As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is thriving despite the cooler autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is expected to be relatively stable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be approximately at 4:30 PM. Water temperatures have stabilized, with surface temperatures between 51-54 degrees Fahrenheit.

### Fish Activity
Walleye and sauger fishing remains excellent, with many anglers reporting limits of both species. The fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is in full swing, and the Rainy River is also producing good catches. In addition to walleyes and saugers, anglers are catching jumbo perch, pike, and crappies.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes and saugers, vertical jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners is highly effective. Jigs in colors such as gold, gold-glow white, gold-chartreuse, gold-orange, and gold-pink are working well. Lindy rigs with minnows ranging from 4-6 inches are also producing good results, especially on the outside weed edge or off the deeper breaks. For muskie fishing, dragging large minnows on bobbers along the weed edge or using big rubber lures to cover more ground is recommended.

### Hot Spots
The south end of Lake of the Woods is a hot spot, particularly around traditional areas with structure like points, neck-down areas with current, shoreline breaks, and transition areas from rock to mud. The Northwest Angle is also seeing great action, with walleyes being found around similar structured areas. The Rainy River is another prime location, especially as the river's fishing continues to improve.

### Additional Tips
Being flexible with your fishing techniques and locations can pay dividends. If you're fishing on a charter or with a guide, they will help adjust your approach to put you on fish. For those fishing on their own, keep an eye on the weather and adjust your presentations accordingly.

Overall, now is an excellent time to head to Lake of the Woods for some fantastic fall fishing. With the right gear and a bit of flexibility, you're likely to have a productive and enjoyable day on the water.