Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report 11/4/2025
4 weeks ago by Chris Munchow
Modified Nov 4th, 2025 at 10:58 AM
On the South End… A strong late-fall walleye and sauger bite continues across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Fish are staged and hungry, setting up beautifully for the start of the upcoming ice fishing season. 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.
The best action remains in 15–25 feet of water along traditional fall locations from Pine Island to Morris Point Gap, Zippel Bay, Long Point, and over to Twin Islands. The water temperature has dropped to 45°F, and fish are actively feeding as they transition into winter patterns.
Vertical jigging with a frozen or live minnow continues to be the top presentation. Gold, orange, and glow colors remain productive, with combinations of gold/orange and pink doing especially well. Some anglers are still covering water by trolling crankbaits, but most agree the jig bite is unbeatable right now.
The fall fishing is consistent and action-packed — expect a nice mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, perch, and occasional pike. This bite is also setting the stage for what looks to be another excellent early ice season!
On the Rainy River… Good numbers of walleyes have moved into the Rainy River and fishing has been strong. Anglers are catching a nice mix of “eaters” along with slot fish (19.5–28 inches). A jig and minnow remains the go-to bait choice, and anglers are focusing on current breaks, deeper holes, and river bends.
As tradition goes, the deer hunting season timeframe often produces some of the biggest walleyes of the year — while some folks are in a tree, others are on the river catching trophies!
Up at the Northwest Angle… Once again, fishing is excellent. Walleyes are stacked up on points, reefs, and mud-to-rock transitions, and when you find them, it’s game on. A simple jig and minnow is all you need for steady action on both walleyes and saugers, along with perch, crappies, and pike.
Anglers are reporting strong numbers of fish across both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the islands. Resorts and guides continue to offer lodging, late-fall open-water trips, and upcoming ice fishing packages as the season shifts.
More info, lodging options, and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.