For some, ice fishing is an activity far outside of their comfort zone.  In many cases, they have never done it, never grew up with it, didn’t have an interest or maybe they grew up in another part of the country where ice on lakes didn’t exist.  Regardless of the reason, ice fishing is an activity that is fun, simple, enjoyable and comfortable.  Consequently, everyone can enjoy ice fishing.

Full service ice fishing makes ice fishing possible for the young, old, disabled, etc.  What a great way to enjoy a Minnesota winter than catching walleyes, saugers, perch, eelpout, pike and a variety of other fish with friends and loved ones.

Most think of ice fishing as sitting outside on a bucket.   These are the old days of ice fishing and they could get real cold real quick.  Fun, right?  Hardly.  Not at Lake of the Woods.  Ice fishing takes place in nice heated fish houses.

Resorts like to take great care of folks and make their ice fishing adventure easy and enjoyable.  From heated resort to heated fish house with the holes drilled and set up on top of the fish.  This is ice fishing Lake of the Woods style.

The heat is on and it is almost like stepping into a living room with a few holes in the floor to fish.  Many families or groups enjoy bringing out their favorite snacks, some music, maybe a few beverages of their liking and the adventure is on.

There are so many fish in Lake of the Woods that normally there is action.  In some cases, it is hard to keep the bobbers on top of the water the fish bite so good.  And then there can be stretches when you wonder if there are any fish in the lake.  By putting in a full day, normally there will be some different flurries of fish activity that provides excitement and of course at the end of the day, a fresh fish fry.

Resorts offer everything from just the lodging where you fish on your own to lodging and ice fishing where they provide the heated fish house to also including all meals.  The package with lodging, fishing and meals is often called the American Plan.

Ice guides will clean your fresh catch.  In many cases, the resort you are staying at will cook up your fresh fish, often consisting of walleyes, saugers and perch.

Why is ice fishing so popular?  People often wonder why this winter activity is so popular at Lake of the Woods.  One reason it is full service ice fishing and really takes the work out of it.  In addition, millions of walleyes and saugers doesn’t hurt.  The behind the scenes infrastructure make ice fishing easy for just about anyone regardless of ability.  With this being said, ice fishing is warm, simple and easy.

The thermostat is set at around 70 degrees.  Most only have to be in the cold a few steps into ice transportation and a few steps into the heated fish house.  As the saying goes, there are two things you need to think about when you participate in full service ice fishing, “what should I wear and what should I eat”.  Everything else is taken care of for you.

When you catch the fish, the guides will even clean them for you.  Some groups enjoy making fish back in their cabins, while others consider vacation a time when they will simply let the resort cook the fish and provide the sides.  Whichever way you roll, no experience necessary for a great fish fry.

Families, couples, business groups and longtime friends take advantage of these fish houses out on the ice.  In between bobbers going down, good conversation, good food and even good drink is part of the atmosphere in a fish house.  For some it’s the fishing.  For others, it’s the social aspects.  Either way, it is a great way to spend a beautiful winter day.

Sometimes it helps to actually see how it works rather than read about it.  There are many ways resorts transport you out on the ice to their fish houses.  Some even let you drive your own vehicles on their maintained ice roads.  Check out our ice fishing videos here.

Most everything is provided for your ice fishing adventure.  It is good to check ahead as most resorts expect you will bring or purchase for a nominal fee your short little ice fishing rods and a few key lures.

Some resorts rent electronics that help you see what fish are underneath you and how they are reacting to your baits.  Although certainly not necessary, electronics to show you the fish below you is very helpful and will help you catch more fish.

Ice fishing is an incredible experience.  Especially on a body of water, or in this case, sheet of ice that can stretch further than the eye can see.  The air is crisp and fresh.  The winter scenery is breathtaking.  The memories you will make will be forever.

 

 

 

 

Additional info on Lake of the Woods

Additional info on ice fishing, sleeper fish houses and resorts

 

 

Now Hiring!  Did you know most people regret not taking enough chances in life and simply settling?  Are you someone who has visited Lake of the Woods and thought, “I could live here?”  Well, many local resorts and businesses are hiring and this is a great time to consider Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods isn’t just a great place to fish, hunt and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s an excellent place to find good employment and do business. Not only is there a steady flow of visitors, there is a thriving local economy that boasts an educated workforce, world-class technology and an abundance of resources for those interested in opening, relocating or expanding a business. This area is a dream getaway.  Lake of the Woods employment opportunities abound.

People visit Lake of the Woods County and Baudette for the stunning international waters and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Minnesota. Lake of the Woods offers four seasons of world-class fishing, a hunter’s paradise and a vast array of outdoor recreation.  Winter is actually the busiest season at Lake of the Woods.  The world class ice fishing, consistent ice conditions, daytime bite, millions of walleyes and saugers, and great resort community cater to anglers from many regions

Employment Opportunities!  Have you ever thought about working in an area you love to vacation?  There are a variety of opportunities and many have taken the step to work where they play and area businesses are hiring.  Imagine fishing, hunting and simply living in an area people travel across the country to get to!

Right now, area resorts are looking for valued employees for a variety of positions.  Whether it is an ice guide, working the front desk, cleaning rooms, food service, various hospitality positions, outside maintenance, marketing and the list goes on.

A listing of local resorts can be found on the Lake of the Woods Tourism lodging page.  Resorts are hiring on their resort websites, some on Facebook, and some positions may not be listed at all but there is still a need.

It is sometimes good if you are looking for work, to simply pick up the phone, call and inquire about open positions.  It has been said about 80% of potential open positions are not advertised for.  As a candidate for employment, this is also a good technique that also shows your willingness to work.

Quality healthcare and education.  People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the community. We take pride in our outstanding healthcare and nationally-recognized education with Lake of the Woods Schools ranking very high in Minnesota schools. There are positive things happening in town, such as the new Lake of the Woods International Arena, a new international bridge to Canada being put in place, a major remodel of Lake of the Woods Foods, addition of a Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bagels, a new distillery on Main Street and more.

The City of Baudette is the county seat.  Whether looking to raise a family, grow your company or just looking for a change in scenery, for many, Lake of the Woods offers a better way of life.

As the winter months approach, many of the resorts are looking for good people to take advantage of excellent Lake of the Woods employment opportunities. Again, winter fishing on LOW is known to be some of the best in the world. Look no further than Here for many of the employment vacancies!

Right now there are openings and various area employers would love to meet with you. Visit www.gethookedforlife.com for more valuable information and also www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.  Another good option is to look at the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging page.  Many of the resorts and hotels are hiring for a variety of positions, email them or give them a call.

 

 

Click here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

Click here to view Lake of the Woods Lodging options.

Yes, I’m baiting the hook hoping to lure you to Lake of the Woods. Ice is on most of the bays and forming on the big lake. You want to be prepared when you come to the area to fish and shop. This area can satisfy the sportsman and woman as well as their family members who accompany them.

When  you are looking for bait to use in your ice houses, you’ll want to stop at four of the most popular shops in the area. As you come into Baudette from the east on Hwy 11, you’ll first see Steve’s Lucky Bait. This is an easy on, easy off location on the north side of the highway. Here you’ll see live bait and any kind of tackle that you’re looking for. Buy your fishing license and you’re ready to go.

Traveling to the center of Baudette on Hwy 11, you come to Outdoors Again. This very large sporting goods store has such a variety of merchandise that it doesn’t take much to bait you into buying. Outdoors Again sells live bait fitted for our area but also contains shopping to hook other family members into buying special souvenirs of their visit to Lake of the Woods.

The large store features clothing, a large gun shop and ammunition galore. You will find frozen walleye fillets for sale, and ice cream counter, maps of the area and many other items to lure you into trying all sports. You will find trailers, deer stands and portable fish houses. Why not get your bait, your license and your Christmas Shopping done all in one stop?

Traveling out to the resort area on Highway 172, you fill first come to Log Cabin Bait and Liquor. This attractive store also features any lures you might want, your fishing license, Vexilars, portable ice houses and clothing to fit every need. The clothing will suit your family for shopping and also the necessities of staying warm while fishing these fine waters. You might even be lured or baited into shopping for their liquid items as well.

A little further down the road you will come to Barclay’s Border Bait Company about 11 miles north  on 172 from Baudette. Barclays Border Bait has everything you need from the Latest fishing gear and tackle to ice augers -every day essentials -groceries -hats -gloves- automotive section. New shipments are arriving daily to make your visit to Lake of the Woods memorable. They also want to remind you to renew your fish house permits before proceeding to the lake. Such a great location for visitors to pick up essentials for their ice house experience.

Many of you may not know that bait is abundant in Lake of the Woods. Local resort owners and bait shops harvest the very important shiner minnows during their fall run on the Rainy River. The harvesters spend many late or early morning hours hauling up nets, packaging and freezing those shiners that are in abundance so that they can be available for purchase as bait by individuals and resorts.

Now we must also mention that most all resorts that you might be staying at have the availability of selling you your fishing license. They outfit their fish houses with equipment and bait necessary for your success as you drop the lines in the pristine waters. They also are able to transport you or even lead you out the their fish houses and check on you throughout the day to make sure of your safety and that you have plenty of bait available to catch your limits.

Have I baited your interest? I certainly hope so because this writer is excited to bait a hook this winter also and enjoy the great beauty of the frozen waters of Lake of the Woods.

For more information and lodging see our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

 

As area resorts and hotels prepare for ice fishing, it is good to reflect.  It has been a year like no other.  The pandemic kicking in this past March raised havoc on Americans who have never lived through something like this before.  Area businesses have changed and in some cases, added new safety protocols to make sure your trip to Lake of the Woods is relaxing.

Up at Lake of the Woods, it all started out by cutting short ice fishing mid March.  It then rolled into spring fishing and then with restrictions on charter boats, most of May.  Businesses shut down for a time, were under a myriad of restrictions and had to learn how to run differently including new safety measures in order to protect both employees and guests.

With an entire spring, summer and fall of learning and implementing safety procedures different than ever done before, it is safe to say lodging facilities have learned and have implemented a variety of new procedures throughout their businesses to make your stay safe and enjoyable.  Resorts and hotels up at Lake of the Woods have, and are continuing to make preparations to welcome ice anglers and winter guests.  Everyone is looking forward to ice fishing.

Lake of the Woods County is one of the lower populated counties in the state with a population around 4,000.  There are literally more deer than there are people.  With that being said, there is so much land and in the winter, frozen lake to get away from it all.  One still has to take precautions, but the wide open natural landscape while ice fishing gives anglers a chance to social distance to their heart’s content.

Safety measures area businesses are implementing come in many forms.  In some cases, where you check in and check in procedures themselves have changed.  Some guests feel the most comfortable to check in online.

Cleaning protocols throughout the lodges, cabins, guest rooms, kitchens, bars, boats, ice transportation and fish houses have changed.  Like many things in life, there is a lot happening behind the scenes that nobody will ever see, but greatly benefits guests.

Adhering to the MN Department of Health regulations, resorts, hotels, guides and areas businesses up at Lake of the Woods have had the spring, summer and fall to get in place protocols and are ready to welcome guests this winter.  The practice of using masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing are in place.  There are also limits on how many people can be in restaurants at a time, how many can be seated together at a table and how many can sit at a bar in a group.  This is certainly different that what anyone is used to, but very doable.

For some who want to avoid contact with others, there has been much more communication over the phone and online.  Some examples include details of the trip, where fish houses are on the ice, where their room or cabin is located, having the door unlocked and your key(s) waiting for you inside your unit.

Resorts are still offering meals and meal plans, some with the option of delivery and take out.  Many resorts have placed menus within cabins and customers can place orders with either delivery to the door of their room or cabin or having one person of the groups pick up the meals.

Some resorts are dropping off breakfast, minnows and a fish house map at the cabin door each morning.  Again, an effort to limit exposure as much as possible for those who would prefer not to come into the lodge.

Some anglers choose to bring their own fish house and utilize the ice roads on Lake of the Woods.  Whether it is a wheelhouse or a collapsible fish house, there are options for anglers who are do it yourselfers as well.

These are unprecedented times for all and safety guidelines put out by various branches of our government and CDC need to be adhered to.  Fishing and enjoying the outdoors can be a way to take care of ones mind and spirit and for some is very important.  It can also be done in very small groups with limited interaction with others.  Adapting has and will continue to take place to ensure safety.

The best way to understand what each lodging facility has done regarding safety measures around COVID-19 for the ice fishing season is to check out their website, Facebook page or give them a call.

Lake of the Woods businesses in the hospitality industry are some of the most resourceful and caring people in the industry.  It is no surprise these hard working folks are finding a way to create more safety in their businesses and are adapting to the times.

People of all types enjoy ice fishing.  For some, it is about catching walleyes.  For others, it is much more of a social affair, with good food and good company.  More and more families are hitting the ice together.  Regardless of what kind of group you come up with, social distancing and taking precautions around Lake of the Woods and enjoying the traditions of ice fishing in a safe manner is very doable.

The forecast for ice fishing this winter is very positive.  The population of walleyes and saugers is good and we expect a great ice fishing season.  Based on your level of comfort and how you prefer to handle precautions with COVID-19, we feel there is an option for just about everyone.  We welcome you to Lake of the Woods.  Come up, get away from it all and experience The Walleye Capital of the World!

 

Click Here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Lodging

There are many ways to stay connected to Lake of the Woods.  Social media, LakeoftheWoodsMN.com, resort fishing reports, etc.  Another great way that sometimes gets forgotten about are webcams around the lake.  Webcams allow guests who can access the internet to see conditions in real time the conditions, weather, waves, boat activity, etc where the camera is located.  There are many webcam options on Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River and up at the NW Angle.

Flag Island Webcam.  Let’s begin at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, the NW Angle.  A really cool webcam that can actually be controlled by those who are watching it at the time.  Viewers can choose from a variety of pre-set locations which gives the viewer a great view of the area.  This camera is very high up and can see over the trees gaining nice views all around Flag Island.

Flag Island Dock Cam.  There is also a webcam located on the dock which gives a totally different perspective.

