On the South Shore… The jig bite continues to be on fire this week on Lake of the Woods! Anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in a variety of depths across ...more the south shore. Depending on the forage they’re following, some fish are being found in as shallow as 8 feet of water and others out to 31 feet. The mid-range depths of 23 to 28 feet have been especially productive. The lake offers a mix of bottom types and structure, and walleyes are showing up on all of it, relating to different forage opportunities. Sand, mud, and rock are all holding fish right now. Anglers are catching fish in shallower water relating to sand, deeper mud flats, and rocky structure in depths ranging from 6 to 29 feet. The go-to method continues to be anchoring up or spot locking and jigging a minnow. A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner has been very effective. As always, bright colors are key in the stained waters of LOW—gold, chartreuse, pink, orange, and glow, or a combination of these colors are all producing. If you’re fishing with a group, it helps to mix up colors and types of minnows to figure out what the fish prefer that day. Frozen emerald shiners are the top bait, but lively fatheads and rainbows are also catching plenty of fish. Some bonus pike continue to be caught, including by unsuspecting walleye anglers. While many pike have moved into the main lake, there are still some fish lingering in the shallows. If you enjoy chasing big northern pike, now is a great time. Anglers are reminded that the combined walleye and sauger limit on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is 6 fish, with up to 4 being walleyes. All fish between 19.5 and 28 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches can be kept per day. On the Rainy River… The Rainy River continues to give up some nice walleyes. With water temps climbing and the current still moving, a 3/4 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is working great. Most anglers are vertically jigging in deeper holes or just off the main channel. Four Mile Bay has produced some solid bites, especially when fishing the edges of the channel and slowing things down. Some anglers are switching things up and using spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or trolling shallow diving crankbaits. Both methods allow you to cover water and find active fish. For a fun change of pace, try casting crankbaits, swim jigs, or spinnerbaits along the shoreline, around docks, or into the bays. You’ll catch walleyes, smallmouth bass, pike, and maybe even a surprise or two. The sturgeon season is currently closed but will reopen on July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per calendar year, either 45–50 inches or over 75 inches. Up at the Northwest Angle… Excellent fishing continues up at the Northwest Angle. Walleyes are being found in 12–18 feet of water, particularly off of shoreline structure, points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite remains strong, with most anglers anchoring up and working rock or sand transitions. In addition to jigging, trolling crankbaits along shallow shoreline structure in 6 to 9 feet of water has been productive and will most definitely produce a mixed bag. Focus on "fishy" spots such as points and rock rubble areas. Trolling cranks allows anglers to cover water and find active fish feeding on the move. As always, anglers are catching a mix of species at the Angle, in addition to walleyes and saugers, jumbo perch, northern pike, and smallmouth bass are in good numbers. The muskie opener is right around the corner—June 21st for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5. With good water conditions and lots of bait in the system, it’s shaping up to be another strong season. With so many fish being caught and great weather ahead, now is a great time to book a trip to Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re fishing with friends, family, or going solo, you’ll find great action and beautiful scenery. For more information on resorts, guides, charters, and trip planning, visit: LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
