I love this Special lake! Many people love this Special lake – Lake of the Woods. This great destination is known all over the United States and Canada because its waters are international. It encompasses both countries with the border going right through the middle of the lake.
This great lake was created when forces of erosion wore down a rocky chain of mountains creating many islands. They are numbered at 14,522 to be exact. The rugged terrain is also known as the Canadian Shield showing beautiful rock formations and beautiful landscapes.
The waters of this special lake flow north and empty into the Hudson Bay. The lake was discovered in 1688 by a great expedition and an explorer named Pierre LaVerendrye. To this day you can visit locations that the early pioneers explored.
Massacre Island commemorates the place where Father Jean Pierre Aulneau and twenty men were murdered in the summer of 1736 while visiting the island and were overtaken and by natives they were hoping to make peace with. Today a white cross is at the top of this island showing respect for those who lost their lives. This island can be accessed by snowmobile or by boat making this a historical destination for many throughout the years.
Fort St. Charles is the site of the original fortress and fur-trading post erected in 1732 by the French-Canadian voyageurs. This reconstructed fort is on Magnusson’s Island and is open to the public. This is also the official burial site for those explorers who lost their lives on Massacre Island. Local guide services are available for history and fishing adventures in these locations.
Another great spot on the lake is Painted Rock Island located in a channel adjacent to the Northwest Angle just into Ontario. Painted Rock features pictographs on rocks that are estimated to be 900 years old. It is believed that these pictures were made by the early settlers and those paintings were left as historical marks of their life lived on this great lake. An amazing site!!
In 1823 an International Joint Boundary Commission arrived on the lake. Their job was to establish boundaries between the United States and Canada. They were dispatched to find the northernmost point of Lake of the Woods The Commission and surveyors disputed this topic for a century. The final agreement came in the 1920’s and the end result was that the United States retained possession of the Northwest Angle and it also became part of Lake of the Woods County.
Northernmost Point Buoy
On a Minnesota map, the Northwest Angle forms what is affectionally called the “chimney” of Minnesota. The Northwest Angle can be reached by boat or by air traveling across Big Traverse – the largest basin of the great lake or by traveling by vehicles entering into Manitoba, Canada an re-entering the United States at Minnesota border again.
This special lake features 65,000 miles of shoreline with two cities located on the United States side – Baudette and Warroad. It is actually the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the contiguous United States. This lake hosts over 50 resorts and lodging facilities in Lake of the Woods County itself with great restaurants at the various locations.
This special lake is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™ and has a world class fishery. Other species of fish beside the famous walleye are black crappies, muskies, northern pike, yellow perch, sauger, lake trout, sturgeon, and smallmouth bass.
Historical sights still adorn this great land as well as beautiful forest areas, state parks an enormous Rainy River, canoe and kayak routes and trails for ATV travel.
This lake features four great seasons of fishing. Spring and Summer and Fall see the best of all these attractions while enjoying “soft” water as they say. Winter season brings a whole new dimension to the lake. Mid to late December the waters become “hard” and ice houses dot the landscape, looking like a whole village. Anglers come from many states to venture out visiting a day fish house or to stay the night in a sleeper fish house.
From dawn to dusk, anglers enjoy themselves while catching walleye, sauger, northern, eelpout, perch and even sturgeon. There is no end to the adventure that happens on the lake. There are even two ice bars out on the lake for more enjoyment. Outfitters are constantly checking on your experience in the houses and check for your safety as well.
So bring plenty of beverages, snacks and sandwiches while enjoying this special experience on this special lake!!!
Place taco seasoning in a large resealable bag; add perch fillets, one at a time, and shake to coat. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Combine cornmeal and flour in another shallow bowl. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place in a single layer on a plate; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
On the south end… Ice fishing is in full swing for most resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods. Fish houses are out and the bite is excellent in most areas. Consistent limits of walleyes and saugers along with some perch, pike, eelpout, crappies and even some sturgeon in the mix.
There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from. It is very important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail. Follow the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road. Most offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.
Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails. Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course. Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.
17 – 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up.
Big Eelpout inside Fish House
A combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom is working well. Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line). Other days, they are in a more neutral mood and the deadstick (bobber line) works best. Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota.
Rippin Raps (a lipless crankbait with vibration and rattles) and other aggressive presentations work well at times, but also help to draw fish to your fishing area.
Jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for consistency on a jigging rod. Jig it a few times and hold it in the strike zone. Try dropping it on the bottom of the lake to attract fish and raise it into the strike zone (about a foot off the bottom).
Watching your ice fishing electronics will help you understand where the fish are and how they are reacting to your presentation. If they aren’t taking your offering, change color, size, noise, bait or presentation. Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo. If you don’t have electronics and want to give them a try, many local resorts and local bait shops rent them.
Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six. Up to four of the six can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches is allowed. The MN possession limit is one limit of fish.
On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing. Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon.
Ice conditions can vary during the heart of the winter, let alone during the early part of the season, especially on a river with current. Ice conditions vary greatly. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.
Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing has begun for most resorts up at the NW Angle. Fishing has started well with reports of walleyes and saugers with some jumbo perch, eelpout and some nice pike mixed in.
Jig one line with a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow. Rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but a combo of gold, pink, chartreuse, orange, glow red and glow white is consistent.
Use a live minnow on a plain hook or bright ice fishing jig on the deadstick line 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.
Ice fishing has begun for many resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods. Everyone is optimistic as the walleye and sauger bite has been excellent. And the fish are not just in one area, they are being caught across miles of shoreline. As one resort owner put it, and I quote, “Best start since 2005! (Even being late)”
Most resorts and outfitters have been working on the ice for weeks now. Their first goal is to keep you safe. They have marked and groomed trails / roads on the ice where there is good ice.
The bite has been excellent with most anglers catching nice limits of walleyes and saugers. Many of the fish being caught have been nice sized, with a lot of eaters. There are also many comments about a lot of nice saugers this year, in that 14 – 16 inch range for the bucket. In true Lake of the Woods style, anglers are reporting a mixed bag which also includes jumbo perch, crappies, pike, eelpout and even an occasional lake sturgeon.
Most who visit Lake of the Woods to ice fish use the services of local resorts and outfitters. They do the work and have the know how so you can enjoy ice fishing and relax as this is your time away.
Some ice anglers who have equipment will being their ATV, side x side or snowmobile, pull out their collapsible fish house, drill their own holes, start their own heater, etc. This is great for those who are dialed in on fishing on their own. They will normally pay for ice access to one of the resorts / outfitters offering access from their land access to their well maintained ice trail.
Never ice fished Lake of the Woods, where do I start?
Look at booking with a resort or outfitter in the Lake of the Woods area who offers ice fishing. That means lodging, fish house rentals, and transportation to and from the fish houses, or when the ice is thick enough, ice roads so you can drive your own vehicle if an ice road is offered.
1 . Research various resorts and outfitters up at Lake of the Woods. One consideration, “Will we use their services of renting a fish house and transportation to the fish houses, or, do we have all of the equipment and know how to do it on our own?” Most who have not fished Lake of the Woods allow the professionals to do all of the work so they can relax. Eat a good breakfast in the morning, be shuttled to a heated fish house that is strategically placed in a good fishing area, holes drilled and the heater set at 70 degrees. This makes life easy and safe.
As mentioned, some resorts / outfitters offer access to their ice roads for the do it yourselfer. This is great if you have your own equipment and want to go that route.
2. What Ice Fishing Equipment Do I Need? In most cases, anglers will bring their own ice fishing rods and some tackle. If you don’t have it, no worries. Communicate with the resort or outfitter you are staying with as they may provide it. Another option, purchasing a couple of rods / reels along with a few lures from a local Lake of the Woods bait shop is easy and doesn’t cost much.
Anglers ice fishing in Minnesota are allowed two lines each. Fish houses on Lake of the Woods provide two holes per person.
Ice fishing electronics are helpful to see if fish are below you, where they are swimming in the water column and how they are reacting to your lures. If you are new to ice fishing, and want to try some ice fishing electronics, many resorts and bait shops rent them for the day.
3. Besides lodging and ice fishing, what is your plan for food? Many resorts offer great dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From a complete menu with steaks, prime rib and seafood on the higher end to some delicious favorites such as homemade pizza, taco night, smoked BBQ, Buffalo wings, specialty burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, etc.
There are so many good options. Some groups do the American Plan, which means lodging, ice fishing and all meals are included in the package price. Easy and delicious.
Some groups don’t want to haul food up, worry about cooking, etc. but maybe want to visit a few resorts while on their stay. They will book lodging and ice fishing, and do meals on their own. One night, they may eat at the resort they are staying. The second night, maybe they try a resort they have heard of, but have never been there. The third night, yet another resort. This is a nice way to get to know the area and experience a variety of menu options.
Others choose to cook some meals on their own (assuming they are staying in lodging with cooking facilities) and maybe even eat out a few meals. Lots of options.
4. I don’t fish much, what about fish cleaning? When you rent a fish house from a resort / outfitter, fish cleaning is normally provided or available for a small fee. When you come off the ice, usually around 4:30pm, give or take, the ice guides will take your bucket of fish and and deliver to you your boneless filets.
5. Experience a fresh fish fry! A staple in these parts is a good fish fry. Your fresh catch of walleye, sauger, jumbo perch and even some pike or eelpout is normally what anglers will catch fishing Lake of the Woods.
Some groups who do their own cooking in the cabins will put together their own fish frys.
The other option is have a local resort cook up your fish. Each resort offers delicious batters they have perfected over the years. Oh, and don’t forget the homemade tartar sauce. Again, in many cases, from a recipe tweaked and tweaked to get just right.
Every resort is different, but some offer traditional fried, Cajun, broiled, etc. They are all delicious!
6. Make a Decision! Once you have researched the many options, just make a decision and do it! That is the best way to learn. Ice fishing is a lifestyle in these parts and the livelihoods of the resorts, outfitters, staff and local community depend upon it. Consequently, these folks have been doing this for years and they are darn good at it!
Put the address into your GPS and enjoy your drive. Northern Minnesota is beautiful this time of year.
Bring along a good camera, which for most means keep your phone charged. You are going to want to capture pics of the adventure, fish you catch, the fish houses, ice transportation, culture, and delicious food. Don’t forget Willie Walleye in Baudette and the northernmost point buoy if you are headed up to the NW Angle.
What is my limit of walleyes and saugers?
As a reminder, the limit of walleyes and saugers on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is a combined limit of 6 fish, with up to 4 of those 6 being walleyes. There is also a protected slot limit for walleyes (which helps ensure sustainability of the walleye fishery). All walleyes between 19.5 inches and 28.0 inches must be returned to the water. Take a nice pic, feel good about releasing the fish and carry with you a wonderful memory.
Anglers can also keep one walleye over 28.0 inches if they wish. There is no problem with this and most who keep a big walleye keep it to mount it.
Some anglers will take a few pics of a big walleye and release it, enabling it to reproduce and providing another angler the thrill, as graphite mounts have become more and more popular. Either way, it is neat we can be talking about the chance to catch a walleye over 28 inches.
Possession limit in Minnesota is equivalent to one day’s limit. That means if you some fish in your freezer and go out fishing, you need to know how many more fish you can keep to achieve and stay at or under one day’s possession.
Experience Ice Fishing. If you haven’t ice fished or have ice fished very little, get out and enjoy this activity. For many, it is as social as it is about fishing. Pull together a group of friends or relatives and enjoy the benefits of a cold Minnesota winter!
There is a new “Keep It Clean” law that took effect July, 2023 in the state of Minnesota. The law states it is now illegal to place any kind of garbage or waste on, or below, the ice. People who ice fish, snowmobile or take part in any other activities on the ice of Minnesota waterways must keep their garbage contained in a fish house, vehicle, or container. It is believed the new law will prevent literally tons and tons of garbage from entering Minnesota waters.
How did Keep It Clean begin? About 11 years ago, a small group from the Lake of the Woods area began an effort to educate, promote and enforce those using Lake of the Woods in keeping trash and human waste off of the ice. This group, of course, is called Keep It Clean.
Organically, the group grew when other areas saw similar challenges and reached out. Upper and Lower Red Lake, Lake Mille Lacs and Lake Vermilion were early members. Fast forward 11 years and today there are about 50+ areas around the state of Minnesota representing over 1,200 lakes who have joined in on the Keep It Clean efforts.
This expanded group has been busy behind the scenes working on a variety of efforts which will ultimately lessen the amount of trash and human waste entering our waters, the largest being the passing of the Keep It Clean bill at our most recent legislative session.
The Keep It Clean Coalition, as the name has morphed, has been working with a variety of stakeholders from Minnesota to push through legislation that will have a very positive impact on Minnesota bodies of water. In a nutshell, it is now illegal to place any garbage or waste on the ice. This means all garbage will need to be kept in your fish house, your vehicle or in a garbage can attached to one of the above. Not a big lift, but legislation that will ultimately keep tons of unsuspecting trash and waste from being left on the ice and entering our waterways.
Most ice anglers and others who use the ice for recreation in the winter months are conscientious about keeping track of their garbage and making sure they are responsible about when Mother Nature calls and they have to do number two.
With that being said, good meaning people who, as an example, spend multiple nights on the ice have good intentions. “Let’s just set these garbage bags outside the fish house for now and we will pick them up before we leave.” However, out on a frozen lake, things happen. Things such as 50 mph winds, birds, bags freezing into the ice, snowfalls and simply picking up most of the garbage but leaving a bit behind.
With the popularity of ice fishing in today’s world, leaving just a little bit behind multiplied by tens of thousands of ice anglers, equates to tons of garbage. This newly passed Keep It Clean bill will help to eliminate a good amount of that. It is not a hard lift, as they would say, but a measure that will really make a positive impact on our waterways.
In addition, it helps those out of the ice to plan ahead as to where they will use the bathroom when Mother Nature calls. If you are staying at a resort, many offer facilities out on the ice. If you are on your own, it is important to have a realistic plan.
Lake of the Woods area has two winter pump out stations for wheelhouses who have heated holding tanks with sewage and chemicals. This is on purpose as in the past, cold weather dump stations were lacking during the winter months. Other areas in the state are starting to create winter dump stations in their area as well.
This legislation also provides MN DNR Conservation Officers the opportunity to enforce trash and waste issue on the ice. In the past, the way laws were written, it was very difficult to enforce garbage left behind.
205.6 Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, is amended by adding a subdivision
205.7 to read:
205.8 Subd. 9. Placing waste on ice prohibited. A person using a fish house, dark house, or
205.9 other shelter on the ice of state waters is subject to section 97C.363.
