There are many ways to stay connected to Lake of the Woods. Social media, our website LakeoftheWoodsMN.com, resort fishing reports, etc. Another great way that sometimes gets forgotten about are webcams around the lake. Webcams allow guests who can access the internet to see conditions in real time the conditions, weather, waves, boat activity, and just life up at Lake of the Woods based on where the camera is located. There are many webcam options on Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River and up at the NW Angle.
On the southwest portion of Big Traverse Bay is Arnesen’s Rocky Point. This is a great area to watch a variety of boat and ice fishing traffic coming and going from the resort. Arnesen’s looks out over Muskeg Bay on the southwest corner of Lake of the Woods.
Typically, there will be boat traffic from April into November and then based on Mother Nature, some ice traffic with the snowmobile trail and sometimes bombardiers if the river ice gets thick enough. Other views include views of the docks and resort area. The camera is preset to move to different positions. This is also a fun camera to check out.
Not only is it fun checking out the conditions of the lake, the webcam gives a fun look at the outside activities at a popular sport fishing resort.
The busier times are normally in the morning just before and after sunrise when people are headed out fishing or around supper time when anglers are coming in off of the ice or via boat for a bite to eat in the Rock Harbor Lodge.
Overlooking the Rainy River, Border View’s cam is perfect to see charter and boat activity in the open water months. If you are an early riser, check out how early fishing guides will be down getting boats, tackle, bait, lunches, etc ready to roll for a day of charter fishing on Lake of the Woods. It is also fun to watch the variety of birds and wildlife on the webcam.
Don’t forget what some call the “boat parade” each morning during the traditional fishing season starting with the MN Fishing Opener in May and extending through October. There are a number of resorts along the Rainy River and each day, right around 8am, the charter boats will make their way out of the river, through Four Mile Bay and out on to Lake of the Woods. The goal is to put their customers on schools of walleyes, making memories and making sure there will be a fish fry of fresh walleyes and saugers if so desired.
During ice out and ice in, this is a great vantage point to see what ice conditions are on this stretch of the Rainy River.
Located on the bottom of their website’s homepage is Dale’s on Lake of the Woods webcam. This webcam gives a great view of the lake just to the east of twin rocks and to the west of Long Point overlooking Big Traverse Bay.
With sleeper fish house rentals, beautiful camping facilities, ice access for customers of theirs and a boat ramp, there is lots to see as this camera overlooks the access on the shores of Lake of the Woods.
Whether it’s ice transportation, boats, checking out the snow falling or the wave action on the main lake, this camera poses a beautiful view.
Located on the south shore of Big Traverse Bay, which is the big basin of Lake of the Woods, is Morris Point Lakeview Lodge. This is a great camera to get views of the big water. Whether it is a beautiful sunny and calm day or Mother Nature whips up something special to make the water churn, this is a fun camera to watch.
Check out ice anglers accessing the ice road in the winter. During the open water months, watch anglers work the shoreline or perhaps check out the activity during one of their Saturday evening fish frys.
If you have ever been to the NW Angle, you may have been through the ice access or harbor at Young’s Bay Resort. It is a hub of activity and where the main ice road heads out to island resorts and in some cases, where local resorts access the lake.
In addition, during the open water season, this is the main harbor to boat out to the resorts, cabins and other attractions throughout the NW Angle islands and even Ontario islands on the western side of Lake of the Woods.
This camera focuses on the boat ramp, harbor, ice access and even picks up some of the northernmost point buoy and Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant.
A main travel route for travelers coming to Lake of the Woods, highway 72 runs north and south where it meets Hwy 11 just to the east of Baudette. This camera provides a view of weather conditions and is in an area with beautiful scenery to watch the various colors of the foliage change throughout the year.
Located in Lake of the Woods County, this webcam gives an idea of weather conditions and provides a good view of highway 11 which runs east and west across the south end of Lake of the Woods and is a main travel route.
This camera also picks up the railroad tracks which are active with trains heading across the south end of Lake of the Woods.
Webcams are also great to view the variety of bird activity throughout the year. There is a great migration both in the spring and fall that is exceptional, as well as a resident population of birds unique to this northern Minnesota area.
