Over this past week, we have witnessed Mother Nature stabilize into a spring pattern. With that has come notable fishing techniques that has landed a mixed bag catch across the Lake of The Woods fishery spectrum.
The water levels continue to run high and fast on the Rainy River. This is making the usual targeted spots along the main channel virtually impossible to fish. Successful anglers are locating current breaks adjacent to the shoreline. Near the mouth and in the main body of 4 Mile Bay has been producing as well.
Anglers are reporting that when they do locate fish in these slack water areas of the river and bay, they will find them in good numbers. Start shallow in about 4 foot of water and continue along the drop-offs out to about 18 feet or until the current makes it hard to keep the bait positioned where you want it. Most are jigging with brightly colored heads tipped with a live or frozen minnow with very good success.
Personally, I would start with a heavier jig rigged with a white 5-to-6-inch Mr. Twister FAT Curly Tail plastic. Black jig head with a yellow eye to be specific. These slack water spots will hold not only nice trophy walleye, but also very large northern pike. Toss that rig in shallow and walk it back to the boat. Make sure to touch the bottom along the way and be at the ready. The most fun I have ever had on the Rainy or in 4 Mile Bay has been on this rig and fishing it this way.
Out along the south shoreline of the big water, many anglers are having success anchored up and jigging. Tip your setup with a shiner or fathead. Use head colors of gold, pink, orange, chartreuse or any combination of these colors. Don’t be afraid to try white and solid black.
This time of the season the walleye will be scattered from 3 to 31 feet of water. Always try shallow first and then work your way out. If you find yourself having trouble locating good numbers of fish here is a good recommendation. Troll a shallow diving crankbait that resembles a crawfish (brown/orange).
Start in 5 foot of water and maintain about 2.5 mph along the shoreline. Work out to around 16 feet and you will eventually find lots of fish. This has been not only locating where some of the schools are but catching great numbers of fish as well. Notably over the shallower sandy areas.
Looking across the spectrum of areas to fish and the techniques used, there has been a lot of good fish landed this past week. The mixed bag consisted of walleye, sauger, perch, northern pike, and sturgeon. Nicer weather is headed our way which will further stabilize a solid routine of fishing.
With a few open spots left, we would love for you to join us for fun and relaxation over this holiday weekend. We are offering 45% off on our lodging when you book one of our available 3-bedroom cabins. Please call us for more information and to get you booked. This is a last-minute offer which are usually the best offer that will make the greatest memories.
In addition to the great sales, keep in mind that our Saturday Night Fish Frys will be starting up again beginning on Saturday May 28th, Bargo will start on Sunday May 29th AND we are opening an outdoor Tiki Bar on our river side patio overlooking the boat docks. It’s going to be a great summer – make yourself a part of it!
Give us a call and we will do the rest… One Call Gets You Away from It All!! In addition, we do offer online booking for those who wish to do so. Soon we will be offering regular discounts for folks that use our online booking service.