Pay It Forward Veterans Event on Midwest Outdoors TV

Will Hangman, Warriors Never Give Up, speaking to veterans at the 2025 Pay It Forward event at Lake of the Woods

Pay It Forward Veterans Event on Midwest Outdoors TV

Will Hangman, Warriors Never Give Up, speaking to veterans at the 2025 Pay It Forward event at Lake of the Woods

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Ninety veterans, caregivers and special guests enjoy a complimentary 3-night, 2-day retreat thanks to the generosity of Lake of the Woods resorts, organizations, and individual donors

Ninety U.S. military veterans, caregivers and special guests gathered on Minnesota’s famed Lake of the Woods August 25 – 28, 2025 for the 12th annual Pay It Forward Veterans Event, a complimentary, multi-day experience made possible through the extraordinary support of local resorts, organizations, and caring individuals. Over three nights and two full days, veterans connected with one another, heard powerful messages of hope, and experienced unforgettable fishing on the Walleye Capital of the World.

A meaningful welcome and opening night program

Veterans arrived Monday afternoon and checked into their assigned resorts before the opening night. The group then convened for dinner and the opening program at Sportsman’s Lodge, where Brandi, the lodge’s bartender and a former backup singer for several major acts, delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. A hearty fried chicken buffet with all the trimmings set the tone for the evening.

Vietnam veteran Jerry Roberts, accompanied by his wife Suzanne, shared candid reflections on his service, the challenges he faced upon returning home, and the perseverance required to heal together. Roberts, a recipient of three Purple Hearts, spoke to the power of support, community, and purpose—an enduring theme throughout the event.

Two days of big fish and bigger smiles

After breakfast Tuesday, veterans boarded resort charter boats for a day on the water. Coolers quickly filled with walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and the occasional northern pike, with robust bag lunches provided aboard each boat. By late afternoon, boats returned to the docks and veterans prepared for the evening’s program and dinner at River Bend Resort.

River Bend served its famous all-you-can-eat walleye alongside baked potatoes, thick-cut bacon, baked beans, sautéed onions, coleslaw, and dinner rolls—enjoyed on the scenic banks of the Rainy River.

Veterans heard from Will Hangman, a 24-year U.S. Army veteran representing Warriors Never Give Up of Sioux Falls, S.D. He shared real-life challenges veterans face and how the organization’s faith-based outdoor experiences foster resilience, camaraderie, and healing.

The evening also featured remarks from Tom Kramin, Minnesota State President of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, reaffirming the Elks’ pledge: “So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.”

Additional speakers highlighted the powerful work of Eagle’s Healing Nest (Sauk Centre and Redwood Falls, Minn.), a non-profit offering a unique living experience centered on peer-to-peer programming and the five pillars of recovery, serving veterans and their families who are navigating PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and the invisible wounds of war.

Wednesday brought another beautiful day on Lake of the Woods—and more big fish. Gary Richards earned top honors with a walleye over 31 inches, after boating a 28-plus-inch fish the day prior. Many veterans reported both trophy catches and excellent numbers, with memories (and photos) to match.

Final night celebration and keynote

Following Wednesday’s fishing, participants gathered at Border View Lodge for a festive Mexican buffet—a full taco bar with chicken and beef, a variety of enchiladas, beans, rice, chips, salsa, and sour cream.

The evening’s keynote speaker, retired U.S. Army Colonel Michelle Digruttolo, offered a compelling address. Digruttolo detailed her service in critical intelligence roles focused on counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterproliferation, including serving as a Daily Intelligence Briefer to President Barack Obama after leading the team that produced the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Daily Brief. Today, she advises executives and boards on geopolitical, cyber, and emerging technology risks affecting global operations and strategy.

Two veterans—Brian Murphy and Gerald Penn from Colorado Springs, Colo.—shared moving reflections on their Honor Flight experiences, a program providing veterans with a no-cost trip to Washington, D.C., to visit national memorials and receive a day of honor and recognition for their service.

The night concluded with friendly competition awards for the largest fish and a spirited cribbage tournament, capping an evening filled with gratitude and camaraderie.

On Thursday morning, veterans enjoyed a final breakfast, exchanged contact information with new friends, and departed for home—recharged, supported, and connected.

Powered by generosity and community

“This event is about creating a space where veterans can simply be together—on the water, at the table, and in conversation—surrounded by a community that cares,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism and event emcee. “We’re grateful to the resorts, organizations, and individuals whose generosity makes this complimentary experience possible year after year.”

How to get involved

If you are a veteran—or know a veteran—who might benefit from a future Pay It Forward experience, or if you would like to contribute to this meaningful event, please visit www.PayItForwardLOW.org for details and an application. You may also contact Joe Henry at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodsMN.com.

About Pay It Forward – Lake of the Woods

Pay It Forward is an annual, complimentary retreat that brings veterans together at Lake of the Woods for world-class fishing, shared meals, and inspirational programming. The event is funded and staffed through the generosity of area resorts, community partners, organizations, and individual donors, and is co-hosted by Lake of the Woods Tourism and Fishing For Life.

Female veterans, Pay It Forward veterans event 2025, Lake of the Woods MN
Charter boat at 2025 Pay It Forward veterans event
Will Hangman, Warriors Never Give Up, big walleye, Pay It Forward 2025 veterans event, Lake of the Woods MN
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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Ladies, Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure at Lake of the Woods

ice fishing

Ladies—are you ready for a winter adventure like no other? Imagine laughing with your best friends while reeling in fish through the ice, sipping hot coffee in a cozy heated house, and finishing the day with a fresh-caught walleye dinner prepared at a local ice fishing resort. Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota isn’t just about fishing—it’s about fun, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.

For women who already love fishing—or even those who have never ice fished before—this is the perfect destination. ice fishing Resorts and outfitters around Lake of the Woods make the entire experience easy, comfortable, and exciting, so all you need to bring is your warm clothes, a sense of adventure, and your favorite people.

Full-Service Comfort for First-Time Ice Anglers

One of the biggest reasons women are embracing ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is the full-service accommodations. Resorts take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. You’ll stay in comfortable lodging—from cabins to modern hotels—before being transported across the frozen lake to a heated fish house that’s ready to go.

ice fishing Guides are always nearby, checking in throughout the day to make sure you’re having fun and catching fish. They’ll even clean your walleyes, saugers, or perch at the end of the day. From there, you can either have your fish packaged to take home or enjoy them fresh at a resort restaurant. A walleye fish fry with your girlfriends? That’s a memory worth making.

Sleeper Houses and Cozy Nights on the Ice

For those who want the full northern Minnesota adventure, consider renting a sleeper fish house. These larger houses are warm, spacious, and often sleep up to eight people—perfect for a group of friends. Bunk beds, propane heat, and a cozy atmosphere make it feel like a cabin on the ice. You’ll fish, laugh, and even drift off to sleep right over one of the best walleye lakes in the country.

Beyond Fishing: Fun on the Ice and in Town

The fishing is fantastic, but your trip can be about so much more. Lake of the Woods offers unique winter attractions you won’t find anywhere else.

  • The Igloo Bar at Zippel Bay Resort ice fishing and the Angry Walleye at Cyrus Resort are actual bars located out on the ice. Yes—you can grab a drink, watch the game, and even drop a line through the floor while you socialize.
  • Shopping and Coffee Stops: Spend a morning browsing small-town shops or grab a latte at a cozy coffeehouse before heading back out on the lake.
  • Nightlife and Dining: The area offers a variety of restaurants, taverns, and bars—many with live music or entertainment. After a day of fishing, there’s nothing better than sharing stories over good food and drinks.

Safety, Warmth, and Cleanliness

One concern many first-time ice anglers have is safety and comfort—but rest assured, Lake of the Woods resorts have thought of everything.

  • Safe Ice: Resorts and outfitters monitor ice conditions daily and maintain plowed, staked roads to ensure safe travel. Some even transport guests to their fish houses so you don’t have to worry about driving.
  • Warmth: Heated transportation and propane-fueled furnaces keep you cozy, whether you’re in a day house or sleeper. Most houses are already warm before you arrive.
  • Clean and Comfortable: Resorts sanitize and prepare houses between guests. Many offer restrooms on the ice, either inside the house or in nearby facilities.

Why Ladies Are Loving Ice Fishing

Across the Midwest, more and more women are discovering the joys of ice fishing. Groups like Women Anglers of Minnesota and WI Women Fish have built communities around the sport, proving that fishing isn’t just for the guys. Some resorts ice fishing even host special women’s events—like “Girls Gone Fishing” weekends—that combine angling with social time, making them popular for bachelorette parties, birthday getaways, or just a winter girls’ trip.

And for moms or grandmothers, ice fishing is a fantastic multi-generational activity. Bringing daughters or granddaughters out to catch their first walleye is the kind of memory that lasts forever.

Plan Your Trip Today

Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™, and with thousands of fish houses dotting the ice each winter, it’s truly a sight to see. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with friends, a family trip, or a new adventure with your fishing buddies, this destination checks every box.

Ladies—it’s your time to claim this adventure. Don’t let the guys have all the fun! Gather your girlfriends, book a resort package, and experience the excitement of ice fishing in comfort and style. You’ll come home with incredible memories, stories to share, and maybe even a new tradition.

 Learn more, explore lodging options, and start planning your trip at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Check out our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Click the Lodging tab to see each of the resorts or fill out an Availability Request Form for the dates you might need.

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

Grilled Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Ingredients

2 pounds of northern pike fillets

1/4 cup of lemon juice Northern Pike

1 dash of bottled hot pepper sauce

1/2 cup salad oil

2 tbsp parsley cut up

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1. Cut pike into 6 pieces.

Step 2. Combine lemon juice, salt, hot sauce, oil, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl then mix for 15-20 seconds.

Step 3. Place the 6 pieces of northern pike in a shallow dish and cover with mixture. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Turn once and marinate for another 30 minutes.

Step 4. Once done marinating, take out pike fillets and set aside. (Do not throw out the remains of the marinade. This will be used later on.)

Step 5. Place fish in a well-greased broiler basket and sprinkle with salt. 

Step 6. Grill over medium-hot coals or grill setting Now use the leftover marinade for basting the pike fillets and turn.

Step 7. Grill for 5-8 minutes until the pike flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8. Sprinkle paprika, and enjoy your tasty pike!

 

Fishing Report 9.2.2025

Will Hangman, Warriors Never Give Up, big walleye, Pay It Forward 2025 veterans event, Lake of the Woods MN

On the South End – Big Traverse Bay
It was another excellent week of fall walleye fishing on Big Traverse Bay. Good numbers of walleyes continue to hold over the deep mud basin in 28–32 feet of water, and the bite has been very cooperative. Other reports show fish sliding up into 20–22 feet, which is typical as not every walleye in the system is keying in on the same food sources during this fall transition. fishing

Anglers are catching fish using a variety of techniques:

  • Drifting or trolling spinners at 1.0–1.25 mph with crawlers has been very productive. Top spinner colors this week were gold/pink, gold/red, and silver/blue.
  • Trolling crankbaits is also putting fish in the boat. Productive colors include gold, chrome/blue, chartreuse, pink, and firetiger. Covering water over the deep mud remains an effective approach.
  • Some anglers are now anchoring up and jigging with a jig and frozen emerald shiner. Once a school of fish is located, this method allows anglers to sit tight and entice steady action.

Jumbo perch remain a bonus catch, mixing in with the walleyes across the basin.

Veterans attending the 12th annual Pay It Forward veterans event caught good numbers of walleyes this week, filling coolers of ice on charter boats along with some trophy fish.  A walleye over 31 inches took big fish honors with a handful of walleyes over 28 inches in the mix as well.

fishing The Lake of the Woods wave buoys report water temps at 68 degrees.

On the Rainy River
Activity is picking up on the Rainy River. With cooling water temperatures, both walleyes and sturgeon are becoming more active. Anglers with dock lights are reporting increased shiner activity, a sure sign that the annual emerald shiner migration from the lake into the river is just beginning. Bird activity has also noticeably increased, another signal of bait movement.

Walleyes are being caught jigging with minnows or by trolling crankbaits along current breaks and deeper holes. Sturgeon fishing has been solid as well—anchoring with a 3-ounce no-roll sinker and a sturgeon rig packed with crawlers continues to produce big fish.  Some sturgeon over 60 inches along with many smaller fish in the mix as well.  Sturgeon anglers report catching some walleyes and suckers while waiting for the sturgeon bite.

Up at the NW Angle
Fishing remains strong at the Angle, with good numbers of walleyes spread across the deep mud of Little Traverse Bay (east and NE of Little Oak Island). Covering water with spinners or crankbaits has been the best way to connect with pods of fish.

Other productive areas include north of Garden Island and west of Little Oak Island, where anglers are finding walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch. 

On the Ontario side, jigging with frozen emerald shiners has been very effective. With 14,552 islands starting at the Angle and stretching into Ontario, anglers have countless spots holding walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, crappies, and jumbo perch.

Muskie fishing has been consistent, with good numbers of fish reported boated this past week. As days shorten and water temperatures cool, the bite will only continue to improve.

The Fall Outlook
September and October are prime months for fishing on Lake of the Woods. Fish are actively feeding, water temperatures are dropping, and the scenery is unmatched as fall colors take hold. Whether chasing walleyes on the main lake, jigging the Rainy River, or casting for muskies at the Angle, anglers are set up for some of the best fishing of the year.