Lake of the Woods

On the south end...   Ice fishing continues strong and it is still winter on the border.    Overnight temps in the teens and twenties are maintaining ice nicely.  Fishing continues to be excellent.  It has been an incredible year for walleyes and saugers with both numbers and size.    

Resort fish houses and sleeper fish houses are available.  Some ice roads are allowing pickup trucks pulling wheelhouses as well.  Check with each individual ice road for specific limits.As always, and certainly this year, it is important to stay on the resort ice roads.  It is tempting to go off on your own as there isn't much snow, but that is a risky move any time of the year.  Resorts and outfitters keep their roads on the best ice and monitor it numerous times per day.Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season each year.  Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends.The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is taking place in 24 - 34 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.  Pike anglers fishing shallower shoreline breaks and reporting good activity and big fish.  Pike activity will only increase as we approach the month of March.  Arming your spread with a mixture of live and dead baits will allow you to quickly figure out what the pike wants that day. Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well.On the Rainy River...  Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake.  There are a couple of resorts that ice fish on the Rainy River.  Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety. The river is open east of Birchdale.  Those who enjoy the spring open water season on the river are optimistic the river will open early.  Is your boat and fishing gear ready when it does?Up at the NW Angle...   Another very good week of ice fishing up at the Angle.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.  Water conditions are clearer this winter compared to most.  For that reason, the morning and evening bites have been stronger than midday overall.Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go.  Electronics help in determining what the fish want that given day and will up your catch of fish.  Ice fishing has been excellent, come on up.  It's still winter on the border!  

On the south end...   A great week of ice fishing for most.  Good reports from a number of areas for some nice sized walleyes and saugers.

Resorts with day houses and sleeper fish houses will either transport you to the fish house or offer an ice road you can drive yourself.  Make sure you communicate with the resort or outfitter you are fishing with to understand weight restrictions of their ice road.  Each ice road can be different and have varying restrictions.  

Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 28 - 34 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective.  

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles and lighted lures tipped with a full minnow or piece of a minnow have been catching good fish.  Colors such as gold, glow red, glow white, pink, and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, have been good.
On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook, colored hook or a small ice jig six inches - one foot off of the bottom is effective.  Jig the deadstick on occasion to keep the minnow moving and to attract fish. 

Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, crappies, eelpout, tullibees and sturgeon in the mix.  

On the Rainy River...  Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake.  There are a couple of resorts that have fish houses out for rent on the Rainy River.  Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety.

The best bite is still morning and evening with a jig and emerald shiner for walleyes and saugers.  

Sturgeon fishing is a unique twist through the ice.  Larger holes, heavier tackle and the thrill of catching a fish of that size through the ice is unique.  

Sturgeon seasons...
-Oct 1 - April 23, catch and release only, no tag needed
-April 24 - May 7, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75")
-May 8 - 15, catch and release only
-May 16 - June 30, closed
July 1 - Sep 30, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75")
 
Up at the NW Angle...   The walleyes were snappin up at the Angle this week.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.

Resorts are targeting structure in some areas and deeper mud flats in others.  One day the structure is better, the next day, deep mud.  

Again, jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go.  The fish are down there and some days, if they are finicky, they really want the deadstick still.  Electronics will help see what their mood is each day.

The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked.  Please stay on the trail for safety.
 

On the south end...   Colder temps and thickening ice has allowed resorts and outfitters to access new areas and deeper water.  Consequently, some excellent reports for walleyes, saugers and perch.  
It continues to be very important to work through a resort or outfitter.  There are still areas of ice that are not ready, some cracks to be avoided and generally areas to stay away from.  The bottom line, ice conditions vary.
Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 17 - 28 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective.  

On the jigging line, try something aggressive such as a rippin rap with rattles and vibration.  Gold, blue / chrome and pink uv firetiger are good colors.  

The most common jigging lure is a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or piece of minnow.  Colors working well in the stained waters of LOW.  Gold, gold / glow red, gold / pink, chartreuse, glow white or a combo of colors. 

On the deadstick, hook a live minnow just under the dorsal fin 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom.  Some days, emerald shiners are helpful to catch walleyes, other days it isn't so crucial.  

It's a mixed bag of fish with walleyes and saugers the norm.  In addition, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, sturgeon, tullibees and even a muskie in the mix.

On the Rainy River...  Some walleyes, saugers and a few sturgeon are still being caught on the river.  A heavier jig to match the current tipped with an emerald shiner is a good choice.

Ice conditions vary greatly, especially with the current of the river.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.  
 
Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing continues to be good for resorts up at the NW Angle.  Good reports of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.

A variety of depths are being fished.  Some resorts are on shallower structure, which merits more action during the mornings and evenings.  Other fish houses are set up deeper off of structure or in deeper mud which is more of a midday bite.  

On both ends of the lake, the one - two punch of a jigging line and deadstick combined with ice fishing electronics is the way to go.  Electronics can be rented by many resorts and local bait shops.
 

On the south end...   Ice fishing continues to be good for most anglers fishing through resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods.  The bite has slowed down a bit from its hot start, but nice fish are still coming in.