Weather events are also very interesting to viewers. Being nice and cozy while checking into the various weather events in the area is something of interest to many. From the beautiful sunrises and sunsets to storms moving through the area, they are all part of life and interesting at the same time.
It is also interesting to see the various perspectives from the Rainy River, big open waters of Big Traverse Bay and the islands area of the NW Angle.
There are many great ways to keep in touch with Lake of the Woods. Another option you may just want to add to your routine are webcams. What a fun way to keep in touch in real time with The Walleye Capital of the World.
The jig bite for walleyes is pretty famous on Lake of the Woods. Although there are many techniques that catch walleyes, a jig and a minnow is definitely a staple presentation that catches thousands of walleyes and saugers. In this episode, Bergsma is fishing with a couple of anglers who also have a lot of experience both fishing and fishing Lake of the Woods, Jimmy Ney and Greg Jones.
John Bergsma with Destination Outdoors and Fisherman’s Digest is no stranger to Lake of the Woods. Back in the day when he was fishing professional walleye tournaments, this body of water was a consistent stop for many of the tournaments. His history here along with strong friendships in the area bring him back a couple of times per year.
The trio is showing off the jig bite that is prevalent on Lake of the Woods. As a rule, find an area where the walleyes and saugers are living, anchor up and jig off of the bottom. The fish will move around and in most cases, find you.
With the stained waters of Lake of the Woods, jig colors like gold, glow white, glow red, orange, pink and chartreuse are great colors. Resorts and local bait shops carry a selection of jigs that work well. Many anglers prefer using a jig that has a combo of gold and another bright color or colors. Lots of options.
For bait, frozen emerald shiners are a staple in these parts. Emerald shiners are netted in the fall and as they are a sensitive minnow, are hard to keep alive. Consequently, bait dealers will freeze them and they are used all year long. Fatheads, rainbows, chubs, leeches and even a piece of crawler will do well on a jig as well.
As a little twist, the guys also used a drop shot for walleyes. Normally a bass technique, this technique proved effective for walleyes, saugers and perch as well. With a little twist, a couple of beads were added near the hook as an attractor.
As often happens on this body of water, the group found walleyes. Big walleyes, eaters, little fish and some multi species as well.
For those who don’t have a fishing boat or perhaps don’t have the confidence to go after the jig bite and fish the larger waters of Lake of the Woods, charter fishing is going strong this summer on Lake of the Woods. There are normally openings at resorts this time of the year and what a great way to spend time with family, friends and corporate groups.
Charter boats will accommodate up to 6 anglers (6 is the magic number due to the Coast Guard license restrictions). Some resorts will allow smaller groups and simply combine them.
A normal day is after a good breakfast, step aboard just before 8am and return to the docks around 5pm. Don’t worry about fish cleaning, the guides will handle that!
Some enjoy a fresh walleye dinner that first night in camp. Resorts will often cook your fresh catch. Others will have their own fish fry back at their cabin. What you don’t clean and eat, package up and bring home. In Minnesota, you are allowed to bring one limit home per person. This your possession limit.
Fishing on Lake of the Woods brings a good level of success. There are literally millions of walleyes and saugers along with a variety of other species you may catch such as jumbo perch, trophy pike, smallmouth bass, crappies and more. Resorts and local bait shops are willing to help get you started on where to fish. There are a variety of boat ramps in the area, some public, some at resorts. If you want to make life even easier, simply get a reservation on a local resort’s charter boat.
Open water fishing takes place from May through October on the lake, with an extended season on the Rainy River. If you like catching walleyes, now is a great time to carve out time in your calendar. Life is passing by, make sure to enjoy it. You deserve it!
Celebrate our nation’s great Independence Day at Lake of the Woods this year.
Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™. Lake of the Woods is known as having the finest and healthiest fishery around. Hundreds of anglers visit the lake during all seasons and have great adventures each time. Whether fishing on “hard water” or “soft water”, success is always guaranteed.
Currently the open water season is proving to be one of the best. Check out our fishing report on our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. You’ll find all of the details you need there whether limits of fish or lodging. Celebrate this great fishery with us.
