Each summer, thousands of anglers, families, and friends enjoy fishing Lake of the Woods.  Along with the traditional fish frys that are part of the trip, guests like to bring fish home as well.  The MN DNR has certain “Do’s and Don’ts” pertaining to properly packaging fish.  It is important to understand how to package fish for the trip home.

With opportunity comes responsibility.  It us up to us as anglers to know and understand the rules of the MN DNR who manages natural resources in the state.  We thought it might be helpful to shed some light on what the rules are regarding cleaning, cooking and possessing fish while up at Lake of the Woods.

Over the years, one learns when discussing rules of any type to mention a disclaimer that our intent is to help with understanding and ultimately, it is your responsibility to know right from wrong.  The fish possession rules are not difficult, but one needs to be educated before hitting the water.  Resorts are a great resource for additional questions.

Individuals may not possess fillets in their boats or day/sleeper houses unless they are in immediate preparation of a meal or unless a licensed fish packer has filleted and packaged them to be consumed while their guests are on the lake and the fish packer is present with you and carcasses are available for inspection. Any filleting for transport should be done on shore or at the resort just prior to individuals traveling. For those who really like to dig into state law on how to package fish, click here for the link.

In a fish house or preparation for shore lunch.

State Rule 6262.0100 Subp. 5. (D)

Subp. 5. Possession of fish while on state waters.

While on or fishing in state waters with size restrictions that differ from statewide regulations (which includes Lake of the Woods), including experimental waters, special management waters, boundary waters, or any other waters with size restrictions, all fish for which the different size restrictions apply must be undressed and measurable when in a person’s possession, regardless of where taken, except under the following conditions:

(1) when a watercraft is docked or moored to shore or when on the ice and a person is in the act of preparing and using the fish for a meal; or

(2) when a person is on an experimental or special management water and the fish were lawfully taken, have been packaged and labeled by a licensed fish packer, are to be prepared for a meal while on the ice or shore of that water body, and do not otherwise exceed the statewide possession limits.

When fish are consumed under subitem (1), the angler must maintain the carcass of a fish with size limits in such a way that the carcass may be readily unpacked, unwrapped, and separated so that the carcass may be examined, measured, and counted to ensure compliance with size restrictions for that day, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.45.

In a nutshell…

1.  Lake of the Woods has a slot limit on walleyes and pike.  For walleyes, all fish between 19.5 inches and 28.0 inches must be released.  Anglers are allowed a combined limit of six walleyes / saugers, with up to four of the six being walleyes.  One walleye is allowed over 28 inches.  For pike, the daily limit is three fish.  The slot in which you must release fish is 30 – 40 inches long.  Anglers can keep pike under 30 inches or one over 40 inches per day.  In MN, the possession limit is equivalent of one day’s limit, consequently, anglers will enjoy a fish fry or two while up.

2.  If you are staying with a resort who has a fish packing license, the resort is allowed to clean and package fish without keeping them whole and without skin identification.  They will take care of what you need for traveling home with your filleted catch.

3.  When you clean fish on the water for a shore lunch (or in a fish house if ice fishing), you must keep the carcasses until the next day.  This allows a DNR Conservation Officer to count and properly measure fish.

Many folks enjoy having fish to bring home the day of departure.  Remember, saugers must be left intact with head, tail and fins for proper identification.  If a sauger isn’t properly cleaned for the trip home, it counts as a walleye.

As it says in the MN DNR Regulations on how to package fish…

How Do I Prepare Fish I have Caught for Transport?

-You must package and transport fish in a way that they can be readily unwrapped, separated, identified and counted.

-A fish may not be cut up into more than two filets.

-If you are transporting muskellunge, catfish, splake, or brook, brown or rainbow trout, you must transport them with the head and tail intact so the fish can be measured.

-Bullhead, sunfish and crappie may be filleted without leaving a patch of skin.

-Fillets from all other species must have a one inch square patch of skin with scales intact from a portion of the body other than the belly.

-Sauger without head and tail intact will be counted as walleye unless they are packaged by a licensed fish packer.

If you have further questions on regulations for cleaning fish and how to package fish, contact your resort, outfitter or the MN DNR.

Catching a bunch of fish, enjoying fish frys, and bringing some fish home is part of a fishing vacation for many.  This tradition has taken place for generations and folks still enjoy it to this day.  With that being said, it is important to understand how to properly package fish for the trip home.

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For many, a classic jig and a minnow is the go to presentation for summer walleyes on Lake of the Woods.  It could be argued that the jig and minnow has caught more walleyes out of the big lake than any other presentation.  It still is the go to and super effective.  However, there can be some very good arguments made in learning the nuances of pulling spinners for walleyes, also called crawler harnesses or simply snelled spinners with a crawler, minnow or leech can have big advantages.  The bottom line, summer walleyes can’t resist crawler harnesses.

Spinners for summer walleyes really kicks into gear as the water begins to warm up.  Normally when water starts to hit the mid 50’s, it is time to start considering drifting or trolling with spinners.

This video was not filmed this year but it has some good info about pulling crawler harnesses that is pertinent all of the time.  Check it out.

First off, a crawler harness and snelled spinner are basically the same thing.  When you are not using a night crawler, we don’t call is a crawler harness anymore, thus it’s a snelled spinner.  Semantics out of the way, these set ups are effective for summer walleyes.

Why are spinners for walleyes so effective?  A lot of reasons, the flash of the blade.  The different color combinations of the beads and blades.  The vibration of the spinner is sensed by the walleyes lateral line much like that of the prey they feed.  You can put crawlers, minnows, leeches and plastics on a harness.

My go to set up is a two ounce bottom bouncer with a harness between 4-6′ long.  It is conducive to use a longer snell in clearer waters, thus on Lake of the Woods, I normally go about 5′ or so as the water is stained.  In a nutshell, the key with this presentation is to slowly be pulling this through the water column where the fish are so the blade is spinning and a desirable speed the walleyes want that given day.

What that looks like is drifting or trolling your set up with a desirable 45 degree angle.  When I am trolling in my boat, my goal is 1.25 mph.  You don’t want the harness way behind the boat like when you are trolling with a crankbait.  You want that 45 degree angle and have total control.

Keep the sinker just off the bottom, not dragging the bottom, but rather touch the bottom once in a while to know you are down there and lift just off so you avoid snags and other debris.

When a walleye grabs it, it loads up like a wet sock.  Normally they don’t hammer it.  Simply lower you rod tip back at the same speed of the boat so the walleye doesn’t feel anything change for two seconds and swing the rod with a mild hookset. 

When using a crawler, I suggest a two hook harness and pinch off the crawler once hooked on the harness so only about 3-4″ of tail hangs off of the back hook.  This will avoid missing walleyes that grab the back of the rig.

This set up covers water.  It can be used from shallow to deep.  It will catch everything that swims.  And for the folks who go fishing with you less experienced, is a relatively easy way to get walleyes hooked up.

There are many good brands of snelled spinners or crawler harnesses you can purchase with length, fluorocarbon line and quick change clevices.  Some anglers like to tie their own crawler harnesses as well which allows creativity in the bead pattern, length of snell, etc.

Give spinners for summer walleyes a try this year, you might be surprised how many more fish end up in your boat!

Click Here to view a list of Lake of the Woods lodging.

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Outdoor fun at Lake of the Woods includes exploring for the Stunning Birds found around Lake of the Woods. This area is recognized statewide as bird watcher’s paradise. Almost 300 species of birds next here and can be seen and heard in any season of the year. Pine to Prairie Birding Trail  is a unique partnership between the NW Minnesota communities of Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Roseau, Thief River Falls, & Warroad. Bird-watching has become a national obsession and is one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies

A very unique way to observe the stunning birds around Lake of the Woods is by boat. Along shorelines you will find Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Great Blue Herons, Mallards and Common Loons. Double-crested Cormorants, and four species of gulls and terns can be found on the many islands that dot the lake.

The Lake of the Woods area is one of only three places in Minnesota that the American White Pelican will nest. Clementson Rapids, 6 miles east of Baudette, is one of the finest displays of beauty and lures great numbers of these fine birds in its waters. Many visitors stop and watch as the stunning birds swim up current to catch those fish that have just come down the rapids.

Pine and Curry Islands host the endangered Piping Plover and have been designated a state Scientific and Natural Area. Visitors are still invited to stop on the island to walk the beautiful sandy beach and watch these tiny birds scurry across the land.

Migrating Waterfowl migrate in the spring and fall months. This list includes Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Teal, American Widgeon, Pintails, and mergansers. Some will stay and nest in the surrounding wetlands and WMA’s (Wildlife Management Area’s) near the lake. Included in the birds of prey list are the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and Turkey Vulture. The sight of a Great Gray or Snowy Owl, Sandhill Crane, or crow-sized Pileated Woodpecker is a thrill for any bird lover.

