How to Fish Lake of the Woods (2): Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake of the Woods (2)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake of the Woods (2)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Fish are transitioning from winter deep water areas to spawning locations, staging on transition areas like points and channel edges Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with fish becoming more active during daylight hours due to the moderately stained water	River channel edges and connecting points where fish stage during pre-spawn movement Secondary points and inside turns in 15-25 foot depths near spawning bays Deep water transitions near shallow spawning flats where fish stage before moving up	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows for staged fish Blade Baits worked along channel edges and points Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for neutral fish	Shiners moving shallow for spring spawning activities Young perch in transitional areas Various minnow species congregating near warming shallows	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter deep water areas to warming shallow bays and flats, staging near access routes to spawning areas Fish becoming more active as water temperatures rise, with feeding increasing during stable weather patterns Moving along shoreline transitions where rock meets other substrate, particularly near points and inside turns	Clear, warming bays with rocky substrate and boulders in 4-12 foot depth Main lake points and inside turns with access to deeper water Transitional areas between winter and spawning locations, especially rocky flats adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky flats Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in slightly warmer water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in warming bays Young-of-year perch in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	42-52	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower transition zones, particularly around river channels and rock/gravel areas Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during low-light periods	River channel edges near spawning flats in 10-14 foot depth range Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas adjacent to deeper water Current-swept areas where channels meet structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shiners gathering in pre-spawn areas Young-of-year perch Small baitfish concentrations in current areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout are actively feeding and moving into shallower water (20-40ft) as water temperatures begin to warm, following preferred temperature ranges and pursuing baitfish Fish are showing increased aggression and mobility, staging near rocky structures and drop-offs in preparation for spawning activities	Rocky points and boulder fields in 20-40ft depth range with access to deeper water Steep breaks and drop-offs near spawning areas Offshore humps and reefs with good structure	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with moderate speed to cover water and locate active fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once fish are located Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes	Perch moving shallow with warming water Smaller baitfish schools following temperature breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-55	Pre-spawn pike are actively moving into shallow, warmer bays seeking spawning grounds and actively feeding before the spawn Fish are responding aggressively to flash and vibration in moderately stained water, showing increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise	Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation (Bostic and Zippel Bays specifically mentioned) Reed beds in 3-8 foot depths Current areas and river channel edges where baitfish concentrate	Bladed Jigs worked through and around reed edges with moderate retrieve Spinnerbaits with large blades for maximum flash and vibration Spoons worked with an erratic retrieve to trigger reaction strikes	Bluegill in vegetated areas Various baitfish species congregating in warming shallow bays	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Pre-spawn largemouth bass staging near spawning areas, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning flats Fish actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Males beginning to scout and prepare spawning areas in protected shallow zones near emergent vegetation	Protected shallow bays with emergent reeds and sparse vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Brush piles in 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses near staging areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to reed lines and points Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and emerging vegetation	Bluegills beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active with warming water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleyes are in spawning mode, moving into shallow rocky areas and river channels with current for egg deposition Most active during low-light periods, with dawn and dusk being prime feeding windows Post-spawn fish will gradually transition to nearby deeper structures to recover	River channel mouths and current-swept rocky areas in 3-8 feet of water Adjacent deeper breaks in 12-20 feet for staging/recovery Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements Blade Baits worked through current areas	Spawning shiners and small baitfish in shallow areas Young perch moving into warming shallows Juvenile ciscoes in deeper staging areas	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Staging near shallow spawning flats with quick access to deeper water, making pre-spawn movements into warmer bays Males beginning to create and guard nests in protected areas with gravel or rocky substrate Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn	Protected shallow bays with gravel or rocky bottom, especially those that warm first Transitional areas between spawning flats and deeper water Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas	Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and potential nest sites Ned Rigs dragged along transition areas Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	42-52	Sauger are actively spawning in moderate depths (10-14 ft) around boulder-strewn areas and river channel edges Fish are showing preference for vertical feeding patterns and responding to jigging presentations in current areas	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 10-14 foot depth range River channel edges with current breaks Rocky points with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shiners Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Lake trout are actively spawning over rocky structure and boulder fields in shallower water, typically 15-30 feet deep Fish are more territorial and aggressive during spawning, defending prime spawning areas and actively feeding