With the unseasonably warm temperatures so far this winter, ice conditions are not where they would normally be the first week of January.  Consequently, more than ever, it is very important to work through a resort or outfitter.  There are still areas of ice that are not ready, some cracks that are moving and generally areas to stay away from.Pay close attention to the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road.  Most resorts offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.  Some resorts are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails.  Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course.  Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 17 - 23 feet of water.  Jig with one line and use a deadstick in the second hole, basically a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom.  Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line).  Other days, the walleyes and saugers prefer the deadstick (bobber line) works best.  Jigging spoons with gold and bright colors tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for the jigging rod.  On the deadstick, an ice fishing jig or plain hook with an emerald shiner / minnow is the ticket.    On the Rainy River...  A couple of local resorts offer ice fishing on the river, marking and closely monitoring ice conditions on their trails.  Walleyes, saugers and sturgeon are the targeted species.
Ice conditions vary greatly.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.   Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing is going well for resorts up at the NW Angle.  Good reports of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike in the mix.The one - two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go.
Ice fishing electronics are very helpful in not only detecting fish, but also seeing how they are reacting to your offerings and presentation.  If they are not reacting positively, change something.

On the south end...   Ice fishing is in full swing for most resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods.  Fish houses are out and the bite is excellent in most areas.  Consistent limits of walleyes and saugers along with some perch, pike, eelpout, crappies and even some sturgeon in the mix.  There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from.  It is very important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail.  Follow the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road.  Most offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.  
Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails.  Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course.  Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.17 - 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up.  A combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom is working well.  Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line).  Other days, they are in a more neutral mood and the deadstick (bobber line) works best.  Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota.Rippin Raps (a lipless crankbait with vibration and rattles) and other aggressive presentations work well at times, but also help to draw fish to your fishing area. Jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for consistency on a jigging rod.  Jig it a few times and hold it in the strike zone.  Try dropping it on the bottom of the lake to attract fish and raise it into the strike zone (about a foot off the bottom).  Watching your ice fishing electronics will help you understand where the fish are and how they are reacting to your presentation.  If they aren't taking your offering, change color, size, noise, bait or presentation.  Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo. If you don't have electronics and want to give them a try, many local resorts and local bait shops rent them.Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six.  Up to four of the six can be walleyes.  All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released.  One walleye over 28 inches is allowed.  The MN possession limit is one limit of fish.On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing.  Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon.  Ice conditions can vary during the heart of the winter, let alone during the early part of the season, especially on a river with current.  Ice conditions vary greatly.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.    Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing has begun for most resorts up at the NW Angle.  Fishing has started well with reports of walleyes and saugers with some jumbo perch, eelpout and some nice pike mixed in. Jig one line with a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow.  Rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but a combo of gold, pink, chartreuse, orange, glow red and glow white is consistent.  Use a live minnow on a plain hook or bright ice fishing jig on the deadstick line 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.

On the south end...   Ice fishing has begun for a number of resorts and outfitters across the south end of the lake.  The bite is excellent in most areas.  Widespread reports of limits of fish and then some.  
There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from.  It is super important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail.  Follow their guidelines.  Most offer heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.  

Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails.  Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course.  Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.

17 - 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up.  

Using the one-two punch, a combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom.  Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota.

Multicolor jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow, emerald shiner or fathead, have been hot.  Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo.  Rippin Raps and other aggressive presentations working at times also.  

A mixed bag for walleye / sauger anglers with jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and even an occasional crappie or sturgeon in the mix.

Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six.  Up to four of the six can be walleyes.  All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released.  One walleye over 28 inches is allowed.  The MN possession limit is one limit of fish.

On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing.  Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon.  

Varying ice conditions on the river that can change quickly due to current.  What ice conditions are in one area can be very different right next door.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.  
  
Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing has begun for some resorts up at the NW Angle and initial reports are very good.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch and pike in the mix. 

Much like the south shore, use one jigging line, one deadstick and rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but certain colors mentioned in this report are great in stained water.

Many resorts on both ends of the lake / river have immediate openings.  The bite is definitely on!
 

On the south end...   Ice continues to form and make progress on Lake of the Woods.  A strong NW wind this week pushed ice up to the south shore, getting rid of some open water.  The hopes are the colder temps will lock everything in.  Resort ice guides are monitoring ice thickness, staking trails where there is ample ice and flying drones over the forming ice to stay on top of current conditions.  
Back bays are locked up and there is some spearing for pike taking place.  Ice conditions even in back bays vary, so for safety, please work through resorts and outfitters.

Lake of the Woods covers a big area.  When a resort or outfitter gives the green light, that is for the specific area of ice they are traveling and fishing on.  Conditions can vary greatly from one area to another,so it is important to work through resorts and outfitters in the area you plan on fishing and pay attention to weight restrictions.   

In many cases during early ice conditions, resorts will shuttle anglers back and forth to resort fish houses

On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is ice covered.  Local resorts and ice guides are monitoring ice conditions in areas of the river they offer ice fishing.  Varying ice conditions, work through a resort for safety when access is allowed.
  