The most beautiful and stunning bird is the American Bald Eagle. They have claimed Lake of the Woods as their home where they stay all year round.  You are often able to see their gigantic nests high in the treetops while driving down the road. It is a special treat to view this stunning bird sitting alongside the roadways feasting on an unfortunate animal that has been killed by a car. It’s another amazing experience to come along side of that bird as he takes flight and spreads his wings right in front of you.

Spring’s ambassador is the Red Wing Blackbird, followed by sparrows, warblers, robins, vireos, orioles, finches, grosbeaks and humming birds. Their activities and songs continue into late fall. Dropping temperatures bring northern birds such as Junco and Snow Bunting as short term guests.  Check out www.birding-minnesota.com or check out the MNDNR birding lists!

For more information about the Lake of the Woods area and lodging opportunities, check out our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.

If you have not fished Lake of the Woods during the open water seasons, it can be intimidating.  There are so many different areas to fish, a wide variety of resorts and hotels to stay at around the lake as well as the sheer size of the fishery.  Like any new body of water, the first time is the most difficult, but after that first time, it is so much easier.  If you have never been to The Walleye Capital of the World or perhaps only ice fished it, open water is an incredible experience.  Check out these ideas for anglers new to Lake of the Woods.

The first time, make like easy.  Anglers fishing Lake of the Woods are lucky because there are a number of great options for fishing on a charter boat or with a guide.  Especially the first time to the big water, some anglers who own their own boats even find it helpful to jump on-board a charter or with a guide the first time out to get a lay of the land.  When you step aboard, nearly everything is provided.  Rods, reels, tackle, bait, expertise in navigation and getting you on fish.  This make life easy as all  you need to do is dress for the weather, bring sunglasses and a camera to record the adventure.

A guide or charter boat makes it so nice.  Jump into a vehicle with a few others and drive up.  You can focus on each other rather than the weather, navigation and fish.

On the south end…  Charter boats for the most part are on the south end of the lake fishing the Rainy River and Big Traverse Bay which is the big water of Lake of the Woods.  When I say big water, I am talking about 25 miles north south by about 20 miles east west.  If Lake of the Woods was a great lake, it would be the sixth largest.  This can be intimidating and certainly requires a healthy respect.

The thing about the basin is it is loaded with millions of walleyes and saugers.  The basin also boasts a strong population of big trophy walleyes as there is a good number of tulibees in the big water.  Walleyes will focus on tulibees when they reach that 25 inch mark and these fish enable walleyes to get bigger faster.

Charter boat captains do a good job of sharing info with one another about fish movements, where there are active fish and other variables ultimately leading to a successful trip.  Most trips produce walleyes, it’s just a matter of how many and how big.

The basin reaches a maximum depth of about 36 feet deep.  This makes the entire body of water fair game for fishing.  This is one great big aquarium of life and a big part of Lake of the Woods.

Up at the NW Angle…  The other option is heading up to the NW Angle.  Currently, due to COVID – 19, the U.S. Canada border is temporarily closed for non-essential travel which includes tourism.  That means until the border is opened again, folks are traveling across Lake of the Woods via water.

Some use their own boats if their boat is large enough and they have a competent captain used to big water.  Others use the transport service on the lake run through Sportsman’s Lodge which will shuttle you across to your favorite NW Angle resort.

When things get back to normal, most will travel up to the Angle by vehicle.  When driving to the NW Angle, anglers must be knowledgeable about credentials to cross into Canada and back into the U.S. again when up to the Angle.  A passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or combo of a government issued photo ID with a birth certificate are necessary.  It is also important to note Canadian Customs looks at a DUI as a felony and you may want to check ahead before crossing the border if someone in your group has a DUI in their past.  

The NW Angle is the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S., is where the 14,552 islands begin and boasts about 12 resorts, some on the mainland, some on islands.  The fishing is excellent for multi-species and the scenery and wildlife are even better.  Angle resorts have excellent guides that will fish in U.S. waters, Ontario waters or both, depending upon what you are targeting, etc.  These guide typically run about a 20′ boat that can navigate to the best and most scenic fishing spots on both sides of the border.  If you like fish, most guides to a noon shore lunch that will mess up any fish fry you have at home ever again because they are so delicious and fresh.

