Lake of the Woods Fishing Reports

Water temperature: Reaching 70*F Weather: Couple of storms. Hot and humid lately.

After a pretty dry June, we had a couple of storms and the weather has been pretty hot and humid lately. Water level is still very high but the lake seems to have peeked. Walleyes are active, hanging out between 25 and 30 feet. This time of the year, focus on wind-blown points close to spawning areas. Bass fishing has been phenomenal, although the water level being this high presents a challenge when looking for shorelines and spots with the proper structure. As the water temperature rises, muskies and pikes will be transitioning from spawning bays to nearby points, reefs and cabbage beds.

Water temperature: 70 - 74 *F Weather: Very hot. Couple of big thunder storms.

Last couple of weeks of July have been very, very hot. Probably because of the warm weather, Lake of the Woods experienced a couple of very strong thunderstorms, which helped to raise the water level of the lake even a little bit more. Although it has been coming down since the peak at the end of June, beginning of July. With the water temperature reaching 74 *F, muskies are definitely out of the spawning phase and bass will start coming up into their beds. We will see how this turns up, as their usual spawning beds, located in shallow sandy spots, where it’s warm and sunny, are now at least two feet deeper than usual.

Water temperature: 75 *F Weather: More stable. Warm but less humid

During the last couple of weeks, the weather has been more stable, and definitely more enjoyable with warm temperatures but less humidity. Together with this, the water level has come down significantly, and it’s expected to drop around four more inches during August. This is great news for cottagers, beach goers and lake fans in general.
With the water temperature going up, bass should continue their rise to their beds, and with the water level coming down, they should be able to be located in their usual spawning areas. [Musky fishing](https://totemresorts...

Water temperature: Reaching 80 °F Weather: Summer warm

Since our last report, especially the last ten days, we have experienced stable summer weather. The average water temperature has been hovering around 78 °F with peaks above 80 °F, reaching 85 °F in shallow back bays by the end of last week. During this time also, Lake of the Woods dropped another 9 cm (3 in) and is expected to drop by another 9 to 11 cm (3 to 4 in) during this week. With these conditions, walleyes should be cruising open lake spots, like humps and reefs close to deep water, at around 26 to 38 feet deep. [Musky](https://totemresorts...

Water temperature: Lower 70 °F Weather: Turning weather

September, folks!!! The beginning of the end of the season. Two weeks ago or so, we experienced the warmest days of the season, with the water temperature Lake of the Woods peaking at 85 °F. But since Labour Day Weekend, it has been hovering in the lower 70s °F. Mornings are getting colder and we can expect the cloud cover to be more consistent. Walleyes might start hanging around in shallower water. Smallmouth bass will be populating the shallow reefs and rock piles around the lake, in between 6 and 10 feet of water. As the water gets colder, [northern pike](https://totemresorts...

Water temperature: Lower 60s °F

Weather: Fall

Leaves are turning colours and mornings have become frosty. The Summer has ended and Wiley Point Lodge and Totem Lodge will be closing for the season on September 25th. As we get closer to October, Lake of the Woods water temperature is hovering in the lower 60s °F. Anglers should look for walleyes in shallow water. Visit your early Spring spots and use your depth finder to locate fish. Smallmouth bass will be deep around 20 feet, in humps and reefs close to deep water. Anglers looking for trophy [musky](https://totemresorts...

Water temperature: 56 to 60 °F Weather: Fall

It’s definitely Fall in Lake of the Woods. Water temperature has been dropping slowly but consistently. During the last couple of weeks, we have been able to find walleyes in around 20 feet of water. Focus on spawning areas and look for deeper pockets that might be holding fish. As the water gets colder, anglers should be able to locate northern pike in the back bays. Depending on the particular conditions of that day, like cloud cover and wind direction, pike might be hanging tight to the shallow weeds or deeper towards the centre of the bay. [Smallmouth bass](https://totemresorts...

Weather: Cold snaps but hasn't been consistently cold - Ice conditions: 7 inches

Welcome to Totem Resorts Winter Report! Our team went to check the ice for the first time this year. We have just over 7 inches of ice in Long Bay, where we keep our permanent ice hut during the winter season. On the other hand, in the bay right in front Yellow Bird Lodge, we found 3 inches of ice.

Eventhough we already experience the first cold snap of the season, with temperatures reaching -30 °C (-22 °F), the temperature for the last couples of days has been hovering around 0 °C (32 °F), which doesn't help the freezing process.

But we have cold temperatures ahead, don't worry...

Weather: Temperature has been above the historical average - Ice conditions: 10 inches (not consistent)

Totem Resorts has been keeping “two eyes on the ice'' for you during this week, as weather conditions haven’t been consistent with the historical patterns for this time of the year.

