Prolonged Open Water Fishing

On the south end... Unseasonably warm temps are prolonging anglers' appetites to continue open water fishing and it is paying off. The late fall bite is very strong!

As many anglers are focused on deer hunting, those who hit the water were rewarded. Schools of walleyes and saugers are set up along the south shore and are active. Looking ahead, these fish are set up nicely for first ice.

Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner is the go to method. Live shiners are available and effective.

Most anglers report good fishing in 17-27 feet of water. Gold, pink and glow continue to be hot colors.

Mixed in with the walleyes are pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon, crappies and eelpout.

Some back bays iced up on cold mornings!

On the Rainy River... More and more walleyes are being caught in the river each week. Mother Nature appears to be a couple of weeks behind this fall. To no surprise, most are stuffed with emerald shiners. Jigging with a frozen or live shiner has been the go to method, however, those trolling crankbaits also producing.

Sturgeon activity continues to be good with some big fish caught and released.

Up at the NW Angle... For the few anglers out fishing, the bite continues to be really good. Most anglers are jigging with big numbers of fish are being caught.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs are doing well. Anglers fishing the U.S. side are tipping with a fathead or frozen shiner. Those fishing the Ontario side tipping with various plastics.

Structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish. 12 - 26 feet continues to be the range depending upon the spot.

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open. Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Rapid tests available in Baudette. Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Want to avoid crossing the border? Charter transport via water and ice and flights over the lake delivering you to your desired resort are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air both this fall and into the winter months via ice.