Catching a personal best fish is a big deal.  Regardless how much you fish, it is the largest fish of that species you have ever caught.  It is no secret, many personal best records are broken by individuals every single day on Lake of the Woods.  But why?  Why do so many personal bests come from this fishery?  Here are reasons.

Genes Baby, Genes!

There are some things that just cannot be controlled.  In a lake with all natural reproduction, having the right genes is crucial. 

To become a big fish, a fish has to start out with big fish genes.  For whatever reason, Lake of the Woods fish are blessed with the right genes that enable them to become big fish.  This obviously plays a role in determining how many fish get big and how big they get.

It’s about the Food.

One of the keys to having a healthy fishery is having a variety of forage for fish.  In fact, I have heard it said when a lake is having a fish problem, in many cases, it is actually a forage problem.  It is vitally important to have a good source of forage in a lake.  Just to give you an idea of the different forage, imagine perch, emerald shiners, perch minnows (different than a perch), leeches, bugs, a myriad of larvae that emerge from the mud on the bottom of the lake which form various bug hatches in the lake, crayfish, bloodworms and lots of other critters make up the forage.

Cheeseburger on a Stick!

Well, it isn’t really a cheeseburger, but it puts weight on fish such as big walleyes and pike like a cheeseburger does a human.  The forage we are speaking of is a tulibee or cisco.  These are high protein fish that will add weight and bulk for a predator fish.

When walleyes and pike get larger, many of them will key in on tulibees as their main source of forage.  Walleyes that reach about that 25 inch mark will focus on tulibees and that is also why many of the larger walleyes caught are offshore.   Out in the basin of Big Traverse, as an example, is where lots of tulibees spend their life.

Guides and Charter Boats.

Lake of the Woods has a good number of professional charter captains.  These passionate individuals gain more enjoyment watching a newby catch a big fish much more than themselves.  Having a good guide put you on fish certainly “ups” your chances of achieving a personal best.

Slot Limit.

Slot limits prevent nice sized fish from being kept.  There are different reasons for slot limits.  First, it keeps the mature female fish who lay the most and best eggs around to consistently reproduce. 

Not only are these fish reproducing, they are getting bigger and bigger and cannot be kept.  This naturally increases the average size of the fish and will create more personal best fish.

The slot limit for walleyes on Lake of the Woods is 19.5 inches to 28 inches must be released.  One can be kept over 28 inches per day.  This allows a lot of walleyes to become big.

The slot limit for pike on this fishery is 30 – 40 inch fish must be released.  One pike over 40 inches may be kept per day.  Again, the slot limit is preserving these big fish and keeping them around longer.

Logic.

I like to kid around with friends and family and this is kind of kidding around but very much the truth as well.  Do you know what the secret is to catch big walleyes and pike?  Fish in a body of water that has lots of big walleyes and pike!  It makes sense, doesn’t it?

Lake of the Woods is somewhat managed as a trophy fishery and bottom line, there are a lot of big fish in the lake.

Lake of the Woods probably won’t be renamed anytime soon.  If it was, perhaps an appropriate name could be Lake of the Personal Bests!

 

Info about Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods Lodging

Some might say that the best holidays come during the summer, and it doesn’t get much more festive stateside than during the 4th of July. Come Independence Day, fireworks stands, watermelon slices, and excited children are everywhere. Parades blare through the streets and people from all over the state travel to Baudette, MN, Lake of the Woods for family-friendly affair.

For this northernmost town, weather turns hot and it makes the perfect time for alumni from Lake of the Woods School to return home for timely reunions. The classes from the past create beautiful floats or decorate semi flat beds and wave as they go through the parade, greeting long-time friends and acquaintances. Hand-shakes and smiles are featured throughout the days of the celebration and a good time of food and fellowship is had by all.

The streets of Baudette feature food vendors and the famous Willie Walleye Park hosts kids of all ages participating in scheduled events.

The phrase, “it takes a village” is appropriate for this July event as over 30 volunteers from numerous organizations work together to organize and assist the events so visitors and local people alike can enjoy this great day. The Baudette-Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce is the sponsoring entity that sets this day in motion. Be sure to buy your commemorative July 4^th button which helps pay for the incredible fireworks display at the end of the weekend.

Events start on Sunday, July 3rd

Pre 4th of July festivities kick off on Sunday, July 3^rd. A kickball tournament will be held at Timbermill Park on the Highway 11 East of town, 1 mile. All ages are welcome. Contact Jake Fish at 218-395-0164 to sign up your team.

