Lake of the Woods holds near 50 degrees as Rainy River shiner run builds

Lake of the Woods Tourism's Oct. 27 report says water temperatures are still around 50 degrees and walleyes are holding in their fall pattern.

On the south shore of Big Traverse Bay, schools of walleyes and saugers are in 13 to 25 feet of water. Vertical jigging with a minnow is the main method. Live rainbows outfished frozen emerald shiners on some days, and a few anglers are still catching fish on jigs tipped with nightcrawler pieces. Gold/pink, orange/chartreuse and plain gold jigs have all worked. The report expects these fish to set up a good December ice bite, with day houses usually going out around Dec. 10, depending on the weather.

On the Rainy River, more shiners are moving in and walleyes are following, mostly in 10 to 15 feet. Jig-and-minnow rigs are the most popular approach, but trolled crankbaits also work. Bait dealers had a decent week netting emeralds, and sturgeon anglers found some big fish. At the Northwest Angle, walleye numbers are good, and muskie trollers working points and neck-downs are hooking quality fish, plus some bonus big pike.

Minnesota's combined walleye-sauger limit on the lake is six, with no more than four walleyes. All walleyes from 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released, and one fish over 28 inches is allowed.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Lake of the Woods Tourism report via FishRapper — Lake of the Woods Fishing Report October 27, 2026 (Oct. 27, 2026).