Looking back over this past week, temperatures remained steady in the 80’s, bugs hatched, and walleye fishing remained great. Looking forward, according to the current forecast we will see high 90’s over the holiday weekend and then a cool down as we enter into next week. All said and told, normal Lake of The Woods summertime conditions. With water temperatures hovering around 66ºf we will continue to see awesome fishing.
During the mayfly hatch anglers reported good catches using spinner rigs with crawlers. Over the mud flats where many of the walleye are found to be scattered, switching up the spinner with a leech was more effective. Jigging minnows on a brightly colored jig was also effective in many of the same areas. Colors this past week that were reported as the go-to were hammered gold, pink, and glow. Orange and brown that mimic the color of crawfish as well as the mayfly larva also did very well.
Moving off the flats and into shallow water 5 – 9 feet, longlining shallow diving crankbaits did the trick and produced a mixed bag of walleye and smallmouth as well as sauger. Many fish were found in the shallow depths near rock structure where much of the forage is found. No. 5 crankbaits of different assortment were used and not one stood out. It was reported to shake it up until you found what they wanted. Average speed of the troll was 2.5 – 3 mph.
Down rigging shallow diving crankbaits in deeper water across the lake landed some dandy trophy walleye. The lure that turned on was a shad blue/purple with a clear belly. The same speed of troll remained the same as in the shallower depths with many coming at the 3mph mark. The faster presentation enticed a nice bite with the bigger walleye.
The Rainy River continues to provide a mixed bag of walleye, sauger, smallmouth, pike and now that the season is open, surgeon. Walleye are found in current breaks and holes on the downward side of slopes. Pike are being found near the mouth of the river and in 4 Mile Bay near current breaks. The smallmouth are being targeting in traditional spots with structure like rocks, weedy edges and near the bridge pilings. Speaking of sturgeon, all that structure that your fish graph is seeing across the bottom of the deepest depths of the river are in fact sturgeon. No kidding. Drop down a bottom rig with a wad of nightcrawlers and hang on. The Rainy River will not disappoint the most seasoned angler.
Our call agents are waiting for your call and will assist you with booking your next trip to Lake of The Woods with River Bend Resort. If you are bringing your own boat, don’t forget you can book your cabin online through our website.
Until next week … Keep a Tight Line! Bugs & Fishes ≤º))~{
