9.5.16 Sunset Lodge Fishing Report

Hello everyone! Checking in from Sunset lodge here on beautiful Oak Island in the Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods. Hope everyone had a fantastic week!

Here in the Angle, summer has come to an end as the water temps are slowly cooling. The days are getting shorter and the nights are starting to get that first chill of Fall in the air. Soon the leaves on the trees will start to show their vibrant colors and the geese will begin migrating South. In the North country, September is the kick off to Minnesota's hunting seasons, whether it's deer, bear or small game. And here in the Angle it's no different, as several of these seasons are in full swing as we speak. But, September has also been known to be a fantastic month for fishing! As the water temps cool, fish start schooling and moving back shallow making for dynamite fishing when the bite is hot!

Here in Minnesota waters, the water temps are between 66 and 68 degrees and slowly dropping. Anglers have been finding success in the waters between Oak and Flag Island, right out in front of the Lodge in fact! Target depths have been between 10 to 14 feet, and 20 to 24 feet. Tactics have included everything from a jig and minnow combination, bottom bouncers and spinners, to trolling crankbaits with leadcore lines. Most of the fish caught in this area have been of the "eater" size with a few slot fish mixed in the bunch. Other worthwhile locations are Little Oak Island, Four Blocks and the North side of Oak island and Soldier's point.

On the Canadian side, fishing reports have been limited with the bite being so great on the U.S. side of the line. However, a few anglers are making their way into Ontario and having success catching walleyes with a jig and minnow combination, working humps and reefs in depths of 14 to 24 feet of water. Use your electronics to find fish near the structure and you'll have a good day of fishing with a full livewells for your efforts. Muskie anglers are getting in a few more weeks of casting baits trying to hook one of these toothy giants before the cold waters of October arrive and most boats targeting these fish begin trolling. Cast large bucktails, stickbaits and subsurface baits over rock points, reefs and shorelines to have a chance at landing one of these giants as they begin to pack on the pounds throughout the fall!

Our very own, Samantha Norman, just caught her personal best, a 46 inch muskie yesterday!

Have a great week folks and remember to book your next fishing or hunting adventure with us at Sunset Lodge! We would love to be yours hosts.

Cale Albers