Area fishing report: Fall walleye patterns are emerging on Lake of the Woods, catfish action 'pretty good' on the Red River

Walleyes are moving closer to shore, with good numbers of walleyes staged along the south end of the lake in 28 to 31 feet of water. Fall patterns are emerging, and anglers are beginning to catch walleyes near and in the Rainy River, where some shiner minnows are beginning to run, Lake of the Woods Tourism reports. Trolling spinners or crankbaits is most effective, but some anglers also are having success by anchoring and jigging.

Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers are finding walleyes in Little Traverse Bay in Ontario waters and on flats and funnel areas near and between islands, Lake of the Woods Tourism said. Spinners tipped with crawlers or minnows remain the go-to presentation, the report said, but some anglers also are having success pulling crankbaits and jigging. Crappie and perch action is picking up as water temperatures cool, and muskie anglers continue to encounter some big fish, according to Lake of the Woods Tourism.

With school back in session and Labor Day in the rearview mirror, peak fishing activity is winding down, but fall traditionally offers up some of the biggest walleyes of the season. Look for bridges and other current areas to come into play for some of the best walleye action.

Some of the top walleye pros in the country will be in Devils Lake for the Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops National Walleye Tour championship set for Wednesday, Sept. 11, through Friday, Sept. 13. Grahams Island State Park is tournament headquarters, and anglers will depart at 7 a.m. daily, with weigh-ins beginning at 3 p.m. More info: nationalwalleyetour.com.

Catfish action is pretty good, Grand Forks catfish guide Brad Durick reports. Look for cats in the deeper midriver holes that have the most current running over them, Durick said, usually on outside bends of the river. Frozen suckers and frogs, in that order, have been the most productive baits, of late, Durick says, adding anglers should give a spot at least 20 to 25 minutes before deciding whether to move. Sometimes, the wait is a bit longer this time of year, but spots where cats find the bait usually are good for two or three fish, Durick said.

Water temperatures are dropping, which should kick the catfish bite into high gear as fish fatten up for the winter.

-- Herald staff reports