On the South End – Big Traverse Bay It was another excellent week of fall walleye fishing on Big Traverse Bay. Good numbers of walleyes continue to hold over the ...more deep mud basin in 28–32 feet of water, and the bite has been very cooperative. Other reports show fish sliding up into 20–22 feet, which is typical as not every walleye in the system is keying in on the same food sources during this fall transition. Anglers are catching fish using a variety of techniques: Drifting or trolling spinners at 1.0–1.25 mph with crawlers has been very productive. Top spinner colors this week were gold/pink, gold/red, and silver/blue. Trolling crankbaits is also putting fish in the boat. Productive colors include gold, chrome/blue, chartreuse, pink, and firetiger. Covering water over the deep mud remains an effective approach. Some anglers are now anchoring up and jigging with a jig and frozen emerald shiner. Once a school of fish is located, this method allows anglers to sit tight and entice steady action. Jumbo perch remain a bonus catch, mixing in with the walleyes across the basin. Veterans attending the 12th annual Pay It Forward veterans event caught good numbers of walleyes this week, filling coolers of ice on charter boats along with some trophy fish. A walleye over 31 inches took big fish honors with a handful of walleyes over 28 inches in the mix as well. The Lake of the Woods wave buoys report water temps at 68 degrees. On the Rainy River Activity is picking up on the Rainy River. With cooling water temperatures, both walleyes and sturgeon are becoming more active. Anglers with dock lights are reporting increased shiner activity, a sure sign that the annual emerald shiner migration from the lake into the river is just beginning. Bird activity has also noticeably increased, another signal of bait movement. Walleyes are being caught jigging with minnows or by trolling crankbaits along current breaks and deeper holes. Sturgeon fishing has been solid as well—anchoring with a 3-ounce no-roll sinker and a sturgeon rig packed with crawlers continues to produce big fish. Some sturgeon over 60 inches along with many smaller fish in the mix as well. Sturgeon anglers report catching some walleyes and suckers while waiting for the sturgeon bite. Up at the NW Angle Fishing remains strong at the Angle, with good numbers of walleyes spread across the deep mud of Little Traverse Bay (east and NE of Little Oak Island). Covering water with spinners or crankbaits has been the best way to connect with pods of fish. Other productive areas include north of Garden Island and west of Little Oak Island, where anglers are finding walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch. On the Ontario side, jigging with frozen emerald shiners has been very effective. With 14,552 islands starting at the Angle and stretching into Ontario, anglers have countless spots holding walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, and jumbo perch. Muskie fishing has been consistent, with good numbers of fish reported boated this past week. As days shorten and water temperatures cool, the bite will only continue to improve. The Fall Outlook September and October are prime months for fishing on Lake of the Woods. Fish are actively feeding, water temperatures are dropping, and the scenery is unmatched as fall colors take hold. Whether chasing walleyes on the main lake, jigging the Rainy River, or casting for muskies at the Angle, anglers are set up for some of the best fishing of the year.
