On the south end… The lake just keeps producing walleyes. Good fishing in numerous spots across the south shore, near the Lighthouse and Morris Point Gaps in 8-10′ and around Garden Island. Big numbers of walleyes also staged over deep mud in 25 – 31′. Most anglers drifting or trolling harnesses (spinners) with crawlers or leeches. Hammered gold is hard to beat but glow, pink, chartreuse and orange are also popular in the stained water. Some fish are still being caught jigging on structure or rock to mud transitions. Anglers catching plenty of eater walleyes along with good numbers of saugers. Larger slot fish (19.5-28″) along with trophy walleyes over 28″ being caught often.
On the Rainy River… Sturgeon anglers looking forward to sturgeon fishing reopening on July 1st. Big numbers of sturgeon await. No roll sinkers and sturgeon rigs along with crawlers and frozen shiners available locally. Smallmouth bass in rocky areas, around bridges and current breaks. Pike are also active cruising weedy bays, bay mouths and current breaks. Both species don’t get much attention and are present in good numbers. Walleyes hanging out in 20-25′.
Up at the NW Angle… Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters. Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.
Walleye fishing is worth the trip. Schools of walleyes on structure, over sand and on mud. Most fish showing up in 8 – 14′ or 26 – 28′. The best presentation is drifting and trolling spinners with crawlers or a minnow. Pike and smallmouth bass active in weedy bays. There are hundreds around the Angle. Try a spinnerbait or spoon. A complete list of lodging available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging
Are you aware of Sophia’s Law? This law that took effect in the State of MN May 1, 2018 to address the potential dangers of carbon monoxide in enclosed occupancy compartments. It is important boaters are aware of carbon monoxide as well as the not so much talked about law.
Minnesota is the first state in the nation to require carbon monoxide detectors and warning stickers on certain boats. Sophia’s Law, named after 7-year-old Sophia Baechler, who died tragically from carbon monoxide poisoning while on her family’s boat, took effect May 1.
Carbon monoxide is a hidden danger as the deadly gas is odorless, invisible and closely mimics signs of intoxication or seasickness. Even at low levels, carbon monoxide can be lethal.
Under the law, functioning, marine-grade carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in recreational motorboats with a designated sleeping accommodation, a galley area with a sink, and a toilet compartment. For all gasoline-powered motorboats with an enclosed occupancy compartment, three carbon monoxide warning stickers are required. The stickers must be attached at the helm, the enclosed occupancy space and the stern.
Motorboats, regardless of fuel type, must have a functioning marine CO detector if they have an enclosed accommodation compartment, which is defined as a motorboat with all of the following:
Designated sleeping accommodations
A galley area with a sink
A head (toilet) compartment
Enclosed occupancy compartment is defined as:
One contiguous space surrounded by boat structure that may be occupied by a person
If your boat just has an occupancy compartment you are not required by law to have a CO detector in the space, however, it is highly recommended for the safety of all passengers that a detector be placed in any enclosed compartment.
A detector shall be located to monitor the atmosphere in the main cabin and each sleeping area per the American Boat and Yacht Council A-24 Standard. Supplementing with additional low level CO monitors will alert passengers sooner of the presence of carbon monoxide which can be harmful at low levels/under 30ppm.
A detector is not required in head (toilet) compartments or in sleeping areas separated by open or non-permanent structure.
Warning stickers and information about the dangers of carbon monoxide while boating were mailed to registered boat owners in the spring of 2017. Stickers also can be found at all Minnesota deputy registrars and many marinas and marine dealers.
Qualified marine carbon monoxide detectors must have the words “Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector” on the detector or on the product literature.
Marine CO detectors must meet ABYC standard A-24, July 2015 which specifies that detectors must be listed for marine use, including certification by an independent party.
In a quick search, marine CO detectors are available with a 7 year battery for under $100.
There have been many instances when carbon monoxide has been the cause of some very harrowing or in some cases, fatal episodes on the water, including Lake of the Woods. For some, a law like Sophia’s Law may seem like one more regulation for boaters. In reality, it will absolutely save lives. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.
Boating and fishing go hand in hand. When out on the water this year, make sure you are as safe as possible but this year, legal as well.