This northernmost area which borders the US and Canada holds many great events throughout the year. The annual County Fair has just finished and now we are looking to celebrate July 4th. This writer has lived in many locations, but since living in the northland, I
must say that there is no finer display of fireworks anywhere else.
The community comes together to offer the public and vacationer a great holiday experience. This year is no exception. Our neighboring town of Roosevelt has an Annual Flea Market and Vendor Swap inviting entrepreneurs and craftsmen from all areas. This event runs from July 3rd and 4th from 8 am to 6 pm each day. Roosevelt is right on Hwy 11 and the flea market is just to the north of the Highway.
In Baudette, the celebration starts off on Wednesday, July 3rd with a Fish Fry hosted by the Women of Today at the Moose Lodge. This features the delicious walleye, baked beans coleslaw, garlic butter potatoes, dinner roll and desserts. Be sure to come early as they serve only until the food is gone.
Later that evening from 8 pm until midnight there will be a street dance with music by Late Nights. This is hosted by our local American Legion and Muni. It’s always great fun and a great time to be reacquainted with old friends.
Thursday, July 4th is a time to celebrate all day. Start the day off with breakfast from 8 am until noon sponsored by the Ladies of the Moose. Scrambled eggs, pancakes, French Toast and many fixings are on the menu.
An all-popular event is the Firecracker 5K Walk/Run where all ages can participate. Same day registration starts at 7:30 am with the race time at 8:30 am Registration takes place at
Timbermill Park on the East Side of Baudette. Lake of the Woods track team and CHI Lakewood Health are sponsoring this event. Almost a hundred people participate with any volunteers helping.
We have a beautifully restored Baudette Depot in our town and they also celebrate the 4th by opening their doors for exploration from 10 am -5 pm. This is located on he north end of Main Avenue. They will be serving popcorn, lemonade and coffee throughout the day.
At 11 am, the American Legion Post 217 is having a Flag Ceremony at the famous Willie Walleye Hill. Locals and visitor alike are invited to watch as the enormous American Flag is raised flying as a beautiful symbol of our freedom.
Leave the Flag Ceremony at 11:30 and head to the VFW where the VFW Post 723 will be serving a pie and ice cream social.
Now comes another highlight of the celebration with the Kiddie Parade starting at 12:30. The Main Parade will start at 2 pm and travels from south to north on Main Ave. Parade Route starts at CHI LakeWood Health Center and the Baudette Arena.
Other events happening throughout the day include: Root Beer Flats from 12-3 pm in front of Lake of the Woods Distilling Company. Bingo from 3-5 pm at the American Legion Club, a Bobber Race located on the Rainy River sponsored by the Rotary Club at 6 pm, a free movie at the Grand Theater at 7 pm showing “Trolls Band Together” and also the Community Band performing from 7-8 pm in front of the Distillery.
Now comes the most beautiful event of the day to celebrate the 4th.
Baudette’s famous fireworks!! For a small town, this community outdoes itself showing this display. Fireworks are set off over the Baudette Bay with hundreds of spectators watching!!! The fireworks mirror off the water and the crowd oohs and awws watching this incredible collection set off. Thanks to many organizations and volunteers that contribute to continue this great celebration. Make your plans now to visit and celebrate with us at this beautiful location.
This recipe originally called for cod, however, Lake of the Woods Walleyes would make this recipe a must-keep taste treat.
I serve the beer battered fish with a ranch dressing and hot sauce mixture as a dip says Jenny Wenzel from the Gulf.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cornstarch
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer
2 cups crushed unsalted top saltines (about 40)
4 fillets (6 ounces each)
Oil for deep-fat frying
Directions
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, baking powder, salt, Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne and 1/2 cup flour. Stir in milk and beer until smooth. Place crackers and remaining flour in separate shallow bowls. Coat fillets with flour, then dip in batter and coat with crackers.
In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry fish in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
On the south end… This week was a great week of walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods. In addition, saugers, jumbo perch, some monster pike and an occasional crappie in the mix!
There are three fishing techniques being used to score Lake of the Woods gold (walleyes). First, drifting or slow trolling crawler harnesses. In a nutshell, using about a 2 ounce weight and a 3-4 foot harness with a spinner, two hooks and a crawler.
