Dining-A Pleasure at Lake of the Woods

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Prime Rib at the Islands

Dining at the Walleye Capital of the World™ is a unique and incredible experience. We are speaking of Lake of the Woods. One of the best kept secrets of our area is all of the dining availability here. Between the City of Baudette and the resort area, there are enough dining places for you to eat at a different location every night of the month if you so desire.

Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World with many varieties of fish and other sportsman adventures throughout the area. If you’re planning a vacation and bringing the whole family, it’s also important to plan your dining experience and where you will find it.

Let’s take a dining journey to see what there is to offer. Of course, I will not be able to mention all the possibilities, but I can assure you, each business has excellent choices.  If you are interested in pizza, there are many options both in the City of Baudette and at the resort community.  Subway, Teco’s Tacos and McDonalds are available for quick take-out items as well as a few Mom and Pop restaurants.

As you head towards the lake area, locals will tell you to try the pizza at a couple of resorts where one night is set aside as pizza night with

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Homemade Pizza

special homemade pizza loaded with whatever toppings you enjoy. Resorts offer specials to the local clientele and their customers whether it’s prime rib, shrimp, blackened walleye, or liver and onions. How about great Bar-B-Que ribs or all you can eat tacos. Lake of the Woods Dining offers it all. Have you ever eaten walleye cheeks? Amazing!!

Views are very important to enhance the dining experience. Lake of the Woods is divided into three strategic areas:  the Rainy River area, the South Shore and of course, the beautiful Northwest Angle. Choose a resort that is along the river and watch the activity of the many many launches as they travel the river taking their customers out to the great waters to find their favorite dining taste treat….the walleye.

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Try a Buffet

Anglers can bring in their fresh catch and chefs will prepare their walleye for the greatest taste treat. Nothing is better than tasting that fresh catch surrounded by your favorite potatoes and salad for your dining pleasure. Some resorts offer burgers or steaks cooked over an open grill even in the cold winter months.

Another area of interest is dining viewing the Big Traverse Bay area. This is the biggest portion of the lake where you actually cannot see land when you’re in the middle of it. It looks like the ocean or even the Great Lakes. Mentioning this, LOW is the largest fresh-water lake next to the Great Lakes. It’s an enormous body of water, sharing its boundaries with the country of Canada. dining

You can see water for miles and miles and the sight is only enhanced while dining on steak sandwiches, shrimp baskets or even walleye cheeks. Each dining facility at Lake of the Woods has its own unique character and it only enhances that dining experience.

How welcoming is it to come in from ice fishing on the big lake to the warm atmosphere of fireplaces and the smell of good food and warm beverages to warm up the body and sooth the soul while dining at some of the best places in the world. Many establishments also offer live entertainment and big screen TVs for your evening entertainment.

Check out our local newspaper, facebook or even the local cable channel to find the greatest menus at each resort. It’s your pick and your taste-buds pleasure for dining at Lake of the Woods.

For more information, see our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Click Here for a list of great Lake of the Woods Lodging Options.

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

Baked Walleye with Vegetables

walleye

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 small zucchini, julienned
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 4 walleye fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

  1. In a nonstick skillet, cook onion in oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini and mushrooms; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle with pepper and garlic powder; stir in lemon juice. Cook and stir 30 seconds longer. Remove from heat; stir in 1 teaspoon cheese.
  2. Place fillets in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top each fillet with about 1/4 cup onion mixture. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
walleye

Fishing Report 12.31.2024

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to report solid ice conditions. A colder weather pattern is expected over the next couple of weeks, which will further strengthen ice and ensure safe and productive fishing. Many resorts have sleeper fish houses on the ice, offering anglers the chance to spend extended time fishing in comfort.

Most fishing activity is happening in 24-30 feet of water, where anglers are reporting steady action. While some sorting is required to find keeper-sized fish, buckets are being filled with quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up to surprise anglers as well.

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole.  In the jigging hole, your favorite jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors.  Rattles can help as well in the stained water.

On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom is working well.

Although every ice road is different, many are now allowing mid-sized vehicles as ice thickness improves. Be sure to check with your ice road operator for specific conditions and weight limits to ensure a safe outing.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River continues to produce great results for those heading out. Anglers are catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been excellent, offering a thrilling battle for anglers seeking a unique challenge. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing going strong up at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success.

The NW Angle is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to ensure safe ice conditions, with marked trails and ready-to-fish houses set up for a seamless experience.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for details.

Good news for snowmobilers: the snowmobile trail from the south end of the lake across the ice to the Northwest Angle is staked and open!  Scratchers are recommended with some melting snow last week.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates on ice conditions, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Happy Holidays from Lake of the Woods Tourism! Tight lines and safe fishing!

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My First Day in a Lake of the Woods Fish House This Year… Awesome!!

Joe Henry in a Lake of the Woods fish house with a limit of walleyes and saugers

My First Day in a Lake of the Woods Fish House This Year… Awesome!!

Joe Henry in a Lake of the Woods fish house with a limit of walleyes and saugers

It Never Gets Old

There’s something magical about ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. From the beauty of the frozen expanse to the thrill of reeling in walleyes and saugers, it’s an experience that captures the essence of Minnesota winters. On a recent day out on the south end of the lake, Joe Henry shared his ice fishing report from the warmth of a heated fish house, detailing a strategy that led to an exceptionally productive outing.

Light ice rig, full service ice fishing, Lake of the Woods
Border View Lodge fish house on Lake of the Woods

The One-Two Punch Strategy

The key to success on this particular day was employing the “one-two punch” technique, a tried-and-true method for ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. This approach involves using two fishing holes: one for jigging and the other for deadsticking with a live minnow. This combination covers a variety of fish moods and behaviors, making it highly effective for catching both active and finicky fish.

Joe and his fishing partner relied on two jigging lures that proved to be incredibly effective:

Lindy Rattling Flyer Spoon in red and glow red: The loud rattles and bright colors attracted fish from a distance, enticing strikes.


The Rapala Rippin’ Rap in gold: Its vibration and rattles, combined with the gold color made it irresistible to hungry walleyes and saugers.


Meanwhile, the deadstick setup did the heavy lifting, accounting for the majority of their catches. Joe used a Lindy Tungsten Toad jig in chartreuse, tipped with a lively fathead minnow. The bait was placed about six inches off the bottom, a prime position to tempt walleyes and saugers cruising the lakebed. This setup proved especially effective for the more cautious fish, resulting in steady action throughout the day.

A Day of Nonstop Action

The fish were biting, and the anglers were reeling in walleyes and saugers at an impressive pace. By the day’s end, they had caught more than two limits of fish, a testament to the health and abundance of Lake of the Woods’ fishery. The combination of jigging and deadsticking ensured that they could adapt to the fish’s behavior, maximizing their success.

But the day wasn’t just about the fish—it was about the overall experience. The camaraderie between Joe and his fishing partner, the comfortable warmth of the fish house, and the joy of being out on the ice made for an unforgettable outing.

Comfort and Convenience on the Ice

One of the unique aspects of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is the full-service experience provided by the local resorts and outfitters. From the moment they arrived, Joe and his fishing partner were treated to top-notch service.

The heated fish house, prepped and ready for their arrival, featured holes that had been drilled and cleaned, with the thermostat set to a cozy 70 degrees. Throughout the day, their ice guide checked in to ensure everything was running smoothly, offering tips and assistance as needed.

At the end of the day, the guide returned to help them pack up their gear and transported them back to the resort in a heated light ice trailer. Once back, their fish were cleaned for travel—a service that makes the transition from lake to home seamless. For those staying overnight, the resort even offers to cook fresh catches, turning a successful day on the ice into a delicious meal.

General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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Snowmobiling in the Lake of the Woods Area: A Winter Wonderland for Riders

Snowmobiles at a NW Angle Resort. Snowmobiling Lake of the Woods

Snowmobiling in the Lake of the Woods Area: A Winter Wonderland for Riders

Snowmobiles at a NW Angle Resort. Snowmobiling Lake of the Woods

Snowmobiling enthusiasts, take note: the Lake of the Woods area in northern Minnesota is a hidden gem for those seeking pristine trails, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled adventure. While the region is often celebrated for its world-class fishing, it is equally impressive as a snowmobiling destination, offering over 400 miles of groomed trails that weave through forests, along frozen waterways, and across one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States.

Trail Updates and Current Conditions

It is always good news when the trail from the south end of Lake of the Woods near Wheeler’s Point to the Northwest Angle is officially staked. This trail offers locals, visitors and anglers a nice snowmobiling option up to the Angle.  This iconic route connects snowmobilers to the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the contiguous United States, creating an unforgettable winter journey.

The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club, located on the south end of the lake, does a nice job on their Facebook page of keeping riders up to date on what current trail conditions are.  As always, riders are urged to exercise caution, especially around ditch grades, creeks, rivers, and beaver pond areas and watch for areas with some brush over the trail.

At the northern end of the lake, the Northwest Angle Edge Riders snowmobile club also does a nice job of keeping riders informed of current trail conditions, both on their Facebook page and their website.  Resorts are open as are trails to the resorts.  For those planning to explore this region, the club recommends working closely with local resorts for guidance and trail updates.

 

A Vast Network of Trails

With more than 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, the Lake of the Woods area is a haven for riders looking to explore the stunning wilderness of northern Minnesota. This extensive trail system offers connections in every direction, making it an ideal destination for long-distance snowmobiling adventures.

To the West: Trails connect to the Roseau County and Kittson County groomed trails, which extend all the way into North Dakota.
To the South: Riders can access the Beltrami Island State Forest trails, offering hundreds of miles of logging trails through scenic forests.
To the East: The Northern Connection links up with the groomed Voyageur Trail West and the Arrowhead Trail, providing additional routes for exploration.
The combination of these trails with the frozen expanses of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River creates a snowmobiling experience that is as diverse as it is thrilling.

There are two very good snowmobile clubs in the Lake of the Woods area.  

On the south end of Lake of the Woods is the Lake of the Woods Drifters.  Up at the NW Angle is the NW Angle Edge Riders.  Both do a nice job of updating trail reports on their Facebook pages.

Unique Features of Snowmobiling in the Area

What sets the Lake of the Woods area apart from other snowmobiling destinations is its unique blend of natural beauty, extensive trail networks, and the relatively low number of sleds. Riders can enjoy the tranquility of the northern wilderness without the crowds often found at other popular snowmobiling spots.

The region also offers unparalleled variety in terrain, from the wide-open spaces of the frozen lake to the dense forests and rolling hills of northern Minnesota. For those seeking an unforgettable journey, the Can-Am Trail provides access to the Northwest Angle and surrounding islands, offering a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.

Additionally, the area is home to dozens of resorts, providing convenient rest stops where snowmobilers can warm up, grab a bite to eat, and socialize with fellow riders. This combination of natural splendor and hospitality makes Lake of the Woods a snowmobiling destination unlike any other.

Plan Your Adventure

With excellent conditions already reported and more trails opening daily, now is the perfect time to plan your snowmobiling trip to Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the sport, this area offers something for everyone, from scenic rides through snow-covered forests to exhilarating runs across the frozen expanse of the lake.

Before heading out, be sure to check trail updates from local snowmobile clubs like the Lake of the Woods Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders. These organizations work tirelessly to maintain the trails and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

For more information on snowmobiling in the Lake of the Woods area, including maps, trail updates, and lodging options, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Whether you’re drawn by the beauty of the big lake, the challenge of the trails, or the camaraderie of fellow snowmobilers, Lake of the Woods is ready to deliver a winter adventure you won’t soon forget. Dust off your sled, pack your gear, and get ready to explore one of Minnesota’s best-kept snowmobiling secrets!

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General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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