205.10 Sec. 66. [97C.363] STORING GARBAGE AND OTHER WASTE ON ICE.
205.11 Subdivision 1.Prohibition.A person using a shelter, a motor vehicle, or any other
205.12 conveyance on the ice of state waters may not deposit garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters,
205.13 debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage, or any other waste
205.14 outside the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance unless the material is:
205.15 (1) placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance;
205.16 and
205.17 (2) not placed directly on the ice or in state waters.
205.18 Subd. 2.Definition. For purposes of this section, “sewage” means excrementitious or
205.19 other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals, together with such other water
205.20 as may be present.
205.21 Subd. 3.Penalty. A violation of this section is a petty misdemeanor, and a person who
205.22 violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation.
Most anglers and other who use the ice really do a nice job of picking up their trash. The slogan “pack it in, pack it out” is especially known with this topic.
Many, including the many unsung heroes called ice guides across Lake of the Woods and other lakes in MN, go out of their way to pick up after others on a regular basis. If you are one of these conscientious folks, kudos to you and thank you.
We also want to thank the many organizations and legislators who assisted and backed up this legislation. Various legislators, a variety of people from the MN DNR, MN Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, MN-FISH, various members of Keep It Clean across the state and others. This is the type of legislation that makes good sense and will have a positive lasting impact on the waterways of Minnesota. Kudos to all of you!
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika and basil. Brush fish fillets with butter, then dip into the crumb mixture. Place in a greased baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 500° for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Weather Patterns can sure affect your daily life and travel. Lake of the Woodsis your destination for all season adventures and enjoyment. Winter has arrived in this north country but Mother Nature has been slow on the freeze.
The first 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.
It is nearly Christmas and resorts are just now taking their fish houses out on the lake. Weather patterns this season have been interesting. Temperatures plummeted early on but most recently temps have been above average. That made for slow ice making.
However, now temps are dropping to the single digits in the evening and that’s great for making ice. We are always reminding visitors to be checking with their favorite resorts regarding venturing out on the ice. Right now, travelers must use great caution and only stay on plowed areas.
Many resorts at the Northwest Angle and the Islands are saying that ice is forming well but they will be safely starting to fish by December 26th.
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.
Beautiful Weather at a State Park
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.
Check out this interesting website called www.lakemonster.com. Type in Lake of the Woods MN and check out the current weather and lake temperatures.
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.
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.
On the south end… Ice fishing has begun for a number of resorts and outfitters across the south end of the lake. The bite is excellent in most areas. Widespread reports of limits of fish and then some.
There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from. It is super important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail. Follow their guidelines. Most offer heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.
Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails. Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course. Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.
17 – 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up.
Limits of Fish
Using the one-two punch, a combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom. Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota.
Multicolor jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow, emerald shiner or fathead, have been hot. Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo. Rippin Raps and other aggressive presentations working at times also.
A mixed bag for walleye / sauger anglers with jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and even an occasional crappie or sturgeon in the mix.
Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six. Up to four of the six can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches is allowed. The MN possession limit is one limit of fish.
On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing. Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon.
Varying ice conditions on the river that can change quickly due to current. What ice conditions are in one area can be very different right next door. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.
Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing has begun for some resorts up at the NW Angle and initial reports are very good. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch and pike in the mix.
Much like the south shore, use one jigging line, one deadstick and rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but certain colors mentioned in this report are great in stained water.
Many resorts on both ends of the lake / river have immediate openings. The bite is definitely on!
Ice fishing has begun on most areas of Lake of the Woods. Resorts and outfitters have been working feverishly checking ice conditions, chopping down ice, dragging the trails and other important ice maintenance in the areas they go out.
Many resorts and outfitters have pulled out fish houses and are fishing. Others who have not started fishing yet are hoping to check the ice in a matter of days and make an assessment for the area they are fishing. This is a wonderful tradition so many look forward to and is happening right now on Lake of the Woods.
Lake of the Woods is a big lake. Ice conditions can vary from area to area so it is important to work through a resort or outfitter. They keep a good eye on ice conditions on their ice road or trail which will help you understand where things are at.
It is also important to consider a few things that can improve your odds of a good trip…
Adhere to weight limits on the ice road you are using. When you are headed out ice fishing and a resort says snowmobiles, ATV’s and side by sides, it doesn’t mean a small SUV is appropriate. Not only can you endanger yourself, it can mess up the ice road for others which can slow the progression of a good ice road for everyone.
Keep speeds less than 15 mph. When you travel on ice, there is a wave that forms in front of your vehicle under the ice. This wave, at all times of the year, but especially during early ice, can really mess up the ice if you are traveling too fast. In addition to simple safety and the risk of accidents on top of the ice, the wave created underneath the ice is a good reason to slow down as well.