A tip for crawler harnesses, hook the dark part or head of the crawler on the front hook. Try to keep the crawler straight between the two hooks. Try to leave a few inches of crawler off of your last hook and pinch off the rest. The walleyes and saugers will still hit it, but you will create more hookups.
The second presentation is a jig and minnow or frozen emerald shiner. Basically locate fish out on the mud or on structure, anchor up and jig. If you are amongst fish, they will find you.
The third way walleyes are being caught, and some may be surprised about, is trolling crankbaits. Some have put on the trolling gear when the walleyes weren’t as cooperative or when the fish are spread out. Lots of success catching good numbers of walleyes and good sized fish.
Family with Big Pike at the Islands
Lots of fish out over deep mud or deep structure. The deep mud is holding a lot of walleyes in 21′ – 27′. Electronics will help you mark fish.
There is another shallow water bite still taking place anywhere from 5 – 17′. Much of the shallow bite has to do with feeding opportunities on various minnow spawns, crawfish and hatches. Not every walleye is targeting the same prey. Lots of opportunities. .
Gold, orange, chartreuse, glow and pink, or a combo of these colors, are a great place to start.
Anglers can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers. Up to 4 can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released. One fish over 28 inches may be kept. The possession limit in MN is one day’s possession. If you catch a limit, eat some fish and freeze a couple, make sure to count your remaining fish left over for your possession.
On the Rainy River… With some rain in the area, the river was flowing with a strong current and some debris this past week. Debris has slowed considerably and water clarity is starting to improve.
Water clarity is important for walleyes, saugers, pike and smallmouth bass. Sturgeon are much more dialed into scent to find their next meal, consequently, when the sturgeon season opens again on July 1st for the keep season, things should be good.
The fishing happening on the river is focused in areas just out of the current. Most fish will hang just off, able to grab a passing meal but not having to expend too much energy. Current can be good as it focuses fish in areas.
Jigging with a minnow is effective when you are on fish. Otherwise, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 – 12′ of water is producing a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass and an occasional crappie.
Up at the NW Angle… Fishing for a variety of species has been excellent and is in full summer swing up at the Angle.
For those fishing out of the NW Angle, both the Minnesota and Ontario waters of Lake of the Woods are producing a number of nice walleyes. Many fish have slid off onto deeper structure. With that said, there are so many areas of forage on LOW, walleyes will be in numerous spots, some shallow and some deeper, taking advantage of opportunities. Lots of fish to be had, just go fishing.
Jigging structure has been effective. When fish are a bit spread out, pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits is catching a lot of fish.
In this part of the lake, expect to catch walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, pike and smallmouth bass.
Muskie anglers are after it and reporting good numbers, and in true LOW style, some big fish over the 50 inch mark. Summer patterns are starting to take hold, but fish are holding in a variety of areas still.
Lodging, fishing packages, small boat guide trips, charter trips and summer trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
The NW Angle. It is the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, it is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin and it is home to 15 very picturesque resorts and cabin rentals. People travel here to experience world class fishing, breathtaking beauty and to simply relax. One of the things that makes this area so special are the considerations needed when traveling here. You see, if you drive to the Angle, you must travel through 40 miles of Canada. There is another way, however, in which you can remain in Minnesota, avoid customs and still reach one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Simply travel across the lake via boat!
Being an exclave, meaning a portion of Minnesota is completely surrounded by territory of another, in this case Canada, it is important to understand the different options of travel. Traveling to the NW Angle can be done a number of ways.
Fly to the Angle
If you are a pilot and own a plane with floats, you can fly up and land on the water near the resort you are staying. Easy, beautiful and popular amongst those who have float planes. Interestingly enough, planes also come up in the winter and land on the ice with skis on the plane. A local resort plows and maintains a runway when ice thickens, and in these parts, it thickens!
Drive to the Angle
A second way to travel to the Angle, as long as you have the proper credentials to cross into Canada, is to drive there. From the south end of the lake up to the Angle takes about an hour, with 40 miles of the journey in Canada. The drive is beautiful and many visitors have fun stopping at the small grocery store in Sprague, MB on their way up or back to pick up some Canadian foods not offered in the states.
