Great Bars – The Angry Walleye & Igloo on LOTW

Angry Walleye

Two bars. The Angry Walleye Bar and the Igloo Bar on the ice are sensational sights to experience on Lake of the Woods. Who ever thought of placing establishments like this on ice?!?! Well, there are many entrepreneurs around and Lake of the Woods is no exception. There’s even a food truck bars parked near or on the ice called Walleye Bites that “lure” customers with their specialties.

The Angry Walleye is located off of Cyrus Resort’s Road and is open at 2 p.m. daily. They feature beer, drinks and pizza to add bars to a great day of fishing on the lake. Bring back your limit and celebrate at the bar with friends all around. This is a great destination to add to your fishing experience.

The bar itself has been built inside of a large fish house and has a delightful and inviting atmosphere. Last week featured a celebration for a 90 year old fisherman who has fished Lake of the Woods quite frequently over the years. Congratulations.

You can see that this addition to the attributes of the lake is exceptional and very inviting for all anglers. Bring in your fishing stories to the Angry Walleye to add to those being already told there.

Winter is a happy and busy time up at Lake of the Woods.  The area is buzzing with activity.  In these parts, winter is celebrated and welcomed.  Ice fishing is an absolute culture in Northern Minnesota.  Anglers from all ability levels and all walks of life come up to partake in some of the best ice fishing in the world at Lake of the Woods.

Another destination at a different location on the lake is the Igloo Bar. This bar, in particular, the igloo has earned quite a reputation.  You see, this bar looks like an igloo.  It is located out on frozen Lake of the Woods.  It is loaded with big screen TV’s, electric lights, running water, a bar, limited hot food menu, and heated porta-potties that look like little igloos. It’s unlike anything else on the lake. This year the bar is located in its usual position out on the lake on Zippel Bay Reef.

Decked out with satellite TV, propane heat, running hot water and hoodie-clad bartenders, the arc-roofed bar also serves soup, sandwiches and pizza. The bottled beer, shots and mixed drinks flow for six nights a week until the ice softens in late March. That’s when tractors haul it back to shore in two pieces. the igloo wedding

Couples have been married there and snowmobilers drive miles to use the heated outhouses. And for a few dollars an hour, you can lift up a section of the tavern’s insulated floor and jig for walleyes from your bar stool.

“If you are looking for something different, this is different.”  “It gets a little crazy in here when someone catches a big one,” offered Nick Painovich, owner of the Igloo. He usually situates the Igloo miles out from shore above a walleye hot spot in the Zippel Bay fish house village.

The Igloo is licensed as a mobile food court, fish house and caterer, the Igloo requires electricity (supplied by a gas generator) to heat food and pressurize hot and cold water. All waste water gets hauled to shore in holding tanks and poured into the resort’s own disposal system.  Each morning and evening workers haul out huge generators on wheels that send power to the big Igloo and also the heated lavatories. If traveling by snowmobile, a “spur” of the trail goes right to the bar from the Zippel Bay State Park trail as well as the trail on the lake.

The owners of these bars had to jump many hoops with the MN DNR when first done. They have passed the tests and they have proven to be  “hot spots” for anglers to frequent during their trip to Lake of the Woods. Ice roads are well marked, plowed and maintained when heading to these locations.

It is quite the entrepreneur who is able to organize and operate a business like these. It takes on greater than normal financial risks and staffing to run these bars.

A great success story each year is about bartender Jennie who daily places tip ups in a hole the igloo jennie 2 during morning hours before she preps the building. History has shown that Jennie is an avid fisher-woman as the picture shows. She has landed some monster northerns through the holes of the Igloo to “bring and brag” to other anglers that frequent the spot. So, have a beverage and pizza and lift up the table to drop your line in a hole in one of the biggest “fish houses” on the lake.

Let’s don’t forget about the great comradery to be had with anglers at both of these great locations. Come soon!!!

For more information on ice fishing contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing

And for lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See Face Book pages also at these sites: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodmn, The Igloo Bar and the Angry Walleye.

