Lake of the Woods Fishing

Many guests ask "How is fishing different in Canada than fishing elsewhere?"  and "What special tackle should we bring?"  The answer to Red Indian Lodge fishing is simple. The techniques you use on Lake of the Woods should be no different than those used when fishing your local haunts. Quickly learning the fishing patterns will be key to your Canadian fishing experience. If you have selected a guided fishing package, ask your guide what bait or tackle to use. Our guides are out there every day. They know what works best! If going non-guided, do not be afraid to ask the staff in our Office. They can tell you what has been selling the most. That too should tell you what the fish are biting on.

When it comes to fishing in Canada, we recommend bringing two rods and reels. One should be equipped with lighter line, (6 ~ 8 lb. test), for crappie fishing, perch fishing, and walleye fishing. Your second rod and reel should be equipped with heavier line, (10 ~ 12 lb. test), for muskie fishing, northern pike fishing, lake trout fishing, and bass fishing.

Please note: it is illegal to import live bait fish, minnows, leeches, crayfish or salamanders into Ontario for use as bait.  You may bring worms/night crawlers into Ontario, however they must be transported in commercial worm bedding.

Walleye

While at Red Indian Lodge, walleye fishing may bring a new meaning to fishing “deep” for many of you. Spring in Ontario means fishing shallow. A jig and minnow on a shallow reef of 7 feet or less, or a rocky shoreline in 1 ~ 3 feet of water can produce walleye fishing action like you’ve never seen before. And, often times land you that lunker walleye that, until now, you’ve only dreamed of.

Late spring and early summer, as the water warms, walleye will typically move into deeper water. Thirty to forty foot holes will many times hold large schools of “shore lunch” sized walleye. But, don’t forget the deep water walleye; often found in over 50 feet of water. Fall walleye fishing can mean the return to shallow fishing patterns.

Recommended Tackle:  Jigs of varying colors/weights, Rapalas, spinner rigs & crank baits.

Muskie

While the “fish of 1000 casts” oft times holds true to it’s name for some Ontario fishermen, many Red Indian Lodge guests report catching a muskie or two while fishing for walleye. Lake of the Woods is World renowned for its large muskie, producing numerous muskie over 50”. Even reports of 60 inchers are not greatly exaggerated!

Recommended Tackle:  Jerkbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, live actions, bucktails, spinnerbaits, Rapalas, mepps, red eye spoons & large spoons.

Northern Pike

Again, many Red Indian Lodge guests report catching northern pike simply fishing for walleye. Lake of the Woods produces fine Northerns, and fish over 40" are common.  Some close-by favorite spots for 'jacks' are just a stones throw away from the Resort.

Recommended Tackle:  daredevils, five-of-diamonds, red eyes, rattlin' raps, mepps spinners, Rapalas, crank baits, buzz baits and shad raps.

Lake Trout

Whitefish Bay is one of the most noted lake trout areas on Lake of the Woods.  Lakers can be found literally just a cast away from Red Indian Lodge.  Don’t forget your depth finder as many of the lunker lake trout are nearly 100 feet deep!

Recommended Tackle:  Heddon's Sonar, heavy weight jigs and sutton spoons.

Bass fishing on Lake of the Woods is often times overlooked and under-rated. Several of our guests report catching nice size bass simply fishing our favorite walleye haunts.  Many bass are caught by simply exploring inlets, bays and rocky reefs.  Many serious bass fishermen know how good bass fishing is here at Red Indian Lodge.

Recommended Tackle:  spinner baits, mepps spinners, rattlin' raps, Rapalas and tube jigs.

If you like jumbo perch, then Red Indian Lodge is the place to be.  During early spring walleye fishing, many guests report catching some of the largest perch they have ever seen. A close relative to the walleye, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference coming out of the frying pan!

Recommended Tackle:  Jigs of varying colors/weights.

Crappie fishing on Lake of the Woods? That’s right! Fourteen to fifteen inchers in August? That’s right again! For the serious crappie fisherman, there are some real “slab” crappies swimming right under your boat.

Recommended Tackle:  Lightweight jigs of varying colors.

No matter what sort of freshwater fish you are looking for, Red Indian Lodge offers some of the finest fishing you will ever encounter!