Winter Employment Opportunities Available at Lake of the Woods MN

Light ice rig, full service ice fishing, Lake of the Woods

Winter employment is available at Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods!ย  Lake of the Woods comes alive with energy and opportunity. As one of the best ice fishing destinations in the world, our area welcomes thousands of visitors eager to experience the Walleye Capital of the World โ€” and that means resorts, hotels, ice guides, restaurants, and local businesses are buzzing with activity. To keep things running smoothly, we rely on great people โ€” and this winter, many employers are hiring!

Work Where You Love to Play

Are you looking for a change? Maybe youโ€™re an adventure seeker who loves the outdoors? Why not work in a place that others dream of visiting? Many resorts, hotels, and supporting businesses around Lake of the Woods are now hiring for the winter season.

If youโ€™ve ever thought to yourself, โ€œI could live here,โ€ this might be your moment to make it happen. Most people regret not taking more chances in life โ€” hereโ€™s one worth taking.

Imagine living in an area people travel across the country to fish, hunt and vacation.ย  Spend days off setting the hook and exploring new areas.ย  This is available right now!

Because of it’s world class fishing and strong tourism, Lake of the Woods boasts a number of strong businesses in the hospitality industry such as resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants with a myriad of good positions that need to be filled each and every year.ย ย 

Business owners in these parts value good employees and they are well compensated for their hard work and dedication.ย  In addition, there are lots of opportunities to gain valuable skills and move into management positions as well.

A Thriving Place to Work and Live

Lake of the Woods isnโ€™t just a great place to fish, hunt, and enjoy the outdoors โ€” itโ€™s also an excellent place to build a career or start a business. The region enjoys a steady flow of visitors, a growing local economy, and a strong community built on education, healthcare, and opportunity.

Our county features quality healthcare, top-rated schools, and a welcoming small-town spirit. From the many new developments, fun new coffee houses and eateries as well as the convenient amenities that make life enjoyable, right here in the north country.ย 

Sunset Lodge Bar at the Northwest Angle on Minnesota's Lake of the Woods

Resort and Hospitality Opportunities

Winter is one of the busiest seasons at Lake of the Woods, thanks to our consistent ice, daytime walleye bite, and world-class resort community. Resorts across the south shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle are gearing up for a busy season and need dependable staff.

Positions include:

  • Ice guides

  • Front desk and lodging staff

  • Housekeeping

  • Cooks and servers

  • Bartenders

  • Marketing and business management

  • Maintenance and transportation

This is hospitality at its finest โ€” and many couples find success working together in these seasonal or year-round roles.

Finding Openings

If you have a favorite resort, donโ€™t hesitate to give them a call. Many positions arenโ€™t always listed online, but resorts are hiring now. Itโ€™s been said that 80% of job openings are never advertised โ€” a simple phone call or email can go a long way and shows initiative.

You can find resort listings on the Lodging page at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com, and visit www.gethookedforlife.com for more information about employment and living in Lake of the Woods County.

Join a Community That Cares

People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the people. We take pride in our community, our outdoor heritage, and our commitment to creating a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As winter approaches, now is the perfect time to consider making Lake of the Woods your new home โ€” or at least your new adventure. Work in the heart of one of Minnesotaโ€™s most beautiful and exciting destinations.

Lake of the Woods โ€” where opportunity and adventure meet.

For more information, visit:
๐ŸŒ www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
๐ŸŒ www.gethookedforlife.com
๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook.com/LakeoftheWoodsMN

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is the most popular ice fishing destination in North America. It has a consistent healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eel pout, and crappies.

The lake enjoys stained water meaning, the water is very clean but has a light coffee tint to it. This “tint” makes fishing all day very productive versus fishing in a lake with clear water.

The Lake of the Woods resort community provides full service ice fishing, taking the work out of ice fishing. Resorts and outfitters create well marked and groomed ice roads, they shuttle people to heated fish houses that are all ready to fish and are moving fish houses often to stay on the fish.

Some Anglers fish out of a day house and go back to shore at night to sleep at a resort and eat at the many restaurants and bars.

Others enjoy staying in a sleeper fish house, where they stay overnight on the ice in a nice warm sleeper fish house equipped with a strong furnace, cooking facilities and the opportunity to wake up in the morning with your favorite cup of coffee and start jigging.

Ice skates will clean your fish and if you like, Resorts will even cook up your fresh catch.

When you are up ice fishing, don’t forget to check out the two bars out on the ice. The first is the igloo bar located out of Zippel Bay Resort. The second, is the Angry Walleye located out of Cyrus Resort. Both are located off the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in North America for beginners to experience ice fishing, even if you have no equipment, no experience, and no idea where to start. Unlike many lakes where you must bring your own gear, drill your own holes, and navigate the ice on your own, Lake of the Woods offers a complete full-service ice fishing experience designed for first-time anglers, families, and groups.

Our resorts and outfitters provide everything you need, including:

  • Heated rental fish houses (warm, comfortable, fully set up)

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation to and from your fish house

  • Bait, gear, and tackle

  • Fish cleaning services

  • Lodging, meals, and snacks

  • Guides and expert advice

  • Safe, maintained ice roads

This means you can simply show up, walk into a warm fish house, drop a line, and start catching walleyes.

What makes Lake of the Woods perfect for beginners is the simplicity and safety of the experience. You donโ€™t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobileโ€”our professional resorts make it effortless. They place your fish house on productive walleye and sauger areas, monitor the ice conditions daily, and ensure everything is ready for you.

With one of the largest and most abundant walleye populations in the Midwest, Lake of the Woods also gives first-time anglers an excellent chance to catch fish right awayโ€”something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.

For anyone searching online for โ€œbest beginner ice fishing lake,โ€ โ€œeasy guided ice fishing trips,โ€ โ€œice fishing without gear,โ€ or โ€œwhere to try ice fishing for the first time,โ€ Lake of the Woods consistently ranks as a top destination. It combines world-class fishing, highly experienced outfitters, and a stress-free, all-inclusive setup that makes ice fishing enjoyable for everyone.

In addition, there are a wide variety of lodging options including cabins, villas, suites and lodge rooms.ย ย 

Eat out or cook your own meals.ย  Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars.ย  There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin.ย  Some guests do both!

Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if itโ€™s your first time. The region is designed for visitors, with full-service resorts, professional guides, heated fish houses, and easy trip-planning support. Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Choose the part of Lake of the Woods you want to experience.

Each area offers something unique:

  • South Shore (Baudetteโ€“Williams area): Most popular, easy access, lots of resorts and ice roads.

  • Rainy River: Great early and late ice, plus excellent walleye and sturgeon action.

  • Northwest Angle: Remote, scenic, and famous for world-class walleye ice fishing and thousands of islands.

2. Pick a resort or outfitter.

Lake of the Woods is known for its full-service lodging and fishing options. Most resorts provide:

  • Heated day houses or sleeper houses

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation on the ice

  • All gear, bait, and advice

  • Fish cleaning

  • Meals and comfortable lodging

This means you donโ€™t need to bring equipmentโ€”everything is ready when you arrive.

3. Decide whether you want a day house or sleeper house.

  • Day Houses: Fish during daytime and return to the resort at night.

  • Sleeper Houses: Stay overnight on the ice in a warm, fully equipped fish houseโ€”an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

4. Pick your dates.

Ice fishing typically runs early December through late March, depending on conditions. Many anglers book early, especially around weekends and holidays.

5. Purchase a Minnesota fishing license.

You can buy your license online in minutes before your trip.

6. Dress warm and bring personal essentials.

Resorts provide the fishing gear, but youโ€™ll want warm clothing, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

7. Arrive and let the experts handle the rest.

Your resort will transport you to your heated fish house, show you how everything works, and get you fishing within minutes.


For anyone searching โ€œhow to plan an ice fishing trip,โ€ โ€œLake of the Woods trip planning,โ€ or โ€œbest way to book an ice fishing vacation,โ€ this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easyโ€”and the adventure is unforgettable.

Lodging Options

Ice Fishing Packages

Sleeper Fish Houses

Lake of the Woods offers one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in North America. Anglers can catch a wide variety of species all year long, which is one of the reasons the lake is known as The Walleye Capital of the Worldยฎ and a top destination for both open-water and ice fishing.

Here are the primary fish species you can catch on Lake of the Woods:

Walleyes

The signature species of Lake of the Woods. Known for high numbers and impressive trophy potential, walleyes are the most targeted fish year-round.

Saugers

Common alongside walleyes and often caught in large numbers, especially during winter. Many anglers enjoy catching walleyeโ€“sauger โ€œcombo limits.โ€

Northern Pike

A top predator with incredible size potential. Lake of the Woods consistently produces trophy pike over 40 inches, especially during late ice and spring.

Yellow Perch

Abundant throughout the lake. Jumbo perch are a favorite among ice anglers.

Lake Sturgeon

A prehistoric giant found mainly in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Strict seasons apply, but catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a major draw in spring and fall.