Fish Chips with Dipping Sauce

fish and chips

My husband and I really like fish and chips, but not all the grease that typically comes along with it. I decided to give the classic dinner a makeover. Turns out the pickle dip is healthier than tartar sauce, and we like it a lot better—who knew? —Michelle Lucas, Cold Spring, Kentucky

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickle
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • fries:
  • 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds)

    fish
    Fish With Dipping Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • fish:
  • 1-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 large egg whites, beaten
  • 4 fish fillets (4 ounces each)
  • Cooking spray
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

  1. Arrange one oven rack at lowest rack setting; place second rack in middle of oven. Preheat oven to 425°. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, chopped pickle, pickle juice and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
  2. Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. julienne strips. Rinse well and pat dry. In a large bowl, toss with oil, salt and pepper; transfer to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake on bottom oven rack until golden brown and tender, 30-35 minutes, turning once.
  3. For fish, in a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Place egg whites in a separate shallow bowl. Dip fish in egg whites, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spritz fish with cooking spray. Bake on top oven rack 14-16 minutes or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. Serve with fries, sour cream mixture and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 402 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.

 

Fishing Report 1.30.2024

Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods MN
fishing
Saugers and a Perch

On the south end…   A great week of ice fishing for most.  Good reports from a number of areas for some nice sized walleyes and saugers.

Resorts with day houses and sleeper fish houses will either transport you to the fish house or offer an ice road you can drive yourself.  Make sure you communicate with the resort or outfitter you are fishing with to understand weight restrictions of their ice road.  Each ice road can be different and have varying restrictions.

Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 28 – 34 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective.

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles and lighted lures tipped with a full minnow or piece of a minnow have been catching good fish.  Colors such as gold, glow red, glow white, pink, and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, have been good.

On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook, colored hook or a small ice jig six inches – one foot off of the bottom is effective.  Jig the deadstick on occasion to keep the minnow moving and to attract fish.

Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, crappies, eelpout, tullibees and sturgeon in the mix.

On the Rainy River…  Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake.  There are a couple of resorts that have fish houses out for rent on the Rainy River.  Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety.

The best bite is still morning and evening with a jig and emerald shiner for walleyes and saugers.

Sturgeon fishing is a unique twist through the ice.  Larger holes, heavier tackle and the thrill of catching a fish of that size through the ice is unique.

Sturgeon seasons…
-Oct 1 – April 23, catch and release only, no tag needed
-April 24 – May 7, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50″ inclusive, or over 75″)
-May 8 – 15, catch and release only
-May 16 – June 30, closed
July 1 – Sep 30, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50″ inclusive, or over 75″)
Up at the NW Angle…   The walleyes were snappin up at the Angle this week.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.

Resorts are targeting structure in some areas and deeper mud flats in others.  One day the structure is better, the next day, deep mud.

Again, jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go.  The fish are down there and some days, if they are finicky, they really want the deadstick still.  Electronics will help see what their mood is each day.

The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked.  Please stay on the trail for safety.

Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Need spur of the moment lodging, have a big group or want to know if any room for there is room for just one angler?  Email a number of resorts at once using the Lodging Availability Finder.  https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging-availability-request/

Snowmobiling at Lake of the Woods is NOW!

NWangle

Yes, it’s official snowmobiling is on!! Avid snowmobilers have gassed up their machines and are ready to ride the many great places around Lake of the Woods. It was reported on Facebook this week that the trails are open and have recently been groomed. There are still workers clearing brush and fallen trees over some paths, but shelters have either been made ready or are very close to ready for each traveler.

snowmobiling Facebook is a great way to get fresh information on lots of subjects and our snowmobile clubs take advantage of that as they let the public know current events concerning their trails and warming shacks. One sight to keep an eye on is: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsdrifters and the other one is www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodssnowmobileclub. Here’s some reports: “Reminder the trails are open for use however still need maintenance. Use caution! Pitt Y shelter is clean and ready for visitors.” “Graceton shelter is clean and ready for use. Careful riding out, trails still need some work.” drifters logo

The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club out of Baudette grooms trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods where the famous Northern Connection Trail travels through the forests along Highway 11 from the east and then heads south. This includes travel through the city of Baudette. Their website is: www.lakeofthewoodsdrifters.org  where you will find contacts, pictures and current snowmobile conditions and reports. This club is very active and are always welcoming new members.

snowmobiling
Staking the trail at the NW Angle

Did you know you can enjoy snowmobiling both on the land and also the lake. Lake of the Woods is an international lake which engulfs the big basin of water in the south, the Northwest Angle, and the northern section which is in Ontario, Canada. Snowmobile Clubs in the areas and resort owners work together to stake and groom many great trails both on land and (frozen) water. There are over 500 miles of groomed trails through some of the most scenic areas in North America.

