Removal of pre arrival testing from the NW Angle.  We are grateful land travel through the 4o miles of Canada up to Minnesota’s Northwest Angle is now possible.  We are also grateful new OIC (Orders In Council) orders came out and explains officially as of November 21, 2021, travelers up to the NW Angle do not have to have a new COVID test to travel from the Angle back to the U.S.

This information was shared verbally up until now, but until it comes out in actual orders, it often makes travelers a bit uneasy.  Now, rest assured, you simply have to get your credentials for entering Canada and you will be good to go for this winter’s ice fishing and snowmobiling (assuming you trailer your sleds up and not take the lake) when traveling by land up to Minnesota’s NW Angle.

The link provides the information about the removal of pre arrival testing when leaving the Northwest Angle.  Refer to Table 2, #18.  Orders In Council – Search (canada.ca)

What is needed to enter Canada from the U.S. by land.  There are some criteria travelers must have in order before traveling however.  First, a traveler must download the ArriveCan App.  Second, a traveler must be double vaccinated and upload their vaccination card into the app.  Finally, a traveler must have a PCR or molecular COVID test showing a negative test result within the past 72 hours of taking the test.

With a fun season of ice fishing and snowmobiling on the horizon, the testing options listed below become more handy than ever.  Ideally, a traveler would get a PCR or Molecular COVID test near their home before they cross the border.  Usually, this takes 27-36 hours to get results.  This cuts it close and makes some nervous.  Rest assured, if for some reason test results were not received on your smartphone in time or even while you are traveling up, there are a couple of rapid test options near the border.  These solutions are super easy and although there is a fee, the convenience and opportunity to turn in the receipt to your insurance company for possible reimbursement make them attractive.

Thankfully, there are options available as long as you know where to find them.  Here are a few…

PCR COVID Test in 30 minutes, Thrifty White, Baudette, MN.   How convenient.  For $100 (which you can turn your receipt into insurance for a possible reimbursement), you can have a result in 25 minutes.  This testing option provides a PCR test result which satisfies the Canadian qualification for entering the country.

Thrifty White is open for testing Monday – Friday from 9am – 4pm.

Quick Results, LLC in Warroad, MN.  This is a new private testing company that was created out of need.  It has grown to six different locations throughout Minnesota including Warroad, Bemidji, Becker, Brainerd, St. Cloud and International Falls.  If you are near or traveling through one of these locations, this could work out great.

With test results less than 30 minutes for a COVID PCR test that works to travel through Canada, this is an easy solution.  The tests are $125 but you will receive an itemized receipt that most are turning into their insurance companies for reimbursement.  The testing facilities are open 7 days a week.

Amazon.  Yep, this isn’t a typo.  Amazon offers COVID test that meets the requirements for Canada.  This is a PCR test that you order through Amazon to your home.  It is a nasal test with no supervision, such as a Zoom call, necessary.  Includes prepaid UPS next-day shipping to lab at no additional cost. Drop off your sample at UPS within 24 hours from collection. Receive results within 24 hours of your sample arriving at the lab.

MN Department of Health Walk In Testing.  MDH has many walk in testing options available throughout the state of Minnesota.  Both residents and non residents are allowed to use walk in testing locations.  You will be asked for your insurance info and but if insurance does not cover it, there is still no cost to you.  These are normally a saliva test and results are received 24 – 48 hours after you take the test.  This can make things a bit tight with a 72 hour window but certainly doable.

MN Department of Health No Cost Test at Home Program.  Minnesota and various other states offer no cost COVID test at home options.  Basically, you order a COVID test kit and do a Zoom call with someone who oversees your saliva testing process.  Results are emailed typically in 48 hours or less.  The brand name of this test is Vault and there is a question when signing up that asks if you are using this test for travel.  If you reply yes, the cost is $119.  If you reply no, the test is at no cost.

Driving back through Canada on your return trip.  As mentioned earlier, there is no requirement for a new COVID test when leaving the NW Angle to travel south back to the U.S.   Travelers still need to check by contacting CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) as they always had to do.  This can be done at Jim’s Corner or by calling the 1-888-CAN-PASS number and updating your ArriveCan App as CBSA will ask for that info.

Ice anglers wanting to ice fish in Canada waters.  Most ice fishing up at the NW Angle through resorts takes place on the Minnesota side of the border.  There are some, however, that like to venture over into Ontario waters.

During the open water season, as long as you don’t touch land, a dock, anchor up or exchange goods or services, you do not have to report in to CBSA for your trip.  During the winter season with ice is entirely different.  By definition, ice = land.  This means ice anglers fishing Ontario waters need to check in just like they are entering Canada via land.  It will be the same process as if crossing on the road and using the TRC phone. Travelers will require to be double vaccinated, submit their trip on ArriveCAN (will probably have to use Rainy River or Fort Frances as the port of entry) as it requires a Canadian Port of Entry to be listed.  Travelers who are snowmobiling into Canada from the U.S. would follow the same procedure of contacting the TRC for authorization.

No Live Bait, dead bait or frozen bait allowed from the U.S. into Canada.  October, 2020, CFIA (Canada Food Inspection Agency) made changes to bait being able to be brought across the border.  In a nutshell, night crawlers in a non-soil bedding, frozen or dead minnows and other dead bait used to be allowed.  That is no longer the case.

Prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and not having to put border agents in a position of identifying varying kinds of bait were cited as the reasons.  This fall, anglers fishing the open water of Ontario reported excellent fishing using a variety of plastics.  Many plastics are available that are extremely effective in today’s fishing world.  Various size, shapes, action, colors, and scents are available and have worked very well.  If you would like to review the official language for no bait across the border, here are a couple of links.  First, Be aware and declare.  Second, Bait for recreational fishing.

Travel to the Angle and avoid the border.  There are three viable ways to travel up to the NW Angle and avoid the border all together.

1.  Snowmobile up.  There a couple of different snowmobile trails that are groomed and staked that keep you in Minnesota by going across Lake of the Woods.
2. Lake of the Woods Passenger Service.  This is a service that transports you up to your favorite NW Angle resort via bombardier across Lake of the Woods.  Sit back and enjoy the scenery!
3. Lake Country Air.  This fly in service will fly from a few different locations on the south end of Lake of the Woods across the lake up to the NW Angle.  The plane lands on the ice runway.  This 15 minute flight is scenic, easy and quick.

The NW Angle is an absolute premier ice fishing and snowmobiling destination.  In today’s age of COVID, it might take a bit more effort to get there, but for most, it is well worth the effort!

General info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging and Fishing up at the NW Angle

Info about the NW Angle

Good News! There’s adventure in the north, but Safety is the most important on First Ice.  There is a skim of ice on the bays shooting off Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. It’s an amazing thing! That’s why it’s so important to practice Safety on First Ice.  The current slows down this time of the year and overnight, as temperatures drop, ice forms on the bays. We are making ice daily!!!  Anglers are excited for every season they can come to this World Class Fishery!!

Now let’s talk about Safety on First Ice.  Yes, the emphasis is on SAFETY!!  Only Mother Nature has the final say about the weather and we must pay close attention to how she’s moving. With 50+ resorts on Lake of the Woods, there is no end of opportunity to enjoy the season of winter ice. Over 5,000 fish houses can be found mid-winter on Lake of the Woods as ice depths can reach 3.5 feet.  However, it takes time for ice to form and resort owners/ guides are experts at watching the lake and notifying the public about ice safety.  Keep watching www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com for aerial photos of Lake of the Woods and where and when ice is formed.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued guidelines for safety on first ice. Temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and rough fish all affect the relative safety of ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away. Our guides walk out onto the ice as soon as possible and start measuring the depth of the ice using drills and tape measures. We want to remind everyone that SAFETY is the most important factor for anglers and guides alike. Very soon after ice starts to form, ice roads start to be prepared and the season is on.

                                              For new, clear ice only

UNDER 4″ – STAY OFF
4″ – Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5″ – 7″ – Snowmobile or ATV
8″ – 12″ – Car or small pickup
12″ – 15″ – Medium truck

1.  Ice Safety.  Work through a resort.  It sure is nice to be able to head out ice fishing via an ice road, snowmobile or resort ice transportation.  In many cases, people don’t realize all of the behind the scenes work that takes place to make sure visitors are safe.  Ice workers are constantly monitoring the ice thickness and ice conditions.  Ice roads are driven each morning.  If there are problem areas that can occur in the ice, the resort either adds bridges or re-routes for safety.   Resort ice workers are constantly monitoring, plowing and repairing ice.  Staying on the trail is your best bet.  If you decide to venture out on your own, be sure to know the ice conditions first.
2. Markings. When following a marked trail on the ice, double flags mean caution ahead, such as a big ice chunk, crack to avoid, etc. On snowmobile trails you might actually see a caution sign. Trails in good condition are marked with single stakes or flags. If you are ever in doubt, feel free to ask.
3. Who to contact in the event of an emergency.  If you ever experience a situation in which you or someone else is in need of help, your first call should be 911.  This call is routed to professionals who have an entire list of agencies and resorts for that matter who may be able to help.  Resorts often times are right in the middle of assisting with emergencies, medial or otherwise.  With this being said, your first call should be 911.
4. Be Prepared:  cell phone. When you venture out on the ice, it is a good idea to have your cell phone charged up.  Some people will actually carry

   

   the small portable battery packs that can plug into most cell phones for a good charge.  Remember if you are out of cell range, a text can sometimes get through.

5. Be Prepared:  Clothing.  A good rule of thumb is to be over prepared.  If you are venturing out on a snowmobile, in your car or even with a resort, having warm clothing, a hat and gloves can be crucial in the event of a breakdown, snow storm or other situation that can occur.  The boy scout motto, “Always be prepared”.
6. Be Prepared:  Vehicle.  Whether you are traveling up to Lake of the Woods or headed out on the lake, it is a good idea to have your gas tank above a half a tank.  This will help with extreme freezing temps and if you would happen to run off of the road while driving. Other good items to have are a tow strap, jumper cables, and a shovel.
7. Be Prepared:  Snowmobile.  In general, it is a good idea to keep you sled tuned up and in good working condition.  Have plenty of fuel, an extra belt (know how to change it), have safety materials in the storage compartment.  Some people will carry a rope along for a rescue situation or even a tow.  Some anglers who use sleds invest in a Nebulus.  In the event you sled goes through the ice, this device is attached to your machine and has a pull cord which inflates a raft.  This raft can save you and keep your machine from going to the bottom of the lake or river.
8. Be Prepared:  GPS.  A GPS whether in your car or a handheld version can be handy.  I like to turn it on when leaving shore so I create a plot line from shore to where I am headed on the ice.  In the event of a whiteout, you will be able to follow your plot line back which will help to stay on the ice road or trail you came out of and obviously get you safely home.  If conditions are extreme and you are in a fish house with ample heat, it is a good idea to stay put until the weather clears.  Contact a resort or someone to communicate your whereabouts and game plan.  In some cases, resorts may be able to assist.
9. Don’t take chances.  There is always someone who is the first one to walk out, take out an ATV or drive a vehicle.  Let the resorts who are trained, who are on the ice daily and have years of experience guide you in what can be used and what is too heavy for the ice conditions.

A big thank you to all of the resorts, ice workers, various agencies around Lake of the Woods including the police departments, fire fighters, local sheriff departments, the MN Highway Patrol, Coast Guard, Border Patrol, U. S. Customs, Canada Border Services Agency, MN DNR, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Valley Med Flight and anyone else who has ever assisted or is willing to assist in an emergency situation.

This is a quick peek on near white out conditions.  This quick video will give you an idea of how it can whip up on the ice of Lake of the Woods.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152987618541054

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Ice is starting to form in back bays around Lake of the Woods.  When it is time to fish, our resorts and outfitters will be sure to let you know but that time is not yet!

It would behoove us not to mention safety first.  This is the time of year many ice anglers have been looking forward to for literally months and many are ready to get out there.  Mother Nature always determines the progress of ice and sometimes it is prudent to pull back on the reigns a bit.  It won’t be long and the progression of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods will begin.

We really encourage ice anglers any time of the year to use the marked trails ice guides have created.  There is a lot of intel that goes into these trails such as routing around springs, cracks, holes in the ice, etc.  In addition, strategically, many of these trails were flooded, which is a process to put water on top of the ice which freezes faster than ice naturally forming at the bottom of the ice.

Another technique used to build ice for an ice road or trail is keeping the trail or ice road plowed.  This removes the insulated blanket of snow allowing the ice to get thicker quicker.

In another case, there is a resort that has an important part of their ice trail that is back in a bay that doesn’t see much wind.  The wind will actually blow the snow preventing it from accumulating as it normally would in a protected area.  To create a bit of wind, the resort fires up the airboat that is designed for ice fishing.  The huge fan blows the snow off away from the trail area forming a nice early base.

Ice angling, or actually spearing, is one of the first fishing activities to start.  A few resorts offer spearing for pike on back bays that get ice first.  Again, these are not areas where you should just go out on your own.  This is early ice, there are springs, current, cracks, etc that ice guides are aware of and their routes naturally avoid.

Typically when the big lake freezes over, ice guides will work together for safety and venture out checking thickness, where the cracks and ice upheavals have formed.  In some cases, when there is thin ice and a strong wind, ice sheets will get blown on top of each other creating a wall of ice.  This is most common on the south shore.  There have been years where to get ice anglers out to the fishing areas, resorts and their ice guides have literally had to use chain saws and chisels and create an opening through a 10 foot high ice upheaval.

In most cases, it takes sweat equity to get through this ice.  If there was a machine to do it, trust me, they would be using it!

Eventually, south end resorts and outfitters will allow ATV and snowmobile traffic on a marked trail with collapsible fish houses.

Next, the resort day houses will get out.  Guests are then typically shuttled out by resorts in light ice rigs if they don’t have their own light ice transportation.  Mother Nature always determines when this is, but as a rule, around December 10th, give or take.

Eventually light vehicles will be allowed.  Then mid sized vehicles and maybe an ATV or side by side with a smaller wheelhouse.  As the ice thickens, the weight capacities rise.

It is important to note, you can have neighboring resorts with ice roads right next to one another and ice conditions can be very different.  Ice forms differently every year.  In some cases, the ice when forming may have broken apart in an area which takes time to heal up whereas in another area the sheets of ice are solid.  This is why it is important to follow the advice of ice guides and stay on the marked trails.

If we see someone getting themselves in trouble, almost all of the time, it is when they go off on their own off of the marked trails.  Being out on a frozen lake is nothing to mess around with and everyone’s intent is keep everyone safe.  Second, let’s get on fish.

As the season progresses, half ton pickups will be allowed.  Then 3/4 ton.  Eventually 1 ton.

Did you know up at the NW Angle, late in the year on good ice years, semi trucks will actually haul on the ice?  It is true.  In some cases, they may be hauling construction materials to an island for a home, cabin or resort.  In some cases, they haul rip rap to areas for shoreline restoration.  Nonetheless, it is hard chatting about this without someone bringing up the show, “Ice Road Truckers”!

Ice fishing is a part of life up at Lake of the Woods.  It is tradition, a way to get out and thoroughly enjoy a cold Minnesota winter in heat and comfort.  Let’s work together and with our hard working ice guides whose #1 goal is to keep everyone safe and happy!

This year’s predictions for ice fishing Lake of the Woods are most excellent.  Driven by a healthy population of walleyes and saugers, ice anglers are chomping at the bit to get on the ice.  Ice safety first has to be the message and constantly in the forefront of any ice fishing adventure.  As we approach a new ice season, there are some ideas that overall will lead to safer experience up at Lake of the Woods.  Here are just a few things to keep in mind when thinking ice safety.

1.  Work through a resort or outfitter.  It sure is nice to be able to head out ice fishing via an ice road, snowmobile or resort ice transportation.  In many cases, people don’t realize all of the behind the scenes work that takes place to make sure visitors are safe.  Ice workers are constantly monitoring the ice thickness and ice conditions.  Ice roads are driven each morning.  If there are problem areas that can occur in the ice, the resort either adds bridges or re-routes for safety.   Resort ice workers are constantly monitoring, plowing and repairing ice and considering ice safety for their guests.  Staying on the trail is your best bet.  If you decide to venture out on your own, be sure to know the ice conditions first.
2. Be Prepared:  Ice picks.  They aren’t expensive and if the unthinkable would ever happen, could save your life or if someone else if you would toss them to someone else in distress.  When people have fallen through the ice, one of the challenges is getting out of the water.  The ice is wet and slippery.  Picks allow someone to dig in and get a grip when pulling themselves out.  Please, invest in a pair this week.  If they don’t benefit you, perhaps someone else.
3. Markings. When following a marked trail on the ice, double flags mean caution ahead, such as a big ice chunk, crack to avoid, etc. On snowmobile trails you might actually see a caution sign. Trails in good condition are marked with single stakes or flags. If you are ever in doubt, feel free to ask.
4. Who to contact in the event of an emergency.  If you ever experience a situation in which you or someone else is in need of help, your first call should be 911.  This call is routed to professionals who have an entire list of agencies and resorts for that matter who may be able to help.  Resorts often times are right in the middle of assisting with emergencies, medial or otherwise.  With this being said, your first call should be 911.
5. Be Prepared:  cell phone. When you venture out on the ice, it is a good idea to have your cell phone charged up.  Some people will actually carry the small portable battery packs that can plug into most cell phones for a good charge.  Remember if you are out of cell range, a text can sometimes get through.
6. Be Prepared:  Clothing.  A good rule of thumb is to be over prepared.  If you are venturing out on a snowmobile, in your car or even with a resort, having warm clothing, a hat and gloves can be crucial in the event of a breakdown, snow storm or other situation that can occur.  The boy scout motto, “Always be prepared”.
7. Be Prepared:  Vehicle.  Whether you are traveling up to Lake of the Woods or headed out on the lake, it is a good idea to have your gas tank above a half a tank.  This will help with extreme freezing temps and if you would happen to run off of the road while driving. Other good items to have are a tow strap, jumper cables, and a shovel.
8. Be Prepared:  Snowmobile.  In general, it is a good idea to keep you sled tuned up and in good working condition.  Have plenty of fuel, an extra belt (know how to change it), have safety materials in the storage compartment.  Some people will carry a rope along for a rescue situation or even a tow.  Some anglers who use sleds invest in a Nebulus.  In the event you sled goes through the ice, this device is attached to your machine and has a pull cord which inflates a raft.  This raft can save you and keep your machine from going to the bottom of the lake or river.
9. Be Prepared:  GPS.  A GPS whether in your car or a handheld version can be handy.  I like to turn it on when leaving shore so I create a plot line from shore to where I am headed on the ice.  In the event of a whiteout, you will be able to follow your plot line back which will help to stay on the ice road or trail you came out of and obviously get you safely home.  If conditions are extreme and you are in a fish house with ample heat, it is a good idea to stay put until the weather clears.  Contact a resort or someone to communicate your whereabouts and game plan.  In some cases, resorts may be able to assist.
10. Don’t take chances.  There is always someone who is the first one to walk out, take out an ATV or drive a vehicle.  Let the resorts who are trained, who are on the ice daily and have years of experience guide you in what can be used and what is too heavy for the ice conditions.

A big thank you to all of the resorts, ice workers, various agencies around Lake of the Woods including the police departments, fire fighters, local sheriff departments, the MN Highway Patrol, Coast Guard, Border Patrol, U. S. Customs, Canada Border Services Agency, MN DNR, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Valley Med Flight and anyone else who helps with ice safety and has ever assisted or is willing to assist in an emergency situation.

This quick video will give you an idea of near white out conditions and how the wind can whip up on the ice of Lake of the Woods and why it is so very important to be prepared, have the right equipment and have a plan of action while on the ice.  Being prepared for this is part of ice safety prep.

This year is expected to be an excellent year of ice fishing.  Let’s think ice safety first, walleyes second!

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Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Area Resorts and Ice Fishing Outfitters

Weather Patterns can sure affect your daily life and travel. Lake of the Woods is your destination for all season adventures and enjoyment. Winter has arrived in this north country. Fall was beautiful and was extended this year, but a 6 inch snowfall ended that rather abruptly.

Another sign of winter is the Baudette Bay freezing over as well as other bays on the Rainy River. This amazing phenomena occurs when the current of the river naturally slows down during this time of the year. One day the bay is clear and the next day, there’s a skim of ice that starts to form and winter is on.

Weather patterns are very interesting to follow. Predictions for this area come from Grand Forks, ND or Fargo, ND weather stations. However, for those of us that have lived here for many years, we know that this big body of water called Lake of the Woods affects the weather greatly. A more accurate reading of the weather actually comes from our neighbors in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Many people confuse weather and climate but they are different. Weather is the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere is over long periods of time.

Weather is how the atmosphere is behaving and its effects upon life and human activities. Weather can change from minute-to-minute. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure.

Climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a place. Climate can mean the average weather for a particular region and time period taken over 30 years. Climate is the average of weather over time.