Muskie (Muskellunge)

The Northwest Angle is world-renowned for muskie fishing, offering some of the best trophy muskie opportunities anywhere.

Smallmouth Bass

Strong populations throughout the islands and reef areas, especially in the Northwest Angle.

Crappies

Black crappies can be found mainly in the Northwest Angle, offering excellent spring and winter opportunities.


Why the variety matters

For anyone searching โ€œwhat fish are in Lake of the Woods,โ€ โ€œspecies to catch,โ€ โ€œbest fishing in Minnesota,โ€ or โ€œmulti-species fishing destinations,โ€ this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same tripโ€”often in the same day.

With millions of acres of water, endless structure, and world-class habitat, Lake of the Woods offers one of the most complete freshwater fishing experiences anywhere.

There are some ice anglers that target sturgeon through the ice, primarily on safe stretches of the Rainy River.

Up at the NW Angle, in addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike, there are resorts that specialize in targeting big crappies!

The best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is generally mid-December through late March, depending on ice conditions. Early ice offers excellent walleye and sauger action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallower water. Mid-winter provides consistent daily catches across Big Traverse Bay, the South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. Late winterโ€”late February into Marchโ€”is prime for trophy northern pike, perch, and suspended walleye patterns.

Because Lake of the Woods has one of the longest and most stable ice seasons in the Midwest, anglers enjoy reliable fishing for nearly four months. Resorts and outfitters monitor ice thickness daily and ensure safe access, making any time between December and March an excellent choice.

You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitorsโ€”especially beginnersโ€”choose a full-service resort or outfitter. Lake of the Woods is famous for making ice fishing incredibly easy. Resorts provide heated day houses or sleeper houses, transportation on marked ice roads, pre-drilled holes, gear, bait, fish cleaning, and expert advice.

If you have your own gear and experience, you can also explore the lake on your own using public ice roads and your own equipment. However, guided or resort-assisted trips are the preferred and safest option, offering convenience, comfort, and the highest chance of success.

The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shinerโ€”either live or frozen. This is the lakeโ€™s primary forage, and walleyes respond extremely well to it throughout the entire ice season.

Anglers typically use:

  • Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head

  • Jigging raps / glide baits for aggressive fish

  • Plain hooks or small jigs on a deadstick with a full minnow

A combination of a jigging rod and a deadstick is the most effective setup. Bright colors like gold, glow red, glow pink, and green are popular choices in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.

We are happy to provide general fish limits on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, but the Minnesota DNR sets the rules and they should be consulted officially.

Here is a helpful link to the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page.ย  Please note, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are considered border water with Canada and have special regs and in some cases, extended seasons.

Because most resorts supply fishing gear, augers, heaters, and transportation, your packing list for Lake of the Woods is simple. Bring:

  • Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, bibs)

  • Winter boots, hat, and gloves

  • Snacks and beverages for the fish house

  • A camera or phone for photos

  • Fishing license (Minnesota license required)

  • Optional: Favorite jigging rods, tackle, or electronics

If you stay in a sleeper house, also bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, a cooler with food, snacks, beverages, and any overnight comforts you prefer. Resorts provide clear packing guidance for each type of trip.

Never Ice Fished? No Problem… Resorts and Ice Fishing Outfitters Welcome You

Jen Pudenz and Bret Amundson NW Angle, Lake of the Woods MN ice fishing

Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is easy, it is warm and you don’t need any experience.ย  ย Resorts and outfitters do the work so you can relax and have fun.

Ask most people what ice fishing looks like and theyโ€™ll describe someone sitting on a bucket in the wind, staring at a hole. Thatโ€™s not how it works here.ย 

At Lake of the Woods, full service ice fishing does the hard parts for you. You donโ€™t need your own gear. You donโ€™t need to know how to read the ice or find fish. You donโ€™t even need to be all that tough about the cold. If you can walk a few steps from a truck to a door, you can ice fish here.

Thatโ€™s why youโ€™ll see kids, grandparents, folks with limited mobility, and first-timers out on the ice right alongside the regulars.

How Full Service Ice Fishing Works

Light ice rig and fish house, Border View Lodge, Lake of the Woods MN

Your day starts in a warm resort and ends in a warm fish house. In between, someone else handles the details.

The resort or outfitter picks the spot, sets up the fish house, and drills the holes. They move houses around through the season to stay on the fish, so youโ€™re dropping a line where walleyes and saugers are actually biting. Inside, the heater keeps things around 70 degrees. Most people take off their jackets once they settle in.

Getting out there is easy too. Some resorts drive you out in heated ice transportation. Later in the season, when the ice is thick enough, many let you drive your own vehicle on plowed and maintained ice roads.

No rod? No problem. Most resorts can set you up with what you need, including bait. Just ask when you book.

Thereโ€™s an old saying around here. With full service ice fishing, you only have two things to think about: what to wear and what to eat. The rest is taken care of.

Where the Fishing Happens

Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods, MN

Most winter fishing happens in two areas.

Big Traverse Bay is the big open part of the lake. It stretches about 30 miles north to south and 25 miles east to west. Thatโ€™s a lot of ice. Some days the fish are close to shore. Other days the resorts set up miles out. Either way, their job is to keep you safe and put you on good fish.

The Northwest Angle is the other option. Itโ€™s the northernmost point in the lower 48. If you drive there, youโ€™ll pass through about 40 miles of Canada before coming back into Minnesota. You can also skip the border crossing by riding across the lake with the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service.

Why It Works for Just About Everyone

Igloo Bar Lake of the Woods MN

It comes down to two things. First, the lake holds millions of walleyes and saugers, plus perch, pike, eelpout and more. Second, thereโ€™s a whole network of small businesses behind the scenes that make the trip simple. They plow the roads, tend the houses, and keep tabs on where the fish are.

That means you donโ€™t have to be an expert. You just have to show up.

More Than Just Fishing

Ice Igloo Lake of the Woods, MN

Families, couples, work groups and old friends all spend days out here. Between bites, thereโ€™s a lot of talking, snacking, and laughing. Some folks come for the fish. Others come for the time together. Most leave with a little of both.

Itโ€™s a pretty good way to spend a Minnesota winter day.

Plan Your Trip

Lake of the Woods Tourism ice fishing page, www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Ready to try it? You can browse resorts, day houses and sleeper fish houses on the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging Page. Each listing links to the resortโ€™s own site, where you can check dates and pricing.

Click Here to Access Lake of the Woods lodging options.
Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure

Warm fish houses, friendly faces, and world-class walleye fishingโ€”Lake of the Woods makes winter easy and unforgettable.

Fall Fishing is Upon Us… Guide to Rainy River Boat Ramps

Two men hold a large string of walleyes and saugers that they caught on the Rainy River next to Lake of the Woods.

Fall Fishing on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods is a tradition many anglers across the Midwest look forward to. Each fall, emerald shiners from Lake of the Woods run up the Rainy River that flows into the lake.ย  Schools of walleyes are usually close behind, setting up the tradition called the fall run.

The shiners are headed upstream, driven by biology but we are not exactly sure why.ย  Fisheries biologist often remind us instinctively, fish don’t expend energy for no reason.ย  Naturally, there is a reason and something driving them. Possibly it is a good food source, possibly a different temperature of water, some have even suggested as they school very tightly, they are re-sliming themselves in preparation for the winter.ย  Whatever the reason, they typically move upstream in the fall and this annual event can lead to some hot and heavy walleye action.ย 

With this tradition, plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River and all around Lake of the Woods.

Every year is different.ย  Based on weather, flow of the river, how much daylight remains throughout the day, etc.ย  Some years, the shiners run so thick it looks like you could walk on them.ย  This is when you hear splashing fish busting up through the schools of minnows.ย  Other years, the run of shiners is more tamed down.ย  Either way, there are walleyes that come out of the lake and enter the river and this leads to some great fall fishing.

There are a number of methods to catch these walleyes, but the most common is a jig and minnow.ย  Anchoring up on the edge of some structure and vertically jigging while watching the migration of a variety of waterfowl is a great way to spend a fall day.ย  Some anglers use fatheads or rainbows.ย  Others prefer a live emerald shiner if available.ย  The second choice for anglers wanting to match the run is a frozen emerald shiner.

This is the time of the year local bait dealers are busy working to net these shiners supplying ice anglers with a supply of frozen shiners through March.

From the mouth of the Rainy River near many of the resorts at Wheeler’s Point upstream to Baudette and all the way over to Birchdale to the east, there can be great fall fishing.ย  There is about 42 miles of very navigable Rainy River.ย  This provides anglers with many great opportunities.ย  Some walleyes will be moving upstream using current breaks, holes and rocks as they migrate upstream.ย  Others will be staged feeding heavily in areas where the emerald shiners are hanging out.ย  There is lots of water to fish and many techniques to catch fall walleyes.

ย 

Wheeler's Point boat ramp on the Rainy River in Lake of the Woods County MN

Wheeler’s Point has a great boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River.ย  Lots of ramps, docks and ample parking amongst many resorts make this access handy.