The Lake of the Woods County Museum will be open for visitors that day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the Women of Today will host a famous July 4^th Walleye Fish Fry which also includes baked beans, coleslaw, garlic butter potatoes, dinner roll and deserts. This will be served until quantities are gone.

Starting at 8 p.m. until Midnight, a street dance will happen on the North Main Ave featuring a band called The Late Nights. Again, all ages are welcome to attend.

 

Monday, July 4, 2022

A breakfast sponsored by the Ladies of the Moose will be offered from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The famous July 4^th Firecracker 5K Walk/Run is happening again this year. There is a same-day registration opening at 7 a.m. with Race time at 8:30 a.m. Again, volunteers and our local law enforcement team makes sure everyone is safe and has a successful run.

A Flag Ceremony sponsored by the America Legion Post 217 will take place from 11-11;30 a.m. at the Willie Walleye Hill. The LOW County Museum will agan be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a medallion hunt starting July 1^st. You can look for clues on their Facebook page.

Food and vendors will open at 11 a.m. and continue thoughout the day and evening along Main Av N, Downtown Baudette. Also Balloon Animals will be offered and A Mixed Nuts Comedy Show will happen on Main at 11 a.m. and 5 pm.

KIDDIE PARADE: 1:30PM

No pre-registration required.
Participants should line up in front of the Catholic Church no later than 1:15 pm. The parade route will start at that point, and run down Main Avenue.

MAIN PARADE 2 PM

The parade will line up along 5th Street SW in front of CHI LakeWood Health Center/Baudette Arena. The entire parade will run down Main Avenue. Often neighboring towns also bring their entrees to Baudette to make this such an enjoyable and entertaining parade.

The rest of the afternoon features Bingo from 3-5 p.m. at the American Legion Club, Root Beer Floats sponsored by Lake of the Woods Brewing Company on Main Ave. Bobber Races sponsored by the Baudette Rotary Club, and other random events.

NORTHERN MINNEOTA’S MOST SPECTACULAR FIRE WORK DISPLAY.

This wonderful event will be displayed over the Baudette Bay with the best viewing from Willie Walleye Park. This is truly a marvelous time as thousands of people fill the hill to watch an unforgettable show. This small northern town outdoes itself and the reputation of the quality of the show has spread from miles around. Be sure to stay for this traditional wonder before you head back to your jobs on Tuesday.

Hats off to all those who make each July 4^th so enjoyable throughout the years!!!Top of Form

For all lodging options in Lake of the Woods click here.

For more info on Lake of the Woods click here.

 

Driving to Minnesota’s NW Angle, an exclave, means traveling through about 40 miles of Canada before you re-enter back into the U.S. up at the Angle.  This means traveling through a foreign country which has their regulations, just like the U.S. does, for whom can enter and what credentials you need to enter.  This can get confusing, especially when youth are involved.  We thought we would share some helpful information breaking down what is needed by whom so kids can come up and make some lifelong memories at the NW Angle.

What are the rules for unvaccinated travelers under 18 entering Canada on their way to the NW Angle?

We have received updated information on how to process youth under 18 that are unvaccinated and travelling with either their parent, step parent, tutor or legal guardian.

First off, it is important to understand those under 18 who are not vaccinated can travel with a legal guardian who is vaccinated.

Who is considered a Legal Guardian

As per the updated information, the definition of a legal guardian is to be taken as follows:

Guardian: Individuals who are responsible for caring for a minor who is living apart from a parent for an extended period of time.  A guardian does not take over all parental responsibilities but has the authority to make decisions on behalf of a minor when a parent is not available.   “Length of time apart” is not the primary consideration but rather if the guardian is responsible for the care of the child.

CBSA does not require a letter of authorization or that legal guardianship be in effect to qualify for this exemption.

As long as the person can show they have care over the unvaccinated children under 18, and the Border Security Officer is satisfied, then an unvaccinated child may enter with the fully vaccinated adult.

Questions and Answers for Clarification.

Question:  So kids under 18 with vaxed parents can transit to NWANGLE.  Right?

Answer:  You are correct, under 18yr old un-vaccinated dependents can travel to the NWA with a fully vaccinated parent, guardian or tutor. That can be grandparents or any other adult that is fully vaccinated and is “responsible” for the care of the minors. The unvaccinated minors would require a negative pre-arrival COVID antigen test, and would be quarantined while in transit to the NWA.

 

Question:  I am going to assume my mom and dad can take my nieces and nephews across the border to the Angle?