We are making ice daily in this northland, however, it’s still early ice and snowmobile travel must be done with extreme caution through our local resorts and outfitters. Be sure to inquire before you go. DO NOT go out without first checking with the professionals.

Minnesota DNR has a great website to study about snowmobiling. The snowmobile state trail sticker and snowmobile registration decals have been combined into one decal. The price of the three-year state trail sticker has been included in the price of snowmobile registration. Snowmobiles that are being newly registered or up for renewal will now be issued the new combined registration/state trail sticker decal. See their website here: snowmobiling www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html

A snowmobile that is not registered in the state of MN may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker is affixed to the snowmobile. A snowmobile state trail sticker costs $51.00 and is valid from November 1 through June 30.

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Northwest Angle and islands where the Northwest Angle EdgeRiders Snowmobile Club grooms trails at the Northwest Angle, south to Warroad and also most trails on Lake of the Woods. They have a wonderful website to look at and study at www.nwaedgeriders.org or check out their Facebook page at snowmobiling www.facebook.com/NorthwestAngleEdgeRiders. edgeriders logo

There’s another place to seek out information by going to our links to both clubs and maps at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/snowmobiling.  www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.  Here are some great tips for the avid snowmobiler. Have fun and be safe by checking with locals resorts for ice conditions before you go. Every year the Northwest Angle host a huge snowmobile festival. This year’s event will be held at Oak Island Lodge on February 24th. Festivities, Food and Prizes are only part of the fun had as people gather for this great event. Plan now!!

Rules to Ride By

  1. If you don’t know – Don’t Go! Especially this year. Trails are marked for your additional safety.
  2. Pay Attention! Due to changing ice and snow, trails are apt to be moved, cracks open and ridges rise and fall.
  3. Be Prepared! Many of these trails cover vast, unpopulated areas. Carry survival gear, First Aid and emergency equipment.
  4. Obey the Speed Limit – 50 mph.
  5. Carry I.D. for yourself and your machine.
  6. Wear your Helmet!
  7. Respect Private Property
  8. Have the Ride of your Life and come back Safe, Sound and Thoroughly Thrilled!
  9. Fill your fuel and oil tanks before leaving. It is an average of 50 miles between stops.
  10. Pick up local trail maps at your stop for added snowmobiler information.

See our FaceBook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Batter-Up Walleye

recipe

Nothing is more rewarding than celebrating the day’s catch with friends when you share this fresh dish. Lake of the Woods Walleye are the freshest!!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup biscuit/baking mix
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder walleye
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • Oil for frying
  • 1 pound walleye fillets, skin removed
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients. Place milk in a separate shallow bowl. In an electric skillet, heat 1/4 in. of oil to 375°.
  2. In batches, dip fish in milk, then coat with baking mix mixture; fry for 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 316 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.

Fishing Report 1.23.2024

Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods MN

On the south end…   Subzero temps have ice thickening and ice roads progressing.  Ice conditions vary based on what ice road.  Some ice roads are now allowing trucks and wheelhouses.  One ice road was up to 1 ton, another 3/4 ton with no wheelhouse or 1/2 ton pulling a wheelhouse.  Check with each resort for outfitter for their weight restrictions on their specific ice road.

If you are driving out on an ice road, stay on the road and don’t venture past the end of the road.  There are still areas of ice, cracks, etc., away from the roads not fit for vehicles. fishing
Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 28 – 32 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective.

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a full minnow or the head or tail section of a minnow is a good choice.  Colors such as gold, glow red, glow white, pink, orange and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, are effective in the stained water.

On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook or a small ice jig six inches – one foot off of the bottom is great for the deadstick.  Jig the deadstick on occasion.  If fish are passing it by, change something.  Set it 2 feet off of the bottom.  Try a different kind of minnow.  Hook your minnow differently.
Electronics are helpful to see how the fish are reacting.  Many resorts and bait shops rent them by the day if you don’t own your own and want to give them a try.

As is the case on LOW, a mixed bag, but saugers and walleyes are the most common catch.  Jumbo perch, pike, crappies, eelpout, tullibees with some sturgeon also in the mix.

On the Rainy River…  Most anglers fish the lake during the winter months.  There are a couple of resorts that have fish houses out for rent on the Rainy River.  Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety.
The best bite is still morning and evening.  Using a jig and emerald shiner has been the most consistent presentation walleyes and saugers.
Sturgeon fishing is a unique twist through the ice.  Larger holes, heavier tackle and the thrill of catching a fish of that size through the ice is unique.  Many walleye anglers on the lake and river will randomly catch sturgeon as well.
Up at the NW Angle…   Some nice walleyes caught up at the Angle this week.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.