Stay on the marked trails. When someone gets into troubled ice, it is usually when they have ventured out on their own. Resorts and outfitters start marking trails early in the year, understanding where there are springs, cracks, ice upheavals along with important knowledge of where the ice formed evenly and is more thick.
Don’t Stay Out Late. On Lake of the Woods with it’s stained waters, the best ice fishing is during the day. If you able to come off of the lake at a reasonable hour when others are also traveling off of the lake sure helps if you get into any kind of trouble. We all want to get that last part of the golden hour (sunset) in, but be smart when considering traveling across the ice when nobody else is around.
Have a charged up cell phone with you. When you are out ice fishing, if you get stuck, your vehicle doesn’t start, etc, it is good to have a cell phone with you to call for help. Make sure it is charged up ahead of time. Many anglers will carry a remote battery to charge up their phone while on the ice.
Keep It Clean. Have you heard of the new law this year? No garbage or waste is allowed on the ice or under the ice. It must be kept in your fish house, vehicle or in a container. Ice is no place for your garbage and waste.
It is up to all of us to do our part. Planning ahead and putting in the extra effort makes all the difference in the world. With literally millions of angling hours on lakes across the ice belt, it is important that we all do our part to keep trash and waste off of the ice and out of our fisheries.
Ice fishing has begun on Lake of the Woods. The fishing reports so far have been good and people are excited to get out. The resorts are doing a nice job of staying on fish. This time of year, it seems the walleyes start out a bit shallow and as traffic on the ice increases, they slowly make their way to deeper water.
Ice fishing is never a perfect science, but understanding fish patterns, how long to stay in a spot, when to move, etc is all part of the game.
As far as lures and techniques, the best strategy for ice fishing LOW is the old one-two punch. As you can have two lines during the Minnesota ice season, anglers will use one jigging line and one deadstick line.
A deadstick is normally a live minnow on a jig or hook under a bobber about 6 inches off of the bottom. When the fish are active, they will hit the line you are jigging. When they are in a more neutral mood, the line with a live minnow may get more attention.
As far as colors, this is stained water, consequently, gold, glow red, glow, orange and chartreuse are all good starts.
When you come up, work through a resort, exercise safety first and bring a good camera!
Lake of the Woods is a border water, shared with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. The Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods has several regulations that differ from the general statewide regulations. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with these differences to avoid inadvertently violating any regulations. Make sure that you note the effective dates of the various regulations outlined in this summary. Regulations that apply to Lake of the Woods during the summer are different than those listed here.
Minnesota Waters Fishing Regulation Summary
Walleye and Sauger
Lake of the Woods
(May 13, 2023 – April 14, 2024)
The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5 through 28 inches must be immediately released. Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be possessed.
Rainy River and Four Mile Bay
(May 13, 2023 – February 28, 2024)
Same as Lake of the Woods
(March 1, 2024 – April 14, 2024)
Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.
Northern Pike
All Northern Pike from 30 through 40 inches must be released immediately, and only one Northern Pike over 40 inches may be possessed. The possession limit for Northern Pike is three. There is no closed season for Northern Pike on Lake of the Woods or the Rainy River.
Yellow Perch
The bag limit is 20 Yellow Perch per day, with 40 in possession.
There is no closed season for Yellow Perch.
Lake Sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon cannot be harvested from Oct. 1, 2023 through Apr. 23, 2024. Catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period.
See the “Canada-Minnesota” Border Waters section of the fishing regulation booklet for more details about Lake Sturgeon fishing regulations.
For a more thorough listing of all regulations that apply to the Lake of the Woods area, please see the “Canada-Minnesota” Border Waters section in the 2023 Minnesota Fishing Regulations (pp. 58-61).
Fish and Game Violations
If you witness a violation, please report it. Don’t let poachers steal your fish and wildlife. If you see someone violating a hunting or angling law, or hear about a violation, call the toll-free 24-hour TIP (Turn In Poachers) hotline at 1-800-652-9093
Creel Survey
Creel Survey is the tool used to estimate the number and pounds of fish anglers harvest from a water body. The value of a creel survey is twofold for Lake of the Woods. First, since a target harvest (a safe level of harvest that is based on the physical characteristics of the lake) has been determined for Lake of the Woods, creel survey gives insight into where harvest is relative to the target. Secondly, creel survey provides the ability to see what the consequences of management actions are on anglers and how anglers use the fishery. The most recent management action that has been undertaken on Lake of the Woods is the implementation of a reduced limit and the protected slot (for Walleye). This action was undertaken to reduce Walleye harvest below the target. In other water bodies, creel surveys may be used to gauge the effectiveness of regulations designed to improve the size structure or overall abundance of a fish population.
Summer creel surveys were conducted annually on Lake of the Woods from 1981 through 2007, and winter surveys were conducted most years between 1989 and 2006. Annual creel surveys on Lake of the Woods were discontinued after 2007 due to the funding shortfalls affecting the Fisheries Section. With the passage of the fishing license fee increase in 2013, funding again became available to conduct creel surveys on Lake of the Woods. The current plan is to conduct a winter creel survey during this winter (2023-24). Recently, creel surveys were conducted during the winter of 2021-22 and 2022-23 the summer of 2022 and 2023.
The winter creel survey is conducted by two creel survey clerks. Both clerks count the number of vehicles exiting the lake at predetermined access points and conduct interviews if angling parties that have completed their fishing trip. You will be asked questions about your fishing experience, including when you started fishing, how many fish you have released and how many you kept. You may also be asked to estimate the lengths of any fish you released, and the clerk may measure lengths of your harvested fish. Please do your part for fisheries management and cooperate with the survey.
Preliminary Creel Survey Results are available for the surveys that were conducted during the winter of 2022-23, and from the summer of 2022 on Lake of the Woods.
The winter creel survey of 2022-23 started early December and ended to mid-March. Angler pressure was 3.2 million angler hours (includes both day and overnight trips). Since 2000, fishing pressure has exceeded one million angler hours with a steady increase (last three winters have exceeded 2.5 million angler hours1). It should noted that the current method used includes overnight trips, so fishing pressure and catch rates are no longer comparable to historical estimates.
Approximately 120,000 pounds of Sauger were harvested last winter, which is well below the six-year average of 320,000 pounds. Walleye harvest was approximately 95,000 pounds and below the six-year average of 220,000 pounds. It should be noted that above average harvest for both Sauger and Walleye were observed in 2017 and 2019 for Walleye and 2019 and 2020 for Sauger. A smaller harvest component of the winter fishery is Yellow Perch that resulted in 10,000 pounds, which is also below six-year average of 18,000 pounds.
Fishing activity during the summer of 2023 was below the six-year average on Lake of the Woods (670,000 angler hours). From the opening of Walleye season in May, until the end of September, anglers spent over 600,000 angler hours fishing on the lake. Walleye harvest was 175,000 pounds, and 45,000 pounds of Sauger, were harvested last summer. Walleye harvest was below the recent average (2018-2023) of 210,000 pounds. Summer Sauger harvest was lower than the past three survey’s average of 60,000 pounds.
Lake of the Woods Fish Population Surveys and Status
What makes a healthy fish population? The number of year classes that are present is a major indicator of the health of a fish population. A year class is simply a group of fish that are of the same age; they were “produced” in the same year. A population of fish
1 An angler hour is a way to measure angling pressure. One angler fishing for 1 hour generates 1 angler hour of pressure. If 2 anglers in an ice-shelter fish for 1 hour they have generated 2 angler hours of pressure.
with a large number of year classes is considered healthier than a population of the same species, living in similar habitat, with fewer year classes.
So why is a population with many year classes healthier? There are several reasons. First, the presence of many year classes is an indicator of relatively low mortality. When a greater number of fish survive from one year to the next, they have a good chance to grow old and stay in the population longer. Second, a large number of year classes suggest the environment is suitable for that species. A suitable environment allows a species to successfully reproduce annually, rather than infrequently only when environmental conditions are highly favorable. Research has shown that large, old fish contribute more offspring to a fish population than small fish, especially during years when weather is not optimal for reproduction. In a fish population with many year classes, there are multitudes of young fish that will produce large numbers of eggs. These eggs tend to survive when conditions are ideal but may not in years when conditions are not as favorable. Along with these small fish, there are large old fish that produce high quality eggs that will survive in less ideal conditions.
How is the health of the fish population monitored? The largest lakes in Minnesota are sampled every year, in order to closely monitor their fish populations. Lake of the Woods is one of the ten lakes included in this Large Lake Sampling Program. These lakes are at least 15,000 acres in size, and typically support the best Walleye fisheries in the state.
Anglers fish the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods for a variety of species, including Walleye, Sauger, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike and Lake Sturgeon. Due to the cultural and economic importance of Walleye and Sauger, a great deal of population monitoring effort is focused on them.
In the spring, at the end of April, spawning Walleye electrofishing is conducted at the Long Sault Rapids, near Birchdale, MN. This assessment monitors the size structure of the mature (spawning fish) segment of the Walleye population. Electrofishing is a non-lethal technique, in which electric current is applied to the water. Fish exposed to the current are stunned and float to the surface, where they can be picked up with a net. The length and sex of captured fish are recorded, and the fish are released unharmed.
The most recent samples depict a Walleye population that has changed a great deal since the first electrofishing survey was conducted in 1982. One of the highlights is that the current spawning population has more large fish in it. In 1982, the most common length of female Walleye sampled was about 17 inches. Recently, that has increased to about 26 inches. During that same period, the relative abundance of male Walleye sampled has declined quite a bit, which is of concern. In addition, earlier ice-out dates have led to a longer spring open-water fishery resulting in increasing fishing pressure. Trends in male abundance and increasing pressure led to the recent management decision of going to a catch-and-release season from March 1st to April 14th.
Smaller (younger) Walleye (from 8 to about 22 inches long) are sampled during fall gill net sampling. During the first three weeks of September gill nets are set at 16 sites around the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods. Biologists record the sex, stage of maturity, length and weight of each fish caught in the gill nets. Otoliths (“ear bone” structures used to determine the age of fish) are removed from a sample of the fish.
By sampling annually, and comparing the data to past years, changes in fish populations (age distribution and age of sexual maturity) can be described and monitored. Abundance is estimated from the average number of fish caught per gill net. More fish in the gill net suggests there are more fish in the lake. Fall gill net data also allows biologists to determine how many year classes of a fish species are in the lake, and the relative strength of those year classes.
The most important fish species on Lake of the Woods are managed with a target harvest as a major management component. The target harvest is based on several physical and chemical lake characteristics and is simply the estimated poundage of fish that can safely be harvested in a year, on average. The harvest measured through creel survey is averaged across several years because environmental conditions can have a significant effect on angling success in any particular year.
Walleye forecast. Walleye catches in 2023 sampling averaged 21.1 Walleye per gill net. This level of abundance is above the historic average of 15.3. Figure 1 is from a series of 52 net sites that have the longest history of being surveyed. All these nets are located close to shore, in less than 25-feet of water. In 2002, we added 12 nets that surveyed the off-shore (33 to 37 foot deep water) portions of Lake of the Woods.
The off-shore nets can, at times, paint a very different picture of the Walleye population than the near-shore nets. For instance, in 2015 the Walleye catch rate in the off-shore nets was almost twice as high as it was in the near-shore nets In 2023, off-shore catch rates (20.9) were similar to near-shore (21.2). Another difference between the near-shore and off-shore nets is that there tend to be more “large” Walleye in the off-shore nets.
Figure 1 – Annual walleye near-shore gill net catch rates, from 1981 to 2023. Dotted black line denotes the average (15.2/net).
Figure 2 – Walleye year class strength from 2002-2023. Dotted lines represent the bounds for strong and weak year classes. Dashed bars (2022/23) are predicted.
Figure 3 – Walleye size distribution from 2023 fall gill net survey (gray bars). Black shaded area denotes the average length frequency from 2002-2022.
Walleye catch rates tend to vary quite a bit. Some of this variation is due to environmental conditions during the fall sampling period (in 2016 Walleye seemed to be unusually “catchable”), but most of it is attributable to the presence, or absence, of strong year classes.
The 2011, 2013 and 2014 year classes were strong, and the 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020 year classes were of average strength (Figure 2). The 2012, 2017 and 2019 year class are weak. The 2021and 2022 year class are predicted to be average. Recent weak year classes have led to below average abundance. However, it’s not until Walleye are two years old and approximately ten inches when they become fully susceptible to survey gear. At that time biologists determine relative strength of a year class compared to other years.
Small Walleye, from 8 to 10 inches long, are abundant; a possible indication of an upcoming strong year-class (2021). Harvestable-sized Walleye were just below the historic averages (Figure 3).
Strong year classes can form the majority of what anglers catch for several years. Fall gill netting showed average numbers of “eater size” Walleye in the 14 to 19-inch size range. “Bait stealer” Walleye, less than 10 inches long, will be abundant (2022/23 year classes). Walleye in the protected slot were just below average as are trophy-size Walleye (longer than 28 inches)’
Describing the size of Walleye anglers can expect to catch is fairly simple, but predicting angler success is very difficult due to the variety of biological and environmental conditions that influence angling success. For instance, a major windstorm as the ice forms can make the water very turbid, and thereby reduce angling success.
Anglers are frequently interested in the age of Walleye they have caught. It is rather difficult to provide this information with a great degree of certainty, because individual fish can grow at different rates. Sex of a fish, stage of sexual maturity and various genetic factors all influence growth within a population. Differences in growth between lakes can also be due to climatic conditions and lake productivity.
In general, Walleye in Lake of the Woods reach 13 inches when they are three years old. Male Walleye start to mature when they are 12 inches long and three years old, but it is not until they are 16 inches long and five years old that most male Walleye are sexually mature. Female Walleye grow faster than male Walleye after they reach three years of age. They also mature at an older age. Female Walleye start to mature when they are four years old and 15 inches long, but all of them are not sexually mature until they are nine years old and, at least, 20 inches long. Generally, female Walleye that are 25 inches long are about 10 years old; 30-inch females are about 20 years old.
Sauger outlook. The Sauger population remains at a high level of abundance, at 17.5. Sauger per gill net lift in 2023 nearshore nets) and is above historical average of 15.2/net; Figure 4). Sauger abundance was highest in 2008-10, primarily as a result of the strong year class produced in 2006.
Figure 4- Sauger gill net abundance from 1981 to 2023. Dotted black line denotes the average (15.2/net).
Sauger abundance has been above the 1981-2023 average since 2006. This level of abundance has been maintained by the consistent recruitment of moderate to strong year classes, with relatively few weak year classes (Figure 5). It should be noted that the 2020/21 year classes were of average to weak in strength and 2022/23 year classes are predicted to be weak. If these predictions hold true, this may result in a lower abundance of future Sauger.