between spawning activities	Boulder fields and rocky reefs in 15-30 foot depth range Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper water Rocky points and shoreline structure with quick access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Tubes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Perch Small Lake Trout Ciscoes	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-58	Post-spawn pike actively feeding in warming shallow bays (53°F), utilizing emergent vegetation and river channels as ambush points Aggressive feeding behavior triggered by flash and vibration in moderately stained water Moving between spawning areas and adjacent feeding zones, particularly around Bostic and Zippel Bays	Protected shallow bays with emergent reed beds River channel edges with current breaks Points and irregularities adjacent to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked along reed edges and through sparse vegetation Inline Spinners cast parallel to current breaks and channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation transitions	Bluegill in vegetated areas Small perch in transitional areas Baitfish concentrated in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow protected bays and coves with emergent vegetation, particularly reeds Males preparing and guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected shallow bays with reeds and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays Boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas providing pre-spawn staging areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and visible beds Swim Jigs through spawning areas and along edges of reed lines Spinnerbaits worked parallel to staging areas and points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegills in shallow spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleyes are actively recovering and beginning to feed heavily, particularly during early morning and evening periods Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure, using points and transitions as staging areas	River channel edges and current breaks adjacent to spawning bays Main lake points with access to deeper water Shallow to mid-depth reefs (8-15 feet) near spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows on structure	Small perch in transitional areas Shiners moving along shoreline breaks Juvenile baitfish schooling in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing boulder fields and points as primary feeding zones, making frequent movements between depths to follow optimal temperatures	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays where fish stage during post-spawn recovery Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range offering both feeding opportunities and temperature comfort Transition areas between shallow bays and main lake points	Tubes worked slowly along bottom structure Ned Rigs worked with subtle hops on rocky points Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for suspended fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows Perch moving along rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	48-58	Post-spawn sauger transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish relating to current areas and structure breaks, becoming more active with warming water	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas near spawning grounds in 10-15 foot depth River channel edges where current concentrates baitfish Structural transitions near deep water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows or soft plastics Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Blade Baits worked along bottom structure	Young-of-year perch Shiners and small baitfish Juvenile ciscoes	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	45-52	Lake trout are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, primarily following schools of pelagic baitfish in the upper water column Fish are making frequent transitions between deep structure and shallower feeding zones as water temperatures remain cool	Rocky points and boulder fields in 15-30ft depth range Steep shoreline breaks adjacent to deep water Offshore humps and reefs transitioning to deep basin areas	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed along structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions	Perch concentrating around rocky structure Pelagic baitfish schools in open water Juvenile cisco moving through transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-58	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding in warming shallow bays, particularly in the 2-8 foot depth range where light penetration is optimal in the moderately stained water Fish are relating to emergent vegetation and current areas, using these zones as ambush points for feeding Pike are exhibiting both opportunistic feeding behavior and reaction strikes, suggesting aggressive feeding patterns	Protected bays with emerging vegetation, particularly Bostic and Zippel Bays River channel areas and current breaks where baitfish concentrate Reed beds in 2-8 foot depths along shoreline points and inside turns	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges and through scattered reed beds Inline Spinners cast to current breaks and retrieved at varying speeds Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating in vegetated areas Yellow Perch in slightly deeper transitions Various baitfish species in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn females actively recovering and feeding, moving from spawning areas to early summer locations Fish staging near green vegetation and brush piles, making feeding forays into adjacent areas Bass becoming more active with warming trends but still preferring slower presentations	Emergent reed lines adjacent to slightly deeper water Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range Rocky points with access to both shallow and deep water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits parallel to reed lines during wind Shakey Heads near brush piles and rocky points	Bluegills moving into spawning areas Crawfish active in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-75	Walleyes are holding deep and relating to structure, particularly deep reefs and river channels, with active feeding periods throughout the day as evidenced by recent reports Fish are showing a strong preference for suspended positions over deep water, likely due to warm summer temperatures pushing them deeper	Deep reefs with surrounding hard structure in 20+ feet of water River channels providing current breaks and cooler water Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) trolled along reef edges and over structure Trolling Deep (20'+) with heavy weights for precise depth control Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are tightly holding to structure	Perch, as evidenced by successful perch-colored baits and fishing reports Minnows, specifically mentioned in recent fishing reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Actively feeding on crawfish around boulder fields and rocky structure, with peak activity during lower light conditions Moving between shallow and deep water based on temperature, utilizing deep structure during midday heat Establishing typical summer feeding patterns with concentrated activity in prime rocky habitat areas	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 8-20 foot depth range Deep points and humps with rock/gravel composition Complex shoreline areas with mixed rock and boulder structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in boulder fields Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for deep structure fish	Crawfish Small bottom-dwelling baitfish Perch	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Sauger	65-75	Moving to deeper water (20'+ range) during peak summer, following similar patterns to walleye while staying active in lower light conditions Concentrating around structural elements like deep points, river channels, and boulder areas, especially during feeding periods Becoming more active during wind events that create current in river channels and around points	Deep river channels with current and boulder structure in 20'+ depth Main lake points and humps transitioning from shallow to deep water Deep water boulder fields adjacent to feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs	Young-of-year perch Shiners and other baitfish Small bottom-dwelling prey near rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	48-52	Lake trout are seeking refuge in deeper, cooler water below the thermocline during summer months Feeding activity concentrated during early morning and late evening when water temperatures are cooler Fish relating strongly to offshore structure like deep reefs and boulder fields	Deep offshore reefs and humps in 35-50ft range Boulder fields and rocky structure near thermocline Deep water adjacent to main lake points	Trolling Deep (20'+) along contour breaks and over structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics Spoons worked vertically through suspended fish	Perch schooling near deep structure Ciscoes suspended in cold water column Small whitefish near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are moving to deeper, cooler water during peak summer heat, primarily utilizing weed edges and points at 10-15 feet depth Feeding activity peaks during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are moderate Suspended fish relate to baitfish schools near deep weed edges and river channel edges	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points River channel edges with current breaks Submerged weed beds near the entrance to bays	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and channel breaks Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved near suspended baitfish schools	Schools of pelagic baitfish Bluegills in weed edges Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding during early morning and evening, utilizing shallow cover and transitional areas near deep water During midday heat, moving to deeper structures or seeking shade under docks and thick vegetation Establishing regular feeding patterns around bluegill spawning areas and primary structural elements	Reed beds adjacent to deeper water access Boulder fields near points and drop-offs Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range Shaded dock areas with good depth nearby	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Spinnerbaits along weed edges and through boulder fields Drop Shot in deeper water near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during low light periods	Bluegills in spawning patterns Crawfish around rocky structure Young of the year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake of the Woods (2)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-58	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to build up energy reserves for winter Peak feeding activity occurs during low-light periods, with fish moving up on structure to feed before returning to deeper water	Deep points adjacent to river channels in 20-35 foot depths Deep structural transitions where main lake meets river channels Steep breaks and humps near deep basin areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Blade Baits	Yellow Perch Shiners	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish in rocky areas Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to mid-depth structure, making frequent moves between 15-30 foot depths	Main lake points with boulder and rock transition areas in 15-25 foot range Deep weed edges adjacent to rocky structure Offshore humps and reefs with access to deep water	Drop Shot with soft plastics worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits worked with aggressive lift-drop retrieve Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure Baitfish schools suspending near structure Young-of-year perch in and around deep weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Sauger	45-58	Sauger are transitioning to deeper water (15-25 feet) and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements, particularly around deep structure and river channel edges	Deep river channel edges and current areas where baitfish concentrate Rocky points and humps adjacent to deep water Deep structural transitions where baitfish schools gather	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Blade Baits	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water Shiners and other baitfish concentrated in river channels Small cisco/tullibees in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	45-58	Lake trout become more active in cooling fall waters, moving into shallower structures to feed aggressively on baitfish Fish are transitioning from deep summer haunts to medium depth ranges, particularly around rocky structures and points	Rocky points and boulder fields in 20-35ft depth range Deep reef edges adjacent to bays where baitfish school Offshore humps with quick access to deep water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with varied speed to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around marked fish Spoons worked aggressively through baitfish schools	Perch schooling around rocky structure Various baitfish species congregating in cooling shallow waters Ciscoes moving into shallower water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Actively feeding on larger prey to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools to deeper structure More aggressive during low-light periods, moving shallow to feed during dawn and dusk Transitioning between remaining weed edges and deeper structure as water temperatures cool	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels Points and breaks near deep basins Current areas where baitfish schools concentrate	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges with speed variations Spinnerbaits worked parallel to structure transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking dying baitfish	