Resorts are spreading out over a variety of good fishing areas.  Some resort fish houses are targeting structure whereas others are targeting the deep mud adjacent to structure.  Both can be good.

Again, jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go.
The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked.  Please stay on the trail for safety.

Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Need spur of the moment lodging, have a big group or want to know if any room for there is room for just one angler?  Email a number of resorts at once using the Lodging Availability Finder.  https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging-availability-request/

Visit Lake of the Woods Tourism at the 2024 Chicagoland Fishing Show

Chicagoland 2024

If you are close to the Chicago area, stop by Thursday – Sunday, January 25 – 28, 2024 and say hello to Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo.  In addition to answering questions, giving out specific information, and handing out the brand new Lake of the Woods Visitor’s Guides,

Joe Henry will be conducting three seminars titled, “Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes” and “Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water”.

Thursday, January 25, 2024 @ 4 pm, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes

Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ Noon, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes

Sunday, January 28, 2024 @ 11:00 am, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water

Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes is a strategy to maximize productivity on catching walleyes on lakes and rivers, clear water and stained water in all parts of the walleye world.  Discussing this technique in depth used by guides and tournament anglers to catch numbers of walleyes and big walleyes wherever they swim will be the focus.

In addition, this year’s Chicagoland Fishing Show will feature an informative seminar, Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water seminar featuring helpful info to basically catch freshwater fish wherever you fish.  The focus will be where to fish, what techniques to catch fish and how to best use each technique recommended.  Hang on, there will be a lot of info shared in this one.

Joe Henry, walleye, Lake of the Woods Bouncer with crawler harness - Copy (640x424) Dan Stefanich, Logan, Kyle, walleye (640x426) map Charter Boats, Sportsmans Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods rapala rippin rap Lakemap, Lake of the Woods Lake of the Woods Tourism logo

The seminars are jam packed with videos, images and maps to give you the help you need in having a successful trip up to The Walleye Capital of the World or simply whacking more walleyes using a number of very effective methods.

Stop by our booth #723! 

If you plan on attending the show, stop by and enter the drawing for a free fishing trip and say hello!

We will be handing out our Lake of the Woods Tourism Visitor Guides at the show and answering any questions to help you better plan for a potential trip.

Lake of the Woods Tourism will be in booth #723 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.  We hope to see you at the 2024 Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo!

 

Click Here for Lodging on Lake of the Woods

Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Ten Top Reasons for Couples to Fish on Lake of the Woods

Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods MN
couples As February is approaching, there are some people’s minds that turn to love, romance and the color red.  Of course everyone knows February 14th is Valentine’s Day.  There are many couples who have made it their tradition to spend Valentine’s Day up at Lake of the Woods.  Whether special time together happens in a day fish house or in a sleeper fish house, the coziness of being in a warm fish house out on a big, frozen lake is just what some couples need and look forward to each and every year.
Check out the Top 10 Reasons couples love ice fishing together on Lake of the Woods…
1.  Romantic.  Let’s face it, what could be more romantic than spending time with that special someone with the snow whipping outside and all cozy inside.  For many, this is perfect.
2.  No distractions.  Often times fish houses will be miles off of shore.  This is a great way to unplug and get away from it all.
3.  Cozy.  The wind and snow may be whipping outside and it might even be below zero, but it is 70 degrees or more inside and super comfortable.  Some couples say the nastier the weather outside, the better to create that cozy environment.
4.  Ice Fishing is a great couple’s activity.   Ice fishing is fun, keeps you busy but also provides time to connect as a couple.  For some, it is about catching a bunch of fish.  For others, it is more social.  Regardless, couples love ice fishing together. Couple with nice walleye, Arnesen's
5.  Delicious meals on the ice.  Don’t think for a second sandwiches are the only food brought out to the fish house.   How about shrimp, crab legs, and prime rib.  Yep, some couples do it up right.  And don’t forget about your favorite beverages.  If you are staying in a sleeper fish house, a traditional fish fry of walleyes and saugers is normally on the menu.  Some will actually bake fresh cookies or rolls in the fish house.  Imagine fresh muffins on a cold winter morning!
6.  Beautiful scenery.  Being way out on the ice provides a number of unique but beautiful opportunities courtesy of Mother Nature.  If you are out at night, the stars, planets and milky ways absolutely pop out of the sky.  The fact you are far north combined with very little light pollution really makes the night sky incredible.
Ice scenery, Lake of the Woods The blowing snow over the ice.  The colors created by the sun, blowing snow and ice sometimes look like the best water color painting you have ever seen.  The opportunities to see incredible scenery are limitless.
7.  Relaxing.  Not hearing the sounds of the city or of work or a busy household really makes for a relaxing environment.  Some like to hear the wind or simply the quiet of being out on the ice.  Others play their favorite music.  Regardless, couples need to unplug once in a while and a fish house is a perfect way.
8.  Social distancing… Naturally.  Ice fishing was a popular activity during the pandemic.  It is a great way to get away from people and have your own space to enjoy a winter day.  Couples especially need this time away and what better way to be together than in that fish house. No neighbors close….just a guide checking in on you during the day.
9.  Quality time.  Ice fishing provides couples time alone with nowhere to go for nice stretches of time.   For many, they cherish the opportunity to connect with their loved one.  You can be busy fishing, cooking or eating if you want.  Or you can decide to take a nap.  Every couple is different time together alone out on a frozen lake creates special times for couples. couples retreat
10.  Unique.  Let’s face it, not every couple will look at spending time together in a fish house as their cup of tea.  With that being said, you wouldn’t believe the couples who thought the same thing but after one trip were hooked.  It is just one of those things you need to try. We have actually seen couples get married out there on the ice. Yes, that’s very unique.
If you would like to look into spending some quality time or perhaps a Valentine’s Getaway with your favorite person out on the ice, contact your favorite Lake of the Woods resort for details.
Check out our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Honey Walleye

