Travelers Come Near and Far for Ice Fishing at Lake of the Woods

Now is the time for ice fishing! What a great time of the year. Holiday celebrations are over, families come and go, food preparation is all done with and yet, now is one of the greatest times to experience Lake of the Woods. ice fishing

We have been experiencing negative temperatures in this northland and yet the beauty of winter is amazing. Now the average person might groan and whine a bit, but at Lake of the Woods the most common comment is, “We are making ice!”

People from many states flock to this area to try their hand at fishing through “hard water” or ice fishing. The lake is an incredible village of hundreds if not a couple thousand fish houses. One state represented in my family is Illinois.

Yes, Chicago showed up for Christmas and as tradition has it, it’s time to go ice fishing. They hooked up with one of our local fish house proprietors and off they ice fishing went for a 7:30 a.m. call to fish. Another group flew into our airport by private jet from South Carolina outfitted with the warmest gear and ready to try their hand at ice fishing. You understand that Lake of the Woods is at the very top of Minnesota on the Canadian Border. This location won’t disappoint any traveler as they seek a great ice experience.

Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™.  It is a world-renowned fishery and according to statistics from the MN DNR at Lake of the Woods, our fishery is more than healthy even though many pounds of fish are harvested each year. Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the US. It supports many species of fish and keeps the excitement brimming as anglers drop their lines in.

The guides at Lake of the Woods are a very diligent sort and hats are off to those who get up in the wee hours of the morning to do those duties. Overnight guests in sleeper fish houses are checked on throughout the night, as well as day houses keep the guides busy checking on their customers. What a task! Temperatures may ice fishing plummet and snow may fly but nothing can stop a fisherman from fishing

A day trip might find customers using a larger fish house equipped with a gas range and yes, even a bathroom! Yes!! (Ladies take note of that!!) As a group approaches the fish houses they often are able to see an incredible sunrise, complete with sun dogs around the sun, or a moon just setting. They also see ATVs, Snowmobiles, Wheelhouses and all kinds of equipment that makes up the population of the ice village.

Anglers will find themselves brought out onto the lake by bombardiers driven by an experienced guide onto a well-kept ice road going through a bay and up over an island to the “big lake”. Soon that village of ice houses will come in sight and that indeed is a sight to behold!!

ice fishing The ice fishing guide supplies ice fishing rods if needed and all the bait the parties will need for the day. He also lets you know what the limits are so they stay legal and assures them that he will be back to check on them from time to time throughout the day. I will interject here that it is very important to be in obedience to that guide as to where to travel on the lake. These ice workers are professionals and know how to travel the lake and where the safest place is to travel the hard water.

Lines are dropped in. Each person is allowed to fish two lines. Usually one is left laying on the ice with a bobber or just with a hook and this is called a dead stick. The technique is to bait your lure with a minnow and let it drop until you feel bottom Then with an up and down motion, you start to “jig” and wait for a tug on the line. “Set the hook” with a great upward motion and pull in whatever was at the end of the line. ice fishing

The catch was on!! Excitement?!?!?  Yes, groups often travel over 800 miles for family, Christmas and now an exciting day on the ice. Everyone catches fish and that night a walleye/sauger meal can be enjoyed by letting your favorite lodging facility fix up your catch with great sides.

Let me invite you to come to Lake of the Woods to have the same great ice fishing experience. I promise you that you will have stories to tell for years to come. The lake is beautiful when frozen and the city of houses that are out there is amazing. Please applaud the ones who make this sport accessible to all peoples whether experienced or not.

For more information on lodging or ice fishing contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoodmn.com/lodging.

www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing

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

Crispy Fish Batter

fish

Make it yourself!!

Key Ingredients:

  1. All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
  2. Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness
  3. Baking Powder: Helps batter rise and ecome lighter.
  4. Cold sparkling water: Creates a light, airy texture
  5. Vegetable oil: for Frying
  6. Seasoning to taste. Paprika adds to the color of the fried fish.
    fish
    Crispy Fish Batter

Preparation

  1. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder (if using)
  2. Gradually add liquid: Whisk in cold sparkling water or beer until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. Avoid overmixing
  3. Rest the batter: Let it sit for a few minutes.
  4. Dip dried fish in batter
  5. Fry in oil that is about 350 degrees.