Schooling baitfish moving to deeper water Bluegills relating to remaining vegetation Young-of-year perch in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass actively feeding on bluegills around brush piles, transitioning to deeper structure as water cools Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and nearby deep-water sanctuaries, following baitfish movements	Brush piles adjacent to deeper water Points with boulder structure Deep weed edges near bays	Drop Shot with slow, precise presentations around brush Football Jigs worked along deep points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along transitional areas	Bluegill concentrating near brush and structure Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Late fall walleyes are actively feeding to build energy reserves, focusing on deep structural elements where baitfish concentrate Fish exhibit strong feeding windows during low-light transition periods, with occasional mid-day activity in the stained water conditions	Deep river channel bends and intersections (25-35 feet) where current provides ambush opportunities Steep breaks and points adjacent to deep basins Deep reefs and humps (20-30 feet) that concentrate baitfish	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Structure Jigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Yellow Perch schooling in deep water Shiners concentrating near structure Juvenile whitefish moving to deeper water	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Sauger	34-42	Sauger are concentrated in deep river channels and current areas, often schooling near bottom structure Feeding activity is most consistent during low-light periods, with fish moving shallower during dawn/dusk	Deep river channels with current, especially where channels intersect with points or humps Rocky humps and points adjacent to deep water Areas where current flows around boulder fields in 15-25 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water Shiners concentrated in current areas Small ciscoes suspended near structure breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Trout	34-42	Fish are holding in deep water, typically 35-50 feet, near structural elements and making occasional movements to feed on schooling baitfish Lake trout are actively feeding during daylight hours when water temperatures are optimal, particularly targeting perch and other cold-water baitfish	Deep boulder fields and rocky structure in 35-50 foot range Offshore humps and deep reefs adjacent to deeper water Deep water points and irregular shoreline features where structure meets deep basins	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Spoons Blade Baits	Perch Cold-water baitfish schools Ciscoes	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	42-48	Pike are actively patrolling deep edges adjacent to large flats and channel areas, utilizing these locations as primary hunting grounds Fish are following schools of baitfish in open water, making feeding periods more concentrated and location-specific Pike are demonstrating selective depth preferences based on water temperature and oxygen levels, typically holding in the 15-25 foot range	Deep edges of main lake points near river channel intersections Deeper sections of Bostic and Zippel Bays where they meet the main lake basin Suspended over deep basins where baitfish schools concentrate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools	Suspended schools of tullibees and ciscos Deep-holding yellow perch Concentrated schools of winter bluegills	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-38	Walleyes are holding in deep water (30-35 feet) and showing distinct feeding windows during low light and afternoon periods Fish are relating strongly to bottom structure, particularly deep humps and basin areas, feeding actively on minnows	Deep humps in 30-35 foot range Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements Points extending into deeper water	Ice Fishing Spoons worked 18 inches off bottom Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnow heads Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows	Minnows (primary forage based on multiple reports) Perch (noted as bycatch and influencing color selection)	Metallic Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	34-39	Lake trout are actively feeding in deep water structures, responding well to moving presentations between 35-50 feet Fish are suspending throughout the water column but relating to bottom structure, striking baits at various depths from 30ft to bottom	Steep drops and points in 35-50 foot range Deep boulder fields and rocky structure Offshore humps and reefs with access to deep water	Tubes worked with active presentations Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) maintaining constant bait movement	Perch Various Baitfish	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike are congregating near structural elements in 15-25 foot ranges where oxygen levels are highest, particularly near river channel edges and deep bay transitions Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with fish making shorter movements to ambush prey	Deep bay transitions near Bostic and Zippel Bays where 15-25 foot depths meet shallower flats River channel edges with nearby deep holes Structural transitions near reed beds that drop into deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Bluegill concentrating in deeper weed edges Perch schools roaming deeper flats Small baitfish holding in river channel areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake of the Woods (2)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges and connecting points where fish stage during pre-spawn movement	Secondary points and inside turns in 15-25 foot depths near spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Clear, warming bays with rocky substrate and boulders in 4-12 foot depth	Main lake points and inside turns with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	River channel edges near spawning flats in 10-14 foot depth range	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points and boulder fields in 20-40ft depth range with access to deeper water	Steep breaks and drop-offs near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation (Bostic and Zippel Bays specifically mentioned)	Reed beds in 3-8 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with emergent reeds and sparse vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channel mouths and current-swept rocky areas in 3-8 feet of water	Adjacent deeper breaks in 12-20 feet for staging/recovery
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with gravel or rocky bottom, especially those that warm first	Transitional areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 10-14 foot depth range	River channel edges with current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Boulder fields and rocky reefs in 15-30 foot depth range	Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Protected shallow bays with emergent reed beds	River channel edges with current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with reeds and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges and current breaks adjacent to spawning bays	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays where fish stage during post-spawn recovery	Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range offering both feeding opportunities and temperature comfort
