LAKE OF THE WOODS FISHING REPORT

by Joe Henry

[audio https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64007508/51415%20-%20LOW%20FISHING%20REPORT%20-%20MNSJ.mp3]

Waters were low for the 2015 Minnesota Walleye Opener, but anglers still walked away successful! Limits caught all weekend with a mix of walleyes and saugers and many slot fish thrown back. The limit stays the same at 6 fish, a combo walleyes and saugers with no more than 4 walleyes per day. 19.5″-28″ must go back and you can keep one over 28″.

Pine Island was a popular spot this weekend. Anglers fished 15-19 feet jigging with a live minnow or frozen shiner. Heading west towards Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point, anchoring up in 17-19 feet over rubble worked well. Hot colors were white, gold, and pink.

Rainy River fishing was very active mornings and evenings. Saugers helped fill limits and a few smallmouth bass were caught and released. Sturgeon were hitting from Clementson to 4 Mile Bay over deep pockets using a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook with 2-3 oz of weight baited with a gob of crawlers and by unsuspecting walleye anglers using a jig and minnow. Catch and release open through May 15th.

Up at the NW Angle, active fishing deep. Limits of nice sized walleyes caught in 25-30 feet while those chasing trophies found larger fish in 15-20 feet. Jigging with a minnow best near Oak and Flag Islands. For a complete list of lodging, go to www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging