French Potato Salad and Fresh Walleye

Try this great recipe with your next fresh Walleye Dinner

Ingredients

  • 1 pound baby red potatoes
  • 1 pound baby yellow potatoes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

    walleye
    French Potato Salad
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon each minced fresh chervil, parsley and chives
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

Directions

  1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender. Remove potatoes to a colander with a slotted spoon; cool slightly. Return water to a boil. Add garlic; cook, uncovered, 1 minute. Remove garlic and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry; mince. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid.
  2. Cut cooled potatoes into 1/4-inch slices. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk reserved cooking liquid, oil, vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, salt and pepper until blended. Pour over potato mixture; toss gently to coat. Gently stir in remaining ingredients. Serve warm or at room temperature.

You can enjoy French potato salad at any temperature, but my personal favorite is chilled. This light potato salad with no mayo and lots of fresh herbs is simple and a perfect side dish for any summer cookout!

If you’re looking to add a little more to your French potato salad, try capers! You can finely chop them and add them to your dressing or use them whole as a garnish. Capers add bold salty flavor, along with some acidity, to any dish.

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

PHOTO BY TASTE OF HOME

Need a Change? Amazing LOW Employment Opportunities Available

employment
Checking the Ice

Are you seeking an employment change?  Maybe you are an adventure seeker?  Work up at Lake of the Woods!  Many resorts, hotels and others are Now Hiring.  Did you know most people regret not taking enough chances in life and simply settling?  Are you someone who has visited Lake of the Woods and thought, “I could live here?”  This is a great time to consider Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods isn’t just a great place to fish, hunt and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s an excellent place to find good employment and do business. Not only is there a steady flow of visitors, there is a thriving local economy that boasts an educated workforce, world-class technology and an abundance of resources for those recipe interested in opening, relocating or expanding a business. This area is a dream getaway.  Lake of the Woods employment opportunities abound.

People visit Lake of the Woods County for the stunning international waters and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Minnesota. Lake of the Woods offers four seasons of world-class fishing, a hunter’s paradise and a vast array of outdoor recreation.  Winter is one of the busiest seasons at Lake of the Woods.  The world class ice fishing, consistent ice conditions, daytime bite, millions of walleyes and saugers, and great resort community cater to anglers from many regions. sunset lodge

Many couples have found success working amongst the resorts as there are a number of important jobs available.  This is hospitality at its finest.  Imagine the possibilities, ice guide, front desk, housekeeping, cook, servers, marketing and business managers, and bartenders.  Lots of opportunities right now across the lake as resorts have openings and are staffing up.

employment
Northwest Angle

Do you have a favorite resort?  If so, give them a call and inquire directly about openings.  Opportunities await across the lake (and river).

Employment Opportunities!  Have you ever thought about working in an area you love to vacation?  There are a variety of opportunities and many have taken the step to work where they play and area businesses are hiring.  Imagine fishing, hunting and simply living in an area people travel across the country to get to!

Right now, area resorts are looking for valued employees for a variety of positions.  Whether it is an ice guide, working the front desk, cleaning rooms, food service, various hospitality positions, outside maintenance, marketing and the list goes on.

A listing of local resorts can be found on the Lake of the Woods Tourism lodging page.  Resorts are hiring on their resort websites, some on Facebook, and some positions may not be listed at all but there is still a need.

employment It is sometimes good if you are looking for work, to simply pick up the phone, call and inquire about open positions.  It has been said about 80% of potential open positions are not advertised for.  As a candidate for employment, this is also a good technique that also shows your willingness to work.

Quality healthcare and education.  People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the community. We take pride in our outstanding healthcare and nationally-recognized education with Lake of the Woods Schools ranking very high in Minnesota schools. There are positive things happening all around, such as the Lake of the Woods International Arena, a great international bridge to Canada, new owners of Lake of the Woods Foods, Caribou Coffee, and a sweet distillery on Main Street.

As the winter months approach, many of the resorts are looking for good people to takeGet Hooked for Life advantage of excellent Lake of the Woods employment opportunities. Again, winter fishing on LOW is known to be some of the best in the world. Look no further than Here for many of the employment vacancies!

Right now there are openings and various area employers would love to meet with you. Visit www.gethookedforlife.com for more valuable information and also www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.  Another good option is to look at the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging page.  Many of the resorts and hotels are hiring for a variety of positions, email them or give them a call.

Also see our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

 

 

Fishing Report 10.29.2024

On the South Shore…  Now is prime time to head up to Lake of the Woods (LOW) and the Rainy River as fall fishing is in full swing!  With plenty of limits of walleyes and saugers being caught, and a favorable weather forecast, anglers are enjoying some excellent fishing.

Dress for Comfort: With cooler mornings, dressing in layers is essential. Ice fishing gear is ideal for early mornings, and you can shed layers as the day warms. A warm hat and gloves or mittens are also handy.

The best bite on the south end of LOW has been in 22-28 feet of water. Water temperatures are dropping and as the temps cool further, the bite has been excellent. fishing

Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners remains highly effective. Bring plenty of bait, as you’ll need to sort through some smaller fish, but you’re likely to land keepers as well as larger walleyes. Anglers have also reported good numbers of jumbo perch and occasional pike mixed in with the walleyes.

