Anchored Up and Jigging for the Catch

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the south end...  The jig bite has begun and walleyes and saugers are cooperating very nicely.  The walleyes continue to transition to fall locations including in 25-30' in front of Pine Island and west along the south shore have been hot. 

A nice mix of walleyes and saugers with perch and pike mixed in.  Lots of good eaters along with some sorting of smaller fish.  Most anglers anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner.  Strong jig colors, gold, orange, glow white, pink or a combo.

Some anglers trolling crankbaits with success.  This is a good method if the jigging bite isn't happening or if water goes flat.

The month of October is an excellent time to fish walleyes.  If you like the jig bite, anchor up and jig over the side of the boat for a very enjoyable and typically memorable day.  Charters and guides are available with area resorts.

Pike continue to be active with the cooling water temps. 

On the Rainy River...   Emerald shiners continue to run in the Rainy River and overall the walleye fishing has been good. 

Most walleye anglers on the river are anchoring up along a current seam or on the edge of a hole with a jig and minnow.  Try different areas.  There are 42 miles of navigable river and lots of boat ramps.  In some cases, it is helpful to find your own spots and get away from other boats. 

Sturgeon activity has picked up as well with good fall reports.  A gob of crawlers and/or frozen shiners on a sturgeon rig (18 inch leader made of 60lb test with a 2-3 ounce no roll sinker) is the ticket.  The keep season ends September 30, 2021.  The catch and release season continues through April 23, 2022.

Up at the NW Angle... 

Excellent fishing this week.  In U.S. waters, deep mud of Little Traverse Bay continues producing walleyes in 24 - 31 feet.  Spinners with crawlers or minnows still producing.

Areas with structure and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold fish.  14 - 19 feet are good starting points.  Jig and a minnow is the goto on structure and neck down areas.

Big crappies being caught on jigs and minnows in 25-32' around structure.

Muskie anglers report good fish being boated trolling and casting shiny crankbaits.   

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Boating into Canadian waters is now open.  Please note, no live, frozen or dead bait allowed into Canada from the U.S.  The various plastics on a jig are working well.  Contact a NW Angle resort for details.

Charter boat transport and float planes are still available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air. 

A complete list of lodging and fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.