Fall Fishing on Lake of the Woods: Walleyes, Saugers, and the Perfect Autumn Bite

As of November 2, 2024, fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is still going strong, despite the cooler temperatures. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Weather and Water Conditions The water temperatures are now in the low to mid-50s, which has the fish actively feeding. Overnight lows have been dropping, but the fish are still in the "fish catching zone." Expect a crisp day with temperatures likely in the 40s to 50s, making warm clothing a must. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:00 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trip, as the early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to catch fish. ### Fish Activity Walleyes and saugers are the main targets right now, and they are being caught in good numbers. These fish are found in various depths, but the sweet spot is consistently around 20 to 27 feet of water on the south shore. Points, neck-down areas with some current, and transition areas from rock to mud are particularly productive. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Yesterday saw plenty of limits of walleyes and saugers, along with some larger walleyes mixed in. There are also reports of muskies, crappies, jumbo perch, and pike being caught as the waters cool. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes and saugers, live or frozen emerald shiners are your best bet while jigging. Anchor your boat and jig over the side, using jig colors such as gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, or pink. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is often a winning combination. ### Hot Spots The south side of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the structures and transition areas, is excellent right now. The Northwest Angle is also reporting great catches, with walleyes keying in on areas with structure like points and neck-down areas with current. ### Additional Tips When fishing for suspended fish, using the right presentation is key. Experiment with different depths and jigging techniques to find where the fish are holding. Sonar technology can be particularly effective in locating schools of walleyes and saugers in these conditions. With the right gear, bait, and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a great day of fall fishing on Lake of the Woods. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.