Snow and freezing rain don’t help the ice building process. We currently have 10 inches of ice by the power lines in Long Bay, where we keep our permanent ice hut during the winter season. All in front of Totem Lodge, Dustin Brown found a layer of ice of between 5 and 7 inches.

He told us that *“.....

The latest ice fishing report in the Sioux Narrows, Ontario area of Lake of the Woods:

Whitefish Bay/ Regina Bay: We’re now beginning to see ice thickness of anywhere from 10” to 14+” on Whitefish Bay. With the water being so clear on this part of the lake, it has been making for especially good thick black Ice.

Long Bay: On this area we are marking anywhere from 10”-16” of ice with a think 2” white crust on the very top. The further you get down Long Bay, the more cautious we recommend you be. Our ice road should be in down Long Bay by the end of next Week...

‘’The Scoop’' - February Ice Report on Lake of the Woods from Totem Resorts.

As many of you know, our winter was off to a rocky start, with temperatures being extremely warm trough-out most of December, making for ice conditions to be a bit slushy, but luckily the end of January thru the beginning of February we were hit with over a record breaking freezing week of -40 Degree Celsius (-40 Fahrenheit) conditions making for extremely good ice building conditions!

All Ice is now completely normal for this time of the year, making for fanatics vehicle access when off roading from our ice roads (still approach with extreme caution) and great snowmobiling, and tracked machine usage...

February delivered much needed cold weather, lots of chilly winds and perfect ice building conditions.

You can now expect to see 2’-3’ of solid black ice pretty much all over the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods, all throughout the Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls area and all the way across the lake to the Kenora area and down thru the USA side as well.

March is well known for the best ice condition, warm weather, and greatest fishing of the entire season!

Water temperature: 54 °F

Weather: Little warmer than usual but Spring hasn't kick in yet

Welcome to a new Summer season in Lake of the Woods! May long weekend marks the unofficial start to the summer in the Canadian calendars and we are very excited to bring you the first fishing report of this season.

It has been warmer than usual in Lake of the Woods. This weekend was sunny with max temperatures reaching the mid 20 °C (68 °F). Walleyes seem to be shallow, just coming out of the spawning phase. Anglers looking for them should focus on sand bottom spots, in the 15-20 feet deep range, away from big open water.

Water temperature: 58 °F

Weather: Warm and sunny with temperatures reaching 28 °F on Sunday May 28th.

It has been a fantastic week in Lake of the Woods, with people enjoying a wonderful weather and back to normal water levels. During the first week of the walleye season, we received reports of angles catching them really shallow, in sandy bottom spots, siting at 8 - 10 feet of water. At the same time, angles were also being successful fishing for them in the current, around the 28 - 32 feet mark.

But with the more consistent warmer weather, walleyes should start schooling and travelling with the lake current...

Water temperature: 70 °F

Weather: Consistent Spring weather with temperatures above normal for this time of the year.

We had an amazing couple of weeks here in Lake of the Woods. Weather has been fantastic lately. Since our last report, water temperature has increased almost 20 degrees, sending walleyes deep and towards open water. Anglers should definitely leave spawning areas behind and focus on points and flats, closer to deep water, in the 23-27 feet deep range.

Our sources also confirm that, following the rise on the water temperature, smallmouth bass are already on their beds...

Water temperature: 70 - 75 °F

Weather: Warm, very warm.

Phenomenal! That’s the only way to describe fishing for the last ten days on Lake of the Woods. Summer like temperatures have sent the smallmouth bass to their beds earlier than usual and reports indicate they have been very active. Our sources tell us that they have came out of the spawning phase and anglers should be looking for them in rocky shorelines and rock piles.

Musky opener was nothing but spectacular at Wiley Point Lodge, with anglers boating several muskies in a single morning.

On the other hand, warmer than normal temperatures have sent the [walleyes](https://totemresorts...

Water temperature: 70 °F

Weather: Temperatures somehow back to normal.

Weather seems to have stabilized in Lake of the Woods. A few storms and cold fronts have brought the temperatures back to what we are used to for this time of the year. These conditions have affected the fishing in general and walleyes in particular, with reports of active fish around the 25 feet deep mark in humps and exposed points.

Water temperature: 70 °F

Weather: Full on Summer!

With exception of a series of storms a few weeks ago, summer conditions have been the rule for the last while in Lake of the Woods. Walleyes love this and the fishing has been pretty consistent, and humps surrounded by big open water seem to be the key. Anglers should be trying a range of depths before moving on to the next spot. Focus in humps where the higher point is around 22 feet and then, fish all sides, all the way to the 30 feet mark. Once you find some action, drop a marker and work the slope up and down with the wind.

