As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is nothing short of exceptional. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is crisp with water temperatures in the low to mid 50s, perfect for fall fishing. Expect a partly cloudy day with a gentle breeze, making it ideal for boating and casting.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:15 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the lake.

### Fish Activity
Walleye and sauger fishing remains excellent on the south end of Lake of the Woods. Anglers are reporting good numbers of fish being caught, with many walleyes and saugers active in the area. The fall bite is in full swing, and fish are being found in various depths, ranging from 20 to 25 feet across the south shore.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a mix of species being caught, including walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, pike, and even some muskies. The protected slot for walleyes (19.5 to 28 inches) is seeing a lot of action, but anglers are also catching trophy walleyes over 28 inches.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes and saugers, 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. Combining gold with any of these colors often yields good results. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits are also productive techniques.

### Hot Spots
- The Lighthouse Gap, where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods, is a hot spot, especially west to the Morris Point area.
- Zippel Bay and Long Point are also producing nice fish.
- Points and neck down areas with some current are good spots, especially around the Northwest Angle.

### Additional Tips
Locating fish on your sonar and anchoring up for about 30 minutes can give you a good idea of what is living in the area. Keep an eye out for structure such as points and transition areas from rock to mud, as these are holding good numbers of fish.

With the fall season in full swing, Lake of the Woods is offering some of the best fishing of the year. So, grab your gear, dress warmly, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water.