Credentials needed to enter Canada. A passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license or a government issued ID combined with an original birth certificate. Canada also does not allow crossing into Canada if you have a felony on your record. A DUI is looked at as a felony per Canadian law, whereas it is looked at as a misdemeanor in the U.S.
Depending upon the offense, a non-resident of Canada may be able to apply for a certificate of rehabilitation, which if granted, would then make it again possible to travel via land into Canada.
Take Your Own Boat
The third way is to boat across the lake, staying in Minnesota waters and avoiding U.S. and Canada Customs. It is important to note, Lake of the Woods is a big lake. Across the water from the south shore up to the NW Angle, it is a 35-40 mile trip depending upon where you depart. If it gets windy, this lake can whip up some big waves. Boating across is really an option for an experienced boater with a good sized boat and motor with some good electronics which helps the journey be even that much easier.
Make Life Easy: Boat Across Using the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service
Another very convenient option is to use a passenger service. The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service offers (for a fee) a passenger service across the lake on one of their charter boats. Many who use a guide or rent a boat up at a NW Angle resort are taking advantage of this option. Parking is easy and a licensed charter captain leads your journey north via 27′ and 30′ charter boats designed to handle big water. The passenger service will drop you off at the NW Angle resort you are staying at and arrange for your return trip south when your vacation nears it’s end.
Another option is to put your people and gear aboard a charter boat and follow behind the charter in your own boat. This not only can make the ride much more comfortable for passengers but also lightens the load of your own boat making it more seaworthy. It also helps that a big charter boat is handling the navigation and breaking down the waves for you across the lake.
There are some guides up at the Angle who are planning on picking up guests on the south end, weather depending which makes traveling to the NW Angle that much easier. Communicate with your resort for all of the options.
Considerations if boating across on your own. Traveling across on your own can be a very viable option or a “not so good” of option depending upon a number of things. Here are a few considerations.
Is your boat seaworthy enough to cross 35 miles of big water?
How reliable is your motor?
How experienced is the captain?
Do you have flexibility in your schedule if weather is not good?
How seaworthy are your passengers on the boat?
Do you have reliable electronics and do you know how to use them?
is your bilge pump working?
Safety Equipment and considerations.
Is everyone wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD)
Have you checked all necessary safety equipment? (Fire extinguisher, throw cushion, marine band radio, cell phone with portable battery charger, flares, whistle, etc)
Do you navigation lights work? Do you have a spotlight or bright flashlight?
Have you contacted the resort or people at your final destination and communicated your travel plans?
Have you mapped out your route?
Where are you going to put in and depart from?
Have you lightened up your load for the boat to be safe?
Is your gear in waterproof bags or containers?
Do you have Navionics on your phone as a backup for navigation?
Have you checked the weather forecast?
Where can I launch and park my truck and trailer? There are a number of resorts who allow you to park your truck and trailer at their resort for a small fee if you are traveling up to a NW Angle resort. It is a good idea to contact these resorts and communicate your plans to make sure you know where to launch your boat and where they would like you to park your vehicle.
South Shore Parking Options…
–Arnesen’s Rocky Point. Located on the SW corner of the lake, Arnesen’s has a new harbor, a boat ramp and plenty of land for parking your rig.
–Wigwam Resort. Located on Wheeler’s Point, Wigwam is a couple of blocks away from the Wheeler’s Point public access.
–Border View Lodge. Border View Lodge is also located in the Wheeler’s Point area and is right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access.
Traveling to the NW Angle is a very special experience. This year for many, the normal way to travel up is going to be different. Once there, the few extra hurdles will be well worth it. With that being said, we all have to error on safety first. If you have any questions on traveling across the lake, we encourage you to contact your favorite resort or you can certainly contact us at Lake of the Woods Tourism as well. Have fun, enjoy the adventure, be safe.
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish or chopped dill pickle
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
fish and potatoes:
1-1/2 pounds baking potatoes (about 3 medium)
2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, divided
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
4 fillets
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
Malt vinegar, optional
Directions
For tartar sauce, in a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, relish and lemon zest. Refrigerate until serving.
