Hints of Spring have been showing its face all winter, even though Mother Nature blanketed us with 6 inches of snow this past Tuesday. Temperatures have been above average all winter with episodes of below zero temps at night, so this makes for a very interesting winter to spring season.  With the warmer winter temps, spring Rainy River anglers are thinking ahead!

There is still lots of ice on the lake and resorts / outfitters still providing some great ice fishing.   Fish houses can remain on the lake through March 31st (depending on Mother Nature), anglers are already getting their boats and their gear ready for the spring run of walleyes on the Rainy.

Walleyes go up river in the fall chasing shiner minnows and then again in the spring to do their spawning. Here’s when the trophies show up. Whether there area ice burg size chunks of ice floating on the river or it’s totally clear, anglers line up along roads and access points waiting to dawn the beautiful waters of the Rainy River.

Rainy River flows out of Rainy Lake near International Falls and forms the border between the United States and Canada at the top of Minnesota. It flows into the famous Lake of the Woods known as the Walleye Capital of the World.

Each spring anglers and local residents watch this body of water for the signs of liquid water to show up. Each year this “ice opener” is documented by the local newspaper and has been recorded since 1934.  The recording place is near the International Bridge connecting the United States and Canada between the towns of Rainy River, Ontario and Baudette, MN.   This early ice out is a welcomed sight for anglers chomping at the bit to get their boats out into the open water. The Northern Light Region is the official reporter of first “ice-out” over the years.

The most current report at the time of this writing is that the River is open just east of Birchdale which is located 25 miles to the east of Baudette. That’s exciting!!! This is usually reported as resort owners to east of Baudette keep checking daily for spring updates. Usually the report is recorded as whether the river is open shore to shore or not.

Koochiching County to the east of Baudette is a great neighbor that works at clearing the first river accesses available for fishing. They use their county machines to clear the ice and snow off so that anglers are able to back down the accesses to launch their boats. Anglers are usually dressed in the appropriate gear as they don’t know what temperatures they will meet when fishing. It could be a sunny day to fish with just a hoodie, but when watching the skies, they might see a snow storm coming on the horizon. What an adventure!!!

This writer has seen scores and scores of fishing rigs lined up to launch their boats and even having to anchor them to small icebergs along the shoreline. This year looks like the land will be free of that scene.

River accesses open up from east to west with Franz Jevne, a primitive state park area, being opened first with only one lane. The next larger access point is at Birchdale where there is also a beautiful campground and lots of space to park rigs and hang out. When visiting that area, be sure to stop into the one store in Birchdale which is one of the last general stores to be open in this area. It’s amazing!! And a Must-Stop location!!!

The next access moving west is at Frontier Landing. There is parking there for about 10 rigs and signs are posted for other parking places along designated roads. Moving again to the west you come to Vidas Landing. Again, a pretty large area to park your rig up and down the road approaching the landing. These landings open as the open water moves towards town. Of course it’s all up to warmth and current increasing as spring arrives.

Minnesota’s state fish, the walleye, is a good fighter, tastes excellent and is common throughout most of Minnesota. Effective Mar. 1 – Apr. 14, Walleye/Sauger catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period in Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately. There is no closed season for northern pike on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. The possession limit for northern pike is three. All northern pike from 30 through 40 inches must be immediately released; only one northern pike over 40 inches may be possessed.

The Sturgeon is a pre-historic fish that inhabits these waters. Sturgeon is a unique catch and fights to the finish! Often times taking over an hour to land the fish in the boat. The spring sturgeon season shifts from catch and release, to a keep season and eventually is closed for spawning.  Spring fishing details can be found here.

Local bait shops and resorts have the necessary bait and tackle used to fish the river this time of the year.  Much of the sturgeon tackle, like the sturgeon rig referenced, is made by the local company Tom’s Tackle. Regardless of what species you are interested, know that the opportunity for a fish of a lifetime exists in these waters.

So plan your spring fishing trip soon! Come to Lake of the Woods area and experience the beauty of the famous waters of the Rainy River!!

For lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Seasons and regulations are also found on this site.