Arnesen’s Rocky Point Webcam.  On the southwest portion of Big Traverse Bay is Arnesen’s Rocky Point.  This is a great area to watch a variety of boat and ice fishing traffic coming and going from the resort.  Arnesen’s looks out over Muskeg Bay on the southwest corner of Lake of the Woods.

Not only is it fun checking out the conditions of the lake, the webcam gives a fun look at the outside activities at a popular sport fishing resort.

Morris Point Lakeview Lodge Webcam.  On the south shore of the lake, Morris Point offers a webcam providing a nice look at the vast waters or ice of Big Traverse Bay.  This is an interesting perspective not only for weather and waves, but also to watch traffic come and go on the lake.  Perfect when you want to be there but have to settle to checking in from your computer.

Border View Lodge Webcam.  Overlooking the Rainy River right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access is the Border View camera.  Their webcam gives a great view of the Rainy River looking both north towards Four Mile Bay and south up river.  It also shows Canada which is located half way across the Rainy River.  A great view to check out the activity on the river.

Typically, there will be boat traffic from April into November and then based on Mother Nature, some ice traffic with the snowmobile trail and sometimes bombardiers if the river ice gets thick enough.  Other views include views of the docks and resort area.  The camera is preset to move to different positions.  This is also a fun camera to check out.

These cameras are also great to view the variety of bird activity throughout the year.  There is a great migration both in the spring and fall that is exceptional.

Weather events are also very interesting to viewers.  Being nice and cozy while checking into the various weather events in the area is something of interest to many.  From the beautiful sunrises and sunsets to storms moving through the area, they are all part of life and interesting at the same time.

It is also interesting to see the various perspectives from the Rainy River, big open waters of Big Traverse Bay and the islands area of the NW Angle.

There are many great ways to keep in touch with Lake of the Woods.  Another option you may just want to add to your routine are webcams.  What a fun way to keep in touch in real time with The Walleye Capital of the World.

 

Click Here to access Lake of the Woods Tourism.

Click Here for a list of lodging options around Lake of the Woods.

 

Winter has come to the northland. Temperatures have stayed consistently at freezing temps and it is evidenced by ice forming on Baudette Bay at Baudette, MN and the Rainy River. Parks are the location of extra fun as Lake of the Woods looks forward to the winter season inviting hundreds of people to come and enjoy experiences that only can be marked by cold, ice, snow and fun. Lake of the Woods houses hundreds of ice houses each winter marking the lake with ice roads the size of highways. While your family comes to enjoy that great activity, also consider the other possibilities for family fun.

The Baudette Bay has formed ice from shore to shore and it looks like a huge ice skating event waiting to happen. Caution is always advised at this time of the year for traveling on the ice but one can always look forward to the family fun this area brings.

Baudette proper has three great parks available. You might think of only using parks in the summer months, but that is not the case at Lake of the Woods. Willie Walleye Park on Baudette Bay is the home of the famous icon that resides there named Willie Walleye. He oversees this park and is the most popular walleye of the area to be photographed by visitors.

This park is where the July 4^th fireworks are fired off over the Baudette Bay and hundreds of people visit during that season to enjoy the hillside and the view the event. Did you know that on December 5^th this year that there will also be fireworks over the Baudette Bay? Yes, the annual Frost Fest features a parade, a tree lighting, Santa and fireworks to cap off the evening.

Willie Walleye was updated a few years ago and also oversees another great time as the snow falls on this beautiful area. This park provides one of the best sliding hills of the whole area. You’d have to travel nearly 50 miles to find a better hill. Numbers of parents and children alike find pleasure as early as Thanksgiving when the hill is snow covered. Visitors from many countries have experienced this winter wonderland.

This park is often a stopping place for snowmobilers who are traveling the Rainy River or the Bay. The park is right across the street from a StationStore where they can get a warm beverage or a snack. Often this park is also a starting point for special snowmobile rides happening in the area. A great sight to see the many machines parked there.

Peace Park is located right before the US/Canada border crossing. The boat landing there offers access to the Baudette Bay by snowmobile and also vehicles who plan to bring their portable ice houses onto the Bay for day fishing. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Rainy from there when the ice is thick enough.

East of the city on Highway 11 is Timbermill Park. This is a great summer location for visitors as they camp or just stop to use the great playground there. One of the greatest features of the park is the beautiful walking trail. Did you know that our city keeps that trail cleared all winter long for anyone who cares to travel that path can do so safely.

Another great park that is out of town near the resorts is Zippel Bay State Park. What a winter wonderland this area is with its pines and white birch lining the roads in the park. This park is the site of many great cross country skiing trails and “friends of the park” host quite a few skiing events throughout the winter season. Come fishing, bring the sleds, and bring the cross country skis for the best of winter adventure.

For more information on the area and lodging contact: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.