If it’s fishing that you’re coming for, you’re in for a great experience. Nestor Falls offers a wide variety of fishing across many lakes, with the most popular being Lake of the Woods. Known for its countless islands and incredible fishing, many trophy fish have been caught here over the years. There’s an abundance of walleye, crappie, perch, northern pike, muskie, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Further out on the lake, you can also try your luck at trout.
Guided Fishing Trips in Nestor Falls
We have knowledgeable guides who know all the best fishing spots to give you the best experience possible. Not only are they great fishermen with plenty of stories to tell, but they also prepare an amazing shore lunch that you’ll be talking about for years. Guided trips should be booked when planning your vacation, as each trip is tailored to your group and the species you want to target.
Walleye Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Walleye fishing is one of the most popular experiences on Lake of the Woods. Most fish range from 13 to 30 inches, with trophy fish exceeding those numbers. The record walleye is 22.25 pounds at 36.5 inches. These fish are typically gold-colored with a dark green or blue-tinted back and a white belly. Live bait remains the most effective method for catching them. Come up for a week and try your luck at landing a record. The season opens the third Saturday in May and runs through December 31st.
Muskie Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Muskie fishing has become increasingly popular in this area. Around Nestor Falls, the water is naturally stained and relatively shallow, with 35 feet considered deep. You’ll find plenty of weed beds that attract muskie, and it’s not uncommon to catch multiple fish in a day. As the saying goes, “If you can’t catch a muskie on Lake of the Woods, you’re doing something wrong.” Anglers often use topwater lures, double-bladed inline spinners, or soft plastic swimbaits. Once you catch your first muskie, you’ll be hooked. The season typically opens in the third week of June and closes December 15th.
Crappie Fishing in Nestor Falls
Crappie are a favorite panfish among locals. Spring and late summer are the best times to catch them, with fish found in shallow bays in spring and deeper waters of 25 feet or more in late summer. Crappie can be caught year-round, including through the ice in winter. They tend to stay in weed beds and prefer worms or minnows. A helpful tip is to keep a short distance between your float and bait, as crappie feed upward. Popular lures include small jigs, slip float setups, crankbaits, and spoons. If you catch one, mark the spot, as more are usually nearby. And if you’ve never tasted crappie, you’re missing out.
Lake Trout Fishing in Nestor Falls
Lake trout fishing is also excellent in the Nestor Falls area. In spring, trout are higher in the water column and can be easily spooked, so longer leads are important. White and silver spoons and minnow baits work well. In summer, trout move deeper and are typically caught near the bottom. Ice fishing for lake trout is also popular among locals. The season runs from January 1st to September 30th, making it a great way to start the new year.
Northern Pike Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Northern pike can be caught year-round and are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. While larger fish over 40 inches and 20 pounds are possible, anglers can regularly catch pike in the 2 to 5 pound range. They are commonly found in shallow waters with mud or sand bottoms, especially near streams and back bays during spawning. While filleting can be tricky, the meat is excellent. Some even call it “poor man’s lobster” when boiled and served with butter.
Bass Fishing on Lake of the Woods
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are plentiful throughout Lake of the Woods. Bass are typically found in 10 to 20 feet of water near rocky structures and reefs. In spring, they move into shallow areas to spawn, then shift toward rock piles and vegetation as the water warms. Leeches, crankbaits, and other artificial lures are effective for targeting bass. They are strong fighters and a favorite among anglers. The season is open year-round.
Perch Fishing in Nestor Falls
Yellow perch are another great species, known for their striped bodies and excellent table fare. Most range from 8 to 10 inches. In spring, they gather in shallow water around 3 feet deep near shorelines, docks, and fallen trees. As temperatures rise, they move slightly deeper, often around 5 feet or near structure. Perch can be caught year-round and are a consistent option for anglers of all experience levels.