It’s that time of the year again when the MN Tournament Trail (MTT) comes up to Lake of the Woods. The very well run walleye tournament is held out of Border View Lodge which is well positioned right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access at the mouth of the Rainy River. The tournament is a 2 person team format and is open to the public. With the health of the fishery and strong numbers of big fish, this will be a fun one!
The dates of the MN Tournament Trail on LOW are July 10 and July 11. Each day is it’s own tournament and and this year the MTT is using the PRT (Photo, Release Tournament) format.
This is a fun format. Basically, each team will receive an official MTT measuring stick and SD card the morning of the tournament upon boat inspection. Because this is a release tournament, every walleye, even though it might be within the slot of 19.5″ – 28″ which have to be released on Lake of the Woods, they can take a couple of pictures of it, release it and it counts for points. So rather than fishing for walleyes just under that 19.5″, anglers are fishing for the largest fish in the lake, even if they are in the slot.
Basically, when a MN Tournament Trail team catches a walleye, they have to take two images. One image will be the walleye on the registered ruler. Of course, check official rules, but one angler will place the walleye on the bump board (ruler) with it’s head to the left and belly of the fish facing the angler holding the fish. Hands of the angler need to be away from the head and tail to show the fish is touching and where the tail measures. The angler with the camera takes one picture of the walleye on the official ruler and a second “hero” shot, a picture of the fish being held to the camera. This second shot shows the markings of a walleye ensuring the same fish cannot be used twice.
It is important for anglers to double check images for clarity, shadows and any other faux pas before releasing the fish back. Once anglers handle and take picture of a couple of walleyes, it’s easy. It also really feels good to get credit for a nice walleye just under 28″, being able to release fish healthy back into the lake and not have to pay attention to fish in the livewell.
The video below gives a nice idea on how the PRT works. The MTT implemented this format in 2015 initially on Mille Lacs Lake as it was catch and release only. In 2020 partly due to COVID – 19 and social distancing protocols, PRT is now being used on all MTT tournaments this year. It has been utilized on LOW in past years with success.
Tournaments offer anglers the opportunity to competitively fish for walleyes. There are a variety of teams that fish including friends, couples, and father/son and so on. If you haven’t tried a tournament, the MTT is a nice way to dip your big toe in the water. It is quite reasonable to enter, $220 per team per tournament day.
Fishing a tournament forces anglers to think while on the water. Changing weather conditions, fish that moved, fishing over fish that are not biting. All of these scenarios require making decisions. It is a south wind, should we set up outside the Lighthouse Gap and see if fish are loading up this morning? It is a strong north wind, should we travel all the way to Garden Island or fish our fish closer to home base? The wind died, do we still try our shallow spots or focus on deeper spots?
As they have done in the past, the MTT will also host it’s championship tournament on Lake of the Woods September 17 and 18, 2020.
If you are interested in fishing Lake of the Woods in a tournament, this is a great one. There are a number of lodging options available in the area. Mike Holt is the tournament director and between he and his wife Renee run a great tournament. To find out more about fishing the MTT or to register, go to www.mntournamenttrail.com or call 320-679-2825.
July 4th, Baudette’s Celebration, has been a feature of renown throughout Minnesota. It brags, and rightfully, so of the finest fireworks presentation of the whole
state. This small locality of just over 1,000 people has weathered every type of storm this past season as COVID-19 came on the scene. As with most of the state, restaurants, businesses and especially resorts have pressed on with great endurance to stay open and keep the business expectations alive. Lake of the Woods County is the home of more than 50 resorts and they continue to work diligently to provide a great experience for families to come and enjoy the northland.
Baudette’s July 4th Celebration was canceled at first but a sincere group of residents pressed forward on keeping the famous fireworks presentation alive. There will not be a parade this year as traditionally happens, however, other events have been planned.
On Friday July 3, there will be a Fish Fry sponsored by the LOW Women of Today. It will be held at the Baudette Moose Lodge from 5:30-7:30 and a suggested donation of $15.00 will include walleye with potatoes, buns, beans and dessert. All orders will be served in to-go containers and seating will be outdoors, weather permitting and Covid-19 precautions in place.
Baudette’s July 4th Celebration also includes a dedication of the new Veterans Memorial located at Timbermill Park on Hwy 11 East of town. At 2:00 p.m., July 4th the United States Flag will be raised at Willie Walleye Park by the Baudette Ceremonial Squad and then they will march to the park.
