10.3.16 Sunset Lodge Fishing Report

Hello folks! Checking in with you from Sunset Lodge here on beautiful Oak Island at the Northwest Angle, Lake of the Woods. Hope you've all had a fantastic week!

Here in the Angle, the seasons are changing quickly as late summer has melted into fall. Dropping temps and falling leaves littering the forest floor is a sure reminder that autumn is in full swing. Fishing this time of season can be some of the best and easiest of the entire year as fish begin to feed heavily in preparation for the cold of winter.

In Minnesota waters, the water temp is 57 degrees. Anglers have been putting good numbers of walleyes and saugers in the boat from the waters around Oak Island. Oak Point, Soldiers Point and Rabbit Ears have all been producing fish as well as the gap between Oak and Flag Island. Target depths range from 15 to 25 feet, depending on conditions. Tactics being used have been pulling crankbaits, Lindy Rigs and spinners tipped with minnows to cover water and locate active schools of fish. Once fish are found, vertical jigging with a leadhead tipped with a minnow has been red hot! Use the lightest jig you can while still keeping contact with the bottom for best results.

In Ontario waters, crappie action has been hit and miss. Look for deep points off of islands and sunken and flooded timber to find slabs this time of year. Use electronics to find schools of fish and vertical jig with a minnow or plastic to put fish in the box. We've had a few boats having luck finding schools of crappies and catching some real dandies! Some have even topped 16"! Now that's a slab crappie! If it's walleyes your after, look for areas of current and deeper holes. Depths of 18 to 30 feet have been most productive. Jigs tipped with minnows is the go to method during the fall season. Top areas this week have been Skeet Island, the west side of Falcon Island, McPherson Island and Firebag Island. Muskie reports have been limited, but the few that are fishing them are trolling large minnow baits such as Shallow Raiders, Depth Raiders, Jakes, Grandmas and Believers. Deep water areas near rock reefs have been the best. Fish that have been caught and landed have been some real monsters!

With Fall half way over and winter on the horizon, now is the time to head North to the Angle. Here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the wild, whether it's the drumming of a grouse, the whistling wings of passing ducks or the sound of your reels drag singing from the pull of a trophy fish! The area is a true sportsman's paradise! We would love to be your hosts for your next outdoor adventure!

Until next week folks, from all of us at Sunset Lodge, take care!
Cale Albers