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Lake of the Woods Fishing Report: Pre-Opener Pike and Sturgeon Action
Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 4th, 2025.
We're just about a week away from the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, and the anticipation is building! Right now, the main focus is on northern pike and sturgeon fishing, as the walleye season remains closed until opener day.
The ice on Big Traverse Bay has been deteriorating quickly - it's black and retreating more with each warm day. Many of the bays are now open or partially open, creating perfect conditions for some pre-opener action[1].
For you pike enthusiasts, this is prime time! Those trophy northerns are moving into shallow bays and ditches to spawn. The south shore areas like Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, and Zippel Bay are producing some monster pike. Remember your dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons, or shallow-running crankbaits - all effective techniques for these spring beasts[1][3].
Just a reminder on those pike regulations: three fish daily limit on the Minnesota side. All pike between 30-40 inches must go back in the water, but you can keep one over 40 inches. Most folks are doing catch and measure, snap a photo, then release. Smart move if you ask me[3].
For you sturgeon chasers, the Rainy River has been providing excellent action. Reports from a couple weeks back indicated the sturgeon bite was very good, and that trend should be continuing[3].
Looking ahead to the opener, I'm expecting a strong start to the walleye season based on last summer's reports. We had a nice mix of sizes last year - from small fish to eaters and even some trophies - which suggests a healthy fishery[4].
Once the walleye season kicks off, keep your electronics tuned to those mid-lake basin flats in about 24-35 feet of water. The mud has been holding good numbers. Have your jigs and minnows ready, along with crawler harnesses and crankbaits for trolling.
For those willing to explore the island areas, both Minnesota and Canadian waters have been productive in recent seasons, though you might need to fish a bit deeper than normal - 22-28 feet has been the sweet spot[5].
Weather-wise, we're seeing typical spring conditions, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Remember folks, the walleye opener is Saturday, May 10th. Until then, enjoy the pike fishing in the bays and sturgeon action on the Rainy. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!
We're just about a week away from the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, and the anticipation is building! Right now, the main focus is on northern pike and sturgeon fishing, as the walleye season remains closed until opener day.
The ice on Big Traverse Bay has been deteriorating quickly - it's black and retreating more with each warm day. Many of the bays are now open or partially open, creating perfect conditions for some pre-opener action[1].
For you pike enthusiasts, this is prime time! Those trophy northerns are moving into shallow bays and ditches to spawn. The south shore areas like Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, and Zippel Bay are producing some monster pike. Remember your dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons, or shallow-running crankbaits - all effective techniques for these spring beasts[1][3].
Just a reminder on those pike regulations: three fish daily limit on the Minnesota side. All pike between 30-40 inches must go back in the water, but you can keep one over 40 inches. Most folks are doing catch and measure, snap a photo, then release. Smart move if you ask me[3].
For you sturgeon chasers, the Rainy River has been providing excellent action. Reports from a couple weeks back indicated the sturgeon bite was very good, and that trend should be continuing[3].
Looking ahead to the opener, I'm expecting a strong start to the walleye season based on last summer's reports. We had a nice mix of sizes last year - from small fish to eaters and even some trophies - which suggests a healthy fishery[4].
Once the walleye season kicks off, keep your electronics tuned to those mid-lake basin flats in about 24-35 feet of water. The mud has been holding good numbers. Have your jigs and minnows ready, along with crawler harnesses and crankbaits for trolling.
For those willing to explore the island areas, both Minnesota and Canadian waters have been productive in recent seasons, though you might need to fish a bit deeper than normal - 22-28 feet has been the sweet spot[5].
Weather-wise, we're seeing typical spring conditions, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Remember folks, the walleye opener is Saturday, May 10th. Until then, enjoy the pike fishing in the bays and sturgeon action on the Rainy. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!
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By Quiet. PleaseHey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 4th, 2025.
We're just about a week away from the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, and the anticipation is building! Right now, the main focus is on northern pike and sturgeon fishing, as the walleye season remains closed until opener day.
The ice on Big Traverse Bay has been deteriorating quickly - it's black and retreating more with each warm day. Many of the bays are now open or partially open, creating perfect conditions for some pre-opener action[1].
For you pike enthusiasts, this is prime time! Those trophy northerns are moving into shallow bays and ditches to spawn. The south shore areas like Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, and Zippel Bay are producing some monster pike. Remember your dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons, or shallow-running crankbaits - all effective techniques for these spring beasts[1][3].
Just a reminder on those pike regulations: three fish daily limit on the Minnesota side. All pike between 30-40 inches must go back in the water, but you can keep one over 40 inches. Most folks are doing catch and measure, snap a photo, then release. Smart move if you ask me[3].
For you sturgeon chasers, the Rainy River has been providing excellent action. Reports from a couple weeks back indicated the sturgeon bite was very good, and that trend should be continuing[3].
Looking ahead to the opener, I'm expecting a strong start to the walleye season based on last summer's reports. We had a nice mix of sizes last year - from small fish to eaters and even some trophies - which suggests a healthy fishery[4].
Once the walleye season kicks off, keep your electronics tuned to those mid-lake basin flats in about 24-35 feet of water. The mud has been holding good numbers. Have your jigs and minnows ready, along with crawler harnesses and crankbaits for trolling.
For those willing to explore the island areas, both Minnesota and Canadian waters have been productive in recent seasons, though you might need to fish a bit deeper than normal - 22-28 feet has been the sweet spot[5].
Weather-wise, we're seeing typical spring conditions, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Remember folks, the walleye opener is Saturday, May 10th. Until then, enjoy the pike fishing in the bays and sturgeon action on the Rainy. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!
We're just about a week away from the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, and the anticipation is building! Right now, the main focus is on northern pike and sturgeon fishing, as the walleye season remains closed until opener day.
The ice on Big Traverse Bay has been deteriorating quickly - it's black and retreating more with each warm day. Many of the bays are now open or partially open, creating perfect conditions for some pre-opener action[1].
For you pike enthusiasts, this is prime time! Those trophy northerns are moving into shallow bays and ditches to spawn. The south shore areas like Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, and Zippel Bay are producing some monster pike. Remember your dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons, or shallow-running crankbaits - all effective techniques for these spring beasts[1][3].
Just a reminder on those pike regulations: three fish daily limit on the Minnesota side. All pike between 30-40 inches must go back in the water, but you can keep one over 40 inches. Most folks are doing catch and measure, snap a photo, then release. Smart move if you ask me[3].
For you sturgeon chasers, the Rainy River has been providing excellent action. Reports from a couple weeks back indicated the sturgeon bite was very good, and that trend should be continuing[3].
Looking ahead to the opener, I'm expecting a strong start to the walleye season based on last summer's reports. We had a nice mix of sizes last year - from small fish to eaters and even some trophies - which suggests a healthy fishery[4].
Once the walleye season kicks off, keep your electronics tuned to those mid-lake basin flats in about 24-35 feet of water. The mud has been holding good numbers. Have your jigs and minnows ready, along with crawler harnesses and crankbaits for trolling.
For those willing to explore the island areas, both Minnesota and Canadian waters have been productive in recent seasons, though you might need to fish a bit deeper than normal - 22-28 feet has been the sweet spot[5].
Weather-wise, we're seeing typical spring conditions, so dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.
Remember folks, the walleye opener is Saturday, May 10th. Until then, enjoy the pike fishing in the bays and sturgeon action on the Rainy. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!