Main basin (Lake of the Woods, MN)
The strong ice fishing bite continues. As expected, walleyes and saugers are starting to slide a little deeper, 23-29' of water. During the morning and evenings, many areas experiencing a shallow water bite in 13-18'. Resorts have marked trails for ATV, UTV and snowmobiles while others are transporting guests with light ice rigs. Some resorts starting to allow small SUVs with no house or ATV/UTV with up to 17' house. Gold and glow red continue to be hot colors. Ice ranges from 11-16" where resorts are fishing. Big crack 8 miles off of Pine Island stretching to Long Point. Snowmobile trail staked from 4 Mile Bay up to NW angle. Please stay on marked trails and exercise safety precautions as ice thickness varies.
On the Rainy River
Stretches of the river and bay ice unsafe with heavier than normal current and still some open water. Some walleye action in Four Mile Bay early and late in the day. Reports of pike still coming from bays.
Up at the NW Angle
The Ice road is open from Young's Bay to Flag Island, no further as of yet. Other areas still need more time/ice before vehicle traffic is allowed. The snowmobile trail from 4 Mile Bay and Pine Island across the lake to the Northwest Angle is marked and open. For safety, always stay on the marked trail. Ice condition in neck-down areas with current are iffy. Fishing reports are very good. Large numbers of walleyes being caught. Work through resorts and stay on staked resort ice trails. Safety first.
