Late Fall Walleye & Sauger Bonanza at Lake of the Woods, MN

As of December 8, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for the late fall and early winter season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather has been quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit. Dressing in layers is crucial, especially with the cooler mornings. Ice fishing gear is starting to become more relevant, but open water fishing is still viable in certain areas.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, the walleye and sauger bite remains excellent. These fish are highly active as the water temperatures continue to drop. Yesterday, anglers reported catching plenty of walleyes and saugers, along with some jumbo perch and occasional pike.

### Best Depths and Locations
The best bite has been in the 20 to 28 feet of water range, particularly on the south end of the lake. Areas around structures, deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas, and the outside weed edges are hot spots. For those familiar with the area, the stretch from Pine Island to Long Point and the deep water triangle from Long Point to the US/Canadian Border are highly recommended.

### Best Lures and Bait
Vertical jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners is highly effective. Jig colors such as gold, gold/glow white, gold/chartreuse, gold/orange, and gold/pink are producing the best results. For those using Lindy rigs, minnows ranging from 4-6 inches, especially lively ones, are working well.

### Additional Tips
Utilizing sonar technology can help locate schools of walleyes and saugers efficiently. When jigging, anchoring your boat and jigging from the side can increase your chances of catching keepers. Be prepared to sort through some smaller fish, but the effort is worth it for the larger walleyes.

### Tidal and Sunrise/Sunset Information
Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake and does not have tides. However, the sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and the sunset is at approximately 4:30 PM. These times can influence fish activity, with many anglers reporting better bites during the early morning and late afternoon.

Overall, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic late fall fishing opportunities. With the right gear, bait, and knowledge of the best spots, you’re set for a productive and enjoyable day on the water.