Destination LOW: A Charter Boat Fishing Experience on Lake of the Woods

LODGING

MAPS & TRAILS

ICE FISHING

Destination LOW: A Charter Boat Fishing Experience on Lake of the Woods

Destination LOW, summer fishing at Border View Lodge on Lake of the Woods

Destination LOW: A Charter Boat Fishing Experience on Lake of the Woods

Lake of The Woods is the home of hundreds of professional fishing guides, many of which run charter boats, that dedicate their life to helping customers catch fish. From the daily grind of a fishing guide to a world class operation and everything in between, we take a behind the scenes look of one of the top destinations on this massive body of water, share the inside story of the summer fishing operations at at Border View Lodge and help try to tell Captain Ben’s story.

Experience Full-Service Charter Fishing on Lake of the Woods

For those looking to enjoy a hassle-free, action-packed day on the water, full-service charter fishing on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota is a top choice. Known as the Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods delivers incredible fishing, breathtaking scenery, and unmatched hospitality—and charter fishing makes it easier than ever to enjoy it all.

Step Aboard and Fish

Charter fishing is designed to be easy and successful. Guests simply step aboard, and everything else is taken care of. From rods and reels to tackle and bait, it’s all included. A licensed charter captain leads the way, bringing decades of experience and local knowledge to the table. They’ll put you on fish, assist with baiting hooks, and offer helpful tips to anglers of all skill levels.

At the end of the day, your captain will even clean and package your catch for you. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, you can relax and focus on reeling in walleyes, saugers, pike and more.

Big Boats, Big Water, Big Comfort

Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water, but charter boats are built to handle it. These sturdy, spacious vessels typically hold up to six anglers and offer a comfortable ride even on choppy days. Most boats are equipped with restrooms, covered areas to get out of the sun or wind, and ample room to move around while fishing.

Charter fishing is ideal for families, company outings, casual anglers, or special events like bachelor and bachelorette parties. It’s a fun, social experience that anyone can enjoy—no experience necessary.

At the end of the day, your captain will even clean and package your catch for you. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, you can relax and focus on reeling in walleyes, saugers, pike and more.

Stay and Play in Style

Full-service resorts line the shores of Lake of the Woods, offering a wide range of accommodations including cozy cabins, spacious villas, and comfortable lodge rooms. Many resorts are located right on the lake, providing stunning views and convenient access to the dock.

After a great day on the water, relax with a cocktail at one of the area’s many woodsy northern Minnesota bars, or sit down to a hearty meal at a local restaurant. Many restaurants will even cook your fresh catch, adding delicious sides and fixings for the ultimate local dining experience.

At the end of the day, your captain will even clean and package your catch for you. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, you can relax and focus on reeling in walleyes, saugers, pike and more.

Plan Your Getaway

Lake of the Woods is tucked away in Minnesota’s scenic north, offering that “away from it all” feeling while still being surprisingly accessible. The main entry point, Baudette, MN, is located at the southern end of the lake. Here’s how far it is from several regional cities:

Minneapolis, MN – 312 miles
Fargo, ND – 164 miles
Sioux Falls, SD – 356 miles
Des Moines, IA – 424 miles
Eau Claire, WI – 296 miles
Duluth, MN – 208 miles
Omaha, NE – 476 miles
Chicago, IL – 598 miles

Once you arrive, everything is waiting for you—comfortable lodging, top-notch fishing, and friendly northern hospitality.

After a great day on the water, relax with a cocktail at one of the area’s many woodsy northern Minnesota bars, or sit down to a hearty meal at a local restaurant. Many restaurants will even cook your fresh catch, adding delicious sides and fixings for the ultimate local dining experience.

At the end of the day, your captain will even clean and package your catch for you. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, you can relax and focus on reeling in walleyes, saugers, pike and more.

Book Your Adventure

Whether you’re after your first walleye or planning a weekend retreat with friends or coworkers, charter fishing on Lake of the Woods is a fantastic way to experience Minnesota’s great outdoors. It’s easy, successful, and just plain fun.

Come see why so many visitors return year after year. For more information on resorts, charter packages, and travel tips, visit www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. The fish are biting, and your charter boat is ready!

Angler's Paradise

FISHING

sm_001Pay-It-Forward_LOTW_2021_779_Zippel-Bay-Resort-scaled

LODGING

356679220_7126117810747889_4138061032774199984_n

MAPS & TRAILS

326933597_572993244679734_2965815109573799740_n

ICE FISHING

Morel Mushroom Soup

Spring at Lake of the Woods features many sweet new things. The morel mushroom shows up and many people are busy looking to harvest this delicacy for a taste treat. Wash them and fry them lightly in butter and eat them that way or try them in this recipe.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh morel or other mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
3 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Sprinkle mushrooms with lemon juice. In a saucepan, saute the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Sprinkle with flour; stir well. Gradually add milk, bouillon, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Notes: Wikipedia: When foraging for morels, one must be absolutely sure of identification. There are many look-alikes often referred to as “false morels“, most notably Gyromitra. These also include members of the most closely related genus, Verpa,^[3] which are highly poisonous. Other mushrooms can also be mistaken for morels, including some species of stinkhorns, or Phallaceae, which have a similarly shaped cap but a distinctive foul odor. It is important to take care when harvesting and identifying mushrooms, particularly morels.

The key morphological features distinguishing false morels from true morels are as follows:

Gyromitra species often have a “wrinkled” or “cerebral” (brain-like) appearance to the cap due to multiple wrinkles and folds, rather than the honeycomb appearance of true morels due to ridges and pits.
The caps of morels come in a range of colors including white, grey, black, brown, and yellow. Gyromitra esculenta has a cap that is usually reddish-brown in colour, but sometimes also chestnut, purplish-brown, or dark brown.
True morels are always hollow when sliced lengthwise, whereas Gyromitra species are typically chambered in longitudinal sections, while Verpa species contain a cottony substance inside their stem. The easiest way to distinguish Verpa species from Morchella species is to slice them longitudinally[7,8].
The caps of Verpa species (V. bohemica, V. conica and others) are attached to the stem only at the apex (top of the cap), unlike true morels which have caps that are attached to the stem at, or near the base of the cap.

Fishing Report 5.26.2025

On the South Shore… The jig bite continues to be on fire this week on Lake of the Woods! Anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in a variety of depths across the south shore. Depending on the forage they’re following, some fish are being found in as shallow as 8 feet of water and others out to 31 feet. The mid-range depths of 23 to 28 feet have been especially productive.

The lake offers a mix of bottom types and structure, and walleyes are showing up on all of it, relating to different forage opportunities. Sand, mud, and rock are all holding fish right now. Anglers are catching fish in shallower water relating to sand, deeper mud flats, and rocky structure in depths ranging from 6 to 29 feet.

The go-to method continues to be anchoring up or spot locking and jigging a minnow. A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner has been very effective. As always, bright colors are key in the stained waters of LOW—gold, chartreuse, pink, orange, and glow, or a combination of these colors are all producing.

If you’re fishing with a group, it helps to mix up colors and types of minnows to figure out what the fish prefer that day. Frozen emerald shiners are the top bait, but lively fatheads and rainbows are also catching plenty of fish.

Some bonus pike continue to be caught, including by unsuspecting walleye anglers. While many pike have moved into the main lake, there are still some fish lingering in the shallows. If you enjoy chasing big northern pike, now is a great time.

Anglers are reminded that the combined walleye and sauger limit on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is 6 fish, with up to 4 being walleyes. All fish between 19.5 and 28 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches can be kept per day.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River continues to give up some nice walleyes. With water temps climbing and the current still moving, a 3/4 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is working great.

Most anglers are vertically jigging in deeper holes or just off the main channel. Four Mile Bay has produced some solid bites, especially when fishing the edges of the channel and slowing things down.

Some anglers are switching things up and using spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or trolling shallow diving crankbaits. Both methods allow you to cover water and find active fish.

For a fun change of pace, try casting crankbaits, swim jigs, or spinnerbaits along the shoreline, around docks, or into the bays. You’ll catch walleyes, smallmouth bass, pike, and maybe even a surprise or two.

The sturgeon season is currently closed but will reopen on July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per calendar year, either 45–50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Excellent fishing continues up at the Northwest Angle. Walleyes are being found in 12–18 feet of water, particularly off of shoreline structure, points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite remains strong, with most anglers anchoring up and working rock or sand transitions.

In addition to jigging, trolling crankbaits along shallow shoreline structure in 6 to 9 feet of water has been productive and will most definitely produce a mixed bag. Focus on “fishy” spots such as points and rock rubble areas. Trolling cranks allows anglers to cover water and find active fish feeding on the move.

As always, anglers are catching a mix of species at the Angle, in addition to walleyes and saugers, jumbo perch, northern pike, and smallmouth bass are in good numbers.

The muskie opener is right around the corner—June 21st for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5. With good water conditions and lots of bait in the system, it’s shaping up to be another strong season.

With so many fish being caught and great weather ahead, now is a great time to book a trip to Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re fishing with friends, family, or going solo, you’ll find great action and beautiful scenery.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, and trip planning, visit: LakeoftheWoodsMN.com

Being Flexible Makes for a Great Day of Fishing

Employment Joe Henry with a limit of walleyes on Lake of the Woods at sunset

Being Flexible Makes for a Great Day of Fishing

We started out jigging

With a strong wind, we had to be flexible. We decided to fish some spots amongst the NW Angle we hadn’t fished before where we could get out of the wind and waves a bit. An area that looked “fishy”, yet was sheltered.

Our first couple of spots we had never fished before. We caught fish, but not the walleyes we were looking for. Rather, pike and smallmouth bass.

We were executing a “milk run”, a strategy where we went spot to spot until we found good fishing.

The third spot had some walleyes. Not a ton, but some nice ones.

We grabbed a couple of nice walleyes, a couple of pike and were bit off by a larger pike we didn’t see.

We decided to hit a fourth spot, a spot we had done well in the past. We missed a couple, didn’t see a ton of fish on our electronics so decided to change things up.

Switched over to trolling crankbaits

As we weren’t on a good school of fish and the day was rolling right along, we decided to switch things up and cover some water by trolling crankbaits.

Not only is this an effective technique for walleyes, nearly everything in the lake will go after what they believe is an injured minnow.

As the wind started to let up, we focused on trolling shallow structure off of some islands. We focused on that 6 – 9 feet of water and on wind blown points and scattered rubble.

You had to be quick as on these rocky shorelines and points, the depth could shoot up very quickly, but trolling at 1.8 – 2.5 mph, you could see the shallow stuff on the graph coming up and quickly turn out towards open water to it would get deeper.

A good GPS with a chip covering Lake of the Woods would normally tell us in details what was ahead. There were a few times a shallow rocky area wasn’t on the chip, but out of fairness, we were right next to shore.

Trolling Really Produced

As soon as we started trolling, we caught fish. Action was steady and also produced some really nice walleyes, pike and smallmouth bass.

We actually caught as many walleyes in the protected slot of 19.5 – 28.0 inches as we did keepers. As we caught a lot of fish, coming up with nice eater walleyes was no problem.

It was one of those days we experimented, fishing areas we hadn’t fished before. It was enjoyable fishing so close to shore, which provided not only great scenery, but a chance to see some of the cabins on the islands. Very interesting and very beautiful.

We even fished some memories

As late afternoon came, the wind laid down and running anywhere was no problem. We decided to hit a spot we had done well this time of year trolling in the past.

Basically, it was an underwater point with a series of rocks that came up to about 5 feet of water.

The fish were stacked on top and very willing to hit, what they thought, was an injured and unsuspecting minnow.

It was a great day for the memory books we all enjoyed and will never forget.

Angler's Paradise

FISHING

LODGING

MAPS & TRAILS

ICE FISHING

Northwest Angle The Best of the Best

The Northwest Angle is the Best of the Best and can be found at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. Known by locals as “The Angle”, it is home of some of the best fishing on Lake of the Woods. The Northwest Angle is a unique location as it forms the chimney at the very top of Minnesota. This was a surveyor’s mistake years and years ago, so the “Angle” which is part of Lake of the Woods County is only accessed by land by first driving through Canada. The “Angle is located on the northern side of Lake of the Woods, or when viewing a map, the “chimney”. The area is 596.3 miles, 473.2 miles of that is water. It is also the northern most point of the contiguous 48 states. The Angle is in coexistence with Angle Township and Lake of the Woods County, surrounded by Manitoba and Ontario.

Angle Inlet is the town located at the Angle and features a post office, one room school house, golf course, church and multiple resorts. Their next door neighbors are resorts and residents on the Flag Island and Oak Island which is another great destination. Summer or winter, visitors are more than welcome to experience these incredible locations and the lifestyle that they offer.

Many hands, volunteers, business owners and local people have all joined forces to create this extremely exciting location for great numbers of people to enjoy. There is no other location that can compare with the offerings of this area. Stop at Jerry’s Restaurant for a first class lunch before taking off on snowmobile or out to your fish house during winter months. The warmth of the café and the warmth of the people will keep in your memory for years to come.

The Northwest Angle, the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, is where the 14,552 islands begin. It is also known to anglers as some of the best fishing in North America. With that being said, there is so much more to this area most don’t know and certainly will ever discover, until now. Welcome Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours.

Retired Polaris Engineer and acclaimed explorer Joe Laurin has started providing informative and explorative tours of the northern portion of Lake of the Woods. By northern portion, basically Garden Island north throughout the NW Angle and amongst the entire islands region of the Ontario portion of the lake all the way to Kenora.

You might remember Laurin as the creator of the Lake of the Woods Exploring App. This app was released a few years ago and is a way for guests to do self exploration tours. It lists waypoints and explanations of a variety of unseen attractions such as waterfalls, interior lakes, abandoned gold mines, WWII prisoner of war camps, Cheerio , Fort St. Charles, pictographs and petroglyphs. Now that Laurin has his Coast Guard license, all of these options and more are now available as a tour.

There are so many gems in the Northwest Angle many visitors don’t even realize exist. Through his app, and now his tours, Laurin is enabling others to get a deeper dive into the many special and unique wonders this area possesses.

Some may come for a series of exploration tours in one of the most beautiful regions in North America. Others may add a day of exploring to their traditional fishing trip.

There are a few pre-set tours as well as an option for creating a custom tour.

Essentials. Northernmost Point Buoy, Fort Saint Charles, Cheerio Beach, Massacre Island, Flag Island Lighthouse Home Tour.
The Loop. Pinnacle Rock and waterfalls. History includes 1930’s cars, Schoolhouse Point, French Portage Church and an old cemetery. Experience the rope swing! Discover and explore pictographs and petroglyphs, beautiful interior lake portages and abandoned gold mines.
Custom. Search for clues on the lake from past stories and legends. Travel by boat 40+ miles through thousands of islands and unforgettable beauty to Kenora, Ontario. Eat, drink, shop and explore!

Imagine taking an extra day and traveling to Kenora via boat amongst the thousands of islands. That in itself would be an incredible adventure. Once to the public docks in Kenora, guests will be able to explore up and down the quaint streets of Kenora amongst the many small shops, restaurants, taverns and brewery. When the day is over, sit back and relax enjoying the beauty and wildlife on the ride home or possibly stop at a couple of good fishing spots just to test the waters.

The tour boat is 22′ long for comfort and it has an enclosed cabin for inclement weather. It can take up to six passengers. Tours are offered via half day or full day excursions.

Another open water option offered is Jet-Ski tours. For those who enjoy traversing on a Jet-Ski or wet bike, this is a fun option. Guests must bring their own Jet-Ski and follow along the guided tour.

The Northwest Angle is a special place with so much to see. There is no doubt that most visit this area for the world class fishing amongst breathtaking beauty. With that being said, there is so much more this area offers. The wildlife and birding alone would make this destination stand out, let alone the many things to see throughout the islands area as well. If you are interested in setting up a tour, contact Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours at flagislandlighthouse@outlook.com or call: 763-350-4700.

Lake of the Woods Passenger Service has also started a great service as it transports people across the big body of water from the south shore of Big Traverse up to the NW Angle and/or the Islands. What a great service this is also for those who might not be able to travel through Canada without passports or would just like to save time or just travel the beautiful waters of Lake of the Woods. This service can be found at www.lowpassenger.com or by calling: 218-395-0414 to make arrangements. I’ve been told they would also be able to take you on tours of the upper north and islands as well. What great options!!!

May I also say here that the hospitality at the Northwest Angle is incredible and the resort owners outdo themselves in offering you the best places to stay for your vacation experience. Think about visiting this great location for your next travel experience.

For more information contact www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com or for lodging: www.lakeofthewoodsm/lodging

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

Beer Battered Fish

Ingredients

Oil for deep-fat frying

1 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup very cold beer or nonalcoholic beer

1 large egg, lightly beaten

4 fillets (6 ounces each)

Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges

Directions

In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, baking powder and seasonings. Stir in beer and egg until smooth. Dip fillets in batter; allow excess to drip off.
Fry fish in hot oil in batches until golden brown, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Do I have to use beer in beer-battered fish?

Beer adds flavor and richness to the batter. And the alcohol burns away during the cooking

process. But if you prefer, you don’t have to use beer in this beer-battered fish

recipe. Nonalcoholic beer or even sparkling water do the trick here.

How do I get batter to stick to fish?

Excess moisture causes the batter to run off, so the secret here is to pat your fish fillets dry before

dipping them in the batter.

What can I serve with fried fish?

Serve beer-battered fish with plenty of lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.

Popular sides for fried fish include potato pancakes, rye bread and coleslaw. And, of course, don’t

forget fries for a classic fish and chips combo.

Fishing Report 5.20.2025

On the South Shore… A good week of walleye fishing despite some fluctuating weather systems rolling through. Walleyes were found in 8 – 31 feet of water.

A nice mix of walleyes and saugers this week with the tradition of fish frys enjoyed around the lake and up and down the river.

Once again this week, the go to method was a jig and a minnow over the side of the boat while anchored up or spot locked. Bright colors were the best. Gold, orange, chartreuse, pink and glow white, or a combination of these colors often with some gold has been working well.

Minnows have been working the best on a jig. Frozen emerald shiners are a preferred bait by many, but fatheads and rainbows catch a lot of walleyes as well.

Anglers are catching some nice pike, with many of them being caught by walleye anglers jigging. There are plenty of pike to be had for those who like to target them. Some fish are still in the shallows. Larger fish have slid into the lake.

The walleye and sauger limit on LOW is a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of 6, with up to 4 being walleyes. The protected slot is 19.5″ – 28.0″, those fish must be released. Anglers can keep one walleye over 28 inches per day.

On the Rainy River… Some very good walleye reports on the Rainy River again this week. Some fish are still left over from the spawn and other fish remain in the river throughout the year.

Most anglers are fishing with a jig and minnow vertically jigging. With the current, a 3/4 ounce jig vertically jigged is working out well.

Good walleye reports from Four Mile Bay. Get off of the edge of the channel and jig with a minnow.

Sturgeon fishing is closed and will re-open again July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers can harvest one sturgeon 45-50 inches or over 75 inches if they have a sturgeon tag. One sturgeon per angler per calendar year. Summer is a great time to fish the river.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Good reports for walleyes this week despite various pressure systems moving through. Walleyes are hanging out on shoreline structure such as points, weed edges and neckdown areas.

A jig and a minnow is the goto presentation. Multispecies action for many anglers with jumbo perch, pike, and smallmouth bass in the mix.

The muskie opener in MN and Ontario Zone 5 is June 21st for both areas.

For fishing reports, resort info, fishing guides, charter boats and trip ideas, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Minnesota Fishing Opener Weekend Recap: Warm Temps, Great Bites, and Plenty of Smiles

2025 MN Fishing Opener, Lake of the Woods MN

Minnesota Fishing Opener Weekend Recap: Warm Temps, Great Bites, and Plenty of Smiles

The 2025 Minnesota Fishing Opener this past weekend was one for the books. Anglers across Lake of the Woods were greeted with warm, sunny skies and unseasonably pleasant weather. Combine that with cooperative fish and strong action across the board, and it made for a great start to the open water fishing season.

Whether you were fishing the south shore, up the Rainy River, or in the island-studded waters of the Northwest Angle, most groups reported good catches of walleyes and saugers, along with plenty of bonus jumbo perch, pike, and other species.

South Shore Success

Fishing was excellent across the entire south shore of Lake of the Woods. Anglers found active walleyes and saugers spread out in depths ranging from 8 to 31 feet. That’s a wide range, but it’s not unusual early in the season as fish are targeting different forage and transitioning between shallow spawning areas and deeper feeding zones.

Most anglers stuck with the tried-and-true method of anchoring up or using spot lock and jigging vertically with a jig and minnow. This technique continues to be the go-to presentation, especially with the stained water found on Lake of the Woods.

Bright colors worked best, as usual. Gold, chartreuse, pink, orange, and glow white—or any combination of these—produced fish. Many groups found that experimenting with different jig colors and types of minnows helped dial in what the fish wanted. While frozen emerald shiners are a long-time favorite, some anglers had no issues catching walleyes and saugers using live fatheads or rainbows.

In addition to walleyes and saugers, some anglers tangled with large northern pike—either while targeting pike specifically or while fishing for walleyes. That’s one of the great things about Lake of the Woods: you never know what’s going to hit your line.

Anglers are reminded that the daily combined limit of walleyes and saugers is six fish, with no more than four walleyes. The protected slot is 19.5 to 28 inches; those fish must be released. One walleye over 28 inches may be kept per day.

Rainy River Report

The Rainy River produced some excellent walleye fishing for the opener. Many fish, including plenty of eaters, slot fish, and even some big trophies, remained in the river following the spring spawn. Four Mile Bay was productive, as were various stretches up and down the river.

Just like on the lake, vertical jigging with a jig and minnow was the most effective method. The river offers a quieter, scenic option for opener anglers who enjoy fishing in more protected waters, and it delivered this year.

Sturgeon fishing also remained strong heading into the final days of the spring season, which runs through May 15. Anglers continue to catch these prehistoric giants with a simple bottom rig using nightcrawlers or a combination of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners. Sturgeon fishing will reopen on July 1 for the summer harvest season.

Northwest Angle Action

Up at the Northwest Angle, fishing was excellent as well. Walleyes were found along shoreline structure like points, weed edges, and narrow current areas between islands. With so many islands and miles of structure, the Angle offers endless options for anglers looking to target walleyes—and it didn’t disappoint.

Most anglers at the Angle also used jig-and-minnow presentations, and they reported not only walleyes and saugers but also jumbo perch, big northern pike, and even a few smallmouth bass. The multispecies action is a bonus for anglers who enjoy a little bit of everything.

Speaking of smallmouth bass, May and June are prime months for bass fishing in this part of the lake. With walleyes getting most of the attention, the smallmouth often go unnoticed—but they’re there in big numbers and ready to fight.

The muskie season for Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5 opens on June 21. Until then, anglers will enjoy targeting Lake of the Woods’ many other species, including the famed walleyes, trophy pike, jumbo perch, and aggressive smallmouth.

Just like on the lake, vertical jigging with a jig and minnow was the most effective method. The river offers a quieter, scenic option for opener anglers who enjoy fishing in more protected waters, and it delivered this year.

Sturgeon fishing also remained strong heading into the final days of the spring season, which runs through May 15. Anglers continue to catch these prehistoric giants with a simple bottom rig using nightcrawlers or a combination of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners. Sturgeon fishing will reopen on July 1 for the summer harvest season.

A Great Start to a Promising Season

The 2025 Minnesota Fishing Opener delivered everything anglers could have hoped for—great weather, great fishing, and memories that will last all season long. Lake of the Woods once again proved why it’s considered one of the best fisheries in the Midwest, if not the entire country.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip north. For fishing reports, resort info, charter guides, and lodging options, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. We hope to see you on the water soon!

Angler's Paradise

FISHING

LODGING

MAPS & TRAILS