On the South End…  Very few anglers out fishing despite the unseasonably mild weather this past week.  Some might be deer hunting in WI, others getting ready for Thanksgiving and winter.  Those out, as were rewarded with nice catches of walleyes.

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.  The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water. Vertical jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or live minnow continues to be the top presentation.

The water temperature has dropped to 36°F and is poised to turn into hard water with the upcoming low temperatures in the forecast.  The temps drop into the single digits this coming weekend.  This will most likely allow spear houses for pike to get out in back bays in the near future.  Resorts will keep us posted on specific ice conditions and when they start allowing traffic on their marked trails.

On the Rainy River…  A few boats on the Rainy River, but this time of year to have the chance still of open water is rare.  Walleye fishing continues to be very good in the Rainy River with lots of fish in the river.  A jig and minnow remains the go-to, and anglers are focusing on edges that walleyes follow, current breaks, and deeper holes.

Anglers are certainly looking ahead to ice fishing.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Some back bays and marinas with ice.  Other areas with thin ice popped open with the warm temps.  This will all get locked up again very soon.  All part of the progression as there is a bit of late fall fishing going on, but most are looking forward to ice fishing.

The cold weather in the forecast is welcomed by resorts, outfitters and ice anglers alike.  It won’t be long, stay tuned!

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