Timbermill Park
A great many people put a lot of hard work on raising funds to create this marvelous display. The display has granite monuments commemorating each branch of the United States Military, a donor wall, flag poles and paver bricks that honor or memorialize area service men and women and even the centerpiece of the memorial, a large statue, have been set in place. The dedication will take place at 4 p.m. on Independence Day and will include the raising of the United States flag, a 21-gun salute by the Baudette Ceremonial Squad, a short speech and the unveiling of the centerpiece statue. The public is encouraged to attend this fine event.
Now for the good news. Baudette’s July 4th Most Spectacular Fireworks Display of Northern Minnesota will take place over the Baudette Bay at Willie Walleye Park!!! The display will start at approximately 10:15. If you haven’t had the opportunity to sit on the hill and view this display, you really have missed a great opportunity. It’s the place to be because the setting over the water with the lights above are enough to draw great cheers from the onlookers. Contact: www.baudettelwcchamber.com for schedules.
LOW County Fair plans to proceed this summer a well. With many county fairs being cancelled, LOW County is proud
to offer great entertainment from Wednesday, July 17-19. This year’s fair will look a bit different than other years. There will not be displays or a carnival but there will be food and merchandise vendors, and free stage entertainment spread out over the midway area. There are three grandstand events still on the schedule The Big Air ATV Show is schedule for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17. The Oval Car Races are set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18th and the Demolition Derby at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 18th. All COVIC -19 precautions will be in place. For more information contact: https://www.facebook.com/lowcountyfair/
Cook the turkey, pepper, onion and spices in a large skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes and salsa; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Stir in beans; heat through.
Spread 1 cup meat mixture into a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Top with 4 tortillas. Spread with half the remaining meat mixture; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Layer with remaining tortillas and meat mixture.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly and cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes. If desired, serve with toppings.
Freeze Option: Cover and freeze unbaked casserole. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°. If desired, serve with toppings.
On the south end… A big week of walleyes on LOW. Fish being caught around the lake. A lot of fish on the south shore right now near the Lighthouse Gap and Pine Island. Get out a few miles and watch electronics. Lots of fish from 5′ – 32′ of water. Walleyes have the feedbag on. Morris Point Gap, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point anglers all reporting good catches. Two main techniques, drifting with a snelled spinner with a crawler or leech and jigging with a frozen shiner or fathead are go to. Gold / pink / glow red / glow white all working well. Anglers catching plenty of eaters with larger slots and trophy walleyes. Pike and some jumbo perch in the mix as well.
On the Rainy River… Smallmouth bass bite good in rocky areas, around bridges and current breaks. Pike are also active cruising in bays, bay mouths and current breaks. Walleyes hanging out in 15-25′ and being caught with a jig and minnow or trolling crankbaits. Sturgeon anglers looking forward to sturgeon fishing reopening on July 1st. A great population of sturgeon in the river.
Up at the NW Angle… Until the US / Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in MN waters. Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for options.
Good walleye fishing again this week. Some walleyes shallow in 4-10′ around sandy and rocky areas being caught with spinners / crawlers and crankbaits. Other schools of walleyes hanging out deeper adjacent to shoreline breaks and reefs. Pike, jumbo perch and smallmouth bass showing up as well. A complete list of lodging available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging
If there is a gamefish in Lake of the Woods that receives very little respect, it is the smallies that inhabit the waters in good numbers, more formally known as the smallmouth bass. These hard fighting fish that rip drag and burst out the water without notice are in big numbers throughout the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay and of course, the NW Angle and islands area of LOW.
Where do smallmouth bass live in this diverse body of water? First, let’s talk the Rainy River. With over 40 miles of navigable and fishable water from the mouth of the Rainy River up to about the Birchdale access (and even further if you know how to navigate the Manitou Rapids by boat), bass are prevalent in many spots. Rocky areas, bridges, bays, current seams and tributaries to the river are great places to start.
Smallmouth bass offer some great shore fishing opportunities. Try the Clementson Rapids, where the Rapid River dumps into the Rainy River and the Franz Jevne access, which are both east of Baudette.
In addition to the river, Four Mile Bay is a huge area with edges of the river channel, rock, reeds and areas off of the main river current that is home to a lot of forage for big bass. Locals have known for years the good numbers of bass in the big bay.
