Next week

I am heading to the Lake on Sunday and staying for a few days. I am staying somewhere near Pine island. I have fished the lake several times in the winter with great succuss. This is the first time for me open water since I now have a big enough boat to handle the water, I cant wait. What suggestions can anyone offer me?

I am taking the girlfriend and I want to get her interested in walleye fishing.

From what I gather the fishing has been fantastic. I am just looking for some tips or ideas.

Thanks, Matt

What Lake would that be?

Where exactly is Pine Island?

I can probably help you out.

Primarily though, this early in the year, if you are in the northern section of the lake, work a jig/minnow combo on reefs very close to spawning grounds (such as rocky shorline islands)

Also, work the pinches between islands that are between 10 to 25 fow. Here you should find TONS of males in the post spawn.

The bigger females will be slowly making their migration out to the bigger reefs, again, that is closer to spawning grounds.

Sorry guys if I was not spacific enough. We are going to Lake of the Woods and staying at the Sportsmans Lodge. I am only vaguely familiar with the georgaphy of the area. I thought Pine Island was right out from the mouth of the Rainy River as you head out into the Lake. That is the area we will probably be fishing, depending on the bite and conditions of travel on the lake.

Any help on this area?

Thanks , Matt

I can’t really give you much input for the south end of the lake this time of the year.

The lodge guys should put you in the right direction.

I’m leaving for the Lake on Monday morning, staying on the Canada side near Monument Bay. We have always had good luck preety much everywhere this time of year, jig and minnow and Tail Dancers around all the rock islands. Good luck, post some pics. BTW, last year my nephew caught a 54.5 inch muskie on a DT-10. Great fish, so be careful when you have a Rap on the line for the BIG toothy critters!

Dave

Dave;
You going to Monument Bay Lodge? Stayed there about 4 years ago I think.

We stay at Sandy’s Blackhawk Island, just out form Monument Bay. Sandy’s Blackhawk Island Muskie Camp Bill Sandy is one of the Lake’s best muskie guides if anyone needs a guide – the season isn’t open for a few more weeks though.

We do most of our fishing in and around Monument Bay. I’ll be there tomorrow, getting itchy!

Dave

Good luck to ya!!!!!!!!

I haven’t stayed there, but I hear that resort is quite nice and well layed out!

midnight777. the fish were stacked up out side of the gap all the way to zipple bay if you like to troll bring the lead core 16 to 22 feet of water. the new hot tiger shad rap worked great. other wise start out stright from the river in 20 feet of water jig and minnow or spinner and minnow. good luck.

Thanks for the replies. Ended up fishing inbetween the lighthouse gap and morris point. 20-12 feet of water, 14-16 seemed best. Many other boats in the same area. Was not fast and furious like I had heard, but we caught plenty of fish. Most fish were in the 9-15 inch range. Most on a jig and minnow (fat head or shiner). Tried leaches and rigs, worked OK. Ended up keeping a handfull of 14-15 inchers for a meal.

Also trolled shad raps and caught fish in 9-11 feet of water.

Everyone seemed to be catching fish to some extent.

Matt

Just got back from LOTW on Saturday. Tough fishing last week. Bright sun on Mon and Tuesday then cold and windy Wed – Sat. Walleyes were scattered, pike were hitting spinner baits, and a few muskie follows. Smallies were large and in charge, and out of season. This was the worst week since we started going up there 6 years ago. But, it was better than working.

Dave