John Bergsma with Fisherman’s Digest is at it again. Put in their own words… Experience some of the best walleye fishing in the world on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as John and the team head to Adrian’s Resort for an epic fall fishing trip! Watch as we land trophy walleyes and saugers, share expert fishing tips, and take in the stunning surroundings. Fishing out of Adrian’s Resort on this adventure on a charter boat, they did exactly that.
Charter boat fishing for many is just what the doctor ordered. Simply step aboard and most everything is provided. The charter captain will even clean your fish at the end of the day.
Fall is an incredible time to catch walleyes jigging over the side of the boat while anchored up. It is some of the most enjoyable fishing around. Enjoy!
To learn more about fishing Lake of the Woods or perhaps stepping aboard of one of our many resort charter boats, check out our website at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
Autumn in Lake of the Woods is officially here. Leaves have been turning and falling and temps are starting to drop in the evenings.
Most everyone who visits Lake of the Woods comments on two things, the beauty of the area and also the quietness that they experience in this Northwoods. While sitting on your deck at your cabin you’ll hear the sound of leaves falling, ducks flying and vocalizing and geese honking as they set their formations to head south. Lake of the Woods and the Northwest Angle are home to 50+ resorts who are always ready to give you a great experience in this north country.
Lake of the Woods is an interesting area. It is largely known as the Walleye Capital of the World with it’s first-class fishery. Features of the lake are it’s abundance of varieties of fish with walleye being the number one catch that anglers go for.
Fish are always moving but it’s interesting to note that autumn leads the fish from deeper and cooler waters to more shallow waters closer to the south side of the lake. Of course, they’re always hungry and the shiner minnows head up river to spawn and the hungry walleyes follow. So….autumn brings another aspect of fall river fishing to the area.
Aerial View of the Rainy River
Another interesting thing is watching the big river. The Rainy River, which divides the United States and Canada, has a fast-flowing current all summer. Then when autumn arrives, you can start to see the current slow considerably. As one watches this happen, you know that soon and very soon that current will stop all together and you’ll sure to see a skim of ice forming. That’s when you know autumn is past and the winter season is upon us.
Birding is another aspect of Lake of the Woods. Sand Hill Cranes enjoy this land but they are also noticing the cooler temps of autumn and are getting ready to migrate to the south. Seagulls are sitting around, waiting for their tickets to fly south and will leave us as do the fabulous white pelicans. One giant bird that we are happy to say never leaves is the Great Bald Eagle.
You’ll find them high in the trees, or on roadsides picking up some road-kill, or flying the waters and waiting for the next fish they can dive in and get. They often take advantage of left-overs of fish cleaning when available also.
It’s not unusual to find hundreds of geese sitting in fields that have been harvested. Yes, harvest is also in full swing with wild rice fields being harvested, wheat being harvested and sunflowers bowing their heads to be ready to be combined.
With the onset of autumn, when the tamaracs are golden against the green pines, and the aspens are brilliant, hunters look to visit this north country. Geese draw hunters and many types of ducks draw hunters. Bears have been in abundance this year and the hunt has been good. All varieties of grouse
occupy the back roads and forest areas where hunters love to travel. Yes, travel through the forest areas is a favorite pass-time for bikers or ATV advocates. The scenery is serene and beautiful and the quietness is captivating.
Autumn also brings the excitement of hunting white tail deer. Of course the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources has all the information one needs for licensing and dates of each season. Whether you are a bow hunter or a rifle hunter, plan now for that great trip to the northland to “bag” that trophy buck or doe. Don’t forget that orange Is the most important color this fall season, not just because it’s on the trees but that color is the biggest safety factor when exploring the great outdoors.
School is in session and fall sports have begun. Community members always seem to find time to clean out their garages and do garage sales and button everything up for the upcoming winter season.
Awww….this autumn season seems way too short sometimes for those last warm evenings on the deck or sitting around a campfire with friends. Don’t miss this season to enjoy the land and the quietness that autumn brings.
I guess having a choice is a good thing. Take ice fishing on Lake of the Woods for example. There are many choices when planning an ice fishing adventure on The Walleye Capital of the World. Let’s break things down a bit in an effort to help you make the best decision for you.
WHAT PART OF THE LAKE OR RIVER SHOULD I FISH?
