Summer fishing on the big waters of Lake of The Woods means flexibility. Fishing has remined good throughout the week especially when Mother Nature tosses us a front or a low steady wind (5-10 mph). The wind helps with a drift and bait presentation which combined will entice a bite. Flexibility is defined by what to use and where to use it. The drift helps cover water to find the hungry fish and then what they bite can be honed in.
Most anglers have been chasing the charter fleets to deeper waters (19 – 35 feet). Most are jigging with frozen shiners and live fathead minnows. Both have produced good numbers of fish this week. Some have switched it up and went to leaches on the jig with good results. As the water temp rises, so will the chances of catching big walleye on night crawlers and leaches.
Moving in shallow and finding mud flats while using a spinner harness rigged with a leach will also produce larger catch numbers. If fishing shallower is your game, finding sandy bottoms like out in front of Pine Island or to one side or the other of the gap – this is where the Rainy River flows into Lake of The Woods – can also produce not only larger catches but larger fish. In these areas, experienced anglers will long line troll #5 crank baits in 6 – 9 feet of water. Not only are you covering more water, but you are almost always guaranteed to catch a mixed bag of fish including large smallmouth. Not exactly what you may be targeting, but a good fight and fun to catch, nevertheless.
Colors seemingly remain the same of gold, glow, pink, orange or silver and blue. These colors are the most used go-to on these waters. I say, shake it up. Use a color that looks like the natural forage. Mayfly nymph (brown) or crawfish (orange & brown) I have personally found to produce just as many if not more fish and trophy walleye depending on where I am fishing.
Don’t boat over fish on the Rainy River and not give them a try. Walleye are being caught in good numbers using all of the above methods. Look for current breaks and holes as that is where most fish will be holding. Pitching crank baits and even a twister tail rig will produce nice fish. Look for weedy edges and structure. And speaking of structure, if you find structure in deep holes … that my friend is sturgeon.
If you are in the area and have calm conditions or otherwise have a boat that can handle the big water, head north to the Angle. Musky season opens on June 19th. If you are planning on charting a trip with us, ask your captain about the Angle especially if you have never been to those waters of Lake of The Woods.
Don’t forget you can book your cabin online or give us a call here at River Bend Resort and one of our booking agents will be more than happy to assist you.
Until next week … Keep a Tight Line! Bugs & Fishes ≤º))~{