The main basin called Big Traverse Bay holds good numbers of bass. Target rock reefs and island areas. Most of the bass are caught in depths less than 20′. There are a lot of smallmouth bass caught on Lake of the Woods accidentally by walleye anglers. The majority of these fish are hanging around structure, typically rocky areas. The numbers are great and many of them turn into footballs, I mean really big bass.
Up at the NW Angle is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. Literally every island has habitat attractive to smallies. Rocky points, scattered boulders and bays are good areas to begin your focus. There is over 65,000 miles of shoreline on Lake of the Woods, most of it holding bass.
There are many ways to catch smallmouth bass, but one technique that is effective in covering water until you find a good pod of fish is pitching crankbaits to shore. On a recent trip in which we casted island shorelines with shallow diving cranks, two of us ended up with just less than a hundred fish. About 20 of those were pike, walleyes and muskies. The rest, bass.
Other techniques are certainly accustomed to bass anglers. Buzz baits, poppers, spinner baits, and tube jigs. For the skilled bass angler, this is a very short list!
Interestingly enough, another walleye technique that produces good numbers of bass, and not intentionally, is trolling with crawler harnesses. A bottom bouncer combined with a snelled spinner and night crawler is a nice search technique that catches almost everything, including smallies.
If you enjoy bass and want to have thousands of world class smallmouth bass spots to yourself, give Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River a try. Just because walleyes get all of the attention doesn’t mean that is the only fish living in these productive waters!
There is a very good population of big walleyes in Lake of the Woods and they are a blast to catch. Because of the slot limit set up for sustainability of the walleyes in the lake stating all walleyes between 19.5 – 28 inches must be released, there is a lot of releasing going on. Whether it is walleyes or other species of fish, big fish or little fish, if your intent is to release them, it’s important to better understand the steps that can be taken leading to the fishes best chance of survival. Planning for and understanding how to take good care of these fish and releasing them in a timely manner greatly increases their chance of survival.
Right off the bat, fish survival will be better in shallower depths of water and when water temps are colder. Keep this in mind. For instance, if you have a good walleye bite going in 36 feet of water in August, the mortality rate will be higher on release fish vs releasing those fish in 20′ of water or in colder water. Consider catching a few and moving on to shallower depths.
The technique we use to catch fish also helps determine survival. For instance, catching a fish on a jig typically means the fish is hooked in the mouth as you set the hook right away upon feeling the bite. When using a live bait rig in which you have to let the fish “take it” for a bit, the chances of a fish getting the hook deep is higher. When a fish has a hook that is deep, actually snipping the line off is the fishes best chance of survival vs doing surgery and ripping the hook out, regardless of how careful you are.
There are a number of tips to increase the odds of a fish surviving when releasing it. A main tip is plan ahead. Have your needle nose pliers, jaw spreader, measuring board and camera all ready to go to save time. The quicker you can land the fish, take the fish out of the net, remove the hook, possible snap a couple of pictures and release the fish back into the water, the better.
It is important to understand how to properly hold a fish not only for properly releasing it but also to minimize cuts and getting stuck. Small fish are less of a challenge than large fish. Anglers will learn fairly quickly how to grab a perch or white bass and not get cut up by the sharp gill plates. Sunfish anglers know the technique of smoothing back the top spiny fin. And for those parts in which catfish and bullheads are popular, understanding how to navigate your hand around the two side and one top fins that have barbed spines in them is important.
On Lake of the Woods, the majority of releasing involves walleyes. One way to hold a walleye is by the hard cartilage area in their gill area. Make sure you hold them by the tough cartilage that makes up their gill structure in their head area but do not actually touch the red gills in which they pull oxygen from the water to breathe. Keep your fingers on the outside of their actual gills. Their actual gills are red and should not be touched or grabbed. Take two or three fingers and slide them along the outside of the gill area up into the tough cartilage of the walleye. When using this technique on fish over 10 lbs, try and support their body weight by placing your second hand under their belly and holding them horizontally vs vertically.
Bass and crappies are typically held in the mouth as they don’t have sharp teeth and their mouths are inviting as they are big and easy to grab.
Pike and muskies are typically held within the hard cartilage of the gill area with one hand with the other hand supporting the body weight of the fish horizontally if it is a big fish. In the old days, it was common for anglers to hold pike by the eyes. This is frowned upon as it will blind the fish.