When planning ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, take into consideration there are three parts of Lake of the Woods.
1.Rainy River. Yes, there will be walleyes in the river when we get ice this year, but we caution anglers about ice fishing the river unless you are with a resort or outfitter, so we are careful to say too much about it. Locals fish it as do a few resorts / outfitters. We encourage visitor and locals alike to communicate with resort owners, bait shops, etc. before traveling out. Safety first, both on the river and lake.
2. Big Traverse Bay. This is the main basin of the lake and is targeted by resorts at the mouth of the Rainy River as well as on the south shore of the lake. This is big ice that extends about 30 miles north / south by 25 miles east / west. Resorts and outfitters offer a variety of day house and sleeper fish house rentals. There are ice roads once the ice is thick enough that you can drive to your fish house on your own. Resorts will transport you out both during the early ice season and when bombardiers and track rigs are being used by resorts and outfitters vs ice roads.
3. NW Angle. This is the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S. and is where the 14,552 islands begin. To travel by land, one must travel through Canada and then back into the U.S. up at the Angle. This means having the proper credentials to enter Canada, a passport, passport card or birth certificate and government issued ID.
The 40 mile drive through Canada is beautiful and part of the adventure to the Angle.
For those who want to avoid customs in traveling to the Angle, there is the option of taking the snowmobile trail across the lake or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service which takes you up to your favorite resort via bombardier during the winter months.
In these scenarios, you are staying in MN the entire trip and do not need credentials to cross the border because you aren’t.
With about 60 lodging facilities up at and around Lake of the Woods, there are options. There is really something for every taste and every budget. Check out our list of lodging options around the lake or check out our lodging availability request tool which sends your request to the lodging facilities in the geographic area in which you choose.
Deciding on what type of accommodations often depends upon what kind of group you have. Some may want lodging a bit nicer and private. A group of young guys, for example, may not be as particular and are just looking for a clean hotel or cabin to lay their head at night. The point is, there are many nice options and doing a bit of research on the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging Page to what exists can pay dividends.
COOK MY OWN MEALS OR EAT OUT?
Some groups do both. Depending upon where you stay, you might have a restaurant and bar right at your resort. If not, there are surely lots of options in very close proximity.
Lake of the Woods resorts and area restaurants have some incredible food options. If part of the enjoyment of your trip is eating out and not having to cook, you have some wonderful food options. Whether you appreciate a hand pressed cheeseburger and fries, a homemade pizza, authentic Italian night or a thick juicy steak with shrimp, there are options.
BRING YOUR OWN FISH HOUSE, RENT A DAY HOUSE OR RENT A SLEEPER FISH HOUSE?
Bring your own fish house. There are lots of options. A number of resorts plow ice roads in which you can bring your own equipment after paying a road fee.
2. Rent a fish house. When planning ice fishing, some might consider to rent a fish house for the day. Some call these “day houses”, as you use them during daylight hours and come back to shore at night.
The house is all set up in an area where the guides believe the fish will be. The holes are drilled and the heat on. There are no worries with snow drifts, slush, cracks, mobility. The work has been done for you and you spend your time fishing.
In some cases you drive your own vehicle to the door of your fish house and come and go as you please. In other cases, the resort will transport you to the door of your house with no ice roads around. In most cases, ice guides check on you throughout the day to make sure everything is going well. At around sunset, they pick you and your fish up and transport you back to the resort just in time for happy hour. Some will actually clean your fish as well.
3. Sleeper Fish Houses. There are some ice anglers when planning to ice fish really enjoy sleeping and cooking on the ice. This is almost like ice “glamping”. It isn’t quite ice camping as the thermostat is set at around 70, there are cooking facilities and some of the sleeper houses are very nice.
A number of resorts and outfitters offer sleeper fish houses for rent. Usually set up with a couple of bunk beds, people enjoy fishing all day and even have the line in at night. Not known as a night bite lake, anglers will pull eelpout and an occasional walleye from the depths at night.
Imagine waking up early in the morning in a warm, cozy fish house, having a hot cup of coffee watching your electronics as the bottom starts to come to life.