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

MN DNR: www.dnr.state.mn.us

Courtesy of the MN DNR

2024 Rainy River Spring Fishery

(March 1 – April 14)
The Rainy River forms the border between Ontario and Minnesota for its entire length of about 90 miles. Anglers intending to fish Ontario waters of the Rainy River should refer to the Ontario Fishing Regulations Synopsis for details (https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary).

If you choose to fish Ontario waters of the Rainy River, you must comply with Ontario laws, and with USA-Canada border crossing regulations. This handout addresses special fishing regulations for Minnesota waters only.

Minnesota Waters of the Rainy River from International Falls Dam Downstream to Lake of the Woods

Walleye and Sauger

On Fourmile Bay of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River

Effective Mar. 1 – Apr. 14
Walleye/Sauger catch and release fishing is allowed during this time period. All Walleye and Sauger must be returned to the water immediately.

Lake Sturgeon

No harvest is allowed from Mar 1 through Apr 23. Anglers are allowed to catch-and-release lake sturgeon during this period.

Northern Pike

There is no closed season for northern pike on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. The possession limit for northern pike is three. All northern pike from 30 through 40 inches must be immediately released; only one northern pike over 40 inches may be possessed.

Gaffs not allowed

A person may not possess or use a gaff while fishing on the Rainy River.

*The Rainy River is designated as “infested waters.” Regulations related to bait harvest, water transport, and draining water apply to these waters. For a more thorough listing of the regulations that apply to Minnesota-Ontario border waters, please see the Canada-Minnesota Border Waters section of the Minnesota Fishing Regulations synopsis.

Enforcement

Minnesota DNR Conservation Officers and Ontario MNR Conservation Officers are commonly observed checking anglers, their boats, and safety equipment during the spring Rainy River season. Anglers should expect to encounter these resource officers during either their Minnesota or Ontario fishing activities.

To report fishing or boating violations, call:

Minnesota State Patrol: 218-748-2426, Minnesota TIP (Turn In Poachers): 1-800-652-9093, or, Ontario Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

To report other violations, or for emergencies, call: Koochiching County Sheriff: 218-283-4416, or, Lake of the Woods County Sheriff: 218-634-1143

For information on Rainy River spring fishing: Baudette Area Fisheries Office: 218-395-6040
International Falls Area Fisheries Office: 218-598-8190

For customs and border protection, call: International Falls Port of Entry: (218) 283-2541
Canada Border Services: (807) 274-3655

For information on lodging and other accommodations, please contact:
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
218-634-1174 or toll free; 800-382-3474
Email: info@lakeofthewoodsmn.com Web site: https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com

International Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau
1-800-FALLS-MN; 1-800-325-5766
Email: cvb@rainylake.org Web site: www.rainylake.org

Rainy River boat access areas administered by Koochiching County, City of Baudette, and Minnesota DNR

The Site Manager may be on duty to ensure that activities occur as safely and efficiently as possible during periods of high use. Do not park on State Highway #11.

Wheeler’s Point Access

This access, with a boat dock and triple ramp, is located 12 miles north of Baudette on State Highway 172, near the mouth of the Rainy River. No camping is allowed.

Baudette Access in Timbermill Park

A boat access, with a double ramp, is located near the City Park, located on the east edge of Baudette. No camping is allowed at the access. Camping is allowed in authorized areas of the City Park.

Vidas Access

This access with a double ramp is located 1.5 miles east of Clementson at the end of Koochiching County Road UT 392. Signs have been installed to direct traffic and reduce congestion. Parking is allowed on both sides of UT 392. No camping is allowed from March 15 through April 14.

Frontier Access

This access with a single ramp is located approximately 17 miles east of Baudette along State Highway 11. No parking is allowed along Highway 11. Parking is restricted along Koochiching County Highway 4. No camping is allowed from March 15 through April 14.

Nelson Park – Birchdale

This access with a double ramp is north of Birchdale on Koochiching County Road UT 118, which runs from State Highway 11 to Nelson Park. Parking is allowed on the east side of UT 118. Camping is allowed in designated areas.

Upper Sault Access (near Franze Jevne Park)

This access with a single ramp is located at the end of Koochiching County Road 85, just east of Birchdale. This ramp is best suited to small boats. No camping is allowed.

Manitou Rapids Access

This site has a primitive boat access, and ample shore fishing areas. The access is appropriate for boats that can be carried-in, or for boats that can be transported on the marked trail with an ATV. The site is located approximately 34 miles east of Baudette on Highway 11, or about ½ mile west of the Indus School. There is parking available. No camping is allowed.

Black River Access at Loman

This access is in the City of Loman, on the Black River. The Black River is often still frozen during this period and will not be accessible to boats until it opens each spring. Camping is available in authorized areas of this park.

Reedy Flats Access

This access is located on the south side of State Highway #11, along the Bigfork River. The Bigfork River is often still frozen during this period and will not be accessible to boats until it opens each spring. No camping is allowed from March 1 through the second Thursday in May.

Kuttes Landing

This access is located just east of the junction of Highway 71 and Highway 11 at Pelland. No camping is allowed.

Ron Hall Memorial Access (Shorewood Ramp)

This access is located on Shorewood Drive in International Falls. There is parking available across the street from the access. No camping is allowed.

 

Info on the Rainy River

Info about the Lake of the Woods Area

 

 

Lake of the Woods is such an exciting place to live. The lake itself is international as it spans two countries, the United States and Canada. The Rainy River flows from the East at Rainy Lake into Lake of the Woods which forms this incredible border.

People ask this writer all the time, “Where is it you live again?” and “What border do you live on?” and “What exactly do you do up there all the time?” At the very middle of the continent of North America is a border that separates Canada and United States. That’s the border we are talking about. Yes, I can actually see the border from my house in the center of Baudette, MN.

I count it a privilege to live on this border for the simple reason that it is first of all very unique, it presents challenges of being quite an isolated area, but the genuine-ness of hearts and the pioneer spirit still remains.

People in this locality are far from the “stay at home” types. Everyone is on the go with either their businesses or getting out into nature using all kinds of sports. This area is especially known for its excellent fishery. Walleyes are in abundance as well as other species such as: smallmouth bass, black crappies, sauger, northern pike, muskie, sturgeon, lake trout, eelpout, and yellow perch. The walleye population made this area known as the Walleye Capital of the World™.

The resort area is divided into three geographical sections. First is the Rainy River where all the resorts along that river are located. The second is the resorts that make up the section called the South Shore area. The most interesting area to be noted is the Northwest Angle which is a parcel of land that makes up the “chimney” of Minnesota.

Here’s what’s so interesting….one must cross the border into Manitoba, Canada and then re-enter the United States by crossing the border at Angle Inlet, the small town on the Northwest Angle.  This locality is the northernmost spot in the contiguous United States.

The Northwest Angle is its own unique area which hosts 7 resorts, and the two islands of Flag and Oak host 8 more resorts. It features a first-class restaurant, a golf course, and a post office at the locality of Angle Inlet. An incredible feature of this area is the last one room schoolhouse of Minnesota. Youngsters get their early education here and travel in by boat or snowmobile when the lake freezes over. When they reach the appropriate age, they are then bused to the Warroad school district which may I say is quite a trek from door to door.

My hat goes off to the people who live and work at the Angle because it takes a lot of planning and creativity to live there and also operate first rate resorts.

This writer moved to the area in 1983 and soon after that winter fishing began making its entrance. Before that period of time open water fishing was the draw. Today the same holds true, however, hard water fishing has become so popular on the lake that you can actually call it another village on the lake.

A few thousand fish houses owned by local resorts dot the horizon on the big lake. There are also individual fish houses, portable fish houses, and wheel houses that enjoy the sport whenever possible. This border is unique as Ice Houses can remain on the lake for an extra month of fishing. That puts them available until the end of March.

The walleye season is still open so you will still find anglers using pop-up fish houses and using their ATVs an small crafts to travel the lake. Otherwise, stand out in the open sunlight, drill a hole and sit on your bucket to await that great catch. Maybe even a trophy fish. What an incredible feature of this border area!!

Jobs in this border area are in abundance with 50+ resorts that are always looking for loyal workers. They employ office workers, restaurant workers, ice workers, housekeeping workers, maintenance people and bar/ lounge wait people to serve their clients. Hospitality is an incredible industry on this border.