Good Jig Colors: This week’s hot colors have been gold, gold/glow white, gold/chartreuse, gold/orange, and gold/pink.

On the Rainy River…  Shiners and walleyes continue to move into the Rainy River, making it an ideal spot for targeting large walleyes. Anglers are experiencing success up and down the river, especially in areas throughout Four Mile Bay.  Walleyes are being caught in various depths, but 15-25 feet of water has been good.

Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners has been highly effective. Some anglers are also trolling crankbaits to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results.

Sturgeon Fishing: With cooler days and shorter daylight hours, sturgeon activity has picked up. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open, providing anglers with an exciting opportunity to hook into these prehistoric giants.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing is firing on all cylinders up at the Angle, where walleyes continue to be concentrated around traditional areas with structure. Points, neck-down areas with current, shoreline breaks, and transition zones from rock to mud are all productive locations for walleye right now.

In addition to walleyes, anglers are catching pike, jumbo perch, and crappies. Using a jig and minnow is a tried-and-true approach and continues to yield excellent results.

Muskie fishing is also hot this time of year, with anglers casting and trolling to find these predators. Big muskies over 50 inches are being caught and released.

For those looking to enjoy some fall fishing at its finest, now is the time to head to Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. With cooling water temps, great weather on the horizon, and prime fishing conditions, it’s a fantastic opportunity to jig up some walleyes and saugers for a fish fry. So, bundle up, gather your gear, and come experience the unforgettable fishing that awaits you up north!

For more information on fall and winter fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Why Anglers Should Head to Lake of the Woods and Rainy River During Deer Hunting Season

Joe Henry, Rainy River fall walleye

Why Anglers Should Head to Lake of the Woods and Rainy River During Deer Hunting Season

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Joe Henry, Rainy River fall walleye

Deer hunting season is nearly here, and for many outdoor enthusiasts, it brings an annual dilemma: to hunt or to fish? While Minnesota’s deer hunting season is a tradition passed down through generations, there’s another activity competing for attention in the north woods—walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. This time of year presents a unique opportunity for anglers to catch some of the largest walleyes of the season, all while others are occupied in deer stands. If you’re an angler—or even a hunter who’s already filled your tag—there’s no better place to be than these world-class fishing waters.

A Bounty of Walleyes During the Fall

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are famous for their autumn walleye runs. In late October, emerald shiners, a small baitfish, begin their spawning run up the Rainy River. As they move upstream, they draw in schools of hungry walleyes, creating one of the most exciting fishing windows of the year. Walleyes chase these shiners aggressively, giving anglers the chance to hook into trophy-sized fish.

This “walleye run” is no secret among seasoned anglers. Each year, as deer hunters prepare to take to the woods, those who prefer to fish—or those who bag their deer early—find themselves reaping the rewards on the water. The walleyes that are caught during deer hunting week are often some of the biggest and most impressive of the season. The combination of cooler water temperatures, abundant baitfish, and fewer crowds makes this time perfect for landing your next personal best.

Why Choose Fishing Over Deer Hunting?

For those torn between hunting and fishing, it’s important to remember that deer hunting season is relatively short and steeped in tradition. For many, it’s a non-negotiable event. However, if you’re someone who either doesn’t hunt, or if you’ve already had success in the woods, the opportunity to switch gears and enjoy some of the finest walleye fishing of the year is too good to pass up.

The great news is that Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are both fishing hot spots this time of year, with reports of strong walleye activity. Anglers have been catching walleyes in front of Pine Island in about 20 feet of water, as large schools of these fish are feeding on shiners. Whether you prefer jigging or trolling with crankbaits, you’ll find success as these fish are actively feeding in preparation for the winter months.

The Rainy River: A Prime Spot for Fall Walleyes

The Rainy River stretches over 40 miles, from 4 Mile Bay near Lake of the Woods all the way to Birchdale, offering anglers plenty of room to find a quiet, productive spot. Walleye fishing on the river can be fast and furious, and the chance of landing a trophy fish is always high. Anglers have reported catching fish throughout the river system, making it an excellent alternative if you want to avoid the open waters of the lake or if the weather conditions aren’t ideal.

Many anglers choose to jig while targeting these fish in the river. Live bait, particularly shiners or minnows, are popular choices, but artificial jigs work just as well. For those who prefer covering more ground, trolling crankbaits is another effective method. Both techniques have proven successful in recent weeks, and the fishing is only expected to improve as the season progresses.

The Northwest Angle: A Hidden Gem

While Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are known for their fantastic walleye fishing, the Northwest Angle offers even more opportunities for anglers this time of year. The Angle is famous for not only walleyes but also muskies and crappies. Many anglers travel to the Angle specifically for the chance to catch a monster muskie. Fall is prime muskie season, and fish over 50 inches are common. Anglers can either cast or troll for muskies, with both techniques producing impressive results.

For those interested in panfish, fall crappie fishing at the Angle is exceptional. The crappies tend to school up, with most fish falling in the 11 to 15-inch range, making for a fun and rewarding day on the water. It’s not uncommon to pull in a few 14-inch slabs, which are the kind of fish crappie anglers dream about.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity

The combination of a strong walleye bite and the relative quietness on the lake during deer hunting season creates the perfect conditions for a successful fishing trip. Many hunters are in the woods, which means fewer boats on the water and less competition at the boat ramps. You’ll have more of the lake to yourself, which can make the experience even more enjoyable.

For those traveling to Lake of the Woods or the Rainy River during this time, local resorts are well-prepared to welcome both hunters and anglers. Accommodations, bait, and guides are available to ensure your trip is a success, whether you’re on the hunt for a trophy walleye or simply want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the area.

The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you’re a dedicated angler or a hunter looking for a change of pace after a successful day in the stand, the fall walleye run on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. With the chance to catch some of the biggest walleyes of the year, and the beautiful fall scenery, it’s no wonder so many outdoors enthusiasts choose to spend their time on the water during deer season.

So, this November, if you’re in the north woods, why not take advantage of the amazing fishing opportunities that Lake of the Woods has to offer? You just might catch the walleye of a lifetime.

walleye fishing lake of the woods
Lake of the Woods Fishing
Nicole Stone, fall Rainy River walleye

New Signs Guide Travelers Through the Northwest Angle

2024 NW Angle billboard, new signs at NW Angle

New Signs Guide Travelers Through the Northwest Angle

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2024 NW Angle billboard, new signs at NW Angle

A Welcomed Update

The Northwest Angle, a hidden gem at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, is known for its welcoming spirit and scenic beauty. This year, several signs in the region have been updated or newly created to enhance the experience for visitors. These signs are essential in helping travelers navigate through the Angle’s winding roads and remote pathways, offering both direction and a warm introduction to this unique corner of Minnesota.

Updating the Old to Meet Modern Needs

Among the recent changes are six signs that have been guiding travelers for over 20 years. These signs, weathered by time but essential for navigating the remote roads, were in need of a facelift. Some of these are critical directional signs that assist visitors in making the right turns as they travel through Canada en route to the Angle. These signs have now been updated, ensuring that travelers have clear and concise directions, whether they are seasoned visitors or first-time adventurers.

One of the key locations where signage plays a vital role is at Jim’s Corner. For many visitors, Jim’s Corner is the first real indication that they are about to enter the heart of the Northwest Angle. Here, several signs have been updated to guide travelers to their final destination, whether it’s a resort tucked away on the shoreline or the popular boating launch point at Young’s Bay. With these fresh, easy-to-read signs, the process of navigating this sometimes-confusing area has been significantly improved.

New Signage to Greet and Guide

Beyond the updates to these long-standing signs, the Northwest Angle has also introduced a few new signs that are helping to modernize its image while keeping the charm intact. At the entrance of the NW Angle, a new billboard greets visitors with a warm welcome, setting the tone for their adventure in this magical place. This new billboard doesn’t just serve as a visual marker—it embodies the essence of “Minnesota Nice” that the Angle is known for.

In addition to the billboard, another new sign has quickly become an essential tool for visitors. About a year ago, a detailed map of the Northwest Angle was installed. This map showcases the entire region, highlighting various landmarks, resorts, and areas of interest. The map has become invaluable for those unfamiliar with the area, offering a clear overview that helps them get their bearings.

This new map can be found in two key locations: Jim’s Corner and next to the northernmost buoy near Young’s Bay. These two spots are often the first stops for travelers entering the Angle, making it an ideal place for visitors to get acquainted with the layout of the region. Whether someone is heading to a cozy lakeside cabin, launching their boat, or planning a day trip to one of the region’s many attractions, the new map ensures they’ll have a clear sense of where they are and where they’re headed.

A Tradition of Warmth and Hospitality

The Northwest Angle has always prided itself on being a welcoming place, offering unmatched hospitality to those who make the journey. The addition and updating of these signs further solidify that tradition. For those unfamiliar with the area, the Angle can feel remote and hard to navigate, especially as it requires crossing into Canada to reach. But with the newly updated signage, travelers can feel confident in their journey, knowing they will be guided with care.

What’s more, these signs serve as a reminder that while the Northwest Angle is remote, it is also a vibrant community that is ready to embrace visitors with open arms. The updated directional signs, the welcoming billboard, and the new map all work together to enhance the overall experience of exploring the Angle, making it easier for everyone to appreciate the region’s beauty and charm.

Navigating the Magic of the NW Angle

Whether you’re dropping a boat in at Young’s Bay, looking for your resort, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, the new and updated signs are there to make the journey smoother. With the perfect blend of modern convenience and classic Minnesota hospitality, the signage throughout the Northwest Angle continues to reflect the heart and soul of this one-of-a-kind destination. So next time you find yourself in this northern paradise, take a moment to appreciate the thoughtful details that help make the Angle such a magical place to explore.

NW Angle directional sign 2024
New NW Angle Map near Buoy