Others enjoy the spectacle mother nature can put on. Not only is this icescape beautiful during the day, the night sky is normally lit up with so many stars, brighter than you have ever seen. Milky ways. The brilliance of the night sky is awe inspiring partly because of how far north you are and partly because of no light pollution. The scenery can be spectacular. Ice fishing up at Lake of the Woods is a tradition for many.
Check out a “Bar on the Ice”
That’s not a typo! There are two options to have a cold one out on the frozen ice of Lake of the Woods. One option is the Igloo Bar out of Zippel Bay Resort. This Igloo is actually in two pieces, and is hauled out on the ice when the ice is about 15 inches thick. It is placed, typically, about 3 miles out on the frozen lake.
The Igloo is 1,000 square feet, has two big screen TV’s, instant cash machine, almost full bar and a limited food menu. Oh, and one other thing, you can actually fish inside the bar. That’s right, for a small fee, you can watch tv, have your favorite beverage and ice fish. Each year, many pike over 40 inches and some nice walleyes are caught inside the bar.
The second ice bar is the Angry Walleye. Accessed through Cyrus Resort, this bar is a short drive out and offers a beautiful setting with most of your favorite beverages and homemade pizzas available. Many come from land, while others stop in to check on the bite during the day or when they are driving off at the end of the day.
The Angry Walleye Bar on Lake of the Woods
Whether you are a hard core angler and running around the lake looking for big fish or you are a beginner and maybe have never tried ice fishing before, one thing this area offers is choices for planning ice fishing!
Work opportunities are abundant at Lake of the Woods. People visit Lake of the Woods County and Baudette for the stunning international waters
and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Minnesota. Lake of the Woods offers four seasons of world-class fishing, a hunter’s paradise and a vast array of outdoor recreation.
Did you know the winter is the busiest season up at Lake of the Woods? Yes, with the world class ice fishing, consistent ice conditions, daytime bite, millions of walleyes and saugers, and a great resort community who cater to anglers, this area is a dream getaway for many. There is an abundance of lodging facilities available which offer a rustic cabin or four-bedroom villas. Bars and lounges are available at
many facilities and also some of the greatest dining there is to be found anywhere.
So…work is always available at the lodges, on the ice as workers, opening the houses for the anglers, bar attendants, wait staff and housekeepers. Of course, there’s always maintenance and snow movers during the winter season and lawn care in the summer. All of this clientele is absolutely necessary for our resorts to run smoothly and offer our guests the best time of their lives.
Therefore, we need you to come to Lake of the Woods and consider it as a work opportunity. Have you ever thought about working in an area you love to play at? This variety of opportunity is very possible and many have taken the step to work where they
play. Imagine fishing, hunting and simply living in an area people travel across the country to get to!
The City of Baudette’s webpage, as well as the Lake of the Woods Tourism webpage, has a link to a site called Get Hooked for Life. Here you will find great videos of young people returning to the area to work and raise families and also great work opportunities. Everything from county employees, nurses, doctors, hospital employees, cooks and teachers are always needed.
Quality healthcare and education. People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the community. We take pride in our outstanding healthcare and nationally-recognized education. LakeWood Health features a clinic, hospital and long term care facilities housed all under one roof. Lake of the Woods School, a K-12 facility, is one of the finest educational systems in the state with very high ratings on education.
Besides ice fishing there are many cross country ski trails, a state park, the school
snowshoeing and cross country ski trails, an arena for curling teams to come and compete and the most recent Lake of the Woods International Arena. This arena is one of the finest ice facilities in the state with state of the art “everything”. This is the home to youth hockey teaching many kids to skate and compete and also is the home of the high school hockey team, the “Bears”.
Technology. Technology infrastructure is key in today’s world. It also creates a number of business opportunities. The area has access to high speed broadband opening doors educationally, as well as for business and personal growth.
The Lake of the Woods at Baudette is the county seat. Whether looking to raise a family, grow your company or just looking for a change in scenery, for many, Lake of the Woods offers a better way of life. All licenses, taxes and other information is available right in town.
As the winter months are coming soon, many of the resorts are looking for part and full-time help. Again, winter fishing on LOW is known to be some of the best in the world. Look no further thanHere for many of the employment vacancies! Other places to look include resort websites or even calling resorts to ask for work opportunities. Right now there are openings and various area employers would love to meet with you.