The city of Baudette has put out a website called Get Hooked for Life that lists features of the area as well as an elongated list of employment opportunities. Lake of the Woods County is the county seat with a well-equipped Government Center able to assist you with all of your legal county needs.  Lake of the Woods School is the one and only school in the county but it continually ranks as one of the highest in the state of Minnesota for educational excellence.

LakeWood Health Center is located in Baudette which houses a clinic, an acute care unit, a well equipped emergency room and a Long Term Care Center. This border area is very fortunate to have such a great facility in our locality. Once again, jobs are in abundance here also.

Farming and logging are still high operating careers along the border. There is also ANI Pharmaceuticals which is a big employer in the area.  Marvin Windows is 36 miles to the west of Baudette and employed over 6,500 people along the border. Further to the west is Polaris Industries where snowmobile, ATVs and motorcycles are manufactured.

Speaking of snowmobiles, Lake of the Woods has an incredible system of well groomed and maintained trails as well as trails that have been marked and staked across the lake. Summer kayaking and canoeing are big also and hunting is a draw for many sportsmen from all areas in a 5 state area.

Service organizations, churches, and local businesses all make up the population of Lake of the Woods. As you can see…..the Border area is an amazing place to live. Come visit us or come and stay!

For more information and lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

 

 

 

 

February 13, 2024

 

 

Info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging, Fish House Rentals, Charter Boats and Guides

There are many ways to stay connected to Lake of the Woods.  Social media, our website LakeoftheWoodsMN.com, resort fishing reports, etc.  Another great way that sometimes gets forgotten about are webcams around the lake.  Webcams allow guests who can access the internet to see conditions in real time the conditions, weather, waves, boat activity, and just life up at Lake of the Woods based on where the camera is located.  There are many webcam options on Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River and up at the NW Angle.

Arnesen’s Rocky Point Webcam.  On the southwest portion of Big Traverse Bay is Arnesen’s Rocky Point.  This is a great area to watch a variety of boat and ice fishing traffic coming and going from the resort.  Arnesen’s looks out over Muskeg Bay on the southwest corner of Lake of the Woods.

Typically, there will be boat traffic from April into November and then based on Mother Nature, some ice traffic with the snowmobile trail and sometimes bombardiers if the river ice gets thick enough.  Other views include views of the docks and resort area.  The camera is preset to move to different positions.  This is also a fun camera to check out.

Not only is it fun checking out the conditions of the lake, the webcam gives a fun look at the outside activities at a popular sport fishing resort.

The busier times are normally in the morning just before and after sunrise when people are headed out fishing or around supper time when anglers are coming in off of the ice or via boat for a bite to eat in the Rock Harbor Lodge.

Dales on Lake of the Woods Webcam.  Located on the bottom of their website’s homepage is Dale’s on Lake of the Woods webcam.  This webcam gives a great view of the lake just to the east of twin rocks and to the west of Long Point overlooking Big Traverse Bay.

With sleeper fish house rentals, beautiful camping facilities, ice access for customers of theirs and a boat ramp, there is lots to see as this camera overlooks the access on the shores of Lake of the Woods.

Whether it’s ice transportation, boats, checking out the snow falling or the wave action on the main lake, this camera poses a beautiful view.

NW Angle Edge Riders Snowmobile Club webcam at Young’s Bay Resort.  If you have ever been to the NW Angle, you may have been through the ice access or harbor at Young’s Bay Resort.  It is a hub of activity and where the main ice road heads out to island resorts and in some cases, where local resorts access the lake.

In addition, during the open water season, this is the main harbor to boat out to the resorts, cabins and other attractions throughout the NW Angle islands and even Ontario islands on the western side of Lake of the Woods.

This camera focuses on the boat ramp, harbor, ice access and even picks up some of the northernmost point buoy and Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant.

Hwy 72 webcam south of Baudette, MN in Dawson Township.  A main travel route for travelers coming to Lake of the Woods, highway 72 runs north and south where it meets Hwy 11 just to the east of Baudette.  This camera provides a view of weather conditions and is in an area with beautiful scenery to watch the various colors of the foliage change throughout the year.

Hwy 11 webcam near Roosevelt, MN.  Located in Lake of the Woods County, this webcam gives an idea of weather conditions and provides a good view of highway 11 which runs east and west across the south end of Lake of the Woods and is a main travel route.

This camera also picks up the railroad tracks which are active with trains heading across the south end of Lake of the Woods.

Webcams are also great to view the variety of bird activity throughout the year.  There is a great migration both in the spring and fall that is exceptional, as well as a resident population of birds unique to this northern Minnesota area.

Weather events are also very interesting to viewers.  Being nice and cozy while checking into the various weather events in the area is something of interest to many.  From the beautiful sunrises and sunsets to storms moving through the area, they are all part of life and interesting at the same time.

It is also interesting to see the various perspectives from the Rainy River, big open waters of Big Traverse Bay and the islands area of the NW Angle.

There are many great ways to keep in touch with Lake of the Woods.  Another option you may just want to add to your routine are webcams.  What a fun way to keep in touch in real time with The Walleye Capital of the World.

 

Click Here to access Lake of the Woods Tourism.

Click Here for a list of lodging options around Lake of the Woods.

If you happen to be in central MN the weekend of February 9-11, 2024, stop by the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show at the River’s Edge Convention Center and say hello.  Joe Henry with Lake of the Wood Tourism will be available to chat anything Lake of the Woods!  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the lake, different methods of fishing, what resorts might fit your group the best, etc.

While at the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show, pick up the New Official Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide and of course, let’s talk Lake of the Woods fishing, resorts, NW Angle, spring fishing, sturgeon and everything else that makes Lake of the Woods a special place.

In addition, register to win a 3 night, 2 day fishing trip at Ballard’s Resort located on the banks of the Rainy River.  This summer trip is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to relaxation, natural beauty and some incredible fishing.

For some anglers, the focus will still be talking ice fishing as fish houses can be left on the lake overnight through March 31st, a bit longer than most of MN as we are border water with Canada.  The walleye/sauger season continues through April 14th on Lake of the Woods which  extends the ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods.

Ice fishing is still going strong on Lake of the Woods.  Get the latest conditions and report while at the show.

Joe will also be giving seminars this year.  One is Master’s Level:  Pulling Spinners for Walleyes.  The second seminar is titled, Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water.

If you are a deer hunter, Dan Stefanich with Dan Stef Outdoors will be sharing some super helpful intel.  His two seminars are titled Deer Hunting Tactics -What Every Hunter Should Know & Advanced Tips and Tactics for Whitetail Hunters.

Many anglers are looking forward to the spring run of walleyes on the Rainy River.   Typically the Rainy River starts to open up east of Baudette towards the middle or end of March.  Only Mother Nature knows when this will happen but when it does, it can be world class fishing for big female walleyes.

Walleyes from a good portion of Lake of the Woods will make their way to spawning grounds up river.  Imagine, all of these walleyes constricted into a relatively small river.   This can lead to some epic walleye fishing and of course memories.  The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release only for walleyes and saugers from March 1 – April 14.  Most anglers don’t mind as it is a chance to splash their boat and fish walleyes for the first time of the year.  It is also a chance to catch a walleye of a lifetime!

There will also be anglers wanting to chat about big pike in March or possibly catching them when the ice goes out as the pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods and that lends itself to some nice opportunities.  Lake of the Woods is a trophy pike lake with many fish caught over 40″.

It won’t be long and anglers will also be targeting Lake Sturgeon on the Rainy River.  This fish that dates back to the prehistoric times is a handful of fun and a blast to catch.  Anglers will be fishing sturgeon up and down the Rainy River as well as in Four Mile Bay.  Many skip the walleyes and focus on the sturgeon.  It is fun fishing too.  Basically anchored up near a hole in the river fishing night crawlers on the bottom.

In addition to Lake of the Woods, the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show will have a large selection of fishing tackle retailers, boats, trailers, resorts, etc.  The River’s Edge Convention Center is located right in the downtown area of St. Cloud on the shores of the mighty Mississippi River.

The show starts Friday at noon and continues until 5pm on Sunday.  Parking is easy and this is a great show.   Click Here for complete details.

 

 

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

Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Lodging.

What a crazy ice fishing winter it has been.  Starting out the year, the end of October showed cold temps and about 6 inches of snow to start the winter out up at Lake of the Woods.  At that time, it appeared it was going to be a cold winter.  Never could we have imagined what an unseasonably warm winter was ahead.  For those who enjoy ice fishing, we welcomed the stretches of below zero weather that helped to create some good ice earlier in the year.  With the constant monitoring of ice by ice guides, outfitters and resort owners, ice fishing is still going strong on Lake of the Woods.