Fishing Report 1.14.2025

On the South Shore… Ice fishing is going great on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters reporting thickening ice conditions with two feet of ice in some areas.  Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Some good fishing this past week.  As a rule, fishing activity is happening in 28 – 32 feet of water.  Resorts do just about everything they can to get customers on fish and this past week, some resorts made some long runs, resetting fish houses in new areas miles off shore.  Most are reporting good fishing as a rule. 

fishing
Huge Eelpout

It is common to sort through some small walleyes and saugers to get your keepers on LOW.  Naturally, some big fish are showing up, especially in deeper water.  In addition, this has been a very good year for jumbo perch with good numbers being caught.  Other fish in the mix are eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees and an occasional sturgeon.   

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail in gold / pink, gold / glow red, glow white / pink, or Wonder Bread have worked well.  

Especially in the deeper water, some anglers are finding success on rippin raps or using jigging spoons with a rattle as well.  

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.  One day the jigging line catches most of the fish, the other day a deadstick is hot.  

Electronics are very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.  Most resorts, outfitters and bait shops in the area rent electronics by the day.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes and saugers, primarily in the mornings and evenings.  A jig and minnow working well.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good for those targeting them.  An oversized hole, or three holes drilled together, with nightcrawlers or frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig fished on the bottom are what anglers are using.  

Ice conditions on the river can vary significantly due to the current. 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 continues to be very good up at the Northwest Angle. Resorts have fish houses set up on various pieces of structure as well as adjacent to structure in deep mud.  A consistent mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and tullibees in the mix.  

Shallow structure is best right away in the morning and as the sun starts going down in the late afternoon.  Mud is more of a slower bite but all day.

The ice road from Jerry’s on the mainland (Angle Inlet, MN) to island resorts (as of this past week) was open to 1 ton vehicles.  Guests drive right to their island resort after picking up a road pass at Jerry’s or Point North Services.  Venmo is also available at all resorts.  Work through your resort for specifics.

Ice fishing is in full swing across Lake of the Woods and there are openings for lodging, fish house rentals, sleeper fish house rentals and meal plans across the area.  Ice fishing is extended on LOW with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st, walleye / sauger season open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and helpful information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

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Bars on Frozen Lake of the Woods

Who would have thought you could find two bars on the frozen Lake of the Woods!?!? Yes, indeed, Lake of the Woods has it all. Two resorts have seen the need over the year and have set aside a facility ON THE ICE to serve beverages at their special ice-house/bar.

Yes, two bars. The Igloo Bar on the ice is a sensational place to experience the best of Lake of the Woods.

bars
Setting Up the Igloo

Who ever thought of placing establishments like this on ice?!?! Well, there are many entrepreneurs around and Lake of the Woods is no exception. 

The Igloo Bar, in particular, has earned quite a reputation.  You see, this bar looks like an igloo.  It is located out on frozen Lake of the Woods.  It is loaded with big screen TV’s, electric lights, running water, a bar, limited hot food menu, and heated porta-potties that look like little igloos. It’s unlike anything else on the lake. This year the bar is located in its usual position out on the lake on Zippel Bay Reef.

Decked out with satellite TV, propane heat, running hot water and hoodie-clad bartenders, the arc-roofed bar also serves soup, sandwiches and pizza. The bottled beer, shots and mixed drinks flow for six nights a week until the ice softens in late March. That’s when tractors haul it back to shore in two pieces. bars

Couples have been married in this bar and snowmobilers drive miles to use the heated outhouses. And for a few dollars an hour, you can lift up a section of the tavern’s insulated floor and jig for walleyes from your bar stool.

“If you are looking for something different, this is different.”  “It gets a little crazy in here when someone catches a big one,” offered Nick Painovich, owner of the Igloo Bar. He usually situates the Igloo miles out from shore above a walleye hot spot in the Zippel Bay fish house village.