Answer:  Your parents could travel with the nieces and nephews as long as your parents are fully vaccinated.  If everyone is vaccinated then they can travel freely.  All Still need to do ArriveCAN pre-arrival though.

 

Question:  Are kids supposed to be entered in the ArriveCAN app?  We’ve run into issues with entering the unvaccinated kid on the app has caused the app to be locked up and unusable for the vaccinated adult for the 10 or 14 day quarantine period.

Answer:  Yes they do need to be entered into ArriveCAN. We know there are still ongoing issues with un-vaccinated kids with the app. If travelers end up quarantined by the app simply because of an unvaccinated minor child with them, just tell the Border Security Officer that is the situation, and they will work it out.

 

Question:  Can I bring my grandkids over the border with me if I’m watching them for a weekend or is that stretching it?  I’m vaccinated the kids are not. 6 and under.

Answer:  Yes, unvaccinated minor children can travel with vaccinated parents, grandparents, temporary guardians.

 

Question:  For clarification, kids under 18 must be added to the adult guardian’s ArriveCan.  How many can they add and where do they add them?  Any flaws or workarounds we should be aware of?

Answer:  Yes kids need to be added to the parent/grandparent/guardian’s ArriveCAN. When you sign into ArriveCAN, there is a tab at the bottom of the main screen that allows you to set up co-travellers. Once they are added as travelers under your profile, you need to include them later when setting up the trip by checking off the box beside their name when the app asks you to select travelers for this trip. I am not sure how many you are allowed to add at a time so if you have a large group, may need to set up a couple trips to include everyone if the app limits how many are allowed to be set up on one trip.

 

Why Make the Effort?

The NW Angle.  It’s the northernmost point in the contiguous United States.  It is where the 14,552 islands of Lake of the Woods begin.  It is also home to some of the best resorts, fishing, hunting, wildlife, birding and relaxation in America.  Those who experience it usually come back including our youth who have traveled up and have made this, in many cases, a lifelong tradition.

If you are a Vaccinated Adult, Drive to the Angle.

Yes, it takes some effort to travel up to the NW Angle, but as some of the locals joke around and say, “it keeps the riffraff out!”  All kidding aside, the rules to pass through Canada are certainly there and for some, they simply are not able to travel over the border.  Luckily, there are other options.

Those who are vaccinated can choose to drive up, assuming they have the other criteria needed to enter Canada.  These include credentials such as a passport, passport card or enhanced driver’s license.  In addition, would be travelers with a DUI in their past should contact Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) well before traveling as Canada looks at a DUI as a felony, potentially blocking passage into Canada.  There are potential work arounds depending upon when the DUI took place, but it is necessary to work this out before you are face to face with a CBSA border agent.

A new requirement for many who haven’t been across the border since the border closure is using the ArriveCan App, which is required.  This app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store or Google Play, depending upon the smart phone you own. 

If you don’t own a smartphone, you can simply fill out the information on a computer (or have someone help you to do so) and print off the trip report and bring it with you to the border.

Once you use it one time, it is quite streamlined.  Here is a short article walking you through the steps.

Here is a short checklist of criteria needed to enter Canada.

Traveling to the Angle, avoiding Canada and Customs.

There are a number of options to travel to the Angle and avoid crossing the border.

One option is boating across Big Traverse Bay from the south end of the lake.  This is big water and it is recommended that travelers have a big boat, the expertise on big water and flexibility in their travel plans due to wind, storms, etc.

Lake Country Air is a fly in service to the NW Angle.  These comfortable planes can fly you from their base in South St. Paul, MN, various Midwest destinations or the most popular flight, across Lake of the Woods from Baudette or Warroad.

The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service is a charter boat service that boats travelers across the lake to the NW Angle which also avoids customs.  The passenger service will bring you round trip to the NW Angle resort of your choice.

Let’s face it, there is a bit of effort in traveling to the Angle.  Canada is our close neighbor, but it is still a different country who has specific rules and regulations before they allow entry, much like any country does, including the U.S.  Once you do it, it becomes quite easy.  And once you smell the fresh Angle air and feel that tug on the end of your line, the hoops you had to jump through will simply melt away!

 

Info about the Lake of the Woods Area

Info about the NW Angle

Lodging, Guides and Charters

Any muskie hunter knows that Lake of the Woods is one of the best muskie fisheries in the world. Anglers come for miles around to fish our trophy waters. Minnesota’s NW Angle of Lake of the Woods is the perfect location to target muskies.  Many consider this area muskie nirvana with a variety of beautiful resorts located in the heart of muskie habitat, anglers are set up literally on the border of Minnesota and Ontario.  The MN muskie season on Lake of the Woods opens the same day as the Ontario portion of Lake of the Woods muskie season, which is the third Saturday of June.