As we begin transitioning into the fall season, water temperatures are beginning to drop and all fish are in pursuit of a good feed bag for winter. The bite is exceptional! Jig heads, crank baits and minnows are attractive to the schools of Walleye hanging out at the edge of the weeds. With cold front conditions you want to slow your presentation down; finesse you’re jigging and reeling at a slower pace. As fall conditions provide exciting opportunities for bigger fish of all species, such as Musky and Northern Pike you will want to be using bigger lures and bigger minnows...

Musky Madness is on NOW! The cooler Fall temperatures are now rolling in and Musky fishing is now slowly transitioning from casting season, into Fall trolling season.

Many of our fishing guides and guests are having good luck trolling with 8-10’’ white coloured 'superman' Jake Baits. Also jigging for Muskies in current waters with Bondy Baits has been really hot this time of the year!

The leaves are now beginning to turn beautiful yellow and red colours all over the lake… Fall is undeniably a very special time to be fishing here on Lake of the Woods!

The [Walleyes](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by the Totem Resorts!

FALL IS A TIME OF TRANSITION Everything here on Lake of the Woods is officially changing, and everyone is preparing for winter/ Ice Fishing, including nature and the diverse population of fish that make Lake of the Woods their home. Now is the perfect time for trolling for Musky on this picturesque body of water.
It is a time to slow down and enjoy the quiet side of life on the lake. Most vacationers have gone home. The lake is quiet...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by the Totem Resorts!

October’s fishing pushes-on over here on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods! And is arguably the best time of the year to fish for a couple reasons:

1. You have the entire lake to yourselves! Seriously, there is no one else out there, and the very little boats that you do actually see are just as excited about having all the action to themselves as you are.
2. The fall leaves are in full transition and falling. The bright yellow and red colours are a real site to see on their own...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by the Totem Resorts!

We’d like to start off by reminding everyone that the last day of Deer Hunting for non-residents (USA & Canadian) is November 15th, so that is officially a wrap on this season and we hope you all bagged a nice buck this Fall.

As you can see from our live camera footage on the photo above, this was taken today (November 14th) at our Totem Lodge marina here in Sioux Narrows, Ontario Canada- and clearly shows that the bay is still wide open...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

Well as most of you know, November was un-usually warm for this time of the year. It almost seemed as if summer would never end!

Now finally towards the end of the month, the temperatures in the Sioux Narrows, Nestor Falls, and Kenora areas on Lake of the Woods have finally begun to drop and we are now experiencing thin layers of ice forming once again on all the smaller bays and creeks, meaning only one thing- winter is right around the corner and with that comes the best hard-water [Ice Fishing](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

As winter continues to slowly approach, everyone here on Lake of the Woods eagerly awaits the arrival of the ice to freeze over and Ice Fishing season to begin!

The walleyes patiently await our ice to freeze over so they can welcome the first ice fishermen to hook onto them for another successful ice fishing season...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

ICE FISHING SEASON IS OFFICALLY HERE on Lake of the Woods! Since our last fishing report, the ice has now gotten a good layer all over the lake. Now, that’s not to say you can let you guard down just yet! You still need to be very careful out there on the ice, as the ice conditions vary depending on what part of the lake you are venturing out on, so be sure to follow our Lake of the Woods Ice Reports we’ll be updating you on, via our Lake of the Woods fishing report page...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

WHO ELSE IS READY TO ICE FISH?!

Since our last report- ALOT has changed and we are excited to announce the arrival of double-digit cold weather, and 10.5’’-14’’ of ice all throughout the Sioux Narrows, area (with the exception of WhiteFish Bay)

All down Long Bay and Regina Bay in Sioux Narrows is building ice very nicely now, and public vehicle traffic on the ice will come very soon. Please stay tuned for more info before venturing off down the ice roads just yet, or be sure to use a reputable outfitter’s landing the has confirmed safe ice crossing usage...

FISHING & ICE REPORT

The mid-part of January has finally brought the ‘cold-snap’ we’ve all been waiting for this winter season, with freezing temperatures reaching -21C (-5.5F) and Lake of the Woods is now building good ice daily. We’re measuring ice all around the Sioux Narrows area from 11-14’’ of good solid black ice. The Whitefish Bay side of Lake of the Woods here in Sioux Narrows is freezing very nicely as well, but still poses some risk in areas, so traveling with a guide is still recommended. The fishing has been off to a fantastic start as well. We here at Totem Resorts & Yellowbird Lodge have positioned some of our brand-new heated day shacks on some seriously good walleye humps, and were seeing lots of numbers being caught...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

**FISHING AND ICE REPORTS ** Fishing and Ice, Fishing and Ice… The million-dollar report that everyone wants to know about this winter season! We have been very fortunate here on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods to have fairly decent ice offering up 16-18’’ in most areas of solid black-ice. The fishing has not disappointed either….. Our guides have been hard at work following the fish and leading group after group out onto the frozen lake chasing Walleyes, Crappie, shallow water [Northern](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

As many of you know, this year’s weather has been very off-the-charts. February felt like traditional March weather, as it was very warm this year and now March is feeling a lot like February!