recipe

Our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite hobby here. This recipe is my quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

 

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 45 to 50)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Honey Walleye
  • 1-1/2 pounds walleye fillets
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup canola oil
  • Optional: Minced fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Directions

  1. In a shallow bowl, beat egg; add honey. In a shallow dish, combine crackers and salt. Dip fish in egg mixture, then in cracker mixture; turn until coated.
  2. In a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook fillets in oil over medium heat until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, 3-5 minutes on each side. If desired, top with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

3 ounces cooked fish: 389 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.

 

Fishing Report 1.15.2024

Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods MN

On the south end…   Some below zero and single digit temps this past week have ice thickening.  In areas where ice is making progress, so are the weight limits and ability on some ice roads to use light vehicles and wheelhouses.  Every ice road has their own rules and restrictions based on ice conditions, follow resort / outfitter updates on social media or contact them directly.

If you are fishing with a resort, they will either allow you to drive out or they will transport you out to the fish house depending upon ice conditions and how they operate their business.

Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 24 – 32 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective.

On the jigging line, aggressive lures such as a rippin rap with rattles and vibration can be good at times.  Otherwise, a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow is a staple for the jigging rod.

Vary presentation until you figure out what they want.  Some days, if the fish are in a negative mood, go small.  Small jigging spoon with a small piece of minnow or even a wax worm.  A live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook or ice jig six inches – a foot off of the bottom is great for the deadstick.

fishing
5 guys holding a sturgeon
When fish are more active, the aggressive baits, larger jigging spoon and larger minnow may be helpful.  Let the fish tell you what they want by watching electronics.

Saugers and walleyes are the most common catch.  As a bonus, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, tullibees with some sturgeon in the mix.

On the Rainy River…  Although most anglers fish the lake, some anglers fish through resorts who ice fish the river and locals fish it as well.  The best bite has been morning and evening.
Using a jig and emerald shiner has been the goto for walleyes and saugers.  Sturgeon anglers using crawlers if available or emerald shiners with heavier tackle and larger holes.

Ice conditions vary greatly, especially with the current of the river.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own unless you are certain of ice conditions.

Up at the NW Angle…   Some good fishing up at the Angle this week.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.

Resorts are fishing a variety of structure and non structure.  Some fish houses are set targeting goto areas either on top, on the slope or at the base of structure such as reefs, underwater points, etc.

Other fish houses are placed in the deep mud adjacent to the structure.  Where you are fishing often dictates what kind of fish you catch and when the best bite takes place.  Both areas are having success, but in different ways.
On both ends of the lake, the one – two punch of a jigging line and deadstick combined with ice fishing electronics is the way to go.  Electronics can be rented by many resorts and local bait shops.
The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked.  Please stay on the trail for safety.

Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Need spur of the moment lodging or fish house rentals?  Try our Lodging Availability Finder.  https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging-availability-request/