On the South End…  A very similar fishing report to last week as it’s late fall, rifle shots ring out periodically as hunters harvest whitetail deer around the area and just a few anglers are taking advantage of the late fall bite.

The walleye and sauger bite continues across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Fish continue to be staged in various areas along the south shore and are biting.  Not many are fishing this time of year as the traditional firearms deer hunting season is in progress in MN.

The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water. The water temperature has dropped to 40°F, and the fish are active.

Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or live minnow continues to be the top presentation. Gold, orange, pink and glow colors remain strong.

Ice is showing up in harbors and back bays.  On average, ice fishing kicks off around December 10, though Mother Nature will ultimately decide when it’s time. Resort guides and outfitters who work the ice daily will monitor conditions closely and let everyone know when the ice they’re on is ready.

On the Rainy River…  Walleye fishing continues to be very good in the Rainy River. A nice mix of “eaters” along with slot fish and a few trophies being caught.  A jig and minnow remains the go-to, and anglers are focusing on edges that walleyes follow, current breaks, and deeper holes.

Those who fish during the deer hunting season are often rewarded and we heard that again this past week.  Good numbers of walleyes were consistently in the report.

Some thin ice is appearing on parts of the the river as of 11-18-25.  Anglers are certainly looking ahead to ice fishing.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Some back bays and marinas with ice this past week.  All part of the progression as there is a bit of late fall fishing going on, but most are looking forward to ice fishing.

For those getting on the water still, good numbers of walleyes are being caught on both sides of the border.  Location of the fish is setting up nicely for ice fishing.  It won’t be long!

Check out info about Lake of the Woods ice fishing on our new ice fishing page at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/.