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas near spawning grounds in 10-15 foot depth	River channel edges where current concentrates baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points and boulder fields in 15-30ft depth range	Steep shoreline breaks adjacent to deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Protected bays with emerging vegetation, particularly Bostic and Zippel Bays	River channel areas and current breaks where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emergent reed lines adjacent to slightly deeper water	Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range
Summer	Walleye	Deep reefs with surrounding hard structure in 20+ feet of water	River channels providing current breaks and cooler water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 8-20 foot depth range	Deep points and humps with rock/gravel composition
Summer	Sauger	Deep river channels with current and boulder structure in 20'+ depth	Main lake points and humps transitioning from shallow to deep water
Summer	Lake Trout	Deep offshore reefs and humps in 35-50ft range	Boulder fields and rocky structure near thermocline
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points	River channel edges with current breaks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds adjacent to deeper water access	Boulder fields near points and drop-offs
Fall	Walleye	Deep points adjacent to river channels in 20-35 foot depths	Deep structural transitions where main lake meets river channels
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder and rock transition areas in 15-25 foot range	Deep weed edges adjacent to rocky structure
Fall	Sauger	Deep river channel edges and current areas where baitfish concentrate	Rocky points and humps adjacent to deep water
Fall	Lake Trout	Rocky points and boulder fields in 20-35ft depth range	Deep reef edges adjacent to bays where baitfish school
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels	Points and breaks near deep basins
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles adjacent to deeper water	Points with boulder structure
Winter	Walleye	Deep river channel bends and intersections (25-35 feet) where current provides ambush opportunities	Steep breaks and points adjacent to deep basins
Winter	Sauger	Deep river channels with current, especially where channels intersect with points or humps	Rocky humps and points adjacent to deep water
Winter	Lake Trout	Deep boulder fields and rocky structure in 35-50 foot range	Offshore humps and deep reefs adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep edges of main lake points near river channel intersections	Deeper sections of Bostic and Zippel Bays where they meet the main lake basin
Ice	Walleye	Deep humps in 30-35 foot range	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements
Ice	Lake Trout	Steep drops and points in 35-50 foot range	Deep boulder fields and rocky structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep bay transitions near Bostic and Zippel Bays where 15-25 foot depths meet shallower flats	River channel edges with nearby deep holes

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shiners moving shallow for spring spawning activities	Young perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in warming bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Shiners gathering in pre-spawn areas	Young-of-year perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Perch moving shallow with warming water	Smaller baitfish schools following temperature breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill in vegetated areas	Various baitfish species congregating in warming shallow bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Spawning shiners and small baitfish in shallow areas	Young perch moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Shiners	Young-of-year perch
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Perch	Small Lake Trout
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill in vegetated areas	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegills in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch in transitional areas	Shiners moving along shoreline breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Young-of-year perch	Shiners and small baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Perch concentrating around rocky structure	Pelagic baitfish schools in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in vegetated areas	Yellow Perch in slightly deeper transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills moving into spawning areas	Crawfish active in rocky areas
Summer	Walleye	Perch, as evidenced by successful perch-colored baits and fishing reports	Minnows, specifically mentioned in recent fishing reports
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Summer	Sauger	Young-of-year perch	Shiners and other baitfish
Summer	Lake Trout	Perch schooling near deep structure	Ciscoes suspended in cold water column
Summer	Northern Pike	Schools of pelagic baitfish	Bluegills in weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills in spawning patterns	Crawfish around rocky structure
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Shiners
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure	Baitfish schools suspending near structure
Fall	Sauger	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water	Shiners and other baitfish concentrated in river channels
Fall	Lake Trout	Perch schooling around rocky structure	Various baitfish species congregating in cooling shallow waters
Fall	Northern Pike	Schooling baitfish moving to deeper water	Bluegills relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near brush and structure	Crawfish active on hard bottom areas
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling in deep water	Shiners concentrating near structure
Winter	Sauger	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water	Shiners concentrated in current areas
Winter	Lake Trout	Perch	Cold-water baitfish schools
Winter	Northern Pike	Suspended schools of tullibees and ciscos	Deep-holding yellow perch
Ice	Walleye	Minnows (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Perch (noted as bycatch and influencing color selection)
Ice	Lake Trout	Perch	Various Baitfish
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in deeper weed edges	Perch schools roaming deeper flats

Bait Colors by Season for Lake of the Woods (2)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Sauger	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Metallic Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals