
Lake of the Woods Fishing Report – May 26, 2026
Now is the transition anglers have been waiting for, and the bite is responding.
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Now is the transition anglers have been waiting for, and the bite is responding.

Water temperatures are still in the mid-40s, and the majority of walleye anglers are getting it done with a jig and minnow.

What to know as the Minnesota Fishing Opener approaches.

Bays are starting to show open water, which naturally gets the attention of anglers who like huge pike.

The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, and spring is prime time.

Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River.

Good numbers of walleyes are being reported. Some anglers are catching big fish, but the norm so far has been numbers over size.

On the south end, overall, the walleye and sauger bite has been good. Some anglers are reporting more fish moving closer to shore and becoming more active – a pattern that often develops as we

Ice anglers continue picking away at nice fish across the south shore.
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