Lake of the Woods resorts and hotels are open, prepared and looking forward to welcoming anglers for the 2020 MN Fishing Opener.

There are a few observations pointing to an epic MN Fishing Opener on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River on Saturday, May 9th.  First off, in past years when there has been a late ice out, anglers have done extremely well catching good numbers of nice walleyes.  Second, during the spring walleye season, walleye anglers did excellent.  Third, walleyes for the most part have been left alone since mid March.  Finally, the walleyes will have just spawned and that means they will be hungry.

Some anglers will focus on the Rainy River.  With a colder spring, walleyes will still be in the river.  We also know there are walleyes from sturgeon anglers who are catching them unintentionally.  Anglers who have fished the river understand they need to go a bit heavier with their jigs as there is current in the river.

Others will target the main basin.  Big schools of walleyes will be staged at various spots off of the south shore.  Some anglers will catch them shallow along Pine Island.  Others will be in front of Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Wherever you like to fish out of, the fish should be there and have not seen a lure in some time.

Don’t be afraid to slide up into shallow water as many years, that can be the ticket.  Also don’t be afraid to slowly troll crankbaits.  This is a great way to find fish and on some days, despite the cold water, actually out fishes the anglers using jigs.

As far as presentations for the 2020 MN fishing opener, most will be using a jig and a minnow or frozen emerald shiner.  Some go to colors are gold, glow, pink, orange and chartreuse, or a combination of them.  When hooking your minnow, if you are missing fish, try putting the hook of your jig through the mouth and out the gill of the minnow.  Then slide the minnow all the way up to the jig head and place the point of the hook half way back on the minnow.  With the stained waters of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, walleyes don’t seem to mind.  Some make it simple and use a stinger hook.

The NW Angle is actually also poised for a great opener.  Ice fishing up there this year was excellent.  The fish are there and for those who want to get an early start by fishing the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S., it will be good fishing.  Target shoreline structure such as points, neck down areas between islands and transition areas along shore.  There are good numbers of fish, an angler simply has to hit a few spots to see what the pattern is.

For some, the MN Fishing Opener is tradition.  For some, it’s a holiday.  Whatever it means to you, the “opener” is a celebration of fishing for everyone who appreciates fishing in MN.  The season on Lake of the Woods is an extended season, so we only had to be not fishing walleyes since April 14th.  This year due to COVID -19 this year, many anglers never had the chance to fish the river.  That almost makes this opening day even more of a holiday.

For some anglers, pike will enter the conversation.  Up at Lake of the Woods, the pike season is open all year long and the limits stay the same.  You can keep three pike per day, must release everything between 30 – 40 inches and may keep one fish over 40″.  The possession limit is three, the same as the daily limit.

Lake of the Woods is managed as a trophy pike fishery by the MN DNR.  This was quite evident many big pike over 40 inches have already been boated this spring.  A 40″ pike is considered a trophy in most circles. 

Sturgeon are going strong.  The catch and release season is on through May 15th.  The season then closes until July 1st.  On July 1, it opens again through September 30 and is the “keep” season meaning you are allowed to harvest one for the calendar year from 45-50″ or over 75″.  Remember to purchase a sturgeon tag prior to going sturgeon fishing if your intent is to keep one.

The 2020 MN Fishing opener is upon us.  There is lodging available if you still want to experience an opener tradition on Lake of the Woods.  Good luck to all anglers wherever you might fish.  Take in a deep breath, relax and enjoy, walleye season is almost upon us!

 

Click Here to view a list of Lake of the Woods lodging.

Click Here to view Lake of the Woods Tourism

Resort and hotels are allowed to welcome guests back!  I think it is safe to say the times we are living through are unprecedented.  Initially, the Governor’s office issued the “Stay at Home” order which did not allow people to travel outside of their home area for recreation or lodging.  The week of April 20th, some additional details were released allowing very slowly and methodically certain segments to start opening again with restrictions and precautions in place.  The resort and lodges throughout Minnesota were one of those segments and now can welcome guests back.

With the sturgeon bite in full swing and the Minnesota fishing opener Saturday, May 9th with a strong population of walleyes and saugers, timing was welcomed by resorts and anglers alike.

The Rainy River has been showing off the great sturgeon population it has living in it’s waters.  Anglers have been catching good numbers of lake sturgeon all spring.  They also have been catching some nice walleyes while fishing for sturgeon.

As resorts and hotels start opening again, they have implemented a variety of safety precautions.  Many believe, if both businesses and guests do their due diligence, the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a responsible manner is readily available.

Here are just a handful of changes resorts and hotels have implemented for this year’s fishing season.

Specialized cleaning and disinfecting.  Lodging industry associations have done a nice job of sharing best practices known throughout the world in cleaning and disinfecting for COVID – 19.  Consequently, properties around the lake have implemented new cleaning standards to ensure guests are entering safe environments in their cabin or hotel room.  In some cases, this demands more time, different cleaning agents, additional laundering and just a different way of doing things to provide sterile conditions.

For some, this means public areas are cleaned, in many cases, numerous times throughout the day.  Some resorts are taking special measures to clean rental, guide and charter boats, rods and reels, nets, bait containers, fish cleaning areas and other surfaces used in a day of fishing that people could be touching when charters and guided fishing are rolling again.

Remote Check In and Communication.  Measures have been taken for social distancing as well as simply eliminating human to human contact when possible.  Many resorts are doing check-ins and other communication via email or over the phone.  That might include taking payment, discussing fish patterns, when and where to meet your guide or charter, etc. 

In many cases, guests don’t even need to enter the lobby, but rather continue right to their room or cabin that staff has unlocked and ready.

Altering check in areas and flow.  For some resorts, changing the way people flow into and through the resort for check-ins has been altered.  Making sure there are only a couple of people at a time in the office and eliminating the need for guests to be in small confined areas together are just a couple of the tweaks resorts have changed as of recent.

Meal Plans.  Meal prep has taken on a different look with kitchen facilities and employees implementing precautions in meal prep and distribution.  Depending upon when the rules for eating in a restaurant or bar are allowed, resorts with meal plans are adapting nicely with pick up and in some cases, delivery available.  Some resorts are taking orders over the phone and allowing pick up in the lobby or actually delivering meals to your room or cabin.  Again, each property is different so it is good to check ahead, but for many, it is reassuring to know there are options that allow for relaxation, a variety of good food while minimizing exposure.

Social Distancing in Fish Cleaning Houses.  Fish cleaning houses are a staple at The Walleye Capital of the World.  Depending upon the size of each fish cleaning area, resorts / hotels are implementing social distancing guidelines to keep anglers apart.  In addition, they are working hard on new COVID – 19 cleaning protocols within the fish cleaning areas.

As some things are very different, some things will remain the same.  The Minnesota fishing opener will be happening again up at Lake of the Woods as it has for generations.  Walleyes, fish frys and memories.

We encourage anglers to communicate with the resort and hotel you are staying at ahead of time and do everything possible to be safe.  See ya on the water!

 

 

Access Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click here to find lodging in Lake of the Woods County

As boaters across Minnesota prepare to hit the water, they need to keep in mind tips for being safe on cold water as well as their responsibility for staying close to home and practicing socially distancing under Gov. Tim Walz’s “Stay at Home” executive order.

“As Minnesotans, we have a natural urge to get outside this time of year – and for many of us, that’s especially true this spring,” said Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director. “We constantly remind people about ways they can stay safe while they’re on the water. In light of COVID-19, we also ask this year that you take additional steps to protect yourself, your family, and the people around you.”

Cold-water safety
No matter when the ice went out, there’s one common theme: The water this time of year is dangerously cold. Falls into the water can quickly turn tragic. With water temperatures not much above freezing, a fall in likely will trigger cold-water shock. Numbness will set in quickly, and swimming or calling for help will be difficult. You’ll probably gasp uncontrollably and draw water into your lungs. Even strong swimmers may drown within minutes.

