery, it’s no wonder so many outdoors enthusiasts choose to spend their time on the water during deer season.

So, this November, if you’re in the north woods, why not take advantage of the amazing fishing opportunities that Lake of the Woods has to offer? You just might catch the walleye of a lifetime.