How to fish for walleyes in Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is renowned for its world-class walleye fishing, drawing anglers from around the globe. This vast body of water, with its unique structure and abundant walleye population, offers a fantastic fishing experience.

That is why, at Totem Resort we offer the complete set of equipment and support form our guides to enjoy a relaxing fishing day. Keep in mind that walleye fishing is an activity that combines patience and skills, so be ready and prepared.

In order to increase your chances of catching a walleye, we’ve prepared this article to guide you when you come to Lake of the Woods.

Understanding the Lake

The lake’s structure is ideal for walleye fishing, featuring numerous rocky points, deep basins, and submerged humps. During the early season (spring), walleyes are typically found near rocky points close to spawning areas, at depths of 15 to 20 feet.

As the season progresses, they move to rock humps surrounded by deeper water, often up to 25 feet deep. At this point it is very important to know the environment to be able to catch a walleye.

Know the essential equipment and techniques

Vertically jigging right off bottom is, by far, the most popular and effective way to fish for walleyes in Lake of the Woods. This method involves lowering your jig directly below the boat and bouncing it just off the bottom

Once we have found a promising spot, and we are marking fish on our graphs, the goal is to stay on it, keeping the fishing lines on a straight down line as much as possible.

If the lines are going forward, your back trolling speed is too high. If the lines are pointing towards the back of the boat, that means the wind and the current are pushing you out of the spot.

When it comes to jigs sizes, 1/4-ounce jigs are the most versatile and effective. They are available between 5 to 10 in different colors such as lime green, orange, and a white-pink combination.

On the other hand, the 1/8-ounce jigs are Ideal for shallow water early in the season or when fish are less aggressive. This is also recommended for rookie anglers.

In the meantime, the 3/8-ounce jigs are useful for deeper water or when there is a strong current.

So be sure of selecting the proper jig to have a successful fishing experience.

Always consider the safety and environment conservation

Always prioritize safety on the water. Wear a life jacket, be aware of the weather conditions, and let someone know your plans.

In addition to this, practice responsible fishing by adhering to local regulations and practicing catch and release when possible to ensure the walleye population remains healthy for future generations.

Fishing for walleyes in Lake of the Woods can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the lake’s structure, using the right equipment and techniques, and timing your fishing trips effectively.

With all those considerations you can increase your chances of landing these prized fish. Happy fishing!