On the south end… With water temps dropping, some beautiful walleyes caught this week. Walleyes being targeted using three methods, drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses, trolling crankbaits and vertical jigging. Walleyes are located in various areas of the lake, deep mud, shallow water adjacent shorelines and deep water reefs. As a rule, the larger walleyes have been over deep mud and deep structure. As fall progresses, walleyes will start getting schooled up in key areas along the south shore, in many cases relating to shiner runs.
On the Rainy River… Larger schools of shiners showing up in the river this week. Shiners showing up under dock lights at night and on the sonar of anglers in Four Mile Bay and the mouth of the river. Nice walleyes caught in the river this past week, but not the big numbers yet. Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners. Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses covering water is still effective. Sturgeon activity increased this past week as well. Various feeding windows throughout the day. Find a deep hole using a sturgeon rig (2-4 ounce no roll sinker with 18″ 60 lb test snell with a circle hook) loaded with crawlers and/or shiners.
Up at the NW Angle… Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake staying and fishing in MN waters. There are boat shuttle / passenger services available to the Angle. Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.
Good numbers of walleyes caught this week up at the Angle. Walleyes in 10 – 25′ being caught with spinners / crawlers or minnows and trolling crankbaits with some jigging activity on structure beginning as the waters cool. Muskies and big pike hitting spinners in bays and off of rocky points. Smallmouth bass on rock structure in 5-15′. Some big crappies and jumbo perch in the mix week as well.
Last modified: 09/20/2020