Up at the NW Angle...  Angle ice is coming along well.  Outfitters and ice guides have been marking ice trails and some local traffic is taking place with ATV's, etc.  The ice roads and trails are not open yet, but much of the ice has frozen smooth and is coming along very nicely.

Some scouting to check spots for walleyes is taking place by ice guides with nice results.  Resorts will communicate when fishing begins.
 

On the south end...   Ice is forming nicely on most areas of Lake of the Woods.  With that being said, it is going to take some time before it is safe.  Resort ice guides and various outfitters are patiently waiting to get out and check ice.
Back bays have locked up first as they are out of the wind.  Despite some good wind this past week, the lake is still covered with ice for miles, but open water still appears, which is common during ice formation. This is a good start and Mother Nature will determine when it is ready.  That time is not yet, but it is coming.
Resorts and outfitters are ready to start marking trails on the ice once they feel conditions are right.  When it is time to get out on the ice, we encourage working through resorts and outfitters and staying on marked trails for safety.
On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is ice covered.  Cold temps this past week locked it up with ice and the hopes are to build upon what has started.
Until ice up, there were a few hardcore anglers jigging with emerald shiners from about 12 - 24 feet of water catching some nice walleyes.  For those who ice fish the river, anticipation for a good ice fishing season is high.
The ice is not walkable yet.  Extreme caution is always needed on ice, especially on a river with current.  When the ice is thick enough, the snowmobile trail from Baudette to Wheeler's Point will be staked.  When that trail is marked and ready, we encourage staying on the trail for safety.  
Some resorts will set fish houses out in areas of the Rainy River they check and monitor for safe ice.  Work through a resort or outfitter for safety.
Up at the NW Angle...  The waters around the many islands of the NW Angle are now ice, with patches of open water from wind, neck down areas, and current.  Ice is forming nicely and resorts are ready to get out.  
It is always safety first and when they feel it is right, ice guides from area resorts will get out and check ice thickness and eventually start marking trails.  When that time is here that ice fishing has begun, we will get the word out.  That time is not yet.
  
Fall fishing was strong up at the NW Angle and ice anglers are optimistic about the coming ice fishing season.    
Swing by the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show Dec 1 - 3, 2023 and say hello.  Pick up the latest visitor guide, sign up to win an ice fishing trip and let's talk LOW ice fishing!

On the south end...   With some unseasonably warm November weather, a few boats took advantage and got out fishing on the big lake.  Excellent walleye fishing for those who made it out in various areas along the south shore.  The magic depth was right around 25' of water.  
Schools of walleyes and saugers hanging tight chasing schools of shiners.  Jigging with emerald shiners while anchored up was working nicely.  Gold, pink, glow white or a combo of these colors were effective.
Resorts and outfitters are ready to start marking trails on the ice once the cold weather returns and sticks around for a while.  When ice forms and it is time to get out ice fishing, we encourage working through resorts and outfitters and staying on marked trails for safety.
On the Rainy River...   Shiners continue to run in the Rainy River in good numbers.  For the few out fishing this past week, great reports with nice walleyes being caught.  Weather has stabilized some, which always helps.  Prior to ice up is normally a very good time to fish the Rainy River.   
Jigging with emerald shiners has also been catching the majority of fish in the river.  Target depths range from 8 - 24 feet of water.
The few sturgeon anglers out are reporting good fishing.  The river is still open and free of ice.
Up at the NW Angle...  With the warm up, there was some boat traffic around the Angle this past week, but it was minimal.  Most are preparing and looking forward to ice fishing.
  
Fall fishing was strong up at the NW Angle with good numbers of walleyes being caught.  With the strong fall fishing, anglers are looking forward to and optimistic about the coming ice fishing season.    
Swing by the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show Dec 1 - 3, 2023.

On the south end...   Just a few anglers out this past week on the big lake.  A combination of a blanket of snow combined with the strong deer hunting traditions across Minnesota has most anglers waiting for ice.  
Last report, there are still good numbers of walleyes and saugers in various spots across the south shore chasing schools of shiners.  The ideal depth was 22 - 26 feet of water.  Typically, these fish will hold till early ice conditions allow anglers access.  Early ice fishing could be good.
Resorts and outfitters are working hard making sure fish houses, light ice rigs, bombers, plows, augers, stakes for ice roads / trails, signs and other necessary equipment are ready to roll when it's time.  We encourage working through resorts and outfitters and staying on marked trails for safety only when they give the green light, which will be a while.
On the Rainy River...   Shiners continue to run in the Rainy River in good numbers.  Some nice walleyes being caught for the few anglers willing to brave the weather.  Now is a great time to fish, especially with unseasonably warm temps. 
Jigging with emerald shiners has also been catching the majority of fish in the river.  Target depths range from 8 - 24 feet of water.
Anglers who are targeting sturgeon are having good action as the fish are active.  The river is still open and free of ice.
Up at the NW Angle...  Much like the south end of the lake, fishing for most is pretty much wrapped up.  Back bays and harbors have a skim of ice and most boats are pulled.  
Fall fishing was strong and good numbers of walleyes have resorts and anglers optimistic for the winter season.