Lake of the Woods Walleyes

[Tom]

Going to Lake of the Woods for the first time next summer and want to know what the best time and the best presentation during that time?

I think July is the best time cause the fish are bunched up in there summmer patterns. They are pretty predictable and where we go, Witch Bay Camp, they are usually around 20' with some shallow and sometimes in early July, a whole bunch are shallow. Witch Bay has a walleye pro, Phil, who fishes everyday of the season and it's his job to let you know what is happening. He leads people to the best fishing spots everyday and puts two people in his boat every day. The place is great.
He bottom bounces with spinners alot, and when he finds a bunch, he stops and jigs them. When a bunch are shallow, he may throw Shad Raps in either perch, crayfish, firetiger, or whatever. Hope this helps. They also have a musky pro, bass pro, and some PWT guys come in. The place is awesome. I think they are Witchbay.com
good luck!!!!

You really did'nt mention what part of LOTW and the place is huge. For what its worth, every August, my son and I go to the Obobikan Bay Camp out of Morson and stay on a great island with good food. The fishing is excellant from average to large Northern Pike (25-41 inches last year) on Mepps spinners in the weeds to a lot of nice eater walleyes. The smalley population seems to be on the rise, if your interested. I would suggest you use a guide the first day and learn as much about the area as you can. I would recommend Bill Looney if you can get him. Good luck and I think you will have a great time anywhere in LOTW.

I SUGGEST IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN ON THE LAKE OF
WOODS THAT YOU HAVE A GPS IN YOUR BOAT. THE PLACE
IS HUGE!!! I FISHED OUT OF A 16' TRACKER BY THE
MOUTH OF RAINY RIVER HAD SOME LUCK ON WHITE TWISTER TAILS CAUGHT ENOUGH WALLEYES FOR SHORE LUNCH. THE BEST WAY TO FISH THIS LAKE I THINK IS
TO TAKE A CHARTER SERVICE OUT. THE CAN PUT YOU ON
THE FISH. THERE IS NO WAY THAT I WOULD CONSIDER
TAKING MY BOAT BACK TO THIS LAKE.
GOOD LUCK
YOU WILL NEED IT.

[Frank_Walsh]

The easiest and most forgiving time to fish LOTWs would be mid June. The fish are still shoreline related, and can be easily caught dragging a spinner and crawler along the shorelines of sandy bays. Depth from about 3 to 15 feet of water. If rocks are present, so much the better.

[EAGLE EYES]

I would never consider taking my own boat to LOTW
This lake is so big and spotty that it might take all week to find the eyes in summer months. Go on a charter you will have alot more fun! There are all loads of guide services and charter boats to choose from most of which are very good. HAVE A GREAT TIME AT LOTW!!!!

Just last night finalized our trip to Witch Bay
Camp from July 8-14th. This is our first trip to
this area as we previously fished Eagle at Vermilion Bay and Lac Seul at Ear Falls. Wanted
more species of fish and that is why we choose to
try this area. From your experience, were you able to get Muskies, Northern, Smallmouth. Some one told me that Crappies and Jumpo Perch were also available. Any hints on where to fish that time of the year? I have full electronic gear so
am able to locate. Do you have any GPS sites that
you would be willing to share?
Did you do a lot of jig fishing?
Looking forward to your reply.
Fishman

I THINK A GUIDE THE FIRST DAY WOULD BE A GOOD IDEAL, BUT I'VE BEEN THERE MANY TIMES IN JULY AND AUGUST AND DID GREAT WITHOUT ONE. THIS PLACE IS OVERWHELMING IF YOU LOOK AT THE WHOLE LAKE, BUT NO ONE FISHES THE WHOLE LAKE. YOU WILL NEED A DETAILED MAP OF THE SECTION YOUR GOING TO FISH, AND A GOOD LOCATOR. LOOK ON YOUR MAP FOR UNDERWATER HUMPS, 10 TO 20 FT. HIGH, NEXT TO VERY DEEP WATER, 40-60 FT. DRIFT JIGS ACROSS THESE HUMPS AND WHEN YOU FIND THE WALLEYES, ANCHOR RIGHT ON TOP. FISH STRAIGHT DOWN WITH A PLAIN HOOK AND A COUPLE OF SPLIT SHOOTS, TIPPED WITH A LEECH. I'VE FISHED THIS WAY WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS MANT TIMES AND KILLED THE FISH. DOESN'T GET MUCH EASIER. GOOD LUCK AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR MAP AND LOCATOR AT ALL TIMES, THOSE ROCK PILES CAN COME UP IN A HURRY.

[Bill Coomes]

Tom,

From the choices thus far given to you, I can maybe help since I've been to Witch Bay twice and had Bill Looney guide for me way back in 1985, although we didn't stay @ Obabikon.

I don't think you can go wrong either place.

If you'd like me to be more specific, e-mail me.

I would go in the first three weeks of August. This seems to be the time of year when the wind is in your favor. Many days it is flat, and that's good on the big lake. Fish the deep rocks w/bottom bouncers and live bait rigs. I have has numbers of 8+ pound fish at this time.