Rigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
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A vast border lake called the walleye capital of the world, with a big winter ice fishing scene.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake of the Woods for yellow perch, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, yellow perch, walleye, northern pike and muskellunge are in season, and Spinnerbait, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 2 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 1 bait and tackle); the closest is Twin Island Sleepers in Williams, 14 mi away.
Best Months
Apr to Nov
In October
Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake of the Woods Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye · Big glide or jerkbaits in fall.
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Northern Pike
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Northern Pike
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye, Yellow Perch
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Northern Pike
Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.
Muskellunge
Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake of the Woods
Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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St. Croix Musky Casting Rod
A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait
A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Within 45 Miles