The most pleasant months of the year for Lake of the Woods County are July, August and June. In Lake of the Woods County, there are 3 comfortable months with high temperatures in the range of 70-85°. July is the hottest month for Lake of the Woods County with an average high temperature of 78.7°, which ranks it as one of the coolest places in Minnesota. January is the snowiest month in Lake of the Woods County with 10.5 inches of snow, and 7 months of the year have significant snowfall. There are few days during the summer when the humidity becomes unpleasant.

Average Monthly High and Low (°F)  Weather in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota (bestplaces.net)

Hot, Freezing, Rainy, Snowy Days: Lake of the Woods Weather in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota (bestplaces.net)

As you can see by the numbers above, Lake of the Woods has all the weather variety that’s needed for all outdoor sports. Spring brings the opening of the river and the big lake and spring fishing on the Rainy River is a hit between dodging “ice burgs” floating along.

Summer brings full open water fishing where walleyes venture from shallow to deep water to illude the anglers who chase them. Then there’s hiking, biking, golfing and ATV travel through gorgeous forest areas. Fall brings grouse, duck and goose hunters as well as white tail deer and bear.. Winter months in this northland are the favorite of many as cross country skiing, snowmobile riding and of course, ice fishing becomes a must-do sport.

Weather is watched very carefully in this land because it affects much of the travel and activity that happens here. Be aware, Be wise, and Be Careful are the best advise to be given.

See our webpage at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com for all your information about this great area.

www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging will give you all the information you need to see the great accommodations this destination has to offer.

It started out as an idea to “give back” to those who have given and still give so much.  The name we chose for the Lake of the Woods Area veteran’s event was “Pay It Forward”.  We thought it was appropriate for many reasons.  This past August, for the seventh year, 70 veterans converged on Lake of the Woods for a 3 night, 2 day all expenses paid fishing trip.

They arrived from all over the U.S., but mainly neighboring states and all across MN.  When it’s all said and done, veterans of all types, male and female, various branches of the military, some in the heart of conflicts overseas, many with a physical and/or psychological ailments such as PTSD or TBI come together and rub elbows with other veterans.  Veterans spending time with other veterans on and around Lake of the Woods in a loving and supportive environment.  This recipe is what makes the Pay It Forward event so magical.

There are so many touching stories.  Some are happy stories.  And honestly, some are not so happy.  Like many veterans discuss, for many, even though back home, the “battle” is still real, maybe just in a different form.  Like one veteran put it, “I may have left Vietnam, but Vietnam has not left me.”  This quote is deep and resonates with many veterans regardless of when they were in and what they were involved with.

Pay It Forward allows veterans to forget about challenges, at least for a few days.  Hand picked speakers help shed light on a variety if issues, resources and solutions affecting our veterans.  How to peruse the VA medical system?  Where can I go for a job?  Who can I reach out to if I feel like I am falling through the cracks?  What does a veteran’s service officer do and how can I reach one?  Are their support groups?  How can I receive help for my specific struggles?  What is my purpose in life?  In many cases, there are resources or groups that can be helpful in some way to veterans.

Of course this event does take place up at Lake of the Woods, hence, one of the activities that veterans really look forward to is the walleye fishing.  The fishing guides from a number of resorts did an excellent job putting our veteran guests on fish.

Midwest Outdoors TV filmed this year’s event and gives you just a glimpse of some of the activities, conversations and new friendships formed way out on Lake of the Woods on a charter boat!

This year, and since the outset, Fishing For Life has assisted as a partner of Pay It Forward.  They are a group based out of the Twin Cities but reaching out to folks throughout the region helping tremendously with bringing veterans together, identifying issues and providing solutions, creating veterans events that are key to fostering support and so much more.

Pay It Forward is made possible through the generosity and giving nature of sponsors.  This includes resorts who donate lodging, charters and meals, small businesses and veteran organizations who believe in helping veterans enjoy a fishing trip aboard a charter boat in this loving, caring environment along with the positive outcomes we see year in and year out.  Thank you to all sponsors who make this event happen. 

This past summer’s event, like every event, brought very special people who happen to be veterans to Lake of the Woods.  And once again, magic happened.

If you are interested in yourself or perhaps a company being a sponsor or if you are a veteran or know of a veteran who may be interested, check out www.payitforwardlow.org or our Pay it Forward page.  You can also email Joe Henry at Joe.Henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com or give a call to 320-260-7727.

Thank you to all veterans and all who protect and serve!

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