Late Fall Walleye Action on Lake of the Woods, MN

Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods, Minnesota fishing report for Friday, November 7, 2025. We’re looking at classic late fall conditions on the big water this morning. After close to two inches of rain last week, lake levels are a bit below normal but very fishable. Bullrushes are standing dense in the bays, and the water clarity remains good, though expect some areas with thick weeds—outboards might struggle in tangled patches along the south side. Getting out early will pay off, as sunrise is around 7:01 a.m., with sunset coming at 4:45 p.m. Temps are swinging from the low 40s at night up to the mid-50s by afternoon, so it’s not quite the ice season yet, but you’ll feel that winter’s on deck. South winds and mild weather should hold through the weekend, but plan for another round of showers Monday and some fresh northwest breeze midweek. No freezing temps in the forecast, so you’ve still got time for one last open-water run. Lake of the Woods is in classic fall turnover mode. According to Minnesota Outdoor News’ report just three days ago, the best fishing remains in 15–25 feet, especially from Pine Island to Morris Point Gap, across Zippel Bay, Long Point, and reaching over to Twin Islands. The walleyes are biting along these traditional late-season lines—think the first quick drop-offs from shallow sand or rubble into that 20-ish foot range. If you’re targeting walleye, stick with vertical jigging as your main presentation. Local shops say frozen or live emerald shiners are hands-down the best bait right now. For lures, hot jig colors include orange/chartreuse, gold/orange, solid gold, and glow white—combine those bright heads with a minnow and you’ll find action. There are still a few folks trolling crankbaits with success, but most anglers have shifted to jigs given the cooling water temps and dropping activity levels. Expect walleyes in the 15–20 inch class making up most of the catch, with the odd big fish mixed in. Not much pressure on crappies and perch at the moment, but those working deep brush piles or edges of submerged vegetation are pulling a few chunky slabs with small fathead minnows or blade baits. You might run into an aggressive northern or two on a large spoon—just keep a wire leader handy. Recent reports from the Minnesota DNR and local anglers confirm hunter activity has picked up, so fewer lines are out and about. Those who put in time are still seeing solid success, but you may need to hunt a bit harder for active schools. Average walleye numbers for the stalwarts are 4–8 fish per outing, with bonus saugers in the mix. Activity spikes with the major solunar periods, so plan to fish hard from about 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and again after 7 p.m., if you can handle the chill. Hot spots to try today: - The gap out from Pine Island to Morris Point—classic fall congregation zone, especially with any wind pushing bait in. - Zippel Bay’s main channel edges—walleyes stacking up at the first deep sand breaks. - Lon This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.