The next public access up river is located along HWY 172 adjacent to Bayview Lodge is the Wabanica Creek Boat Launch.ย  Wabanica Creek runs into the Rainy River half way between Baudette and Wheeler’s Point.

The next ramp up river is located in the town of Baudette. Near the Canadian Border crossing, you will find a popular public dock at the rest area known as Peace Park. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for boats and trailers at this site.

Near the Peace Park boat ramp Baudette Bay is a boat dock where you can tie up your boat and walk up Willie Walleye Hill to get a coffee, grab lunch or find groceries and supplies at the local grocery store.

At the eastern side of Baudette atย Timbermill Park boat ramp.ย  This is a spacious boat ramp with plenty of parking available.ย  This access is directly on the Rainy River.

Rainy River boat ramps from Wheeler's Point to Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN

Moving to the east six miles from Baudette, crossing into Koochiching County is Vidas Landing, a beautiful public access point that sees a lot of travel.

About 11 miles to the east is another nice boat ramp, Frontier Landing.ย 

Further down Hwy 11 at the town Birchdale, Nelson Park has a very nice boat ramp.ย  It is located on the road traveling north off of Hwy 11. Here
ย again, youโ€™ll find a great access point for your boat and the campground is one of the most beautiful spots along the river. (Be sure to stop in to the Birchdale Store while in the area. It is probably one of the most unique country stores to be found in the state.)

If you have your own boat, the Rainy River is small water compared to the lake.ย  Even on a windy day, there are opportunities to get out of the wind and find fish.

Now is a good time to start planning a trip.ย  Grab some loved ones or friends and experience a beautiful time of the year and some of the best fishing of the year.ย  Plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River!

Birchdale Boat Ramp, Nelson Park. Rainy River, Lake of the Woods.
What is the fall run of walleyes on the Rainy River?

Each fall, as the days begin to get shorter and the water starts to cool, emerald shiners, a favorite of Lake of the Woods walleyes, begin to enter the Rainy River in good numbers.ย  Naturally, walleyes from Lake of the Woods are close behind.ย  This annual fall tradition sets up an incredible walleye bite on the Rainy River.

Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but typically it begins in mid September and continues through the fall until ice up.

The go to presentation for fall walleyes is a jig and minnow, and for many anglers, a jig and frozen emerald shiner.ย ย 

There are some anglers who will cover water by trolling crankbaits on the river which is also a very effective technique.

Absolutely, in fact walleyes school up in the fall across the south shore and amongst the many islands of the NW Angle of Lake of the Woods.ย  As winter is approaching, walleyes are putting on the feedbag, often setting up some of the best fishing of the entire year.

Where to Go Ice Fishing This Winter: Why Lake of the Woods Is the Top Choice

Jen Pudenz and Bret Amundson with a jumbo perch and walleye inside a Lake of the Woods MN fish house, full service ice fishing

If youโ€™re asking yourself, โ€œWhere should I go ice fishing this winter?โ€ the answer many seasoned anglers and families agree on is Lake of the Woods, Minnesota โ€” the Walleye Capital of the World. Each winter, this massive northern lake transforms into a thriving โ€œice cityโ€ of heated fish houses, plowed ice roads, and friendly resorts that make ice fishing easy for everyone โ€” even if you have no experience or equipment.

Fish cleaning table, Lake of the Woods

Why Lake of the Woods Is Ideal for Beginners and Groups

If your family or group wants to experience ice fishing but doesnโ€™t have gear, knowledge, or a snowmobile โ€” no problem. Lake of the Woods is famous for full-service ice fishing, where resorts and outfitters handle everything.

Hereโ€™s whatโ€™s included when you book:

  • Heated fish houses (usually around 70ยฐF) โ€” no freezing on a bucket here!

  • Pre-drilled holes and a clean, ready-to-fish setup.

  • Transportation to and from the house via heated track vehicles or plowed ice roads.

  • Guides who check in regularly, help you catch fish, and even clean your catch.

  • Optional โ€œcatch and cookโ€ dinners โ€” many resorts will fry up your fresh-caught walleyes with all the sides.

You simply show up, hang up your jacket, drop a line, and start catching fish.

Joe Henry, walleye in fish house, Lake of the Woods ice fishing

What Makes Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing So Special

Lake of the Woods is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in North America. Millions of walleyes and saugers roam its waters, providing steady action and the chance to catch trophy fish. Itโ€™s also home to northern pike, perch, eelpout, and even an occasional sturgeon through the ice.

Because of its reliable ice conditions and massive size, fishing remains consistent all winter long โ€” from early December through March.

Add in friendly resort staff, incredible sunsets over the snow-covered lake, and the camaraderie of fishing with friends and family, and itโ€™s easy to see why thousands return year after year.

Where the Ice Fishing Happens: Two Main Areas

1. Big Traverse Bay (South Shore)

This expansive area stretches roughly 30 miles north-to-south and 25 miles east-to-west โ€” itโ€™s big ice! Resorts and outfitters constantly track fish movements and move houses accordingly to keep guests on active schools of walleyes and saugers. Depending on the bite, you may fish near shore or miles out on the ice.

2. The Northwest Angle

Located at the northernmost point of the continental U.S., the Northwest Angle is another world-class ice fishing area. You can drive there through Canada or take the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service, a bombardier ride across the frozen lake that stays entirely in Minnesota. Once you arrive, outfitters provide the same full-service experience โ€” heated houses, gear, guides, and great fishing.


Bombardier or Bomber on Lake of the Woods MN used for full service ice fishing

Getting There and Getting Around

Resorts make access to your fish house and ice fishing simple and safe.

  • Early season: guests are transported by heated track vehicles or light ice rigs.

  • Mid to late season: plowed ice roads allow guests to drive personal vehicles right to their fish house or resort bombardiers and track rigs transport guests right to their fish house.

This extensive infrastructure โ€” maintained by resorts and local businesses โ€” is part of what makes Lake of the Woods the easiest and safest place in Minnesota to experience ice fishing

Arnesen's sleeper fish house, Lake of the Woods

What to Expect Beyond the Fishing

Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is about more than catching fish. Itโ€™s a social and relaxing winter getaway. Youโ€™ll enjoy:

  • Warm, comfortable fish houses with panoramic winter views.

  • Great conversation, laughter, and maybe a hot meal cooked or even a few of your favorite beverages right on the ice.

  • Resort amenities such as restaurants, bars, and lodging options.

  • Unique and fun bars out on the ice including the Igloo Bar and the Angry Walleye!
  • Beautiful northern Minnesota winter scenery and wildlife.

Families, couples, corporate groups, and friends all find their own kind of magic out on the frozen lake.

Igloo bar on lake of the Woods MN. Ice bar. Zippel Bay Resort.

How to Start Planning Your Ice Fishing Trip

If youโ€™re wondering, โ€œHow do I start planning my Lake of the Woods ice fishing trip?โ€ โ€” hereโ€™s what to do next:

  1. Visit the Lake of the Woods Tourism website โ€“ www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

    • Youโ€™ll find a list of resorts, sleeper fish houses, and outfitters, along with rates and photos.

  2. Choose your style:

    • Day house trip โ€“ return to your warm resort cabin or lodge room each evening.

    • Sleeper fish house โ€“ stay overnight right on the ice.

  3. Book early! Prime weekends fill quickly.

  4. Pack light: the resort provides nearly everything. Bring warm clothes, snacks, and your favorite beverages.

Fish fry, River Bend Resort, Lake of the Woods

Experience Full-Service Ice Fishing โ€” Lake of the Woods Style

This winter, discover why Lake of the Woods is the premier destination for full-service ice fishing in Minnesota. Whether itโ€™s your first time dropping a line or your hundredth, the combination of great fishing, professional guides, and comfortable accommodations make it an unforgettable experience.

Warm fish houses, friendly faces, and world-class walleye fishing โ€” thatโ€™s Lake of the Woods.

Plan your trip today at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Summary: Full-service ice fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesotaโ€”heated fish houses, guides, plowed ice roads, and resort amenities. Ideal for families, groups, and first-timers.

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure

Warm fish houses, friendly faces, and world-class walleye fishingโ€”Lake of the Woods makes winter easy and unforgettable.

Fish house, full service guided ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is the most popular ice fishing destination in North America. It has a consistent healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eel pout, and crappies.

The lake enjoys stained water meaning, the water is very clean but has a light coffee tint to it. This “tint” makes fishing all day very productive versus fishing in a lake with clear water.

The Lake of the Woods resort community provides full service ice fishing, taking the work out of ice fishing. Resorts and outfitters create well marked and groomed ice roads, they shuttle people to heated fish houses that are all ready to fish and are moving fish houses often to stay on the fish.

Some Anglers fish out of a day house and go back to shore at night to sleep at a resort and eat at the many restaurants and bars.

Others enjoy staying in a sleeper fish house, where they stay overnight on the ice in a nice warm sleeper fish house equipped with a strong furnace, cooking facilities and the opportunity to wake up in the morning with your favorite cup of coffee and start jigging.

Ice skates will clean your fish and if you like, Resorts will even cook up your fresh catch.

When you are up ice fishing, don’t forget to check out the two bars out on the ice. The first is the igloo bar located out of Zippel Bay Resort. The second, is the Angry Walleye located out of Cyrus Resort. Both are located off the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in North America for beginners to experience ice fishing, even if you have no equipment, no experience, and no idea where to start. Unlike many lakes where you must bring your own gear, drill your own holes, and navigate the ice on your own, Lake of the Woods offers a complete full-service ice fishing experience designed for first-time anglers, families, and groups.

Our resorts and outfitters provide everything you need, including:

  • Heated rental fish houses (warm, comfortable, fully set up)

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation to and from your fish house

  • Bait, gear, and tackle

  • Fish cleaning services

  • Lodging, meals, and snacks

  • Guides and expert advice

  • Safe, maintained ice roads

This means you can simply show up, walk into a warm fish house, drop a line, and start catching walleyes.

What makes Lake of the Woods perfect for beginners is the simplicity and safety of the experience. You donโ€™t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobileโ€”our professional resorts make it effortless. They place your fish house on productive walleye and sauger areas, monitor the ice conditions daily, and ensure everything is ready for you.

With one of the largest and most abundant walleye populations in the Midwest, Lake of the Woods also gives first-time anglers an excellent chance to catch fish right awayโ€”something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.

For anyone searching online for โ€œbest beginner ice fishing lake,โ€ โ€œeasy guided ice fishing trips,โ€ โ€œice fishing without gear,โ€ or โ€œwhere to try ice fishing for the first time,โ€ Lake of the Woods consistently ranks as a top destination. It combines world-class fishing, highly experienced outfitters, and a stress-free, all-inclusive setup that makes ice fishing enjoyable for everyone.

In addition, there are a wide variety of lodging options including cabins, villas, suites and lodge rooms.ย ย 

Eat out or cook your own meals.ย  Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars.ย  There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin.ย  Some guests do both!

Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if itโ€™s your first time. The region is designed for visitors, with full-service resorts, professional guides, heated fish houses, and easy trip-planning support. Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Choose the part of Lake of the Woods you want to experience.

Each area offers something unique:

  • South Shore (Baudetteโ€“Williams area): Most popular, easy access, lots of resorts and ice roads.

  • Rainy River: Great early and late ice, plus excellent walleye and sturgeon action.

  • Northwest Angle: Remote, scenic, and famous for world-class walleye ice fishing and thousands of islands.

2. Pick a resort or outfitter.

Lake of the Woods is known for its full-service lodging and fishing options. Most resorts provide:

  • Heated day houses or sleeper houses

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation on the ice

  • All gear, bait, and advice

  • Fish cleaning

  • Meals and comfortable lodging

This means you donโ€™t need to bring equipmentโ€”everything is ready when you arrive.

3. Decide whether you want a day house or sleeper house.

  • Day Houses: Fish during daytime and return to the resort at night.

  • Sleeper Houses: Stay overnight on the ice in a warm, fully equipped fish houseโ€”an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

4. Pick your dates.

Ice fishing typically runs early December through late March, depending on conditions. Many anglers book early, especially around weekends and holidays.

5. Purchase a Minnesota fishing license.

You can buy your license online in minutes before your trip.

6. Dress warm and bring personal essentials.

Resorts provide the fishing gear, but youโ€™ll want warm clothing, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

7. Arrive and let the experts handle the rest.

Your resort will transport you to your heated fish house, show you how everything works, and get you fishing within minutes.


For anyone searching โ€œhow to plan an ice fishing trip,โ€ โ€œLake of the Woods trip planning,โ€ or โ€œbest way to book an ice fishing vacation,โ€ this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easyโ€”and the adventure is unforgettable.

Lodging Options

Ice Fishing Packages

Sleeper Fish Houses

Lake of the Woods offers one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in North America. Anglers can catch a wide variety of species all year long, which is one of the reasons the lake is known as The Walleye Capital of the Worldยฎ and a top destination for both open-water and ice fishing.

Here are the primary fish species you can catch on Lake of the Woods:

Walleyes

The signature species of Lake of the Woods. Known for high numbers and impressive trophy potential, walleyes are the most targeted fish year-round.

Saugers

Common alongside walleyes and often caught in large numbers, especially during winter. Many anglers enjoy catching walleyeโ€“sauger โ€œcombo limits.โ€

Northern Pike

A top predator with incredible size potential. Lake of the Woods consistently produces trophy pike over 40 inches, especially during late ice and spring.

Yellow Perch

Abundant throughout the lake. Jumbo perch are a favorite among ice anglers.

Lake Sturgeon

A prehistoric giant found mainly in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Strict seasons apply, but catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a major draw in spring and fall.

Muskie (Muskellunge)

The Northwest Angle is world-renowned for muskie fishing, offering some of the best trophy muskie opportunities anywhere.

Smallmouth Bass

Strong populations throughout the islands and reef areas, especially in the Northwest Angle.

Crappies

Black crappies can be found mainly in the Northwest Angle, offering excellent spring and winter opportunities.


Why the variety matters

For anyone searching โ€œwhat fish are in Lake of the Woods,โ€ โ€œspecies to catch,โ€ โ€œbest fishing in Minnesota,โ€ or โ€œmulti-species fishing destinations,โ€ this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same tripโ€”often in the same day.

With millions of acres of water, endless structure, and world-class habitat, Lake of the Woods offers one of the most complete freshwater fishing experiences anywhere.

There are some ice anglers that target sturgeon through the ice, primarily on safe stretches of the Rainy River.

Up at the NW Angle, in addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike, there are resorts that specialize in targeting big crappies!

The best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is generally mid-December through late March, depending on ice conditions. Early ice offers excellent walleye and sauger action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallower water. Mid-winter provides consistent daily catches across Big Traverse Bay, the South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. Late winterโ€”late February into Marchโ€”is prime for trophy northern pike, perch, and suspended walleye patterns.

Because Lake of the Woods has one of the longest and most stable ice seasons in the Midwest, anglers enjoy reliable fishing for nearly four months. Resorts and outfitters monitor ice thickness daily and ensure safe access, making any time between December and March an excellent choice.

You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitorsโ€”especially beginnersโ€”choose a full-service resort or outfitter. Lake of the Woods is famous for making ice fishing incredibly easy. Resorts provide heated day houses or sleeper houses, transportation on marked ice roads, pre-drilled holes, gear, bait, fish cleaning, and expert advice.

If you have your own gear and experience, you can also explore the lake on your own using public ice roads and your own equipment. However, guided or resort-assisted trips are the preferred and safest option, offering convenience, comfort, and the highest chance of success.

The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shinerโ€”either live or frozen. This is the lakeโ€™s primary forage, and walleyes respond extremely well to it throughout the entire ice season.

Anglers typically use:

  • Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head

  • Jigging raps / glide baits for aggressive fish

  • Plain hooks or small jigs on a deadstick with a full minnow

A combination of a jigging rod and a deadstick is the most effective setup. Bright colors like gold, glow red, glow pink, and green are popular choices in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.

We are happy to provide general fish limits on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, but the Minnesota DNR sets the rules and they should be consulted officially.

Here is a helpful link to the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page.ย  Please note, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are considered border water with Canada and have special regs and in some cases, extended seasons.

Because most resorts supply fishing gear, augers, heaters, and transportation, your packing list for Lake of the Woods is simple. Bring:

  • Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, bibs)

  • Winter boots, hat, and gloves

  • Snacks and beverages for the fish house

  • A camera or phone for photos

  • Fishing license (Minnesota license required)

  • Optional: Favorite jigging rods, tackle, or electronics

If you stay in a sleeper house, also bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, a cooler with food, snacks, beverages, and any overnight comforts you prefer. Resorts provide clear packing guidance for each type of trip.

Rainy River Sturgeon: Prehistoric Giants and a True Comeback Story

Dan Amundson with a sturgeon on the Royal Dutchman Warship

Some fish look like they swam straight out of the dinosaur days. Lake sturgeon are one of them. They have bony plates down their backs, a shark-like tail, and whiskers under a long snout. They’ve been around for millions of years. And on the Rainy River, they’re doing better than they have in generations.

In this segment of Prairie Sportsman, host Bret Amundson heads to the Rainy River with Kevin Hinrichs of the Royal Dutchman Resort to tangle with some monster sturgeon. Along the way, researchers share their work to better understand where these fish roam and how many are out there.

A Fishery That Came Back

It wasn’t always like this. For years, two big problems held sturgeon back here.

The first was commercial netting. Sturgeon eggs were prized as caviar, and that made the fish worth a lot of money. Nets pulled huge numbers of them out of the system.

The second was pollution. Before the Clean Water Act, an upstream paper mill sent waste into the Rainy River. Sturgeon need clean water and good river habitat to spawn, and they weren’t getting it.

Both of those problems have been fixed. The netting stopped. The river got cleaned up. And the sturgeon did what they needed to do.