Bring your own boat…  For anglers who own their own boat and enjoy the challenge of new water, Lake of the Woods has so many good options.  Boat ramps are available on the Rainy River, south end of the lake and up at the Angle.  Some are public and resorts also offer nice boat ramps with sheltered marinas for a nominal fee.

Do you homework.  Check out Navionics or your graph in your boat prior to coming  up.  Get an idea of where you will be staying, launching and fishing.  It is nice to have a gameplan.  Resorts and bait shops can be great resources for local info.

Regarding where to stay, Lake of the Woods Tourism has a complete list of lodging options on all sides of the lake.  There are Ma and Pa resorts to brand name hotels, small to large, self service where you make your own meals to full service with full restaurant and bar.  Lots of options on where to stay.  One thing you will find, whether you jump on a charter, in with a guide or fish on your own, prices up at Lake of the Woods are reasonable and have not caught up to the more cosmopolitan resort areas yet.  That means more can enjoy The Walleye Capital of the World, perhaps for multiple trips!

To find out more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website, feel free to give us a call at 218-634-1174 or chat with a resort.

The open water season is excellent for fishing.  So many anglers have never experienced the open water bite.  Do yourself a fishing favor, come on up.  You won’t regret it!

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.

On a normal year, charter boats on Lake of the Woods start hitting the water at the end of April and beginning of May.  Some start targeting sturgeon in the Rainy River.  Others are splashed just before the MN Fishing Opener.  Guests staying at resorts and hotels in the area enjoy the variety of dining options around the river and lake.  This year was different due to COVID – 19 and restrictions issued by the Governor of Minnesota’s Executive Order.

As various areas begin to gravitate back to more normalcy, June 1st charter boats and restaurants opened for business and on June 10th, indoor dining at our many restaurants is available as well.  This is very much a welcomed site for business owners and guests alike.

Charter boats are a staple around Lake of the Woods.  They provide access and success for people wanting to catch walleyes on this famed body of water.  There are many reasons people enjoy a charter boat…

–Worry free.  The licensed charter captain runs the boat so all guests have to do is relax, enjoy the experience and catch fish.  Navigation and figuring out what the walleyes are doing from day to day can be a challenge for inexperienced anglers.  While on a charter, there are no worries.

–Success.  Walleyes move from day to day.  Weather conditions change, forage changes, their mood changes for some reasons known, some unknown.  With that being said, charter captains are knowledgeable and work together to provide guests the best experience possible.  Charter captains are professionals and know Lake of the Woods and what it takes to catch walleye better than anyone.

–Easy.  When you step aboard, most everything is taken care of.  Rods, reels, tackle, bait are all covered.  Some resorts will provide lunch if you would like one.  What do you need to bring?  Sun protection, sunglasses, rain gear, and of course dress in layers as Minnesota weather can be chilly in the morning and downright hot in the afternoon.

–Comfortable.    Charter boats are typically 27 – 30 feet long and offer anglers lots of room to move around.  The boats handle the lake well.  This enables folks not quite as fit to fish in a smaller boat to have an enjoyable day of fishing on a boat that is.  There is also an area to get out of the sun or elements out on the lake.   There are also and a bathroom on board most vessels making life just a little bit easier.

The Restaurant scene around Lake of the Woods is diverse and delicious.  Some settings are overlooking the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods.  Others are in the woods and in the heart of nature.

Each place has it’s own feel.  From cute, small places with that log cabin feel to larger dining options.  Currently, outdoor dining on decks and patios are available.  As time goes on, the indoor portions of restaurants and bars will be coming online. Menus offer visitors much variety.

Lake of the Woods is home to delicious homemade pizza and ice cream, fresh taco nights, fish frys, smoked wings and some more finer dining options such as steak, prime rib and seafood.  Some may envision the northwoods as a place with not so many choices but in actuality, the choices are many.

Area businesses have gone to great lengths incorporating extensive cleaning procedures and protocols as safety precautions for charter boats and restaurants so guests can feel good about coming up.

Let’s not mince words, the COVID – 19 chapter of life has been tough for so many reasons.  As restrictions start to get lifted on charter boats and restaurants and life begins to look a bit more normal, many are welcoming a Lake of the Woods fishing trip into their life with open arms.

Information about Lake of the Woods area

List of Lake of the Woods Resorts and Hotels