Memorial Weekend Fishing Report by Dan Schmidt

Up at the NW Angle, we have been having exceptionally good weather which has contributed to great fishing. Temperatures in the upper 70's, light wind and no cold fronts coming through. Our first bugs hatched this weekend which also helped play a part. Our water temperature is now about 50 degrees.

On the Minnesota side, the best walleye spot has been between Oak Island and Blackbird Island. The walleyes spawn on various points and shallow bars around Oak so fishing in deeper water (21-25 feet) adjacent to those spots have been producing good results. There is one spot with a 21 foot hole that does extremely well. There were at least 4 boats in that area all weekend long. Soldiers Point also did very well. We also had lots of boats from both the north and south end of Lake of the Woods having good luck at Garden Island, Bridges Island and Knight Island. We've been using 1/4 or 3/8 ounce jigs.

On the Ontario side, you could pick a point anywhere and catch fish. One group caught and released 77 fish the first day and 78 fish the second day in the SAME spot!. Their largest was a 24" walleye with most in the 18"-20" range. Another group who regularly fish the NW Angle over Memorial Weekend, said this was the best fishing they've seen at this time of the year. Both the east and west side of Falcon Island were just awesome. Crappies still haven't started spawning so were more scattered. 25 feet was the magic number and 1/4 ounce jigs seemed to be the ticket.

While the deer are still back in the woods having their fawns, we were fortunate to see a mama bear swimming while carrying her two cubs on her back!

Until next week, good fishing!

Dan Schmidt
Sunset Lodge Manager & Guide