If you have any questions about possible employment, contact the county, city or before notated websites for great information. People are ready to help you come to work and/or play at Lake of the Woods
(Warroad, Minn.) – Warroad RiverPlace is pleased to announce the opening of the state’s newest arts, culture, and events center on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The public is invited to a free, family-friendly “Grand Welcoming,” a day of festivities celebrating community and creative expression at the state-of-the-art facility located along the bank of the Warroad River (103 State Ave., Warroad, Minn.).
Grouse hunting season starts back up on Saturday, September 14, 2024! Lake of the Woods is known for its walleyes, but the grouse numbers are phenomenal in the area. With hundreds of thousands of
acres of public land even the most avid grouse hunter will never run out of land to hunt.
There is an area just to the west of Baudette, Beltrami Island State Forest has thousands and thousands of acres of land, dirt roads, ATV trails and walking trails which is very good grouse habitat. There is so much habitat and such a variety of habitat that grouse have everything they want and need to flourish.
Whether you own a dog or not, grouse hunting success can be had by all. The grouse boom to bust cycle is continuing its cycle up and the numbers are great. Getting off the trail is key to getting more flushes in this area. Not many hunters will go break brush so many of the birds go unseen and don’t flush.
It seems there are two criteria very important for grouse hunters looking to bag some “chickens of the northwoods”. First is the availability of public hunting land. The second, a lot of grouse.
Getting out with some friends in the forest during a grouse hunting season Typically does not disappoint. Most hunters shoot mainly ruffed grouse with a couple of spruce grouse thrown in. With such a beautiful area, hunting is a success from just the sheer beauty and getting out into the woods.
While there are plenty of nice trails to walk, it can help to walk on the edges of trails or if you are hunting with more than just yourself, spread out a bit with someone walking the trail and other hunters spread out into the woods. Ideally, keep a good eye on where your other hunters are and try to keep parallel one another when moving through the woods and foliage.
It also helps to just stop once in a while. When grouse cannot hear you, they tend to get nervous and this can cause a flush.
Stopping periodically also provides the chance to look up into the trees. There have been many a time grouse have been looking back down at me.
The area offers 3 different type of grouse along with snipe. The Ruffed Grouse is by far the most popular and to most hunters, tastes the best. Some say it is the best eating game bird out there, but of course that is personal opinion.
The second type of grouse is the spruce grouse. As a rule, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse roam the same type of habitat. Spruce grouse prefer more of the coniferous forest or pine trees. The meat is darker than a rough grouse and some consider it a stronger or “piney” taste. There are a few in the north country who enjoy a good spruce grouse.
The third variety of grouse around Lake of the Woods is the sharp tailed grouse. Sharpies primarily hang out in more agricultural settings, hence, are a bit more challenging to target as private land is best. It is also helpful to have an idea where the sharpies are living as there are tens of thousands of acres of farmland across the Lake of the Woods region.
As The Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods is known for it’s fishing. Consequently, grouse hunting does not garner the attention. Many, however, have discovered an area off the radar screen to most that is absolutely a hunting gem. There is a huge amount of quality public hunting land, lots of birds and fewer hunters.
The ability to go smack a limit of walleyes and enjoy ruffed grouse hunting in the same area the same day is enough to get sportsmen and sportswoman blood pumping. Fall is a a neat time up at Lake of the Woods. A combo of great fishing and hunting speaks highly of the wonderful natural resources in this neck of the woods. Grab your shotgun and head north to hunt grouse at Lake of the Woods.
Are you ready for an exhilarating winter adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned snowmobile enthusiast or a first-time rider, Lake of the Woods offers a winter playground like no other. With 100s of miles of groomed trails and endless opportunities for exploration, this is the perfect destination to discover the thrill of snowmobiling while soaking in the breathtaking beauty of a winter wonderland. But there is one thing, what if you don’t own a snowmobile?
We are excited to announce that XCAPE boat and snowmobile rentals are now renting snowmobiles and they are available for rent online through their platform! Their booking system is LIVE, making it easier than ever to plan your winter getaway. So why should you book your next snowmobile adventure at Lake of the Woods? Let’s dive into all the reasons why this is the ultimate destination for your next winter escape.
