9.19.16 Sunset Lodge Fishing Report

Hello folks! Hope you all had a fantastic week! Checking back in with you from Sunset Lodge on beautiful Oak Island in the Northwest Angle on world famous Lake of the Woods.

Fall is definitely here as we have felt the temps slowly falling, the leaves starting to show their vibrant colors and the local waterfowl beginning their annual migration to warmer climates. Here in the Angle, several hunting seasons have started over the last few weeks: Canada goose, black bear and more recently small game and archery deer just over the weekend. And starting next weekend, our Minnesota waterfowl season kicks off! Along with all of that excitement, the fishing has been red hot and getting hotter despite the falling temps!

Here stateside, the water temps are between 61 and 63 degrees, anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in depths of 10 to 14 feet and 18 to 25 feet. Most boats are using a jig and minnow combination or pulling crankbaits in the areas south and west of Oak Island, near Four Blocks and the east bar of Little Oak. Hot colors are gold, orange, and chartreuse.

In Ontario waters, anglers are putting together limits of quality fish for the frying pan and catching several trophy caliber fish as well! Boats this week have been fishing the humps near Skeet Island, Outer Bay, Tranquil Channel and east to McPherson Island. Most have been using a jig and minnow combo working points and reefs in 15 to 25 feet of water. Quite a few jumbo perch have been showing up in these areas along with the walleyes as well! The crappie bite has been up and down the last week, but we expect it to heat up as the temps continue to fall. Look for deep water areas off of points or flooded timber areas. Jig and minnows or plastics can all produce crappies this time of year. And for all you Muskie faithful, these giant predators are becoming more active as the temps start falling and they strap on the feed bags before the winter months. Cast stickbaits, minnow baits and bucktails over rock reefs and points to hook into one of these monsters! Trolling large crankbaits and minnow baits is also starting to become productive as well.

Time is running out on the open water season folks, now is the time to join us for some fantastic fall fishing, hunting and relaxing! Maybe a combination fishing/duck hunting adventure is in your future? We would love to be your hosts for your next outdoor excursion! Have a great week folks and be sure to visit us soon at Sunset Lodge!

Until next week, take care!
Cale Albers