Preheat oven to 400°. Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1-in.-thick wedges; toss with oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread evenly in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast until golden brown, stirring occasionally, 40-45 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast panko bread crumbs over medium-low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a shallow bowl; stir in seasoned bread crumbs.
Sprinkle cod with the remaining salt and pepper; spread top and sides of fish with mayonnaise. Dip in crumb mixture to cover mayonnaise, pressing firmly to help adhere. Place in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan, crumb side up. Sprinkle with any remaining crumb mixture. Bake until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, 12-15 minutes.
Toss potatoes with cheese and parsley. Serve fish and potatoes with tartar sauce and, if desired, vinegar.
The next time you’re up to Lake of the Woodsdon’t forget your golf clubs. There’s always time to squeeze in a quick round or maybe you only have time for 9 holes. The best part about Lake of the Woods is the variety of recreation you can enjoy while you’re vacationing here. Lake of the Woods is a renown fishery and is known as the Walleye Capital of the World. After you’ve caught your limit and have eaten at one of the local dining areas that fix your catch of the day. Head out to the Course and hit a few balls.
If you’re staying near Baudette on the Rainy River or at any of our south shore resorts, Oak Harbor Golf Course is your stop. This beautiful 18 hole, par 72 championship course will provide golfers of all skill levels and abilities with fair, enjoyable and exciting
golf experiences. The vintage front nine, created in 1968, offers a true and natural layout nestled along the Rainy River with scenic fairways carved into mature and heavily wooded confines. Also check them out at: www.facebook.com/oakharborgolflakeofthewoods/
The newly designed back nine is a Scottish link style with fairway and greenside bunkers, large ponds and quick greens. It features a fairway bunker that is self-proclaimed to be the world’s largest walleye attraction. Located 9 miles north of Baudette, Minnesota on Highway 172. The course itself is 6549 yards long from the tips.
The greens are firm so even some the best will be challenged. Oak Harbor Golf Course also comes with a full bar and grill which is quite the eye catching hangout after a round to have some of your favorite beverages. Tournaments, leagues, and events are held here and can be viewed on the course webpage.
Youth are taught to golf through the high school program at Lake of the Woods Schools. They have had great success over the years as they compete in tournaments around the area.
The Northwest Angle Golf Course also provides a chance to golf will visiting. The course has 2 grass greens and 7 sand greens. The sand is local sand and is firm so you can actually putt on it. As Risser says, “Sometimes it isn’t as smooth as the grass so you have to hit the ball a bit harder.” Everyone is putting on the same green so it is equal across the board.
Yes, it’s still open. Yes, 9 holes with sand greens. Unique hazards – deer, geese and other critters on the fairways . Small clubhouse, men’s and women’s leagues. On-site post office . Owned by Judy and George Risser. 223-8001.
There is an etiquette to using sand greens that is good to know. A special two sides rake is used to groom the green. One side of the rake is toothed to create grooves in the sand. The other side is smooth to create a smooth putting surface to the hole. Two holes border the water, holes #4 and #5. The scenery on this course cannot be beat. And neither can the hospitality.
Angle Inlet, MN is a small community and having a golf course is a privilege. There are leagues, tournaments, etc. just like a normal golf course. The course rents clubs, has balls and tees and actually has two golf carts for rent that they keep in the storage sheds across the road. “Everyone is welcomed” so come and enjoy.
The next time you are up to fish or on vacation throw the clubs in the car, you never know if you will need them for a quick round or two.
On the south end… The walleyes are biting! A great week of fishing with a combination of jigging and pulling spinners the go to methods.
Most walleye fishing is taking place between 21 – 24′ of water. When you locate fish on your electronics, either anchor up and jig or simply drift with spinners and crawlers (or troll if there is no wind) through the schools.
When jigging, gold combined with a bright color such as glow white, pink, orange or chartreuse is a hard combo to beat. Use a fathead minnow, rainbow or a frozen emerald shiner.
When hooking the minnow, it is helpful to hook the minnow through the mouth and out the gills, pushing the minnow all the way up the hook to the jig head. Re-hook the minnow as far back as possible. This will catch the short biting fish.
Use a two ounce bottom bouncer with a two or three hook snelled spinner and a nightcrawler. Some good blade colors are gold or gold combined with gold, orange, glow red or pink.
