Late Fall Walleye & Sauger Blitz on Lake of the Woods

Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for Sunday, November 16th, 2025. The late fall chill has settled in, but anglers willing to layer up are being rewarded with some classic border water action. No tidal swings to report this far inland, and daylight is short, with sunrise around 7:17 AM and sunset near 4:43 PM. Skim ice has started to form in sheltered bays, but open water persists in the main basin and river mouths, keeping both boat and shore opportunities alive. Today’s weather is brisk and typical for November. Expect early morning temps in the upper 20s, warming to the high 30s by afternoon under mostly cloudy skies and a biting northwest breeze. These colder spells have cooled water temps to about 42 degrees, right in the wheelhouse for hungry walleyes and saugers as they transition to deeper haunts, according to the Outdoor News fishing report from just a few days back. Fish activity is peaking around dawn and dusk, so plan for those twilight windows. Solunar tables place major feeding times in the midday—about 12:43 to 2:43 PM—so if you can brave the wind, stick it out for the afternoon bite. The best action, per Outdoor News and recent reports, has been in 15 to 25 feet of water off the south shore reefs and near river mouths, where baitfish are stacked and predatory fish are on the prowl. There’s been excellent numbers of walleye and sauger coming topside, with some jumbo perch mixed in. Most boats are reporting double-digit walleye days when conditions line up. The average walleyes are 14 to 20 inches, but don’t be surprised by a bruiser in the slot. Recent trips have also yielded a handful of bonus pike and the odd sturgeon for those drifting in the deep mud. When it comes to bait, it’s tough to beat a jig and minnow in late fall—shiners are gold, both literally and figuratively, but a fathead or rainbow chub will also get bit. Best colors? Local tackle shops say keep it loud: orange/chartreuse, gold/pink, or a plain gold jig are proven winners. If the bite is tough, try vertical jigging blade baits or jigging spoons in 1/2- to 3/4-ounce sizes; that heavier metal works well in deeper water and cuts through wind-blown chop, as highlighted by Midwest Outdoors. Trollers willing to cover ground are still picking up fish on long, slender crankbaits and stickbaits in natural shad or perch patterns at slow speeds—just above the bottom is key. For hot spots, check out the Gap at Four Mile Bay, where current pulls bait through, and the reefs east of Pine Island. Zipple Bay is another perennial producer, offering protection from wind and close access to transition zones. Don’t forget the Rainy River mouth, especially during low-light periods. Boat ramps are open, though docks may be pulled soon as ice creeps in. Use caution and keep a sharp eye out for fresh skim ice and floating debris, especially early and late. Wear your life jacket and bring extra dry gear—water is cold and weather can change quick up here This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.