Today, the Minnesota DNR estimates there are about 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches long in the stretch from just northeast of the Northwest Angle down to the Rainy River. That’s not a typo. A hundred thousand fish over 40 inches. Anglers have figured out that this is one of the best lake sturgeon fisheries on the planet.

Researcher with a sturgeon_Prairie Sportsman TV. Rainy River sturgeon

Why Researchers Keep Watching

A comeback like this doesn’t mean the work is done. Sturgeon live a long time and grow slowly. It takes many years for one to reach spawning age. That’s why researchers keep tagging fish and tracking where they go. It helps them learn how the population is doing and how far these fish travel.

Anglers can help, too. If you catch a tagged sturgeon, write down the tag number and report it. Each report adds a piece to the puzzle.

Dutchman's Warship on Prairie Sportsman TV. Royal Dutchman Resort, Kevin Hinrichs

The best sturgeon water runs from Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River all the way upstream to the falls near Birchdale. That’s about 40 miles of prime habitat.

Most anglers anchor just upstream of a deep hole. When a sturgeon gets ready to eat, it often moves up out of the hole into shallower water. That’s where your bait is waiting.

The setup is simple. Use a no-roll sinker with a sturgeon rig. That’s an 18-inch snell with a 5/0 circle hook, loaded with night crawlers and frozen emerald shiners. Fish it on the bottom, a lot like you’d fish for catfish. Strong smells work well.

Bring heavy gear. Muskie rods or your stoutest freshwater setup are a good choice. These fish can top 100 pounds, and some go past 80 inches. On light gear, a fight can drag on for an hour. Heavier gear lands the fish faster, which is easier on the sturgeon when it’s released.

A few other things to have on hand: a big net, gloves, pliers, a long measuring tape, a soft tape for girth, a wet towel to calm the fish, and a camera.

If this is your first time, think about hiring a guide from a local resort. They’ll have the heavy gear, the right rigs, and they know the spots. Local bait shops are another great place to start.

Sturgeon caught on Royal Dutchman's Warship_Prairie Sportsman TV

Seasons

There are two sturgeon seasons here. The harvest season lets you keep one fish per calendar year. It runs April 24 to May 7 and July 1 to September 30. Catch and release runs May 8 to May 15 and October 1 to April 23. There’s no sturgeon fishing from May 16 to June 30. Check the MN DNR regulations for the details.

The sturgeon season is open the majority of the year. Sturgeon fishing dates on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods are as follows.

Oct. 1 โ€“ April 23rd โ€“ Catch and Release
April 24th โ€“ May 7th โ€“ Keep Season
May 8th โ€“ May 15th โ€“ Catch and Release
May 16th โ€“ June 30th โ€“ Closed Season for Sturgeon
July 1 โ€“ Sept. 30 โ€“ Keep Season

During the keep season, an angler is allowed to catch and release sturgeon as well.

If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing. One sturgeon per calendar year (45 โ€“ 50โ€ณ inclusive, or over 75โ€ณ). See MN DNR Fishing Regulations for more info.

Fall is a great time to be on the river. The crowds thin out, the leaves turn, and the sturgeon keep eating.

Come See for Yourself

The story of Rainy River sturgeon is one of patience and clean water. A fish that was once in trouble is now one of the biggest draws on the river. Watch the segment, then come hook into a piece of living history.

For more on sturgeon fishing, visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com/sturgeon-fishing.

Lake of the Woods Delivers Historic Musky Action at 2026 PMTT World Championship

Ty Sennett, 51 inch musky at the 2026 PMTT Championship, NW Angle, Lake of the Woods MN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lake of the Woods Delivers Historic Musky Action at 2026 PMTT World Championship

117 muskies in three days, 18 of them 48 inches or longer, at Minnesota’s Northwest Angle

NORTHWEST ANGLE, Minn. โ€” The Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT) came to Lake of the Woods for the first time September 17 – 19. The lake delivered. Over three days, the field caught and released 117 muskies. Eighteen of those fish measured 48 inches or longer.

PMTT Tournament Director Tim Widlacki said it’s probably the most successful tournament in the trail’s 28-year history, for both numbers and size of fish.

A first look at a world-class fishery

Many of the teams had never fished Lake of the Woods before. That didn’t stop them. Anglers found fish on current-swept rock piles, shallow weeds and thick slop. The teams that did best kept moving, tried new water and trusted what the lake was telling them.

Jarod Donar of Oregon, Wis., and Pete Blicharz of Three Lakes, Wis., won the 2026 Recon Boats World Championship. It was their first time on the lake. They caught nine muskies up to 48 inches for 728 points. The pair stuck with shallow weeds, rocks and slop, often covering 20 to 30 miles a day. Big rubber baits in natural colors caught most of their fish. The win earned them a prize package worth more than $58,000, including a new Recon 2085T boat with a 150-hp Mercury outboard.

The finish was tight. Father and son Bob and Jackson Harris of Monticello, Wis., took second with nine fish and 722 points, just six points back. Their catch included the two biggest fish among the top five teams, at 50.5 and 50 inches.

Mark Lijewski of Minocqua, Wis., and Ryan Wallis of Eagle River, Wis., placed third with nine fish and 713 points. Every one of their muskies was at least 40 inches.

Jace Loge of Hackensack, Minn., and Darian Rubner of Pine River, Minn., finished fourth. They were shut out on Day One, then switched to very shallow slop. On the final day they boated five fish in about two hours.

Michael Gorman of Cushing, Minn., and Jason Stock of Princeton, Minn., rounded out the top five with six fish. They found muskies on two shallow, rocky points with strong current in just one to two feet of water.

The event also wrapped up the season-long Top Gun race. Josh McDunn and Sean Boland earned 2026 Top Gun Team of the Year with 619 points. They won two of the trail’s four events.

In the heart of musky country

The Northwest Angle sits right in the middle of Lake of the Woods’ best musky water. It’s the northernmost point in the lower 48 states. It’s also surrounded by islands, reefs, rocky shorelines and weedy bays that hold big fish.

The Angle is home to a number of resorts, many with good restaurants and bars. That makes it an easy home base for musky anglers who want to spend their days on the water and their evenings close by.

The event was hosted by Lake of the Woods Tourism and Jerry’s Bar & Restaurant, which served as headquarters for the tournament, along with title sponsor Recon Boats and a long list of other sponsors, including Mercury Marine and Thorne Bros.

To plan a musky trip to the Northwest Angle, visit lakeofthewoodsmn.com.

Media Contact:
Joe Henry
Lake of the Woods Tourism
320-260-7727 | joe.henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com

Pete Blicharz with a 48 inch musky caught during the 2026 PMTT Championship, NW Angle, Lake of the Woods MN
Rick Hoover with a 51 inch musky caught during the 2026 PMTT Championship, NW Angle, Lake of the Woods MN
Musky Fishing Lake of the Woods, MN
Lake of the Woods, MN
2026 PMTT Championship 1st place team, Pete Blicharz and Jared Donar

2026 Grouse Hunting Season up at Lake of the Woods: What Hunters Need to Know

Grouse hunting Lake of the Woods MN

As summer winds down and the forests begin their fall transformation, grouse hunters are gearing up once again for one of Minnesotaโ€™s most beloved small-game seasons. Here in the Lake of the Woods region, grouse hunting is more than just tradition โ€” itโ€™s a chance to get outdoors, connect with nature, and chase โ€œchickens of the northwoodsโ€ across some of the best public land in the state.

Hereโ€™s what you should know for the 2026-2027 season.

Grouse hunting, Lake of the Woods MN

๐Ÿ—“ Season Dates & Regulations

Minnesotaโ€™s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the official dates and limits for the 2026 grouseโ€hunting seasons as follows:

  • ย 

    Season Dates
    Ruffed & spruce grouse Sept. 19-Jan. 3, 2027
    Hungarian partridge Sept. 19-Jan. 3, 2027
    Sharp-tailed grouse, northwest zone Sept. 19-Nov. 30
    Sharp-tailed grouse, east-central zone Closedย *
    Woodcock Sept. 19-Nov. 2

    Daily Limits

    Species Limit
    Ruffed & spruce grouse 5 combined. Maximum of 2 spruce.
    Hungarian partridge 5
    Sharp-tailed grouse 3
    Woodcock 3

    Possession

    Species Limit
    Ruffed & spruce grouse 10 combined. Maximum of 4 spruce.
    Hungarian partridge 10
    Sharp-tailed grouse 6
    Woodcock 9

Hunting Hours: From ยฝ hour before sunrise until sunset.ย 

Woodcock, Lake of the Woods MN

Tips for Success up at Lake of the Woods

  • Scout now: Even before the opener, getting familiar with public land access points, hunter walking trails, and drumming areas will pay off.

  • Go off trail: Grouse often use thick cover away from main roads and trails. Getting off the beaten path increases chances of flushes.

  • Hunt when foliage drops: Mid-September through October is prime time; as leaves fall, visibility improves and grouse tend to be more visible and less skittish.