Explore the Beauty of Lake of the Woods on Snowmobile
One of the biggest draws of Lake of the Woods in the winter is the extensive network of groomed snowmobile trails that wind through stunning landscapes. These trails provide access to the serene, snow-covered wilderness, allowing you to experience the lake and its surroundings like never before. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the woods or want to challenge yourself with a longer trip, the area has something for every rider.
With XCAPE’S snowmobile rentals, you have the flexibility to explore these trails at your own pace. Ride through frozen forests, along scenic shorelines, or venture out to explore the lake itself. There’s something magical about zooming across the frozen expanse with snow crunching beneath you and a crisp breeze on your face.
Snowmobiling + Ice Fishing: A Perfect Combination
Lake of the Woods is renowned for its world-class ice fishing, and combining snowmobiling with a day of ice fishing makes for an unforgettable adventure. Renting a snowmobile gives you the freedom to move around the lake, finding the best fishing spots and exploring different areas without the hassle of staying in one place.
Imagine starting your day by snowmobiling across the lake to a heated fish house, dropping your line into one of the best walleye fisheries in the world, and then heading back to your snowmobile for more exploring. Snowmobiles make it easy to cover more ground, reach remote fishing locations, and truly immerse yourself in the winter experience.
Lake of the Woods has extensive trails across the ice, enabling ice anglers to fish in areas nobody else is targeting. The groomed and staked trails go from the south end of the lake all the way up to the NW Angle on both the west and east sides of Big Traverse Bay. This is the perfect opportunity to get away from traffic, target small pieces of structure and hone in on nice schools of walleyes.
Take a Bucket-List Trip to the Northwest Angle
Lake of the Woods is home to one of the most unique and sought-after destinations in the country: the Northwest Angle. As the northernmost point in the contiguous United States, this remote and picturesque area is accessible by snowmobile during the winter. With a snowmobile rental, you can check off that bucket list item and make a day trip to the Northwest Angle with friends or family.
Capture the moment with a picture at the famous northernmost point buoy, marking your adventure into this rare and beautiful corner of the country. Whether you go guided or explore on your own, the journey to the Northwest Angle offers breathtaking scenery and memories that will last a lifetime.
Ideal for Groups and Extended Stays
Planning a trip with a larger group? No problem! XCAPE’s fleet of snowmobiles includes multiple units, and each snowmobile comfortably seats two riders. Whether you’re bringing along family, friends, or both, everyone can join in on the fun. Plus, their multi-day discounts make it easy to extend your stay and enjoy everything Lake of the Woods has to offer at a great price.
They also provide helmets, so you’ll have everything you need for a safe and exciting ride. For even more convenience, they offer free delivery up to 35 miles from their location near Wheeler’s Point.
Book Your Winter Adventure Today!
With their easy-to-use online booking system, planning your winter adventure is simple and stress-free. Just select your dates, choose your snowmobiles, and let XCAPE Rentals take care of the rest. Their multi-day discounts are automatically applied, so you’ll always get the best price.
Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the thrill of snowmobiling on Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re here for ice fishing, exploring the wilderness, or taking a day trip to the Northwest Angle, snowmobile rentals provide the flexibility and excitement you need for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Have questions? Want to learn more? Visit XCAPE Snowmobile Rentals to get all the details and book your snowmobile today.
Life is short – fill it with adventure! Come XCAPE with us this winter!
Fall Fishing is a tradition many anglers in the north country look forward to. Each fall, there is a run of emerald shiners up the Rainy River that flows into Lake of the Woods. The shiners are headed upstream, driven by biology but we are not exactly sure why. The DNR Fisheries office in Baudette point out fish will not expend energy for any reason, so they are after something.
Possibly it is a good food source, possibly a different temperature of water. Whatever the reason, they typically move upstream in the fall and it can lead to some hot and heavy walleye action. With this tradition, plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River and all around Lake of the Woods.
Every year is different. Based on weather, flow of the river, how much daylight remains throughout the day, etc. Some years the shiners run so thick it looks like you could walk on them at times. This is when you hear splashing fish busting up through the schools of minnows. Other years, the run of shiners is more tamed down. 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. Anchoring up on the edge of some structure and vertically jigging while watching the migration of a variety of waterfowl is a great day to spend a fall day. Some anglers use fatheads or rainbows. Others prefer a live emerald shiner if available. The second choice for anglers wanting to match the run is a frozen 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.
