On the south end… A great week of walleye fishing as seasons are slowly starting the change up at Lake of the Woods. Trees are turning colors and waters are starting to cool. With a few windy days this week, anglers fished both along calmer shorelines and in the river finding some nice eaters for their efforts. Most walleyes are still being caught on crawler harnesses. Crankbaits are a good second choice. Walleyes are being caught in 7 – 15′ along shorelines and 24-36′ over mud. As a rule, the trophy fish have been over deep mud with the eaters being shallower. With colder nights and warmer days, water temps are starting to drop into the mid 60’s with jigging starting to turn on.
On the Rainy River… A fair number of small emerald shiners called “pinheads” in the river this week. More fishing activity as well with some nice walleyes caught. Most anglers are jigging with frozen shiners. Not a heavy run yet, but additional life for sure. Walleyes are scattered on flats and along breaks. Trolling crankbaits or crawler harnesses covering water is still effective. Anglers reporting a mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, smallmouth bass, pike and sturgeon. There are numerous boat accesses on the Rainy River from Wheeler’s Point at the mouth, Peace Park and Timbermill Park in Baudette, Vidas near Clementson, a bit further east Frontier and Nelson Park in Birchdale.
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.
Walleye fishing strong up at the Angle. Walleyes in 10 – 25′ being caught with spinners with crawlers or minnows, trolling crankbaits and even some jigging. Watch your electronics, scattered schools in many locations. Big pike being caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers. Muskies hitting spinners and top water in bays and rocky points. Smallmouth bass still on rocks in 5-15′.
Last modified: 09/10/2020