  • Bring proper gear: Brush-proof clothing, good boots, and blaze orange/pink for visibility are essential. Donโ€™t forget dog partners if you use them.

  • Check license & permit requirements: Ensure you have your small game license, any necessary validations, and understand the limits and zones.

You Need Blaze Orange Clothing

Grouse hunters must wear at least one visible article of clothing above the waist that is blaze orange or pink. This could be a hat, jacket or hunting vest. Remember to stay abreast when walking with other hunters in the woods so you remain visible and behind the line of fire.

Walking trail sign, Beltrami Island State Forest, Lake of the Woods MN

Hunter Walking Trails

These trails provide comparatively easy access to grouse and woodcock areas, winding their way through Wildlife management areas and sometimes connecting with state forests and other public hunting lands.

Beltrami Island State Forest has a number of dedicated hunter walking trails.

Why Lake of the Woods is Special

Few places in Minnesota can match the hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, habitat variety, and bird numbers that Lake of the Woods offers. Between large state forest tracts, tree cover, brushy edges, swamps, and mixed woods, grouse habitat is abundant. Plus, fewer hunters in certain remote areas mean less pressure and higher odds for adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter, a hunter with a dog, or just looking to try something new, this season offers plenty of opportunity.

Get ready: September 19, 2026 will mark opening day for many of the upland bird seasons. Pack your gear, map out your routes, and enjoy the woods. Weโ€™ll be watching for stories, photos, and flushesโ€”share them with us!

Tight lines and happy hunting.

Guide to Planning an Ice Fishing Trip to Lake of the Woods

Fish house, full service guided ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Having options is a good thing. And when it comes to ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, you’ve got plenty of them. Here’s a rundown to help you plan a trip that fits what you’re looking for.

Joe Henry, walleye in fish house, Lake of the Woods ice fishing

Where Should You Fish?

Lake of the Woods actually has three different areas to fish, and each one offers something different.

South Shore (Big Traverse Bay). This is the main body of the lake, and it’s where most resorts are based, both near the mouth of the Rainy River and along the south shore. It’s a massive stretch of ice, about 30 miles north to south and 25 miles east to west. Resorts and outfitters rent out day houses and sleeper houses here.

The deepest spot in this large basin is only 38 feet deep and it is loaded with fish.ย  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and eelpout are just a few of the species you can expenct to come through the ice hole.

Once the ice gets thick enough, plowed roads open up so you can drive right out to your fish house. Early in the season, or when roads aren’t thick enough to drive vehicles, resorts and outfitters will transport you out to a heated fish house set up and ready to fish with a light ice rig.ย ย 

When ice guides determine their groomed ice roads are ready, they will start allowing vehicle traffic.ย  Initially, snowmobiles and ATV / UTV’s are first.ย  Then SUV’s, light pick up trucks and eventually larger trucks.

Some resorts will transpoort guests out to fish houses via their bombardiers or track rigs.ย  Each resort does it their own way.

Northwest Angle. This is the northernmost point in the lower 48 states, right where the lake’s 14,552 islands begin. Getting there by land means driving through 40 miles through Canada and entering back into the U.S. when you reach the Angle. Travelers driving to the NW Angle need a passport, a passport card, or an original birth certificate along with a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.

The 40 mile drive through Canada is beautiful, and honestly it’s part of the fun. But if you’d rather skip the border crossing, you can snowmobile across the lake on the groomed and staked trails, or take the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service, which runs guests from the south shore up to their favorite NW Angle resort via bombardier.ย  Either way, you stay in Minnesota the whole trip and never actually cross the border.

Rainy River. There are good numbers ofย  walleyes, saugers and sturgeon in the river, but we always encourage anglers intending to ice fish the river to do so with a resort or outfitter rather than on their own.ย  With a river, there is normally current, and ice conditions can really vary.ย 

Resorts and outfitters have a good handle on where ice conditions are favorable as well as areas to avoid.

Ice Fishing Lodging Lake of the Woods MN

Where Should You Stay?

Lake of the Woods has around 60 lodging options, so there’s something for just about every group and every budget. You’ll find everything from hotel rooms to resort cabins to full log cabins and villas. Take a look at our lodging list or use our lodging availability tool, which sends your request straight to resorts in the area you’re interested in.

What you pick usually comes down to who you’re traveling with. A family might want something a little nicer with more privacy. A group of buddies might just need a clean, comfortable place to crash after a long day on the ice. Either way, spending a little time browsing the lodging page ahead of time will make the decision easier.

Fish fry, Zippel Bay Resort, Lake of the Woods MN

Cook Your Own Meals or Eat Out?

A lot of groups end up doing both. Depending on where you stay, your resort might have its own restaurant and bar right on site. If not, you’ll usually find good food close by.

Resorts and restaurants around Lake of the Woods take their food seriously. Whether you’re in the mood for a hand pressed cheeseburger and fries, a homemade pizza, an Italian night, or a thick steak with shrimp, you’ll find it up here.

Arnesen's sleeper fish house, Lake of the Woods

Bring Your Own House, Rent a Day House, or Rent a Sleeper?

Bring your own fish house. Plenty of anglers do this. Many resorts plow ice roads, and once you pay a road fee, you can haul your own gear right out onto the lake.

Rent a day house. This is a popular option if you want the work done for you. Guides set the house up where they expect the fish to be biting. The holes are already drilled and the heat is already running. You don’t have to worry about snow drifts, slush, cracks, or getting stuck. You just show up and fish.

Depending on the resort, you might drive your own vehicle right to the door, or the resort might drive you out themselves. Guides usually check in throughout the day to make sure everything’s going well, and around sunset they’ll pick you up, along with your fish, and bring you back in time for happy hour. Some resorts will even clean your fish for you.

Rent a sleeper fish house. If you like the idea of sleeping and cooking right out on the ice, this is for you. It’s not quite camping since the thermostat is usually set around 70 degrees and most sleeper houses have a small kitchen. Think of it more like ice glamping.

Most sleeper houses come with a couple bunk beds. Anglers fish all day and often keep a line in overnight too. This isn’t known as a big night bite lake, but you can still pull up the occasional eelpout or walleye after dark.

Picture waking up early, coffee in hand, watching your electronics as the fish start showing up on screen. Add in the scenery, and it’s hard to beat. The night sky out here is something else, with more stars than you’ve probably ever seen and the Milky Way stretched out overhead. Being this far north with almost no light pollution makes for some incredible views. Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods really is a tradition for a lot of families.

Igloo bar on the ice, Zippel Bay Resort, Lake of the Woods MN

Check Out a Bar on the Ice

That’s not a typo. There are two spots where you can grab a drink right out on the frozen lake.

The first is the Igloo Bar, run out of Zippel Bay Resort. It’s hauled out in two pieces once the ice reaches about 15 inches thick and set up roughly three miles from shore. At 1,000 square feet, it has two big screen TVs, an ATM, a nearly full bar, and a limited food menu. You can even fish right inside the bar. Anglers pull pike over 40 inches, along with some nice walleyes, from inside the Igloo every year.

The second is the Angry Walleye, accessed through Cyrus Resort. It’s a short drive out and offers a great setting with your favorite drinks and homemade pizza. Some people come out by land just to visit, while others stop by to check the bite during the day or on their way off the lake.

Whether you’re a serious angler chasing big fish all over the lake or you’ve never tried ice fishing before, Lake of the Woods gives you plenty of ways to plan your trip.

Bombardier, Sunset Lodge, The Woody, ice fishing Lake of the Woods
Bucket of walleyes, Lake of the Woods, Walleye Wars

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is the most popular ice fishing destination in North America. It has a consistent healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eel pout, and crappies.

The lake enjoys stained water meaning, the water is very clean but has a light coffee tint to it. This “tint” makes fishing all day very productive versus fishing in a lake with clear water.

The Lake of the Woods resort community provides full service ice fishing, taking the work out of ice fishing. Resorts and outfitters create well marked and groomed ice roads, they shuttle people to heated fish houses that are all ready to fish and are moving fish houses often to stay on the fish.

Some Anglers fish out of a day house and go back to shore at night to sleep at a resort and eat at the many restaurants and bars.

Others enjoy staying in a sleeper fish house, where they stay overnight on the ice in a nice warm sleeper fish house equipped with a strong furnace, cooking facilities and the opportunity to wake up in the morning with your favorite cup of coffee and start jigging.

Ice skates will clean your fish and if you like, Resorts will even cook up your fresh catch.

When you are up ice fishing, don’t forget to check out the two bars out on the ice. The first is the igloo bar located out of Zippel Bay Resort. The second, is the Angry Walleye located out of Cyrus Resort. Both are located off the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in North America for beginners to experience ice fishing, even if you have no equipment, no experience, and no idea where to start. Unlike many lakes where you must bring your own gear, drill your own holes, and navigate the ice on your own, Lake of the Woods offers a complete full-service ice fishing experience designed for first-time anglers, families, and groups.

