As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is nothing short of exceptional, especially with the fall season in full swing.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is cool, with water temperatures in the low to mid 50s, making it ideal for a variety of fish species. Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:15 PM. There is no significant tidal activity to report, as Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake.

### Fish Activity
Walleye and sauger fishing remains excellent on the south end of the lake. Anglers are finding these fish in depths ranging from 20 to 25 feet, particularly in areas such as Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, and Long Point. The fall bite is strong, with walleyes and saugers actively feeding in areas with structure like points, neck down areas with some current, and transition areas from rock to mud.

In addition to walleyes and saugers, the lake is yielding a mixed bag of fish including jumbo perch, crappies, pike, smallmouth bass, and muskies. The Northwest Angle is also producing great results, with anglers fishing both the Minnesota and Ontario sides.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes, jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners is highly effective. Successful jig colors in the stained waters include gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, and pink, with gold often combined with one of these colors. Using sonar to locate fish and then anchoring up for about 30 minutes can give you a good idea of what is living in the area.

### Hot Spots
- **Lighthouse Gap**: Where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods, this area is known for its strong current and structural elements that attract walleyes and saugers.
- **Zippel Bay to Long Point**: This stretch is rich in transition areas from rock to mud and has been producing nice catches of walleyes, perch, and pike.

Overall, the fall fishing at Lake of the Woods is some of the best of the year, offering a beautiful time to be out on the water and make some incredible memories. So, grab your warm fall clothes, your camera, and your favorite lures, and get ready for an excellent day of fishing.