“The best way to prevent that from happening is to wear a life jacket – actually wear it, not just have it along,” said Lisa Dugan, DNR Enforcement recreation safety outreach coordinator. “It’s the easiest and most effective way to prevent an unfortunate situation from turning into a tragedy.”

The cold-water season isn’t the time to boat alone, either. This year, people should head out only with members of their immediate household and let others on shore know where they’re going and when they plan to return. Keep the floor of the boat free of clutter to avoid tripping and falling into the water, and ensure the boat has safety equipment such as life jackets, communication and noise-making devices, and a first-aid kit.

Boating during COVID-19
When hitting the water, know the DNR’s COVID-19 outdoor recreation guidelines and practice the following to protect yourselves and others:

• Maintain social distance of at least 6 feet. This includes places such as fuel stations and community docks, and means no beaching or tying up to other boats.
• Boat only with people in your immediate household.
• Boat close to home. Travel to and from the access site without making other stops.
• When fueling, wash your hands as you would when fueling a car. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• When launching and loading your boat, give people ahead of you plenty of time and space to finish launching or loading before you approach.
• Keep in mind water-access site conditions may be different than in previous years. DNR-managed accesses are open, but spring maintenance is not completed.
• If you have been diagnosed with, or are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing), stay home. This self-isolation period should extend for at least seven days after the illness begins and include 72 hours of being fever-free without using fever-reducing medications and resolution of other symptoms.
• Know what’s open. To see what DNR-managed sites are available, see the DNR’s COVID-19 website or call the DNR information center at 651-296-6157 or 888 646-6367.

This time of year, it is good for even the most experienced boater and angler to think about being safe with ice cold water conditions.  Add COVID – 19 and safe takes on even more meaning.

 

Access Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click here to find lodging in Lake of the Woods County

Fargo, N.D., April 13, 2020—A new original television production from Prairie Public travels to the curious bump on Minnesota’s northern border. “The Northwest Angle: Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret” premieres on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30 p.m. CT. The documentary can also be viewed after the television premiere on the PBS Video app and on Prairie Public’s YouTube channel.

The origins of the region — the most northerly point of the contiguous United States — can be traced back to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War. Known as “The Angle” by locals, the area can only be accessed by crossing Lake of the Woods or driving across two international borders.

Prairie Public’s documentary features some of the people who live and work in The Angle, including Linda LaMie, who teaches at the K-6 Angle Inlet School — the last one-room schoolhouse in Minnesota. Bus driver Dale Westover takes the older students to school in Warroad, MN — more than an hour each way to and from school and across four border crossings.

“The Northwest Angle: Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret” explores its rich history, beautiful views and the popular outdoor opportunities and resorts that support the region’s economy. Joe Henry, executive director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, discusses the huge interest in tourism in the Northwest Angle, and resort owners Brian Sage and Lisa and Jason Goulet talk about the business of hosting guests in this quiet northern niche.

Prairie Public Broadcasting, headquartered in Fargo, is a non-profit member station of PBS and NPR that provides public television services throughout North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, southern Manitoba, and parts of Montana and South Dakota; public radio service to North Dakota; and educational and technological services to communities and individuals across its coverage area.

 

Learn more about Minnesota’s NW Angle

Access Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click here to find lodging in Lake of the Woods County

Anglers are looking ahead to the time of the year again when the MN Tournament Trail (MTT) comes up to Lake of the Woods.  The very well run walleye tournament is held out of Border View Lodge which is well positioned right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access at the mouth of the Rainy River.  The tournament is a 2 person team format and is open to the public.  With the health of the fishery and strong numbers of big fish, this will be a fun one!

The dates of the MN Tournament Trail on LOW are July 10 and July 11.  Each day is it’s own tournament and actually have different formats.  On Friday, July 10th, the format of the tournament is PRT, standing for Photo Release Tournament.  This is a fun format.  Basically, each team will receive an official MTT measuring stick and SD card the morning of the tournament upon boat inspection.  Because this is a release tournament, every walleye, even though it might be within the slot of 19.5″ – 28″ which have to be released on Lake of the Woods, they can take a couple of pictures of it, release it and it counts for points.  So rather than fishing for walleyes just under that 19.5″, anglers are fishing for the largest fish in the lake, even if they are in the slot.

Basically, when a MN Tournament Trail team catches a walleye, they have to take two images.  One image will be the walleye on the registered ruler.  Of course, check official rules, but one angler will place the walleye on the bump board (ruler) with it’s head to the left and belly of the fish facing the angler holding the fish.  Hands of the angler need to be away from the head and tail to show the fish is touching and where the tail measures.  The angler with the camera takes one picture of the walleye on the official ruler and a second “hero” shot, a picture of the fish being held to the camera.  This second shot shows the markings of a walleye ensuring the same fish cannot be used twice.

It is important for anglers to double check images for clarity, shadows and any other faux pas before releasing the fish back.  Once anglers handle and take picture of a couple of walleyes, it’s easy.  It also really feels good to get credit for a nice walleye just under 28″, being able to release fish healthy back into the lake and not have to pay attention to fish in the livewell.

The video below gives a nice idea on how the PRT works.  The MTT implemented this format in 2015 initially on Mille Lacs Lake as it was catch and release only.  The PRT is now being used on Lake of the Woods for the one day tournament this year, July 5th.  It has been utilized on LOW in past years with success.

The second one day tournament on July 11th goes back to the traditional tournament where fish are kept and will have to be under 19.5″ with one walleye over 28″ per angler.

Some anglers prefer the new PRT.  Others prefer tradition.  Whatever way you prefer it, both are fun tournaments during a time walleyes can really be caught in many different areas of the lake using a wide variety of techniques.

Tournaments offer anglers the opportunity to competitively fish for walleyes.  There are a variety of teams that fish including friends, couples, and father/son and so on.  If you haven’t tried a tournament, the MTT is a nice way to dip your big toe in the water.  It is quite reasonable to enter, $220 per team per tournament day.

Fishing a tournament forces anglers to think while on the water.  Changing weather conditions, fish that moved, fishing over fish that are not biting.  All of these scenarios require making decisions.  It is a south wind, should we set up outside the Lighthouse Gap and see if fish are loading up this morning?  It is a strong north wind, should we travel all the way to Garden Island or fish our fish closer to home base?  The wind died, do we still try our shallow spots or focus on deeper spots?

If you are interested in fishing Lake of the Woods in a tournament, this is a great one.  There are a number of lodging options available in the area.  Mike Holt is the tournament director and between he and his wife Renee run a great tournament.  To find out more about fishing the MTT or to register, go to www.mntournamenttrail.com or call 320-679-2825.

 

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.

I have to admit, my initial thoughts of Lake of the Woods are walleyes, not a history museum. I have to admit, each and every time I have the chance to visit, I am entertained and educated.  The museum is set up with a variety of displays showing what it was like in the past.  There is a rich history around Lake of the Woods and the different settings within the museum do a wonderful job of showing how life used to be in these parts.  The Lake of the Woods Historical Society is located in east Baudette across from the Lake of the Woods County offices. (www.LakeoftheWoodsHistoricalSociety.com)

The LOW Historical Society opens each year in Mid May and is open to the public. Inside you will find fascinating items from past generations. The experience for this non history connoisseur was delightful and I will be back.

For the outdoors minded person, everything from old fishing rods, tackle, motors, and big mounted fish. There is lots of history of the Lake of the Woods fishery. Pictures of monster sturgeon over 150 lbs. The mount of the walleye the Willie Walleye statue is modeled after. Pictures of fishermen in small boats pulling in massive nets from the days gone by. History of harvesting liver oil from eelpout that was many times more effective than normal oil. Very interesting.

The logging industry was and is a big part of the area. A variety of saws, tools and sharpeners are displayed. Old time two person hand saws and chain saws that used to rip through massive trees in the area makes one think about the size of the trees our ancestors harvested.  It doesn’t seem like it was an easy life compared to modern times.