The Igloo is licensed as a mobile food court, fish house and caterer, the Igloo requires electricity (supplied by a gas generator) to heat food and pressurize hot and cold water. All waste-water gets hauled to shore in holding tanks and poured into the resort’s own disposal system.  Each morning and evening workers haul out huge generators on wheels that send power to the big Igloo Bar and also the heated lavatories. If traveling by snowmobile, a “spur” of the trail goes right to the bar from the Zippel Bay State Park trail as well as the trail on the lake.

The Angry Walleye is operated by Cyrus Resort . This bar will be on the ice this week. It’s located just off of Cyrus’ Ice Road and is open at 2 p.m. daily. bars They feature beer, drinks and pizza to add to a great day of fishing on the lake. Bring back your limit and celebrate at the bar with friends all around. This is a great destination to add to your fishing experience.

The bar itself has been built inside of a large fish house and has a delightful and inviting atmosphere. Last year they had a celebration for a 90 year old fisherman who has fished Lake of the Woods quite frequently over the years. Party up!

You can see that this addition to the attributes of the lake is exceptional and very bars inviting for all anglers. Bring in your fishing stories to the Angry Walleye to add to those being already told there.

Winter is a happy and busy time up at Lake of the Woods.  The area is buzzing with activity.  In these parts, winter is celebrated and welcomed.  Ice fishing is an absolute culture in Northern Minnesota.  Anglers from all ability levels and all walks of life come up to partake in some of the best ice fishing in the world at Lake of the Woods.

The owners of these bars had to jump many hoops with the MN DNR when first done. They have passed the tests and they have proven to be “hot spots” for anglers to frequent during their trip to Lake of the Woods. Ice roads are well marked, plowed and maintained when heading to these locations.

It is quite the entrepreneur who is able to organize and operate a business like these. It takes on greater than normal financial risks and staffing to run these bars. Another interesting feature on the ice is a yellow food truck often seen on the lake named Walleye Bites. Now that’s catchy and the food they serve from walleye bites to cheese curds is some of the best around.

A great success story each year is about bartender Jennie who daily places tip ups in a hole during morning hours before she preps the Igloo. bars History has shown that Jennie is an avid fisher-woman as the picture shows. She has landed some monster northerns through the holes of the Igloo to “bring and brag” to other anglers that frequent the spot. So, have a beverage and pizza and lift up the table to drop your line in a hole in one of the biggest “fish houses” on the lake.

Let’s don’t forget about the great comradery to be had with anglers at both of these great locations. Come soon!!!

For more information on ice fishing contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing

And for lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See Face Book pages also at these sites: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodmn, The Igloo Bar and the Cyrus’ Angry Walleye Bar.

Fishing Report 1.8.2025

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 and some good fishing. Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Most fishing activity is happening in 26 – 32 feet of water.  Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye.   Most buckets have some good quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up as well.

fishing
Beautiful Perch at the Northwest Angle

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

Some anglers are finding success on jigging raps and rippin raps as well.  More aggressive techniques at times are really getting it done.

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.

Using electronics is very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice fish but the good walleye bite has slowed some.  Anglers are catching some decent 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 continues to be good.  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 is going very well 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 place fish houses on points, reefs and over deep mud.  

Ice fishing is in full swing and there are openings for lodging and fish house rentals on both ends of the lake.  

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

Cornmeal Crusted Walleye

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet red peppers
  • 4 large ears sweet corn, husks removed
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1-3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • Dash cayenne pepper
  • 4 walleye fillets (6 ounces each)
  • 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Directions

  1. Broil red peppers 4 in. from the heat until skins blister, about 15 minutes. With tongs, rotate peppers a quarter turn. Broil and rotate until all sides are blistered and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a large bowl; cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, brush corn with 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to an ungreased 13×9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° until tender, 30-40 minutes. Peel off and discard charred skin from peppers. Remove stems and seeds. Finely chop peppers. Cut corn from cobs.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and cayenne. Coat walleye in cornmeal mixture.
  4. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms in butter until tender. Add peppers, corn and remaining salt; saute 2-3 minutes longer.
  5. In another large skillet, fry fillets in remaining oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with corn salsa

Dining-A Pleasure at Lake of the Woods

dining
prime rib flag island resort 300x230 1
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

dining
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.

dining
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!