As of October 31, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is buzzing with activity, despite the cooler autumn weather.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F, making it a crisp fall day. Sunrise is at 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:06 PM. The water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s, which is ideal for fall fishing.

### Fish Activity
Fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is in full swing, and the fish are highly active. Walleyes and saugers are the main targets, and anglers are enjoying consistent action. Yesterday, numerous limits of walleyes and saugers were caught, particularly in the south end of the lake.

### Best Locations
The Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay, and the Northwest Angle are the hot spots right now. In the Rainy River, the 42 miles of navigable water from Wheeler’s Point to Birchdale, MN, are producing good catches. Big Traverse Bay, with its depths ranging from 20 to 27 feet, is loaded with walleyes and saugers. The Northwest Angle, known for its diverse structure, is also a prime area for catching a variety of species.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes and saugers, jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is highly effective. Anchor your boat and jig from the side, using jig colors such as gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, or pink. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is often a winning combination. Anglers are also finding success jigging over structures and in deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas.

### Additional Species
Besides walleyes and saugers, muskie and crappie anglers are also having a good time. Jumbo perch and pike are also being caught as the waters cool.

### Tidal Report
Since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, there are no tides to report. However, the flow of water in the Rainy River can affect fishing conditions, but currently, it is not a significant factor.

If you're planning a trip to Lake of the Woods, make sure to bundle up and bring your camera to capture the memories. With the right gear and knowledge, you're set for an excellent fall fishing experience.