The Ultimate Ice Fishing Masterclass
Spots are Limited
The Ultimate Ice Fishing Masterclass
Spots are Limited

Lake of the Woods (July 14th, 2022)

Imagine if you will, seven boats. Seven boats and seven Captains each loaded with six fishermen. Heading out to the biggest water known in the state of Minnesota. What they don’t realize is over the course of a three-day journey they all will catch their limits of eaters, many slot fish (19.5 – 28”), and a few trophies over 28”. They are entering … The Lake of The Woods Zone. (Que the ominous piano playing)

Another way to say that our summer fishing is in full swing and spectacular. The longer version of this story would be that a couple groups decided to head upriver where they found a mixed bag of fish including walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and sauger.

Many anglers are heading to deeper waters targeting muddy bottoms in 28 – 32’ feet of water. This follows and old pattern of summer. Fish looking for forage in the mud and slightly cooler temps. An experienced angler will also tell you to stop driving over fish to go find fish based on routine. Trust your electronics and knowledge gathered from reliable sources. 10 to 15 feet of water just out in front of Pine Island for example. Many anglers are reporting great catches pulling spinners.

Since you have many choices of where to find fish and thus finding them in many different areas, you will want to keep in mind these basics on Lake of The Woods. If you are fishing over a muddy flat bottom this time of year, a spinner harness rigged with a leach works best. Pick a spinner that has gold blades and bright beads. Next, if you find fish foraging on a sandy flat bottom, use the same exact rig only with a nightcrawler. Finding fish off the flats with a varied bottom and structure will require you to start jigging with a brightly colored jig head tipped with a minnow. Depending upon how they are dinning, a frozen shiner or live fathead will do the trick. Side note, I personally just heard a report that a black jig with a red hook rigged with nothing was producing fish just outside of Garden Island in about 28’ of water. Was this just a fluke? Who knows until you give it a try.

A nice mix of eaters, slots and quite a few trophy walleyes over 28 inches were caught once again this week.  Spinners with crawlers / leeches or trolling crankbaits have been the most effective techniques. And as stated above the rig will depend on where you found them. Good spinner blade colors reported this week were hammered gold, or red & white. The best bead pattern had a red bead in the center of the lineup with clear beads around it. Crankbaits most effective were shallow divers that resembled perch, crawfish or if on a downrigger, a shad fingerling. 

River Bend Resort call agents will help you build a fishing trip of a lifetime. We offer water side cabins and full or half day all-inclusive charters. 

If you have a spur-of-the-moment opportunity, give us a call, and ask for any last-minute specials we may have.

Don’t forget, if you are bringing up your own boat, you can very simply book your cabin online and save 10% on your lodging at the same time. Just visit our website, www.riverbendresort.com and use code “ONLINE” before you make your cabin selection. Lake of The Woods Cabin Rental has never been easier or more accommodating.Until next week … Keep a Tight Line! Bugs & Fishes ≤º))~{ 

CATCH MORE FISH THIS WINTER

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Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gain direct access to the minds of pro ice anglers in real-time discussions and on-ice demonstrations in an immersive experience led by Jason Mitchell. Unlock your ice fishing potential with us this winter!

Apply today – we only have room for 25 anglers to ensure a small-group experience.