Lake sturgeon, well, these can be huge fish. Consequently, it is important not to hold these fish vertically. They are so heavy, internal organs and tissue can actually tear from their weight. Remember, in nature, these fish swim and live horizontally in water. Holding them vertically can simply be too much weight for their internal organs to handle.
It is also important to not hold sturgeon by the cartilage in their gills if they are too big. It can actually be best to have one hand on their tale as it is firm and easy to grab with the other hand supporting the body weight of the fish under its belly and holding it horizontally. If the fish is really big, it will take two people to cradle the fish! If you don’t need to bring the fish in the boat, some anglers will pop the hook out while the fish is in the water next to the boat or even in a net if using a net large enough to hold a big sturgeon.
Really try not to drop fish or touch touch their eyes. Dropping a fish can lead to obvious damage. Touching their eyes can make them blind. When releasing a fish, it is also important to try not to remove the slime from a fishes sides. This is a protective coating against harmful parasites, etc to the fish. As many of you know, a couple of fish with a lot of slime is a pike or a muskie. Pike often carry the nickname, “slimer”, and for good reason.
When releasing the fish in the water, use more of a side by side motion vs forward and back to get water into it’s gills. Forward and back can actually drown a fish. Support the fish upright and slowly go back and forth until the fish makes the effort to swim on their own. If the fish is tired out from a long fight and the process of being out of the water, it may take a few minutes. Have patience, the fishes life depends upon it.
Outdoor adventures while riding ATVs and Biking intrigue visitors who want to experience the vast wilderness trails of Lake of the Woods. During the summer and fall months.
Beltrami State Forest and the Bankton roads south of Williams and Roosevelt offer hundreds of miles of trails, 238 to be exact; not to mention the great hunting that goes with it. Much of this trail system follows county roads, township roads, ditch banks and existing trails.
ATV and Biking enthusiasts will be happy to know there are over 1,400 miles of ATV trails and accessible roads within the greater Beltrami area and Carp Pit, a northern MN recreation area favored by ATV riders that features picnic tables and space for camping.
Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. Lake of the Woods area has literally has thousands of acres of prime ATV destinations, a variety of nice resorts and hotels and of course great places to eat and drink while on vacation.
Off highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. For more information and trail maps check out our ATV PAGE or the MN DNR website
Biking has become a great new adventure for many people these days. While there are no mountains near Lake of the Woods “an.d even small hills are scarce” the area does offer several routes for mountain biking. People often tell me that they
experience a greater sense of smell and sight while leaving the car behind and taking to the road and forest areas using these other methods of travel. The forest areas at Lake of the Woods are the first place early settlers homesteaded. Beautiful white pines have stood the test of time as they oversee that beautiful area. While there be sure to take a break and climb the Faunce tower itself and gaze at the beauty of the area from a bird’s eye view
Mountain Biking Trails
The forest roads surrounding the Faunce State Forest Campground, about 13 miles south of Williams, offer several loop routes up to about 30 miles in length. Potential users of these roads should be aware that forestry is a major industry in this area, and logging trucks frequently use these roads during the week, so weekends may be a better choice than week days. Also, there are several hunter walking trails in the area that are open to non-motorized vehicle use. Fat tire bikes allow anglers or hunters to travel long distances where foot travel is difficult to reach.
Have you ever given a thought to biking on ice? Yes, the new fat tires are even able to do that. Bring your bike to Lake of the Woods and enjoy that unique experience
and try some ice fishing while you’re here. Adventures while riding ATVs and Biking only adds to your entire experience while visiting visiting this great Northland!!
Place cucumber and julienned carrots in small mason jars, cover with vinegar and let sit at least 30 minutes.
Mix together ground turkey and furikake until uniform. Make 4 large, but very thin, patties.
Set a large frying pan at medium heat, and place burgers in it, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
While the burgers are cooking, in another non stick pan on low heat melt butter, then crack all four eggs into the pan. Slow cook the eggs sunny side up until all the whites are cooked and the yellows are still runny, remove from heat.
Assemble the burgers, with gochujang and mayo on the bottom bun, then the burger, then place the rest of the ingredients in this order if you choose: pickled cucumber, kimchi, nori, egg, pickled carrots and bean sprouts.
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Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