Lake of the Woods County was known for it’s logging industry during the early 1900’s. In 1910, a big forest fire decimated much of the area and took over 30 lives. Similar to other forest fires, the disaster took place over dry, harvested land which was vulnerable to fires.

The historical society has a number of old time displays including an old bar from a tavern in the area and a nickelodeon that you can actually still deposit 5 cents into and be entertained.

The next time you come up to Lake of the Woods, plan on taking some time and checking out the Lake of the Woods Historical Society across from the county building in east Baudette, you will not be disappointed.

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a resort, guide, fish house, or charter boat, check out our lodging page.

It has been a good winter for ice anglers fishing Lake of the Woods.  There are still a couple of weeks left of some of the best ice fishing of the year.  On top of that, the annual spring fishing traditions on the Rainy River for optimistic spring walleye and sturgeon anglers are within a couple of weeks.  Mother Nature offers a bounty of opportunities year round in these parts.  And then COVID – 19.  Each lodging facility is handling this season and these times differently.  Many Lake of the Woods businesses are adapting to the times. 

The local lodging community is taking the COVID – 19 situation very seriously, both for their guests and employees.  Some resorts were on the verge of shutting down for the spring season as the winter was winding down and they did just that.  Some would have stayed open for another couple of weeks but decided to pull the plug a bit early under the circumstances.  Others decided to take all legal and necessary precautions and adapt by continuing to offer services allowing guests to come up ice fishing and soon enough, spring Rainy River fishing.

There are many adaptations lodging facilities have implemented.  Some include expanded and more thorough cleaning regimes within rooms, cabins, fish houses, and lobbies of resorts.

Some resorts are working with customers over the phone and online as much as possible reducing person to person contact as much as possible.  Some examples include emailing and talking on the phone vs in person regarding details of the trip, where fish houses are, where their room or cabin is located, etc.

Some resorts are still offering meals and meal plans with delivery and take out.  Some resorts have placed menus within cabins and customers can place orders with either delivery to the door of their room or cabin or having one person of the groups pick up the meals.

Some resorts are dropping off breakfast, minnows and a fish house map at the cabin door each morning.

Some folks are choosing to bring their own fish house and utilize the ice roads still open on Lake of the Woods.

These are unprecedented times for all and guidelines put out by various branches of our government and CDC need to be adhered to.  Fishing and enjoying the outdoors can be a way to take care of ones mind and spirit and for some is very important.  It can also be done in very small groups with limited interaction with others.  Adapting has and will continue to take place to ensure safety.

The best way to understand which resorts are still open and will be open for the spring fishing season, check out their Facebook pages or give them a call.

Lake of the Woods resort and lodging owners and outfitters are some of the most resourceful and caring people in the industry.  It is no surprise these hard working folks are finding a way and adapting to the times!

 

Click Here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Lodging

These are unprecedented times.  The COVID – 19 situation has our regular lives, events and for many, anxiety levels in a place we are not used to.  There are, and will be challenges for many of us in the days ahead, but not challenges we cannot overcome.  As the saying goes, without our health, what do we have?  With that being said, it is especially important to keep an eye on our mind, body and spirit during these times.  With adhering to the recommendations of the CDC and other medical experts for our safety and the safety of others, there are a number of outdoor activities that can help us as outdoors mined people through this chapter of life.  Get outdoors for cheap psychology. 

Social distancing is a phrase widely used in preventing the spread of COVID – 19.  In essence, it refers to staying at least six feet away from others.  Getting into the outdoors adheres to these requests but also allows our minds and bodies to experience fresh air, the healing qualities of nature and often times, providing food for our families (a phrase I often use with my wife when I express that I am headed out fishing).

I had the opportunity to clear my head recently by heading out to do some ice fishing.  I was alone in my travels, but had proper safety gear such as a float suit, ice picks, ice cleats, etc. to ensure safety.  Upon arriving, it appeared some other folks had the same idea.