Our resorts and outfitters provide everything you need, including:

  • Heated rental fish houses (warm, comfortable, fully set up)

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation to and from your fish house

  • Bait, gear, and tackle

  • Fish cleaning services

  • Lodging, meals, and snacks

  • Guides and expert advice

  • Safe, maintained ice roads

This means you can simply show up, walk into a warm fish house, drop a line, and start catching walleyes.

What makes Lake of the Woods perfect for beginners is the simplicity and safety of the experience. You donโ€™t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobileโ€”our professional resorts make it effortless. They place your fish house on productive walleye and sauger areas, monitor the ice conditions daily, and ensure everything is ready for you.

With one of the largest and most abundant walleye populations in the Midwest, Lake of the Woods also gives first-time anglers an excellent chance to catch fish right awayโ€”something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.

For anyone searching online for โ€œbest beginner ice fishing lake,โ€ โ€œeasy guided ice fishing trips,โ€ โ€œice fishing without gear,โ€ or โ€œwhere to try ice fishing for the first time,โ€ Lake of the Woods consistently ranks as a top destination. It combines world-class fishing, highly experienced outfitters, and a stress-free, all-inclusive setup that makes ice fishing enjoyable for everyone.

In addition, there are a wide variety of lodging options including cabins, villas, suites and lodge rooms.ย ย 

Eat out or cook your own meals.ย  Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars.ย  There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin.ย  Some guests do both!

Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if itโ€™s your first time. The region is designed for visitors, with full-service resorts, professional guides, heated fish houses, and easy trip-planning support. Here are the key steps to get started:

1. Choose the part of Lake of the Woods you want to experience.

Each area offers something unique:

  • South Shore (Baudetteโ€“Williams area): Most popular, easy access, lots of resorts and ice roads.

  • Rainy River: Great early and late ice, plus excellent walleye and sturgeon action.

  • Northwest Angle: Remote, scenic, and famous for world-class walleye ice fishing and thousands of islands.

2. Pick a resort or outfitter.

Lake of the Woods is known for its full-service lodging and fishing options. Most resorts provide:

  • Heated day houses or sleeper houses

  • Pre-drilled holes

  • Transportation on the ice

  • All gear, bait, and advice

  • Fish cleaning

  • Meals and comfortable lodging

This means you donโ€™t need to bring equipmentโ€”everything is ready when you arrive.

3. Decide whether you want a day house or sleeper house.

  • Day Houses: Fish during daytime and return to the resort at night.

  • Sleeper Houses: Stay overnight on the ice in a warm, fully equipped fish houseโ€”an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

4. Pick your dates.

Ice fishing typically runs early December through late March, depending on conditions. Many anglers book early, especially around weekends and holidays.

5. Purchase a Minnesota fishing license.

You can buy your license online in minutes before your trip.

6. Dress warm and bring personal essentials.

Resorts provide the fishing gear, but youโ€™ll want warm clothing, snacks, and a sense of adventure.

7. Arrive and let the experts handle the rest.

Your resort will transport you to your heated fish house, show you how everything works, and get you fishing within minutes.


For anyone searching โ€œhow to plan an ice fishing trip,โ€ โ€œLake of the Woods trip planning,โ€ or โ€œbest way to book an ice fishing vacation,โ€ this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easyโ€”and the adventure is unforgettable.

Lodging Options

Ice Fishing Packages

Sleeper Fish Houses

Lake of the Woods offers one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in North America. Anglers can catch a wide variety of species all year long, which is one of the reasons the lake is known as The Walleye Capital of the Worldยฎ and a top destination for both open-water and ice fishing.

Here are the primary fish species you can catch on Lake of the Woods:

Walleyes

The signature species of Lake of the Woods. Known for high numbers and impressive trophy potential, walleyes are the most targeted fish year-round.

Saugers

Common alongside walleyes and often caught in large numbers, especially during winter. Many anglers enjoy catching walleyeโ€“sauger โ€œcombo limits.โ€

Northern Pike

A top predator with incredible size potential. Lake of the Woods consistently produces trophy pike over 40 inches, especially during late ice and spring.

Yellow Perch

Abundant throughout the lake. Jumbo perch are a favorite among ice anglers.

Lake Sturgeon

A prehistoric giant found mainly in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Strict seasons apply, but catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a major draw in spring and fall.

Muskie (Muskellunge)

The Northwest Angle is world-renowned for muskie fishing, offering some of the best trophy muskie opportunities anywhere.

Smallmouth Bass

Strong populations throughout the islands and reef areas, especially in the Northwest Angle.

Crappies

Black crappies can be found mainly in the Northwest Angle, offering excellent spring and winter opportunities.


Why the variety matters

For anyone searching โ€œwhat fish are in Lake of the Woods,โ€ โ€œspecies to catch,โ€ โ€œbest fishing in Minnesota,โ€ or โ€œmulti-species fishing destinations,โ€ this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same tripโ€”often in the same day.

With millions of acres of water, endless structure, and world-class habitat, Lake of the Woods offers one of the most complete freshwater fishing experiences anywhere.

There are some ice anglers that target sturgeon through the ice, primarily on safe stretches of the Rainy River.

Up at the NW Angle, in addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike, there are resorts that specialize in targeting big crappies!

The best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is generally mid-December through late March, depending on ice conditions. Early ice offers excellent walleye and sauger action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallower water. Mid-winter provides consistent daily catches across Big Traverse Bay, the South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. Late winterโ€”late February into Marchโ€”is prime for trophy northern pike, perch, and suspended walleye patterns.

Because Lake of the Woods has one of the longest and most stable ice seasons in the Midwest, anglers enjoy reliable fishing for nearly four months. Resorts and outfitters monitor ice thickness daily and ensure safe access, making any time between December and March an excellent choice.

You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitorsโ€”especially beginnersโ€”choose a full-service resort or outfitter. Lake of the Woods is famous for making ice fishing incredibly easy. Resorts provide heated day houses or sleeper houses, transportation on marked ice roads, pre-drilled holes, gear, bait, fish cleaning, and expert advice.

If you have your own gear and experience, you can also explore the lake on your own using public ice roads and your own equipment. However, guided or resort-assisted trips are the preferred and safest option, offering convenience, comfort, and the highest chance of success.

The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shinerโ€”either live or frozen. This is the lakeโ€™s primary forage, and walleyes respond extremely well to it throughout the entire ice season.

Anglers typically use:

  • Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head

  • Jigging raps / glide baits for aggressive fish

  • Plain hooks or small jigs on a deadstick with a full minnow

A combination of a jigging rod and a deadstick is the most effective setup. Bright colors like gold, glow red, glow pink, and green are popular choices in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.

We are happy to provide general fish limits on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, but the Minnesota DNR sets the rules and they should be consulted officially.

Here is a helpful link to the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page.ย  Please note, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are considered border water with Canada and have special regs and in some cases, extended seasons.

Because most resorts supply fishing gear, augers, heaters, and transportation, your packing list for Lake of the Woods is simple. Bring:

  • Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, bibs)

  • Winter boots, hat, and gloves

  • Snacks and beverages for the fish house

  • A camera or phone for photos

  • Fishing license (Minnesota license required)

  • Optional: Favorite jigging rods, tackle, or electronics

If you stay in a sleeper house, also bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, a cooler with food, snacks, beverages, and any overnight comforts you prefer. Resorts provide clear packing guidance for each type of trip.

Pay It Forward Hosts 99 Participants For a Veterans Event They Won’t Forget

Mindy Pay It Forward 2026, lake of the Woods

Another Pay It Forward veterans event is in the books, and it was a good one. This year, 99 participants came to Lake of the Woods for three nights of lodging, two days of fishing, and a few days built entirely around honoring their service.

Pay It Forward isn’t just a fishing trip. It’s a chance for veterans to relax, swap stories, and spend time with people who understand what they’ve been through. Some came with other veteran fishing buddies. Others came alone and left with new friends. That’s the whole point.

The misison of Pay It Forward is to honor, recognize and celebrate all veterans.ย  As in past years, this year’s event was magical.ย  Organizers and generous resorts and sponsors set the state.ย  The magic, we believe, is veterans spending time with other veterans in this setting.

Pay It Forward 2026 dinner at River Bend Resort, Lake of the Woods MN

Two Days on the Water

Day one started with a stiff breeze, but that didn’t stop the walleyes from biting. Veterans came back to the dock with coolers full of eaters, plus a few trophy fish mixed in. Most anglers drifted spinners and crawlers, while some charters trolled crankbaits to cover more water.

Day two was calmer. With little wind, charter captains had the whole lake to work with and could chase bigger fish. It paid off. The largest walleye of the two days topped 29 inches, and plenty more came close.

Here’s how the fishing contest wrapped up:

  • 1st Place Walleye: Tommy S. โ€“ 29″
  • 2nd Place Walleye: Mindy S. โ€“ 28.25″
  • 3rd Place Walleye: Jerry K. โ€“ 28″
  • Largest Northern Pike: Joe Y. โ€“ 32.5″

And congratulations to Glen, this year’s Cribbage Tournament Champion. Not every win happens on the water.

