On the south end… The traditional fall jig bite for walleyes is in full swing. There are various schools located across the south shore. Anglers catching good numbers of walleyes just outside the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods, in front of Zippel Bay and around Long Point. Depths of 22-28′, anchored up and jigging with a fathead or frozen shiners has been successful. Anglers going through a lot of fish, sorting through lots of smalls to ultimately get nice eaters. A lot of action. Some anglers still drifting spinners with a minnow or crawler with success. Some good walleye reports also from Four Mile Bay in 10-15′.
On the Rainy River… Intermittent runs of emerald shiners have entered the river as have some walleyes. Mixed reports by anglers, as the big run hasn’t happened yet. Typically activity increases as water cools. Current on the river is low. Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners, although trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses are still effective. Sturgeon anglers focusing on deeper holes with a sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers and shiners. Pike showing hanging on weed edges.
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.
The foliage is beautiful and the walleye fishing is good. Jigging with a minnow on structure in 10 – 15′ and 21 – 27′ effective. Gold, orange and glow colors great choices. Water temps in the low 60’s. A nice mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and smallmouth. Muskie anglers reporting nice fish as well.
Last modified: 10/01/2020
