Fish are active and there are limits to be had. Resorts are downrigging with crankbaits, jig fishing and drifting spinners. Schools of fish in the middle of the lake in 28-32 feet being targeted by jiggers and crankbaiters continue to heat up. Garden Island and 9-12 miles off of Pine Island are holding fish. Many great fish in the 18″ range and some trophies mixed in as well. Gold, silver and white have been strong.
On the Rainy River, some walleyes are being caught near the mouth of the river and into four mile bay. Water clarity has improved slightly. Jig and minnow remains best option for catching walleyes with some anglers using a bottom bouncer paired with a stick bait as well. Most anglers fishing the lake. Great smallmouth bass bite up and down the river. Sturgeon “keep” season is now open through Sep. 30th and they are active.
Up at the NW Angle, the mud between Little Oak and Oak Island has been pro and aducing good numbers of saugers and walleyes in depths of 24 to 30 feet. Work the offshore reefs and humps using spinners and bottom bouncers with crawlers, or crankbaits, as the majority of fish have moved off the larger islands onto the mid-lake structure. The southwest side of Oak and the areas around Four Blocks also good producers again. Gold, pink and orange are top color choices. On the Ontario side the walleyes have been out deep in the mud off the rocks in 25-35 feet due to the recent storms and heavy winds. Spinners have been the most productive. The water temp is 70 degrees. Many nice sized fish have been boated and everyone has been going home with their limits! The Muskie action has continued to improve along with pike and smallmouth bass.
Anglers who plan to take Highway 46 out of Deer River should know that the bridge 3 miles south of Alvwood is closed and a 30 mile detour is the result. Our suggestion is to take Highway 6 North in Deer River to Highway 1 West to Northome. Resorts, guides, and local events at http://www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.