Some of the best fishing of the year taking place as we head into deer hunting opener this weekend in MN. Anglers have been catching walleyes, saugers, and perch in 15-20 feet on the lake. Anglers are sorting through the small fish to get larger keeper fish. Spots along the entire south shore producing. Twin Islands to Long Point to Zippel to Morris and Lighthouse gaps putting out fish. Up north Hay Island and Starren Shoal off of Garden Island are producing some nice limits. Walleyes are on the move so finding fish with electronics is key. Pike are feasting on dead smelt or ciscos placed on bottom.
Fishing on the river is excellent once you find the walleyes as they are chasing shiners. Shiners still running. Walleyes are in 10-25 feet of water. The go to is a jig and shiner with hot pink, bright orange, gold, and glow hot colors. Stinger hook on jig a good idea. Many big walleyes being caught. Sturgeon fishing is crazy good right now as groups are having many of these prehistoric fish boated daily.
Up at the Northwest Angle, walleyes are in 12-30 feet of water. Jig and a minnow producing best. Bright colors with gold working best. Areas between Oak and Flag Island, Little Oak Island, and Hay Island are doing well. On the Ontario side slab crappies are being boated in 30 foot holes near sunken trees or near deep points near islands. Jig and a minnow preferred method. Walleye fishing unbelievable in depths of 15-30 feet near points and in bays. Muskie anglers trolling with large crankbaits boating large fish feeding before winter freeze up.