Lake of the Woods is a world class muskie fishery with over 65,000 miles of shoreline and 14,552 islands.  Plenty of space that houses a strong population of “skies” with many of these fish reaching lengths over 50 inches.

Rules on Fishing Ontario Waters while Based in the Minnesota waters of the NW Angle.  

Since COVID, the border closure and now the border reopening, there has been a lot of confusion on boating and fishing in Ontario waters when departing from the U.S. waters of the NW Angle.

In a nutshell, if you are boating into Ontario waters to fish and do not touch land, touch a dock, anchor or exchange goods or services, you do not have to call into Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) prior to boating into Canada.  You can boat into Ontario waters, fish as long as you wish (understanding you cannot bring any bait, alive or dead, across the border, must have an Ontario fishing license and adhere to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources rules).

If you plan on touching shore in Ontario, you will have to fill out the ArriveCan App each day and call CBSA at the 888-CAN-PASS number for permission to enter Canada.  Adults in your party will also have to be vaccinated and kids either vaccinated or producing a valid COVID test.

Learn from an experienced muskie guide.

Resorts up at the NW Angle amongst this muskie nirvana specialize in muskie guides. These muskie nuts keep a good handle on fish movement, lure preference, colors and areas muskies are prevalent.  It is also a great way to save time really learning the nuances of becoming a better muskie angler.  Often times there are patterns happening on the lake that can save you time and lead to more success in finding and getting muskies to eat.  Check out a list of NW Angle Resorts who can set you up with some of the best guides in the business.

Many of the muskie guides are extremely passionate about muskies, so much so that after guiding all day long, they often pursue muskies in the evenings on their own.  It is fun to talk to anglers with such passion as they will share trends and nuances others may not pick up on.  Things like not having to throw the largest baits, in fact, in many cases, a smaller or mid sized bait might actually be more effective.

For those that just love the sport, here are some tips on safely practicing catch and release:

Careful handling makes catch-and-release work.

A big muskie is an old muskie. Females require 14 to 17 years to reach 30 pounds. Northern pike grow even more slowly. Once taken out of the water and hung on a wall or carved into fillets, a trophy is not soon replaced by another fish of its size. So, the key to creating trophy northern pike and muskie fishing is catch-and-release angling. Unfortunately, some fish are mortally injured by improper handling and cannot be successfully released.

All northern pike and muskie are difficult to handle because of their slippery hides, lack of good handles and sharp teeth. Big fish are particularly troublesome because of their great size and power.

The first step to successfully releasing fish is to use artificials rather than live bait. The second step is to keep the fish in the water if at all possible. 

Caught on artificials and handled carefully, nearly all fish can be returned with no permanent injury. Here are some effective methods, courtesy of Muskie Canada, for handling large northern pike and muskie:

• Hand release. Grip the fish over the back, right behind the gills (never by the eye sockets!) and hold it without squeezing it. With the other hand, use a pliers to remove the hooks, while leaving all but the head of the ;fish in the water. Sometimes hooks can be removed with the pliers only; the fish need never be touched.
• Landing net. Hooks can be removed from some fish even as they remain in the net in the water. If that’s not possible, lift the fish aboard and remove the hooks while the fish is held behind the head and around the tail. To better restrain large fish, stretch a piece of cloth or plastic over the fish and pin it down as if it were in a straight jacket.
• Stretcher. A stretcher is made of net or porous cloth about 2 to 3 feet wide stretched between two poles. As you draw the fish into the cradle and lift, the fold of the mesh supports and restrains the fish. This method requires two anglers.
• Tailer. Developed by Atlantic salmon anglers, a tailer is a handle with a loop at one end that is slipped over the fish’s tail and tightened. The fish is thus securely held, though the head must be further restrained before the hooks are removed.

If you must lift a big fish from the water, support as much of its body as possible to avoid injuring its internal organs.

Never grip a fish by the eye sockets if you intend to release it. By doing so you abrade its eyes, injure the surrounding tissue and may cause blindness.

Muskie anglers are a very passionate breed, often fishing from dawn to dusk.  They also have the deepest respect for muskies and overall do an excellent job of making sure these ultimate predators return to the water unharmed.

Best of luck to all muskie anglers this year.   The muskies have been active this spring, just ask our walleye anglers!

 

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