Shiner Minnows
From the mouth of the Rainy River near many of the resorts up-river through Baudette all the way over to Birchdale to the east, there can be great fall fishing. There is about 42 miles of very navigable Rainy River. This provides anglers with many great opportunities. Some walleyes will be moving upstream using current breaks, holes and rocks as they migrate upstream. Others will be staged feeding heavily in areas where the emerald shiners are hanging out. There is lots of water to fish and many techniques to catch fall walleyes.
Wheeler’s Point has a great boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River. 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. 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.
Moving into the center of town on the Baudette Bay is a boat dock where you can tie up your boat and walk up Willie Walleye Hill to get a coffee or find groceries and supplies at the local grocery store.
At the eastern side of Baudette at Timbermill Park you will find a great place to dock your boat and again there is plenty of parking area available. This access is directly on the Rainy River.
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 Frontier Landing with fire rings, rest rooms and the availability of camping right at the access. It’s not unusual to see vehicles with boat trailers lining the roads for quite a distance at these access points. However, it’s worth the walk to fish this river.
Further down Hwy 11 at the town Birchdale, Nelson Park is located on the road traveling north off of Hwy 11. Here again, you’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. 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. Grab some loved ones or friends and experience a beautiful time of the year and some of the best fishing of the year. Plan for some epic fall fishing on the Rainy River!
If you like fall fishing for walleyes, perhaps you have heard something about shiners and walleyes running on the Rainy River. It is a tradition for anglers that is, well, just special.
Fall along the beautiful Rainy River is an incredible spectacle all by itself. “Sweatshirt weather” as some call it features the changing colors of the leaves, the migration of birds coming from the north and in these parts, the shiner run and world class walleye fishing.
When will the shiner run start? Has it started some? With the colder nights and warmer days, Mother Nature has a way of kicking things into gear. Is it any surprise there were a number of boats starting to fish Four Mile Bay and the mouth of the Rainy River? Every year, good early September reports from the river start circulating.
As the daylight becomes less and less and temperatures are beginning to drop, many believe Mother Nature is about to get things rolling, if they are not rolling already.
It’s a fall tradition for many. Coming to the Rainy River to take advantage of the fall run of walleyes chasing the millions of emerald shiners running up the river. Something about the leaves changing and the smell of fall in the air.
Fall on the river is also a fun opportunity for those with smaller boats to access some of the best fall walleye fishing in the Midwest. The river is small in comparison to the lake and even on windier days, there are plenty of twists and turns where a person can find a nice break out of the wind and jig for some fall gold.
If you chat with a resort owner or bait dealer, they talk about the shiners in terms of “gallons”. This is the time of the year folks in the bait business really to stock up on the effective and popular bait that is used four seasons per year. Emerald shiners are an awesome bait both alive and frozen. These minnows are normally netted off the ends of docks with big lights at night. When the shiners are running, literally huge schools of bait will swirl under the lights. As we have seen over the past couple of weeks, walleyes and pike are often mixed in with these minnows.
Anglers are excited as there have been reports of both emerald shiners and walleyes in Four Mile Bay and up the river. Walleyes are being caught from the mouth of the river all the way up river to Birchdale. These fish are a combination of local fish that live in the river along with the new walleyes coming in from the lake.
Most anglers will go after these walleyes with a jig and minnow. Often a frozen shiner is the bait of choice. The shiners are a staple for Lake of the Woods walleyes, they are flashy and have a great stink to them in which the walleyes can hone into in the stained waters of this body of water.
Some anglers will actually pull crankbaits for these fish. A few years ago on a nice fall afternoon while I was jigging up a few walleyes jigging, a couple of Ranger boats slid by me trolling. The boats had Iowa boat licenses and were consistently catching walleyes as they approached. In a kidding manner, I commented to them, “You can’t catch walleyes trolling now, the water is too cold.” They smiled as they reeled in another fish, “Yeah, we know. And so do the two trophy walleyes and dozens of other fish we caught today. We actually target the Rainy River trolling each year as we have such good luck.”
Charter boat captains comment they can tell when a shiner run has entered the bay and river as they drive out in the morning, they can see clouds of bait on their electronics. There has been a decent number of walleyes in the river all summer. To nobody’s surprise, there has also been a good amount of bait in the river. Is is because of the higher water, perhaps more current? Nobody really knows, but the fact is most think this will all contribute to some excellent fall fishing.
