Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report 9/18/23
Category: destinations
Sep 18th, 2023 by sworrall
Modified Sep 18th, 2023 at 2:53 PM
On the south end… Some great fall walleye fishing this past week on Lake of the Woods. September is a transition time, both for walleyes, bait, and what techniques they prefer.
Walleyes are being caught at many locations around the lake. The north end continues to be producing a good number of eater walleyes with the mixed in trophy. This part of the lake has been consistent all summer and now into the fall.
The south end of the lake is kicking out some nice limits as well, just have to find the fish. Electronics help of course, but so does covering water.
The two techniques to cover water are spinners / crawlers and crankbaits. Both are still producing fish. The third common technique that is starting to kick in more and more every week as the water cools is jigging with a frozen emerald shiner. Once you find the fish, this can be super effective.
Most fish are being caught in 18 – 32 feet, depending upon where you are fishing. There can be a morning / evening bite along the shoreline areas which is worth exploring. The shallower water can also light up during the day if bait is present.
Areas throughout the lake with rock hold nice numbers of smallmouth bass. The south shore between Long Point and Morris Point has many scattered areas with rock as does the areas around Knight, Bridges and Garden Islands.
Saugers, big pike, jumbo perch and a few crappies in the mix of walleyes throughout a day of fishing.
On the Rainy River… Some good fishing in the Rainy River right now. Walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, sturgeon, suckers and bullheads are all in the mix, depending upon what technique(s) you are using.
Walleyes continue to be caught in Four Mile Bay, along various shoreline breaks, bars and other pieces of structure up and down the river. Trolling spinners and trolling crankbaits continues to be effective. Many anglers are jigging key areas and success. It will get even better as the waters continue to cool.
Pike and smallmouth bass are being caught casting shorelines, bays and areas with rock or structure.
Sturgeon activity is also getting better. Fall sturgeon fishing is normally excellent. The sturgeon season is open through the winter into the spring.Up at the NW Angle… The NW Angle is putting out some nice fish. Most anglers are targeting walleyes, but crappies and muskies are favorite species as well during the fall months.
Walleyes are hanging out on points, reefs, flats and neck down areas with current. Good reports are coming from anglers using jigs, spinners and crankbaits. Some anglers swear by a jig and plastic or minnow. Others believe moving around with a spinner or crankbait is most productive. All three methods are catching fish.
Crappies are being found in 20 – 30 feet off of points and around brush piles. Electronics helps to find the schools.
Casting shorelines this time of year will put a plethora of species in the boat and is very enjoyable. Crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, inline spinners and bladed jigs are all good lures to work shorelines.
Muskies have been active. Great reports as most muskie anglers fish just over the border from the Angle. With 14,552 islands, lots of spots, lots of fish. .Lodging, fishing and meal packages for fall and winter at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/