Surface water temperatures remain stable. The lake water temperature dropped into the low 50s during the most recent cold snap, then they settled in at about 53 degrees, and have remained there for well over a week. On Thursday (10-19), the water temp measured not far from the resort was 53.5 degrees. Stability is one key to great fishing, and we think this helps explain why walleye anglers have enjoyed such great success this fall.
Jared Saufferer and Jens Heig with Lake Winnie Jumbo Perch
The fall feeding migration is helping too. As Lake Winnie’s large 2018- and 2019-year classes move toward shoreline breaks, they encounter huge clouds of baitfish, primarily young perch that hatched earlier this season. With the massive supply of food, walleyes have been feeding relentlessly, and have achieved ideal size. Folks are reporting catching good numbers of fish in the 15-1/2-to-18-inch size range. With all the available food, walleyes have been reluctant to move away from feeding areas along the north shore, Stony Point and into the Third River Flowage.
Clouds of baitfish, primarily small perch, appear everywhere along Winnie’s north shore
Anglers accustomed to finding walleyes in Cutfoot at this time of year report lower than typical numbers. That said, there are fish to be caught, and some of the points, sunken islands and shoreline breaks near the gap are producing fish. Walleyes travel into Cutfoot at irregular intervals, usually during the night. So, it’s never a bad idea to try a couple of spots every morning, on your way out to the big lake.
Key depths vary from spot-to-spot, and as weather conditions change. Most anglers report catching fish somewhere between 10 and 18 feet of water; 12 to 14 feet has been a sweet spot for many.
Jig and minnow is the primary presentation these days, jigging raps and crankbaits are producing fish for some folks too. Tailor the weights to the depths, and wind conditions, bring a handful of 1/16, 1/8 and ¼ ounce sizes and your bases will be covered. Large fatheads, rainbows, or golden shiners will all work, 3-1/2 to 4 inches is the ideal size. Night crawlers are still producing some fish too, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a small supply as a backup plan.
Jens Heig, Bowen Lodge with Lake Winnie Jumbo Perch
Perch, like the ones you see pictured here, have been on the prowl too. Recently, shallow water spots along the north and west shorelines have produced the best action. Preferred locations are shallow flats that have patches of vegetation, and the best depths range from 4 to 8 feet of water. Similar structures hold perch in Cutfoot Sioux too, and as of Thursday, provided good action. The same jigs and minnows used for walleyes work on perch as well, so will the same minnows. Perch have also been susceptible to live bait rigs or drop shot rigs using plain hooks and lively minnows, like rainbows.
Crappies have been tough to come by this fall, there are some folks finding small schools of fish, but the action has been spotty to say the least. Anglers interested in panfish will likely be happier pursuing sunfish, or even rock bass.
Shoreline breaks, along the edges of cabbage and coontail continue to hold panfish. Slowly trolling the edges using a 1/8-ounce jig tipped with ½ night crawler will allow you to locate fish. Once located, stop the boat and fish vertically from a stationary position, sunfish prefer a slow, almost motionless presentation. Small jigs tipped with cut pieces of night crawler, ice jigs tipped with waxworms, or tiny soft plastics will all produce fish.
As we enter Minnesota’s MEA weekend, we anticipate seeing one last push from fishing families. Judging by the traffic we saw along the highway on Thursday, it could turn into a crowded weekend on the lake. If you’re on your way, or at the lake already, be extra cautious out there. We spied on the Itasca County Sheriff Department at our landing as they prepared to remove all the channel markers from the lake. Winnie isn’t known as a hazardous lake for boating, but there are a few shallow spots out there, so take extra care when moving from spot-to-spot.
Itasca County Sheriffs Department pulled Lake Winnie’s channel markers and hazard buoys on October 19, 2023
For us, the fishing season has come to an end, our docks have been pulled and the marina is quiet. Our remaining guests are now focused on hunting, and until next spring, any fishing we do will be for fun. We appreciate you checking in on our fishing reports, and plan to return for the 2024 fishing season. Until then, thanks again for stopping by and be safe on the water!