Resorts and outfitters look at safety first.  Even the experts working the ice will tell you it has been a weird year.  With that being said, thankfully, ice fishing is still in full swing up at Lake of the Woods.

Every day, many times per day, the ice is being checked.  Ice guides from resorts will post videos sharing conditions on their ice roads from time to time.  The bottom line is work through a resort or outfitter, adhere to the weight limits of that ice road and do not go off the beaten path.

Work Through a Resort or Outfitter

It is important to work through a resort or outfitter as ice thickness varies.  One resort posted they have good ice where they are fishing and where they travel, but don’t go past where the roads end as ice conditions are not nearly as good.  Good info to know.  Some of this is because of stretches of water that stayed open later and hasn’t had the same amount of time to gain thickness.  Another reason

Some resorts who operate ice roads have cut back weight limits from the real heavy rigs, just to be safe.  Some have said no 1 ton or 3/4 ton pickup trucks pulling a wheelhouse, as an example.  Each ice road has it’s own rules and restrictions and they can change based on current conditions.  This is for everyone’s safety.  Thankfully, there are ice guides watching the ice each and every day.

For Most Visitors, it is Ice Fishing Like Any Other Year

When it comes to a visitor coming up to ice fish with a resort, rent a day house or sleeper fish house, most everything will be the same.  The resort or outfitter may resort to a different form of ice transportation or perhaps make some tweaks on fishing grounds, but for the vast majority of folks, the reasons so many enjoy coming up ice fishing are there.

For those who use wheelhouses, it is important to check social media or give the resort / outfitter whom you are booked a call to make sure the vehicle and length of wheelhouse you have is being allowed on the ice roads.  As mentioned earlier, some of the ice roads pulled back weight limits in a reaction to the warm weather as a safety measure.

Best Ice Fishing Many Have Seen for Years

Mother Nature is interesting, and also unpredictable.  We have heard from many resort owners with decades of experience on the water from across this big lake that this is one of the best ice fishing years, from a fishing perspective, they have seen.

It is fun to hear some of the comments.  “Where were these fish last year,” or “what about the social media trolls who said the lake was fished out, what is the problem this year?”

Well, if you are one of those social media trolls, we mean no disrespect.  We are just pleased that the lake is healthy and this winter, Mother Nature, thought she would give us, once again, a taste of what Lake of the Woods is made of.

 

Info on Lake of the Woods

Lodging and Ice Fishing Info

 Info on Ice Fishing LOW

Two bars. The Angry Walleye Bar and the Igloo Bar on the ice are sensational sights to experience on Lake of the Woods. Who ever thought of placing establishments like this on ice?!?! Well, there are many entrepreneurs around and Lake of the Woods is no exception. There’s even a food truck parked near or on the ice called Walleye Bites that “lure” customers with their specialties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is quite the entrepreneur who is able to organize and operate a business like these. It takes on greater than normal financial risks and staffing to run these bars.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, it’s official snowmobiling is on!! Avid snowmobilers have gassed up their machines and are ready to ride the many great places around Lake of the Woods. It was reported on Facebook this week that the trails are open and have recently been groomed. There are still workers clearing brush and fallen trees over some paths, but shelters have either been made ready or are very close to ready for each traveler.

Facebook is a great way to get fresh information on lots of subjects and our snowmobile clubs take advantage of that as they let the public know current events concerning their trails and warming shacks. One sight to keep an eye on is: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsdrifters and the other one is www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodssnowmobileclub. Here’s some reports: “Reminder the trails are open for use however still need maintenance. Use caution! Pitt Y shelter is clean and ready for visitors.” “Graceton shelter is clean and ready for use. Careful riding out, trails still need some work.”

The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club out of Baudette grooms trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods where the famous Northern Connection Trail travels through the forests along Highway 11 from the east and then heads south. This includes travel through the city of Baudette. Their website is: www.lakeofthewoodsdrifters.org  where you will find contacts, pictures and current snowmobile conditions and reports. This club is very active and are always welcoming new members.