This March has also brought lots of snow, cold weather which makes for fantastic ice building conditions and with that has really turned on the ice fishing big time!

Around the Sioux Narrows area of Lake of the Woods, our guides and guests have been reporting catching up to X100 Jumbo 16-17+ inch Perch per day, with the Walleye being plentiful during the evening bite...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

Well all we can say is that the walleye opener and the weeks that followed were nothing short of spectacular here on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods! With dozens [walleyes](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

With the fishing season well under way we’ve seen a significant amount of rain this month which is keeping water temps cool . Walleyes are being found in the shallows with the random mayfly hatch that’s going on around the lake . The best bite is off the shore line shelves in the 25-35 foot range with a jig and minnow . Fishing these same spots are producing some jumbo perch to add to your lake of the woods shore lunches ...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 summer fishing report on Lake of the woods, for JULY Part 1.

Here on Lake of the Woods, the fishing has been stunning this year. The water temperatures have hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit moving the fish out to their classic summer spots; 50 -60 Walleyes a morning on open water humps and points in the 26-30 feet have been the norm!

Muskie season is in full swing with lots of world class 50 inch and the lake average 44 inch range being boated daily...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 summer fishing report on Lake of the woods, for JULY Part 2.

Well mid to late July is here and that means the first real heat up of LOTW has taken place. The mayfly hatch was absolutely incredible setting the top water bass fishing on absolute fire! With 60 + bass in an afternoon being common. The walleye fishing has been on fire catching consistently in anywhere from 6 to 28 feet including more 30+ inch trophy class fish being caught then I can recall in the past 10+ years.

Now for the [Muskie](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 summer fishing report on Lake of the woods, for August Part 1

By early August, we’ve reached the height of the 2024 summer season in terms of water temperature. After peaking around 78°F last week, the water is now settling in the low seventies. With shorter days ahead and a forecast of maximum temperatures around 24°C for the next two weeks, it's unlikely the water temperature will rise again.

This cooling trend is already affecting fishing patterns, with changes typically seen later in August appearing now. [Smallmouth bass](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 summer fishing report on Lake of the woods, for August 2024: Part 2

The late summer season is upon us here on Lake of the Woods! With the first cold front having rolled through temperatures have evened out across this end of the lake. 72*-74* out on the main lake with back bays in the upper 70’s.

The walleyes have made their way out to main lake points and rock reefs in current areas in the 26’-30’ depth range. Multi coloured 1/4oz jigs tipped with live bait have been key, if possible downsize to an 1/8oz jig for a light bites...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 Fall fishing report on Lake of the woods, for September 2024: Part 1

With the stable weather of August now over and the cool foggy mornings and hot mid day sun of September the fishing starts to hit the most active time of year ! With water temps dipping into the mid 60’s fish are on the feed !

Muskies have slowly been converting from rock back into the warm water coves with cabbage and timber holding onto the warm water as long as possible. Top water and buck tails are key to moving the active fish...

SPECIAL EDITION: Brought to you by the 3 time Musky Cup Tournament Champ, and pro-staff Totem Resorts pro-staff guide: David Bonke!

2024 Fall fishing report on Lake of the woods, for September 2024: Part 2

Cold foggy Mornings turning into warm sunny days and leaves changing color the fall is here!

The Muskies are just starting their fall feed and that means jigging and trolling as well as casting big plastics off of the deep water ledges is going to become the go to method. Natural colors shine this time of year. Not To be over looked is the use of smaller baits in the shallowest / warmest water you can find.

The [walleyes](https://totemresorts...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

2024 Fall fishing report on Lake of the woods, for October 2024: Part 1 ''BLAST & CATCH'' EDITION!

Fall is here with frost on the docks and windshields of the boats every morning and golden leaves with some falling already...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

The Walleye on Lake of the Woods, Canada have moved into their typical fall spots of 28-33’ feet of water. Muddy and sandy bottoms are best at this time of the year to target, and the Walleye seem to be hitting very well on pink colored jigs, while doing the traditional bottom bouncing with a live minnow.

The Muskie and Northern Pike are hitting heavy on trolling baits, specifically 12-20 feet just off where the walleye are stacked on...

Welcome back to the official Lake of the Woods Fishing Report- your number one source for EVERYTHING fishing on Lake of the Woods and brought to you by Totem Resorts!

Fall fishing is here - only the last few days now, we've experienced ice and frost on the boats in the early morning and the shore of the bays has started to finally freeze up. Before that it’s been warm ! Water temps stalled out as the lake slowly fought to flip. Walleyes have been active and in classic LOTW fashion 80-100 fish a day is still the norm with crappie and perch all biting just as good it’s hard not to run out of bait in the first couple hours...