As happens most years in June, another good walleye bite fired up in various areas of the south shore in 5 – 10 feet of water. Oftentimes, minnows spawning pulls in hungry walleyes creating some excellent fishing.
Some big walleyes over 30 inches being caught, along with the eaters, smalls and slot fish between 19.5 – 28 inches that must be released.
Anglers can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers. Up to 4 can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released. One fish over 28 inches may be kept.
On the Rainy River… The river is flowing with a strong current. Consequently, fish are being found in areas just out of the current.
Jigging with a minnow is effective when you are on fish. Otherwise, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits along shoreline breaks against the current in 6 – 12′ of water is producing a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass and an occasional crappie.
The Lake Sturgeon season opens July 1st.
Trophy Walleye Caught on Charter
The river is a great summer option with 42 miles of navigable river and many nice boat ramps.
Up at the NW Angle… The fish are snapping up at the Angle. Another great week of fishing amongst the 14,552 islands in these parts.
Minnesota waters are producing nice walleyes. Some fish being found off of deeper structure. Some nice opportunities are shallow based on forage, hatches, minnows spawning, etc.
Pulling spinners with shiners or crawlers has been effective. When you are on “a spot on a spot”, jigging is the best technique.
Trolling crankbaits is working well and is a nice way to cover water and put your lure in front of a lot of fish.
In addition to walleyes, saugers, pike, jumbo perch, crappies, pike and smallmouth bass are also in the mix.
Muskie anglers caught some nice fish this past week. No specific pattern as the cold spring has fish still settling into summer. The lake boasts a healthy population of fish, many in excess of 50 inches.
Lodging, fishing packages, small boat guide trips, charter trips and summer trips are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
There are a lot of great resorts on Lake of the Woods. One resort received very special recognition this week by a national media outlet, USA Today. Ballard’s Resort, located on the Rainy River, was chosen in a reader’s choice poll as one of the 10 best fishing lodges in the U.S.
“This winter, we received an email notifying us that we were in the running. You never know how legitimate these things are. And then last week, we received notification that we were number nine on the list. Today we saw the article,” explains Jessie Anthony, one of the owners and operators of the resort.
“This award is very humbling,” explains Anthony. “We are so incredibly proud of our entire crew. It feels really good!”
Ballard’s Resort has been around 63 years when it was originally founded by Keith and Rosie Ballard. Keith Ballard was only 47 years old when he passed away. With the future of the resort in question, a 21 year old son, Steve Ballard, took on the responsibility of ownership.
In 1989, Gary Moeller joined the business and began working with Ballard’s. In the early 2,000’s, Moeller became a partner and is still active in the business today. During the summer months, you will find him running Ballard’s Black Island, a resort on an island located on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods. The rest of the year, he works out of the Rainy River location.
In 2004, with Jessie Anthony’s father, Steve Ballard, eyeing up retirement, Nick and Jessie Anthony made the decision to join Ballard’s and are leading the business along with Gary Moeller to this day.
This is the segment of the USA Today article that spoke of Ballard’s Resort.
No. 9: Ballard’s Resort – Baudette, Minnesota
Situated on the shores of Lake of the Woods, a paradise for anglers in North America, four-season Ballard’s Resort matches guests with guides who know the region’s waters, fishing hot spots, and seasonal patterns so you can snag trophy walleye, perch, northern pike, and sturgeon. Relax in a tidy cabin or in the spacious lodge with a bar, restaurant, and calming waterfront views.
People are a big part, and often the most important part, of any business, certainly a resort. “We are so thankful for a great staff,” Jessie Anthony exclaimed as she reflected on the article and recognition.
Resort owners work very hard. Some compare the profession and commitment to a dairy farm, as there is always something to do and you typically work long hours. Every once in a while, something reminds these entrepreneurs why they do what they do. I think it is safe to say, this is certainly one of them.
Where can I launch and park my truck and trailer? There are a number of resorts who allow you to park your truck and trailer at their resort for a small fee if you are traveling up to a NW Angle resort. It is a good idea to contact these resorts and communicate your plans to make sure you know where to launch your boat and where they would like you to park your vehicle.
