How to fish for walleyes in Lake of the Woods

January 18, 2026

In this article on walleye fishing, we highlighted how Lake of the Woods provides an ideal habitat for walleyes. Early in the season, target rocky points near spawning areas at depths of 15–20 feet. Later, shift to rock humps up to 25 feet deep, near deeper water. But what’s the best technique?

Knowing how to fish for walleyes in Lake of the Woods is for sure an important skill.

And for that, there are some aspects that need to be taken into consideration when fishing for one of these fish in Lake of the Woods!

That’s why, here at Totem Resort we’re going to explain how to fish for walleyes in Lake of the Woods.

Know the Lake, know the walleyes

The structure of the lake contributes to a great walleye fishing trip. And that’s due to the fact walleyes are found in many different places on the lake. Among them we have submerged humps, rocky points, and deep basins.

In early spring, you can have walleye encounters around rocky points. These points are usually spawning areas 15 to 20 feet below the surface. As the season progresses, they go to rock humps surrounded by deeper water, often as deep as 25 feet.

So, knowing the lake is a must. Like that, your chances of capturing a walleye will be higher.

The right technique

In Lake of the Woods, vertical jigging is for sure the right technique for walleye fishing. By using this technique, you lower your jig directly beneath the boat and bounce it barely off the bottom.

The key here is to find a promising spot. After that, you must stay there once the fish are marked on the graphs.

Besides that, it’s important to keep the fishing lines on a straight down line. If the lines are moving forward, your back-trolling speed is too high. Moreover, if the lines are pointed in the direction of the back of the boat, then the wind and current are pulling you out of your position.

For each occasion, a jig size!

1/4-ounce jigs are the most practical and efficient in terms of jig sizes. They come in five to ten distinct colors.

On the other hand, the 1/8-ounce jigs work well in shallow water early in the season or when fish are less combative.

In contrast, the 3/8-ounce jigs work well in deeper water or with a strong current. So, to ensure a great fishing experience, make sure you choose the appropriate jig for each situation.

Take care of yourself and take care of walleyes

When fishing for walleye, safety must be in the boat. Thus, carry a life jacket and be aware of the weather. And also, always let someone know what you have planned.

Moreover, practice responsible fishing to ensure the health of the walleye population. This can be done by following local laws and, whenever feasible, going for catch and release. And for sure, future generations of anglers will be thankful.

Without a doubt, by embracing these tips, you’ll see walleye fishing in Lake of the Woods is an amazing experience.

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