Tommy Snell, Eagle's Healing Nest with a 29 inch walleye at the 2026 Pay It Forward Veterans Event, Lake of the Woods MN

More Than Fishing

Between charter trips, veterans heard from guest speakers who shared their own stories of coming home from war and working through the challenges that followed. A trauma therapist spoke about mental health resources available to veterans today. Other sessions covered practical topics, like navigating the VA and understanding the DD Form 214.

Several veteran organizations took part this year too, including Fishing For Life, Eagle’s Healing Nest, Warriors Never Give Up, and the Minnesota Elks Veterans Service. Having that many groups in one place gave veterans a chance to connect with resources and people who can support them long after the event ends.

Lake of the Woods MN

On Camera with Midwest Outdoors TV

Midwest Outdoors TV was back at Pay It Forward this year, filming a segment that will air around Veterans Day in November. This time, the cameras followed the Youngbauer brothers from eastern Wisconsin, four veterans who fished together and pulled in walleye after walleye out on the lake.
Three of the brothers served in the Army. The fourth served in the Air Force, and his brothers like to call him the black sheep of the family for it. Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism and Greg Jones of Midwest Outdoors hosted the segment, watching the brothers’ friendly ribbing play out as fast as the walleye bite.

Keep an eye out for the episode this November. It’s a great look at what Pay It Forward is really about: brothers, veterans, and a lake full of walleyes.

Lake of the Woods MN

Made Possible by Generous Resorts and Sponsors

None of this happens without the resorts around Lake of the Woods that donate lodging every year. Borderview Lodge, River Bend Resort, Cyrus Resort, Sean’s Birchview Resort, Zippel Bay Resort, Morris Point Lake View Lodge, and Sportsman’s Lodge all opened their doors to veterans this year, free of charge. That kind of generosity is what makes Pay It Forward possible.

Lake of the Woods MN

Know a Veteran Who'd Love This?

Pay It Forward is built for veterans who haven’t attended before. If you know someone who served and would enjoy a weekend like this, applications for the 2027 event are open now. Next year’s dates are August 30 through September 2, 2027.

Applications and more details are available at www.PayItForwardLOW.org.

Inside the DNRโ€™s Multi-Front Effort to Track Lake of the Woods Sturgeon

MN DNR with a 71 inch sturgeon on Lake of the Woods MN

By Julie Bergman, Northern Light Region (Baudette, MN)

Boaters on Lake of the Woods may have noticed something unusual bobbing on the water this summer: orange buoys marking the ends of 300-foot gillnets, four to a site, part of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources effort to sample lake sturgeon on Lake of the Woods. There were about 40 sites on the lake that the DNR sampled there this year as part of a lake-wide survey spanning 136 sites in all.

The netting is only one piece of a much larger, coordinated set of sturgeon research and monitoring programs the DNR runs across Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, according to Matt Skoog, DNR area fisheries supervisor in Baudette. Skoog outlined seven separate sturgeon-focused sampling and tagging programs, plus two additional efforts tied to water level management, that together track a population still rebuilding from near-collapse a century ago. Michael Wolf, also with the DNR’s Baudette office, provided specific numbers behind several of those programs.

Large-Mesh Netting Across the Lake

The large-mesh Lake of the Woods netting survey โ€” the one responsible for the nets spotted near the Angle โ€” ran from 2021 through 2026, typically setting nets in early June before the water warms past 70 degrees, which helps limit stress and mortality on captured sturgeon, Wolf said.

Crews divided the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods into four sections: three nearshore areas in 5 to 20 feet of water โ€” Muskeg Bay, Big Traverse, and the Northwest Angle โ€” plus one offshore area in 25 to 35 feet of water. In total, the survey covered 136 sites: 32 in Muskeg, 24 in Big Traverse, 40 at the Northwest Angle, and 40 offshore. Crews set four nets at each site, for 544 nets total. Each net measured 300 feet long, and the four nets at a given site used different mesh sizes โ€” 4, 5, 6 and 7 inches โ€” to target sturgeon of different sizes, Wolf said.

Catch rates varied notably by area: crews caught just under one fish per net at the south shore sites in Muskeg and Big Traverse, about half that rate at the Northwest Angle, and far fewer offshore, where crews averaged only about one fish for every seven nets, according to Wolf.

Sturgeon sampled this year ranged from 20 to 72 inches, with a mean length of about 50 inches. Crews caught two fish over 70 inches. The largest was a 71-inch sturgeon weighing 98 pounds, caught just south of Oak Island, Wolf said.

A Parallel Survey on the Rainy River

Sites of sturgeon catch rates on Lake of the Woods

A similar survey covers the Rainy River, Skoog said, with the same basic objectives and methods as the lake-wide netting effort. The river is divided into sampling reaches, and every reach is sampled once every three years. Timing depends on water temperature โ€” the survey runs in either August or October, whichever keeps stress and mortality on captured sturgeon to a minimum.

A Decade-Long Telemetry Study

Perhaps the most ambitious of the programs Skoog described is a multi-year telemetry study tracking sturgeon movement throughout the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, running through 2030. So far, 70 lake sturgeon have been surgically implanted with transmitters โ€” 20 juveniles and 50 adults, Wolf said.

Those fish are tracked by a network of 17 receivers: six in the lake itself, at Zippel Bay, Rocky Point, Stony Point and Little Massacre Island, plus two more near Kenora maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; eight along the Rainy River; and one each in the Rapid, Little Fork and Big Fork rivers.

Early results already show a clear split in behavior by age, Wolf said. Most juvenile sturgeon have stayed within the lower Rainy River, roughly between Fourmile Bay and Vidas Landing. A handful made small movements into Lake of the Woods, but none were detected past the Zippel Bay receiver โ€” though one 24-inch juvenile did travel roughly 30 miles in just a few months. Adults have behaved very differently, sometimes covering more than 100 miles in a matter of days, moving into and throughout Lake of the Woods as well as up and down the river. The general pattern so far: river movement in spring and fall, and movement throughout the lake during summer.

Watching the Next Generation

A separate annual survey focuses specifically on juvenile sturgeon in the Rainy River, conducted each August or October using smaller-mesh experimental gillnets, Skoog said. Biologists use the survey to monitor juvenile relative abundance, tag subadult fish with both internal and external tags, and identify where juvenile sturgeon density varies along the river โ€” work aimed at pinpointing critical juvenile habitat.

Nearly Every Fish Gets Tagged

Outside of the dedicated surveys, Skoog said the DNR tags nearly every sturgeon its crews encounter with two tags: an internal PIT tag, which is highly unlikely to be lost, and an external Carlin Dangler tag that anglers can read and report. Comparing capture records over time lets biologists track individual growth and broader movement patterns โ€” for instance, a fish tagged at one site and later recaptured at another. Anglers who catch a tagged sturgeon are encouraged to report the tag number, catch location, and the fish’s approximate length to the DNR, whether the fish is kept or released.

Anglers who report tags typically receive the fish’s tagging and recapture history in return.

Tagging on the Spawning Grounds

During the spawning run, DNR crews also capture sturgeon directly at spawning sites โ€” using both gillnets and hand-grabbing โ€” specifically to examine the sex ratio and size structure of the fish that are spawning each year, Skoog said.

Water Levels and International Cooperation

Beyond the netting and tagging programs, Skoog pointed to two efforts tied to water-level management on the Rainy River system. The first is a modeling project led by the International Joint Commission’s Adaptive Management Committee, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, examining how water-level management affects lake sturgeon spawning habitat using hydrology data alongside substrate and depth mapping.

The second is a standing arrangement in which the Adaptive Management Committee and local technical advisors provide water-level preferences intended to benefit sturgeon spawning each year, which are then worked into the operational rule curve governing Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. Minnesota DNR Fisheries and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry both provide guidance on those recommendations, alongside representatives from Rainy River First Nations.

Recovery on Display: A New State Record

The scale of the sturgeon population’s recovery was on vivid display this spring. On April 18, angler Travis Keating landed an 80-inch lake sturgeon on the Rainy River during an annual sturgeon-fishing trip with friends, fighting the fish through a bitter cold front with wind gusts over 40 mph and wind chills near 5 below zero. The DNR certified the catch on May 4 as a new catch-and-release state record. Using standard length-girth-weight charts, the fish โ€” with a 38-inch girth โ€” was estimated at roughly 165 pounds.

Fisheries officials pointed to the catch as further evidence of the decadeslong recovery underway in the Lake of the Woods Rainy River system, noting that very large, old individuals are increasingly turning up in a population that was nearly wiped out by commercial overharvest a century ago. DNR’s own survey crews landed a smaller but still notable specimen of their own this year โ€” the 71-inch, 98-pound sturgeon caught near Oak Island during the large-mesh netting survey.

Taken together, the DNR’s sturgeon work โ€” from summer gillnetting to a telemetry study running through 2030 to international water-level talks โ€” shows a population being watched from nearly every angle, even as full recovery remains a slow, multi-decade process still playing out on the water.