Fishing Reports
State
Lake
Species
Season
32817 Fishing Reports
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Crankbaits 13'+
Structure
River Channels
Forage
Shad
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Soft Jerkbaits
Structure
Standing Timber
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
64°
Went to check for spawning fish, didn’t find a single one. They were still in pre spawn areas though. Secondary points and mouths of coves is where I caught fish. Bass were waiting to ambush bait in 4-8ft in brush piles.
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Ledges
Forage
Perch
Water Temperature
39°
Fishing the hardest breaks I could find. Best was ledges with grass on top with clean bottom.
Ichikawa RC Kamakiri Light Wire Treble Hook #8
Out of Stock
Daiwa Tatula 100 Casting Reel Left / 7.1:1
Out of Stock
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Spinnerbaits
Structure
Flooded Brush
Forage
Shad
Water Temperature
58°
Truman Lake Tournament Report: Solo Series Top 100 Over the past couple of weekends on Truman Lake, conditions were quite a ride. The lake jumped nearly five feet in just three days, making the bite tough. I skipped practice, but a win the prior weekend on a spinnerbait gave me confidence. I planned to hunt a similar pattern. The first morning was slow—no bites before 10 a.m. So, I made a critical area change toward the Osage Arm, near the mouth of the Pomme. That move paid off. I started catching small Kentucky bass along the flooded bushes—right at their edges. By 11:30, a four-pounder and a three-pounder on consecutive casts told me the fish were moving in. I stayed locked in. The fish weren’t everywhere. I found them concentrated in just a couple of creeks. They had slid back from main lake points—now three-quarters to fully into the pockets. Toward the end of the day, I even got a topwater fish on a Motion Fishing Soundcheck Buzzbait, but the MVP was a three-quarter-ounce double Colorado Motion Fishing Spinnerbait. Heads up: They’re dropping 4/8/26 at 4:30 PM—don’t miss that. I’ll be sharing weekly reports like this, from tournaments to fun trips. Follow along, and remember, code LUKE10 at Omnia Fishing saves you 10%—whether on tackle or a year of Pro.
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Vertical Jigging 10-19'
Structure
River Channels
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
36°
Spring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shifted to open water fishing on the Rainy River. Ice fishing for the most part is wrapped up for the year for most anglers, and it was a fantastic year overall—both with good ice conditions and a strong population of fish. The Lake of the Woods area is very appreciative of everyone who had the chance to make it up this year. Thank you! Your support means everything to our local resorts, businesses, and community. We hope you made memories on the ice and we look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring and summer. Rainy River Open Water Update - More Access Opening Up The majority of anglers fishing are focused on the open waters of the Rainy River, and access continues to expand as ice clears downstream. Currently open boat ramps: Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN - fully operational Frontier Boat Ramp - just downstream of Birchdale 8-9 miles, fully operational Opening soon: Vidas Boat Ramp (about 8 miles downstream from Frontier) has open water in front of it with just a bit of shoreline ice and should be ready to go very soon. The open water is making its way downstream each day. As more ramps open, anglers gain access to additional stretches of productive water and can spread out along the river system. Walleye Bite - Good and Getting Better The walleye bite has been good. Not crazy good, just good. Much like last week, there are more numbers of walleyes being caught versus huge walleyes. But don't let that discourage you—this is the normal progression of the spring run. Some big girls are in the river, just not in the numbers that can happen this time of year. As the water temps increase, the big females will be entering the river in larger numbers. We're on the front end of the run right now. The best fishing—both in terms of numbers and size—is still ahead of us. Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14th. All walleyes must be released immediately. Take photos, enjoy the fight, but put them back to swim another day. What's Working for Walleyes Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River. Two primary jigging methods are working well: Method 1 - Stationary jigging: Anchored up or spot-locked and vertical jigging, or fan casting shoreline structure. This allows you to work a specific hole, current seam, or piece of structure thoroughly. When you find active fish, you can stay on them and pick them off one at a time. Method 2 - Slip jigging: Trolling slowly and dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then slowly drifting back downstream. This covers water efficiently and helps you locate fish when they're scattered or moving. Some days, fish want it one way over another. Other days, it doesn't matter—they'll bite either presentation. Pay attention to what's working and adjust accordingly. The river will tell you what it wants if you're willing to listen and adapt. Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong Again, some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent. Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds. Lake Sturgeon Season: Catch and release through April 23rd (current season - all fish must be released) Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours) Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026 Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026 Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record. Fishing Guides Available Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment. Pike Season - Year-Round Opportunities The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Pike are staging near spawning areas right now and feeding aggressively. As the river continues to open up, more anglers will target these apex predators. Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately. Looking Ahead - Minnesota Fishing Opener May 9th The Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9th, and now is the time to make your plans. By opener, water temperatures will be warmer, the big female walleyes will be in the system in force, and the bite will be at its peak. The jig bite will be strong, and walleyes will be accessible along shorelines on the lake and current breaks throughout the river. Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during opener weekend and throughout May. Resorts are taking reservations now. Prime dates and guides book quickly—don't wait to secure your spot. Season and Regulation Reminders 2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later. Walleye and Sauger: Rainy River and Four Mile Bay: Catch and release only through April 14th Main Lake of the Woods: Open through April 14th with normal limits Combined limit of 6 fish per day, with up to 4 being walleyes All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released. Sturgeon: Catch and release through April 23rd; harvest season April 24 - May 7. Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open. For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and real-time river updates!
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Crankbaits 0-6'
Structure
Rip Rap
Forage
Crawfish
Pretty windy, patchy sun. shallow, rocky bank covered in rocks.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Sm/Md)
Structure
Baitfish
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
55°
Slow rolled it and a 4 pounder nailed it
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Crankbaits 0-6'
Structure
Brush Piles
Water Temperature
68°
Fishing into the wind across brush pile.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Grass Jigs
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
41°
Outing was for april 4th. I fished from 425 to 630. Weather was on and off rain and sleet, high was about 37, light wind and getting windeier. I only caught one bass in 2 hours, but was good to get out of the house. The dock was in!
Species
Spotted BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Texas Rigs (Worming)
Structure
Boulders
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
66°
Finally had some fun catching with something other than a wacky rig. Not that I'm complaining....I just like using different tactics and getting them to work. I was using the Cloud 9 Crank bait to search them out on points. And then would move in close and crush with the Zoom Trick Worm on a Texas Rig. I love the Okeechobee Craw pattern here at Bullards. The Spotties can't lay off that sparkly blue back. The water temp up another 5 degrees since two weeks ago...
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Points
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
43°
Opening weekend success. The rerange's unique weight transfer system allows for bomb casts to cover alot of water from shore.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Swim Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Water Temperature
45°
This new catch and release season has truly been the bomb. This definitely beats crappie fishing 😉. Look forward to catching more fat mammas. Get out there and enjoy it.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Post-Spawn)
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Sm/Md)
Structure
Points
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
70°
Slow swimming out of ditch mouths to points entering ditch mouth.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Post-Spawn)
Technique
Topwater Prop
Structure
Matted Grass
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
70°
After cast let the lure sit till all ripples had gone then just jerked twice and paused jerk twice and pause.
Species
CatfishSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Drop Shot
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Water Temperature
56°
Braid to leader drop shot. Morning dock fishing 10-12ft deep water
Species
Spotted BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Points
Water Temperature
64°
Had most success with the chatterbait on points and the spinnerbait at docks.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Soft Swimbaits (Lg)
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Shad
Water Temperature
72°
Caught largemouth on the magdraft and accidentally caught a bullhead catfish while experimenting with tumbleweed.
Species
Spotted BassSeason
Spring (Post-Spawn)
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Shad
Water Temperature
75°
We caught around 40 fish. Most of them were on a shallow jerkbait in 2-6 ft of water of the breaks of flats. We also caught a few nice ones on a drop shot on docks too.