This activity in the river also bodes well for ice anglers for the upcoming ice season. It seems with good activity in the river, a portion of those walleyes anyways, will eventually slide out to the lake to waiting ice anglers.
Many anglers enjoy the small water experience of the river vs the big open water of Big Traverse Bay, especially if they have a smaller boat. The river is a great asset for small boats.
Fall is a great time on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. The fish are biting nicely. A mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch and pike are being caught on a consistent basis right now. Fall is clipping along and now is a good time to get that last special fishing trip in.
Every year, there is magic. The environment is created with much attention to detail, which sets the stage. It is veterans spending time with other veterans, however, that creates the magic. Such was the case for 90 veterans at this year’s 2024 Pay It Forward Veterans Event up on Lake of the Woods this past week.
This was the 11th Annual event which began in 2014. The purpose of Pay It Forward is to honor, recognize and celebrate all veterans. Organizers, Lake of the Woods Tourism and Fishing For Life, set the stage with two days fishing on charter boats, a variety of delicious meals, lodging at area resorts and some guest speakers who speak about topics pertinent to veterans.
Initially, one might think this event is for veterans severely physically or mentally wounded from combat. And it is, but it is also for those who never saw combat, stayed stateside and served with our armed forces in any way, shape or form.
This event is for all who served. Some veterans who are doing relatively well often defer opportunities like Pay It Forward so those who are “more in need” can attend. Very considerate of course, but what we see more often than not, is there is healing or perhaps a boost of life not anticipated, but appreciated and enjoyed by all veterans who attend.
A variety of passionate guest speakers helped shape this event discussing topics ranging from successfully managing PTSD to overcoming obstacles and living a purposeful life. Veterans were invited to say a few words if they liked and many spoke, sharing their stories, resources that have helped them and providing testimonials. It is veterans rubbing elbows, sharing stories, hardships and camaraderie with other veterans that really creates the magic of this event.
Hall of Fame angler and outdoor communicator, Terry Tuma and his wife Karen once again greeted and fished with veterans. “Tackle Terry”, as many know him, and his wife are long time supporters of this event and have been part of it since it’s inception.
Veteran organizations present included Fishing For Life, Elks Veterans Services, Every Third Saturday, Eagles Healing Nest, various VFW’s and American Legions.
A highlight for veterans at the Pay It Forward event is fishing on Lake of the Woods for two days on a charter boat. Licensed charter captains lead the fishing and it was tremendous with most, if not all, limiting out on walleyes and saugers with a variety of pike, bass, and perch in the mix. Not only were there good numbers of walleyes caught, but some true trophies reaching lengths over 28 inches long.
This three-night, two-day fishing extravaganza with meals included is complementary to veterans thanks to the generous donations from Lake of the Woods area resorts, guides, various small businesses, organizations and individuals.
Midwest Outdoors TV was present and filmed the event, capturing messages and stories from veterans. The 2024 Pay It Forward episode will air sometime around Veterans Day in November.
If you would like to learn more about Pay It Forward, submit an application for the 2025 event or donate to this veteran’s event, check out the event website at www.PayItForwardLOW.org.
Media Contact:
Joe Henry
Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Tourism
Joe.Henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
320-260-7727
Pay It Forward is an event under the 501(c)(3), Walleye Master Charity Events | PO Box 42 | Baudette, MN 56623
The Igloo is 1,000 square feet, has two big screen TV’s, instant cash machine, almost full bar and a limited food menu. Oh, and one other thing, you can actually fish inside the bar. That’s right, for a small fee, you can watch tv, have your favorite beverage and ice fish. Each year, many pike over 40 inches and some nice walleyes are caught inside the bar.
Whether looking to raise a family, grow your company or just looking for a change in scenery, for many, Lake of the Woods offers a better way of life. All licenses, taxes and other information is available right in town.
Getting out with some friends in the forest during a grouse hunting season Typically does not disappoint. Most hunters shoot mainly ruffed grouse with a couple of spruce grouse thrown in. With such a beautiful area, hunting is a success from just the sheer beauty and getting out into the woods.
