Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for July 7th, 2025. Midsummer patterns are in full swing, and the lake’s serving up classic July action. Water temps are running around 73°F, perfect for both walleye and bass, and the overall bite has been steady with those afternoon winds putting a ripple on the water—just the way we like it. Sunrise was at 5:19 AM, and sunset hits at 9:23 PM, giving you all the daylight you need to chase those trophies.

Walleyes are center stage as always. According to Outdoor News, Lake of the Woods remains one of Minnesota’s top walleye fisheries. Reports from anglers around the lake and the Rainy River confirm that big fish are still coming in, with keepers and some real hawgs. Instagram anglers this week showed off a few beauties, including a 28-inch walleye caught near Garden Island. Most of the action is coming from 15 to 28 feet, with good numbers suspending just off the main reefs and mud flats. Traditional gold and orange spinners with crawlers are consistent producers, but don’t overlook shiner minnows if you can get them—the walleyes are still keying on them. If you’re jig fishing, a 1/4 oz jig in chartreuse or glow colors tipped with a fathead is tough to beat.

The river bite is hanging in there, too, especially with sturgeon season now open as of July 1st. If you’re itching to target those prehistoric giants, head to the Rainy River. Heavy nightcrawlers on a circle hook with enough weight to hold bottom is all you need. Plenty of sturgeon are in the system and some boats are reporting multiple fish a day.

Crappie schools are holding deep in basins—Instagram’s “wolf packs” of big crappies have been on the bite, with 13.5-inch slabs coming from 20 to 30 feet near the rocky transitions and deeper weedlines. Small marabou jigs and crappie minnows are top choices. Don’t be afraid to downsize if the bite gets finicky.

Bass are active, particularly in shallow rocky areas early and late in the day. AnglingBuzz points out that crankbaits and minnow baits like the Mooch Minnow and Freeloader are highly effective for suspended fish, especially when worked over deeper boulders and breaks. Texas rigs, jigs, and Ned rigs in green pumpkin remain staples, and if you’re hunting smallies, try wacky-rigging your drop-shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm.

Hot spots to target right now:
- The main basin off Pine Island—walleyes are stacked on soft-bottom humps.
- Northwest angle rock reefs—great for a mixed bag, with plenty of bass and bonus pike.
- The Rainy River mouth—prime for both walleyes and those tank sturgeon.

Keep an eye on changing winds for best action, and remember that the bite can slow during high sun. Early morning and evening hours are your best bets for numbers and size. Minnesota DNR field reports do note some “slower” spells, but if you move often and dial in your presentation, you’ll find plenty of willing biters. Bring plenty of ice and be ready to take photos—there are some real trophies cruising this stretch of the border.

Thanks for tuning in to your Lake of the Woods report. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest fishing intel, tips, and hot spots each week. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

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