LOTW Report 9/19/2010

[Border View Lodge]

The first day of autumn is coming up this week, which means fall fishing officially kicks off. The weather is certainly different than it was a year ago when water temperatures were in the 70s still. This year we’ve already seen some light frost and water temperatures are down in the mid 50s. The upcoming week’s forecast shows day time highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Those temperatures have been the trend for the month and are a sign fall is here to stay.

We are starting to hear more and more positive reports coming from the Rainy River. Although still spotty, some anglers are starting to have good luck chasing Walleyes in the river. Morning and evenings give you the best shot. Shiners are moving in, but so far it’s just smaller sized minnows. It won’t be long and the river bite should be ON! With that said, the best Walleye action is still out on the main lake. Water temperatures continue to drop and the fish are trending into their typical patterns for this time of year. Live bait fishing has been the way to go, along with a bit of downrigging still. We experienced mostly west and northwest winds this past week. Because of that, our guides have spent quite a bit of time fishing along Long Point and in the Zipple Bay area to get out of the wind some. Fishing action off of Pine Island and out from the Lighthouse Gap has been good too. That should continue through the fall as some of the lake Walleyes head for the river. A lot of guys are concentrating their efforts out in 30+ feet of water, but there is a good bite in shallower too. The lake is giving up a lot of quality keeper fish in the 16-19” range, along with a nice mix of slot fish and an occasional 8-10+ pound Walleye. These fish are well fed and are looking heavy right now! The Saugers have been on a feeding frenzy as of late. With great year classes the past few years, quite a bit of sorting is needed. 

There’s a bunch of teams staying at the resort this week that are pre-fishing for the Minnesota Tournament Trail Championship coming up on Thursday and Friday. Anglers that qualified for the two day event will be fishing for a new Skeeter boat, cash, and other sponsored prize items. Good luck to the field!


Fish On