On the south end…   With some unseasonably warm November weather, a few boats took advantage and got out fishing on the big lake.  Excellent walleye fishing for those who made it out in various areas along the south shore.  The magic depth was right around 25′ of water.

Schools of walleyes and saugers hanging tight chasing schools of shiners.  Jigging with emerald shiners while anchored up was working nicely.  Gold, pink, glow white or a combo of these colors were effective.

Resorts and outfitters are ready to start marking trails on the ice once the cold weather returns and sticks around for a while.  When ice forms and it is time to get out ice fishing, we encourage working through resorts and outfitters and staying on marked trails for safety.

On the Rainy River…   Shiners continue to run in the Rainy River in good numbers.  For the few out fishing this past week, great reports with nice walleyes being caught.  Weather has stabilized some, which always helps.  Prior to ice up is normally a very good time to fish the Rainy River.

Jigging with emerald shiners has also been catching the majority of fish in the river.  Target depths range from 8 – 24 feet of water.

The few sturgeon anglers out are reporting good fishing.  The river is still open and free of ice.

Up at the NW Angle…  With the warm up, there was some boat traffic around the Angle this past week, but it was minimal.  Most are preparing and looking forward to ice fishing.

Fall fishing was strong up at the NW Angle with good numbers of walleyes being caught.  With the strong fall fishing, anglers are looking forward to and optimistic about the coming ice fishing season.

Swing by the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show Dec 1 – 3, 2023.

Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages for the upcoming ice fishing season at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.