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Lake of the Woods

Welcome to

The Walleye Capital of the World

Nestled in the picturesque wilderness of northern Minnesota, Lake of the Woods spans the Rainy River, South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. The region is internationally known for its world-class walleye fishing, diverse outdoor recreation, abundant wildlife, and a welcoming culture rooted in classic Minnesota Nice.

Located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, Lake of the Woods is a four-season destination known for its world-class fishing and remarkable range of outdoor experiences. Beyond its legendary walleye waters, the region offers exceptional birding along the Rainy River, scenic boating and paddling routes, historic sites that tell the story of the Northwoods, and seasonal traditions like wild blueberry picking beneath wide-open skies. Visitors come to fish, explore, and reconnect — hiking forested trails, discovering quiet backcountry bays, and experiencing a landscape that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Whether you’re planning an active outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape into nature, Lake of the Woods delivers an authentic Minnesota experience in every season.

A happy woman holds up a huge muskie on a fishing boat in Lake of the Woods
A man kneels on the ice while holding a trophy walleye he caught while ice fishing on Lake of the Woods MN
An ATV rider cruises trails on Lake of the Woods while surrounded by fall colors

🎣 A World-Class Fishing Mecca

Lake of the Woods is a true fishing paradise, internationally renowned for its walleye fishery and an extraordinary range of trophy species. With vast open water, diverse structure, expert guides, and endless shoreline, anglers of every style find exceptional action from spring through fall.

❄️ Legendary Ice Fishing 

Winter transforms Lake of the Woods into one of North America’s most celebrated ice fishing destinations. Anglers pursue walleye alongside a variety of trophy fish through the ice, with options ranging from DIY access to full-service ice fishing resorts offering heated houses, meals, guides, and transportation.

🚙 Outdoor Adventure All Year

Beyond the water, Lake of the Woods delivers outdoor adventure in every direction. Explore ATV and UTV trail systems, paddle by canoe or kayak, hike and bike scenic routes, relax on sunny beaches, or enjoy winter trail riding and snowmobiling across the Northwoods.

a male sandhill crane leaps dramatically from the water to impress a female during mating season in Lake of the Woods
A luxurious cabin on Lake of the Woods with a huge great room and a stone fireplace
Tacos and barbqued ribs with hand-battered onion rings on a bright red plate

🐦 Nature, History & Discovery

Lake of the Woods invites exploration at a thoughtful pace. Skilled birdwatchers track migratory species, while visitors enjoy wildlife viewing, wild blueberry picking, historic sites, and cultural landmarks that reveal the deep natural and human stories of the Northwoods. Time it right, and you can also see the most spectacular Northern Lights of a lifetime!

🏡 Lodging That Fits Every Style

From rustic cabins and classic resorts to luxury villas and lake homes, Lake of the Woods offers lodging for every traveler want. Fully equipped ice fishing houses and cabins provide warmth, comfort, and modern amenities for winter getaways, and sunny lakeshore resorts boast every amenity to make summer that much more fun.

🍽️ Dining for Every taste

Dining around Lake of the Woods offers everything from casual cafés and family-friendly grills to classic supper clubs known for outstanding prime rib. Fresh fish, cold brews, well-crafted cocktails, solid wine selections, and genuine hospitality come together in places that feel comfortable, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Explore
3 GREAT AREAS

Our Amazing

THREE AREAS OF

LAKE OF THE WOODS

The Rainy River, South Shore and Northwest Angle. Each are a go to destination and all three within Lake of the Woods County

01. RAINY RIVER

02. SOUTH SHORE

03. NORTHWEST ANGLE

World Class Fishing

RAINY

RIVER

The Rainy River offers world class fishing. The spring and fall walleye run in the Rainy River creates some of the best fishing in the world. Each season brings a fresh round of activity to the Rainy.

World Class Fishing

SOUTH

SHORE

The South Shore overlooks Big Traverse Bay, the big open waters of the lake. This big basin is loaded with millions of walleyes and saugers, as well as trophy pike and small mouth bass.

A Remote & Scenic Destination

NORTHWEST

ANGLE

Known as the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, this unique area is accessible by land through Canada or by boat across Lake of the Woods. It’s a remote and scenic destination.

The season’s change, but we have fun

ALL YEAR

WALLEYE

WALLEYE

There are many different habits of the walleye on Lake of the Woods. This may be due to the diversity of the enormous lake.
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STURGEON

STURGEON

Lake Sturgeon have rebounded in a big way on the Rainy River and in Lake of the Woods. There are good numbers of fish and a strong population of big fish.
LEARN MORE

NORTHERN PIKE

NORTHERN PIKE

Northern Pike on Lake of the Woods can reach sizes larger than 40 inches and weigh more than 25 pounds. Having this trophy caliber fish creates a huge buzz to catch these monsters especially in the late winter and early spring months when they are staging for spawning.
LEARN MORE

STURGEON

STURGEON

Lake Sturgeon have rebounded in a big way on the Rainy River and in Lake of the Woods. There are good numbers of fish and a strong population of big fish.
LEARN MORE

WALLEYE

WALLEYE

There are many different habits of the walleye on Lake of the Woods. This may be due to the diversity of the enormous lake.
LEARN MORE

MUSKELLUNGE

MUSKELLUNGE

Similar to the northern pike, this fish more commonly has darker bars or markings on a lighter body and are silver, light green or light brown in color. Average length 32 inches; up to 50 inches and 50 Ibs.
LEARN MORE

NORTHERN PIKE

NORTHERN PIKE

Northern Pike on Lake of the Woods can reach sizes larger than 40 inches and weigh more than 25 pounds. Having this trophy caliber fish creates a huge buzz to catch these monsters especially in the late winter and early spring months when they are staging for spawning.
LEARN MORE

SMALL MOUTH BASS

SMALL MOUTH BASS

Smallmouth Bass can be found in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay, also around some of the shallower rock structure near Zipple Bay and up in the Northwest Angle. Smallmouth bass season also never closes on LOW and the Rainy River.
LEARN MORE

WALLEYE

WALLEYE

There are many different habits of the walleye on Lake of the Woods. This may be due to the diversity of the enormous lake.
LEARN MORE

NORTHERN PIKE

NORTHERN PIKE

Northern Pike on Lake of the Woods can reach sizes larger than 40 inches and weigh more than 25 pounds. Having this trophy caliber fish creates a huge buzz to catch these monsters especially in the late winter and early spring months when they are staging for spawning.
LEARN MORE

GROUSE

THREE SPECIES OF GROUSE

Lake of the Woods offers thousands of acres of hunting land with three species of grouse; the ruffed, spruce, and sharp-tailed. Dirt roads, walking trails and ATV trails cross thousands of acres full of grouse. Beltrami Island State Forest, Lake of the Woods State Forest, and Pine Island State Forest are just a few spots to begin.
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DEER

DEER

Lake of the woods has thousands of acres of public land, making deer hunting opportunities abound. Both archery and rifle seasons are permitted in this part of Minnesota. Locals joke that there are probably more deer in Lake of the Woods County than people. Trophy bucks are shot each and every year in the area.
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BLACK BEARS

BLACK BEARS

Bears are abundant in these parts. The area has a number of very experienced bear guides who do all of the baiting and setting up of tree stands.
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WALLEYEs

WALLEYE

There are many different habits of the walleye on Lake of the Woods. This may be due to the diversity of the enormous lake.
LEARN MORE

STURGEON

STURGEON

Lake Sturgeon have rebounded in a big way on the Rainy River and in Lake of the Woods. There are good numbers of fish and a strong population of big fish.
LEARN MORE

NORTHERN PIKE

NORTHERN PIKE

Northern Pike on Lake of the Woods can reach sizes larger than 40 inches and weigh more than 25 pounds. Having this trophy caliber fish creates a huge buzz to catch these monsters especially in the late winter and early spring months when they are staging for spawning.
LEARN MORE

EXTENDED ICE FISHING SEASON

EXTENDED ICE SEASON

Our ice fishing season extends through March 15th - later than most areas in Minnesota.
LEARN MORE

LATEST
TALES

Dive deeper into everything that makes Lake of the Woods legendary with our official blog — a trusted resource for anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. From expert fishing tips for beginners and seasoned pros to seasonal bite updates, fish recipes, and behind-the-scenes stories from around the region, our blog keeps you connected to life on the lake. You’ll also find insights on conservation efforts, local events, and the people who help shape this remarkable destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another season, the Lake of the Woods blog is where knowledge, tradition, and adventure come together.

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Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report… February 3, 2026

John Bergsma and Greg Jones in fish house on Lake of the Woods MN

Epic Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods: Walleye, Sauger & Eelpout Action | Fisherman’s Digest

Lemon Batter Walleyes

Walleye
Northern Pike

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