Figure 5- Sauger year class strength from 2002-2023. Dotted lines represent the bounds for strong and weak year classes. Dashed bars (2022/23) are predicted.
Sauger grow at a much slower rate than Walleye, do not get as large as Walleye, and do not get as old. Typical lengths for Sauger sampled during the fall assessment are 8 inches for age-1, 9 inches for age-2, 11 inches for age-3 and 12 inches long for age-4 (Figure 6). The largest Sauger we sampled in 2022 was a 17.2 inch long female that was 12 years old.
Figure-6 Sauger size distribution from 2023 fall gill net survey (gray bars). Solid line denotes the average length frequency from 2002-2022.
Sauger from 13 through 16 inches were all above the historic average and is the result of excellent recruitment in 2017 and 2019. Sauger 10 – 12 were below average (a result of weak year classes in 2020/21). Sauger 8 – 9 inches were above average (2022 year-class) and may be an indicating that this year-class may be stronger than predicted.
Historically, the winter survey was conducted by one creel survey clerk that navigated their way through specific sectors of the lake counting fish houses, checking for occupancy and interviewing anglers while they were actively fishing. Due to the increased fishing pressure and complex ice road network on Lake of the Woods, fisheries managers decided to modify the current winter creel survey design. The new design will incorporate two creel clerks where both clerks will be stationed at pre-determined ice road accesses counting vehicles exiting the lake and conducting interviews for anglers that completed their fishing trip (as done on other large lakes such as Upper Red Lake, Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Lake). As mentioned previously, please do your part for fisheries management and cooperate with the survey.
Trash on Lake of the Woods
New legislation took effect July 1st, 2023 making it illegal to place garbage and waste on or under the ice of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. The language of this new law can be found at www.KeepItClean.org.
Ice is no place for your garbage and waste. Legally contain and dispose of it.
To help stop litter and human waste from spoiling our lakes, rivers and shorelines:
• Make a plan for trash and waste removal before you hit the ice.
Whether you access the ice from a public or private entrance, plan to take off of the ice what you take on to it. Many access points and resorts offer garbage collection services. If your site doesn’t, make a plan to transport it home for disposal.
• Use colored garbage bags.
In snowy conditions, white trash bags can be difficult to see. Brightly colored bags or black bags are easier to spot making it less likely trash will inadvertently be left behind.
• Do not place garbage and waste on or under the ice.
It’s the law.
• Make sure your garbage is secure before departing.
This will help prevent it from blowing out of truck beds and off trailers and sleds.
• Remove all materials when moving a fish house. This includes wood blocking, insulation and other items.
It takes all of us working together to Keep It Clean! Thank you for doing your part to ensure the health of our lakes, rivers, fisheries and watershed areas.
Eating fish on the ice?
Many anglers enjoy consuming a portion of their catch on the lake as part of their fishing experience. Since Lake of the Woods has size restrictions (protected slots) on Walleye and Northern Pike, there are some special rules to follow to stay legal. Recall that it is not normally legal to possess Walleye and Northern Pike on the water/ice in a manner in which the length of the fish cannot be determined. Adhering to the following will keep you legal:
While on the ice, all harvested Walleye and Northern Pike must be intact and measurable, unless the person is in the act of preparing the fish for a meal on the ice.
If Walleye or Northern Pike are prepared for a meal, anglers are required to retain the measurable carcasses, which count toward their limit for the remainder of the fishing day.
Do not allow the whole fish or carcasses to freeze together in buckets or bags, since both need to be measurable. Pack them in snow or ice shavings in a bucket or cooler inside the fish house, or vehicle, to prevent them from freezing.
Anglers are required to properly dispose of the carcasses before harvesting additional fish the following day. It is illegal to dispose of fish carcasses on, or under, the ice.
Lake of the Woods Fisheries Management
In December of 2017, DNR Fisheries in Baudette began a management plan review/revision for Lake of the Woods. Stated within the fisheries management plan is a brief background of management history, series of management goals and objectives and management actions. The plan is effective for five years and goals/objectives will be reevaluated in 2023 with an updated plan scheduled to be completed in 2024. New to the process in 2017, we incorporated a Lake of the Woods Fisheries Input Group (LOWFIG) to provide perspectives and angler expectations. The LOWFIG included several individuals from various parts of the state and representing different interests. Meetings with DNR Fisheries managers and LOWFIG will begin in December of 2023. In the end, an updated fisheries management plan will be produced that will be out for public input in 2024. The 2018-2023 plan can be found at: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/largelakes/low/low_plan.pdf
Look at booking with a resort or outfitter in the Lake of the Woods area who offers ice fishing. That means lodging, fish house rentals, and transportation to and from the fish houses, or when the ice is thick enough, ice roads so you can drive your own vehicle if an ice road is offered.
Keep It Clean