Did you know you can enjoy snowmobiling both on the land and also the lake. Lake of the Woods is an international lake which engulfs the big basin of water in the south, the Northwest Angle, and the northern section which is in Ontario, Canada. Snowmobile Clubs in the areas and resort owners work together to stake and groom many great trails both on land and (frozen) water. There are over 500 miles of groomed trails through some of the most scenic areas in North America.

We are making ice daily in this northland, however, it’s still early ice and snowmobile travel must be done with extreme caution through our local resorts and outfitters. Be sure to inquire before you go. DO NOT go out without first checking with the professionals.

Minnesota DNR has a great website to study about snowmobiling. The snowmobile state trail sticker and snowmobile registration decals have been combined into one decal. The price of the three-year state trail sticker has been included in the price of snowmobile registration. Snowmobiles that are being newly registered or up for renewal will now be issued the new combined registration/state trail sticker decal. See their website here: www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html

A snowmobile that is not registered in the state of MN may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker is affixed to the snowmobile. A snowmobile state trail sticker costs $51.00 and is valid from November 1 through June 30.

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Northwest Angle and islands where the Northwest Angle EdgeRiders Snowmobile Club grooms trails at the Northwest Angle, south to Warroad and also most trails on Lake of the Woods. They have a wonderful website to look at and study at www.nwaedgeriders.org or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NorthwestAngleEdgeRiders.

There’s another place to seek out information by going to our links to both clubs and maps at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/snowmobiling.  www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.  Here are some great tips for the avid snowmobiler. Have fun and be safe by checking with locals resorts for ice conditions before you go. Every year the Northwest Angle host a huge snowmobile festival. This year’s event will be held at Oak Island Lodge on February 24th. Festivities, Food and Prizes are only part of the fun had as people gather for this great event. Plan now!!

Rules to Ride By

1. If you don’t know – Don’t Go! Especially this year. Trails are marked for your additional safety.
2. Pay Attention! Due to changing ice and snow, trails are apt to be moved, cracks open and ridges rise and fall.
3. Be Prepared! Many of these trails cover vast, unpopulated areas. Carry survival gear, First Aid and emergency equipment.
4. Obey the Speed Limit – 50 mph.
5. Carry I.D. for yourself and your machine.
6. Wear your Helmet!
7. Respect Private Property
8. Have the Ride of your Life and come back Safe, Sound and Thoroughly Thrilled!
9. Fill your fuel and oil tanks before leaving. It is an average of 50 miles between stops.
10. Pick up local trail maps at your stop for added snowmobiler information.

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

If you are close to the Chicago area, stop by Thursday – Sunday, January 25 – 28, 2024 and say hello to Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo.  In addition to answering questions, giving out specific information, and handing out the brand new Lake of the Woods Visitor’s Guides,

Joe Henry will be conducting three seminars titled, “Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes” and “Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water”.

Thursday, January 25, 2024 @ 4 pm, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes

Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ Noon, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes

Sunday, January 28, 2024 @ 11:00 am, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor).  Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water

Masters Level:  Spinners for Walleyes is a strategy to maximize productivity on catching walleyes on lakes and rivers, clear water and stained water in all parts of the walleye world.  Discussing this technique in depth used by guides and tournament anglers to catch numbers of walleyes and big walleyes wherever they swim will be the focus.

In addition, this year’s Chicagoland Fishing Show will feature an informative seminar, Multispecies Fishing Success on Any Body of Water seminar featuring helpful info to basically catch freshwater fish wherever you fish.  The focus will be where to fish, what techniques to catch fish and how to best use each technique recommended.  Hang on, there will be a lot of info shared in this one.

The seminars are jam packed with videos, images and maps to give you the help you need in having a successful trip up to The Walleye Capital of the World or simply whacking more walleyes using a number of very effective methods.

Stop by our booth #723! 

If you plan on attending the show, stop by and enter the drawing for a free fishing trip and say hello!

We will be handing out our Lake of the Woods Tourism Visitor Guides at the show and answering any questions to help you better plan for a potential trip.

Lake of the Woods Tourism will be in booth #723 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.  We hope to see you at the 2024 Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo!

 

Click Here for Lodging on Lake of the Woods

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