Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your June 4, 2025, Lake of the Woods fishing report, bringing you all the local knowledge you need before you hit the water.

Sunrise came this morning at 5:19 a.m., with sunset ahead at 9:12 p.m. We’ve got classic early summer weather—expect a mix of sun and clouds today, moderate northwest winds, and temps pushing into the upper 60s. The water is warming fast, sitting comfortably above 70°F in many main-lake spots, and the fish are loving it.

Tidal influence isn’t a factor here, but wind direction and weather changes play a big role. With a stable barometer and sunshine, the bite has been hot all around Lake of the Woods.

Reports from LakeoftheWoodsMN.com and River Bend Resort confirm the action is steady and the walleyes and saugers are stacked from the south shore up through the basin. Anglers are getting the best numbers drifting crawler harnesses and spinners tipped with nightcrawlers or fathead minnows in 24 to 35 feet of water. Bright colors—gold, chartreuse, pink, and anything with a glow finish—are producing well in the lake’s stained water.

Those trolling crankbaits on leadcore or downriggers at 2–3 mph are intercepting the bigger walleyes, especially around the mud flats and deeper structure from Long Point to Garden Island. If you’re anchoring up, a classic jig-and-minnow is still putting fish in the boat, and don’t be afraid to experiment with plastics when the bite slows.

The Rainy River remains a solid option, with jumbo pike and some of the last sturgeon action of the spring, though the primary focus is shifting to walleyes now. Four Mile Bay and the river holes are giving up nice mixed bags, and you never know when a massive sturgeon might bend your rod.

Recent catches have included limits of eater-sized walleyes, plenty of saugers, and a sprinkling of trophies over 28 inches that must be released unless you want your one big fish for the wall. Pike action continues in the bays, and smallmouth bass are active around the rocks and islands—often overlooked this time of year but putting up fantastic fights.

Hotspots to try today:
- The stretch from Pine Island to Long Point in 12–18 feet early, then slide deeper as the day goes on.
- The “deep triangle” from Long Point east toward Garden Island and the U.S.-Canada border for big walleyes and saugers.
- For something different, hop into the Rainy River or Four Mile Bay for multi-species action and a shot at a true sturgeon giant.

Best baits right now: crawler harnesses with nightcrawlers, fathead minnows, frozen shiners, and crankbaits in firetiger, gold, and clown patterns.

That’s the report for today—Lake of the Woods is firing on all cylinders and the fish are biting. Thanks for tuning in to your daily dose with Artificial Lure, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a hot bite.

This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.