While I picked away at some average sized fish, I could feel the stresses of life lift away.  I know for myself and many, getting outdoors is good for the soul.  It makes me a better man, both personally and professionally.

In these times, I found myself paying closer attention to the sounds of nature.  Canada geese, cranes, swans, robins and cardinals were active in the area creating a wonderful backdrop for a few hour adventure.

Something about getting some exercise and breathing in the fresh air just makes me feel better and sleep better.

These times are an opportunity to be thankful and reflect on the many riches we take for granted.  Living in America.  Our loved ones.  Our economic status wherever we are in life.  Our pets.  The opportunities.  The medical expertise.  The government’s resources to help people through this crisis.  No matter where we are in life, we could have it worse.  This is a good time to be thankful.

It isn’t everywhere one can have access to lakes, forests, prairies, walking and biking trails as part of living where we live.

It isn’t everywhere we can breathe fresh air.  Have confidence in the quality of food we purchase.  Know that our water is safe.

These are unprecedented times.  These are also times for many of us who value spending time outside amongst nature can have great benefits to our overall health and well-being.  As long as you can do so in a safe manner, make a point to spending some time outdoors.  As many will agree, it is cheap psychology.

 

Click Here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Lodging

March in MN is the end of ice fishing for much of the state, especially when it comes to walleyes and pike.  The season closes at the end of February and fish houses have to be off the ice early in March.  The rules are different for Lake of the Woods as it is border water with Canada and benefits from extended seasons.  Fish houses can remain overnight on the ice through March 31 and the walleye season remains open through April 14.  That means March walleyes!

This extra month of March to enjoy ice fishing can provide some of the best ice fishing of the year.  The days are longer, sun is stronger and the fish have the feedbag on for the upcoming spawn.  It is fun to see flocks of geese making their way back up north to their nesting areas and seagulls starting to return and land on the ice around fish houses.

Having a few extra weeks of good ice fishing on the front end of the season and an extra month on the back end is one reason Lake of the Woods is a premier ice fishing destination.  This special body of water provides some of the best ice fishing of the year for many guests including March walleyes.

Check out ten reasons Lake of the Woods is such a good ice fishing destination…

1.  Long ice fishing season.  Resort ice fishing houses typically get on the ice in early December and remain out through the month of March.

2.  Fish houses are allowed to be left overnight on the ice through March 31st on LOW as it is border water with Canada.

3.  The walleye / sauger season is open through April 14th.

4.  There are literally millions of walleyes and saugers

5.  The water in LOW is stained, meaning the walleyes bite during the day

6.  There are strong numbers of trophy walleyes in LOW

7.  Pike season never ends

8.  LOW is home to a big number of trophy pike over 40″ long

9.  The resort community creates an infrastructure for ice fishing that allows for everyone to fish in comfort

10.  In addition to walleyes and saugers, anglers will catch pike, jumbo perch, tulibees, eelpout, crappies and sturgeon through the ice

As a way to highlight March walleyes through the ice, Greg Jones of Midwest Outdoors TV and myself (Joe Henry) of Lake of the Woods Tourism recently had the chance to get out and do some fishing from one of the many resorts offering fish houses.  The chance to catch nice walleyes and saugers from the comfort of a 70 degree fish house that is placed in good fishing areas, the holes are drilled and cleaned and all we had to do is step inside and fish.

The fishing was good like it normally is.  We picked away at the walleyes and saugers throughout the day.  It was a fun day with steady action and a variety fish caught, even a crayfish!  That’s right, I actually caught a crayfish while Greg Jones at the same moment hooked into a nice sauger.  Coincidence, I say not.

 

Ice fishing takes place on Lake of the Woods based on Mother Nature, but the month of March is that bonus month that is just special.  Longer days, hungry fish and the last chance to hit the ice until next December!  To explore resorts, hotels, sleeper fish houses and full service ice fishing around the lake, check out our lodging page at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

 

Click Here to Access Lake of the Woods lodging options.

Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website