Ice anglers who hunt walleyes through the ice know the feeling. Watching a promising thick line come through on your electronics, it holds for just a moment while you are poised, ready to set the hook to only watch it slowly fade away. In spending many hours playing the game, there are certainly a few ways to “tease” walleyes and saugers into getting their teeth into your offering and ultimately ice more walleyes.
Overall, most anglers will utilize the “One-Two Punch”, meaning, using one jigging line and having the second line as a deadstick. The strategy is effective as the jigging line will attract the attention of walleyes and saugers in the area, pulling them into the area you are fishing. The active fish will hit your jigging lines. The inactive fish may slide over and take the deadstick offering, which is normally a live minnow set under a bobber six inches off of the bottom. This strategy all by itself will ice more walleyes.
Even with the one-two punch, there are nuances to catching more fish. Here are a few tools to put into your walleye toolbelt!
Be Different.
It is easy to gravitate to your favorite lure that is your “go to”. If you are fishing by yourself, maybe a smart start. If you are ice fishing with others and they are using the same lure or presentation, start out using something different. Being different will help you and your fellow anglers better understand what the walleyes want that day. Typically, a certain lure, color, bait and presentation will emerge as a pattern and others can then mimic what is working.
Hard to Get.
Sometimes walleyes are just like humans, they want what is hard to get. When that mark on your electronics is not responding to your normal jigging cadence, mix it up. One of the most successful teases for a walleye is what seems to emulate an escaping baitfish.
Shake your lure while at the same time raising it up in the water column. When the fish starts to respond and rise up with you, do not stop! Keep it fleeing away, much like a minnow would do in trying to escape a predator. The tendency is to stop the lure so the walleye can catch it. Don’t do it! This usually turns the walleye’s aggressiveness off. Keep just ahead of the predator, mark my words, they will close the gap.
Often times, a walleye will chase your bait half way up the water column or more. When they eat, they crush it pushing your bait up giving you slack. Be ready for it and set the hook!
When raising the bait in the water column, use your reel vs lifting your rod with your arms. If you have raised your arms up too high, you not only have nothing left to set the hook with, if you are fishing in a fish house with a lower roof, you will actually hit the roof of the fish house with the rod when you set the hook. Using your reel to control the depth of your lure will keep your arms in the best hook setting position.
There are times when a walleye or sauger will chase you way up and slowly drift back down to the bottom. Don’t get discouraged. Go after them again. Many times the walleye or sauger will respond numerous times before deciding to actually eat.
Good electronics for ice fishing helps tremendously in understanding how the fish are reacting. Learning what each walleye wants and how they want it is invaluable. I grew up using a Vexilar and wouldn’t give it up. Electronics are an important part of icing walleyes and gives ice anglers a big advantage.
Be Aggressive.
There is a time to speed up and a time to slow down. Getting erratic and aggressive with search lures, swimming baits, vibration baits and larger spoons can trigger the eyes to eat. This might mean pounding the bottom, fast high lifts with uncontrolled drops, constant shaking and jigging higher up in the water column. Much like a crankbait, going after the reaction strike can trick walleyes into hitting your lure when a normal presentation would not work.
Chill Out.
Of course, the opposite approach of targeting more neutral fish is to go more finesse. That might mean smaller lures, tipping your lures with smaller pieces of bait, less action while jigging or even setting your jigging line on a bucket simply watching for the rod tip to bend ever so ever slightly. Some very good ice anglers actually prefer watching their rod tip vs using a bobber as they feel it is easier to detect light biters. A subtle tweak during a tough bite will ice more walleyes.
Deadsticking.
As much fun as it is jigging up a nice walleye, it is also fun being productive and catching as many fish as possible. This is why most ice anglers targeting walleyes will have down a deadstick, or a bobber line in addition to the jigging line.
Some walleyes and saugers simply prefer a lively minnow vs a lure. Some might be in a neutral mood and in other cases, it might just be their preference based on what they are eating, the pressure system, clouds or sun, how deep they are, etc., etc. The bottom line is we don’t always know why something works, but it just does so we keep using it.
Consider these techniques to ice more walleyes.
Raise it up!
Similar to how walleyes will chase a lure up in the water column, I have friends who swear by keeping their deadstick offering, which is usually a hook or walleye ice jig with a live minnow, a few feet off of the bottom vs 6 inches to a foot off as would be the norm. The thought again is, walleyes are used to feeding up when eating baitfish and this represents what they are used to doing. Many times I have set my rod down momentarily on a bucket or chair and watched a walleye slowly rise way up and take the offering. Keeping your deadstick offering high can ice more walleyes when the norm is not.
Dead bait.
It is one thing using dead bait such as frozen emerald shiners on Lake of the Woods when jigging. It is another when deadsticking. Walleyes never cease to amaze me. Recently, I had a friend do something I had not seen before and put on a walleye and sauger clinic. He purposefully chose the dead minnow from the minnow bucket for his deadstick line vs the live.
Most anglers use a live minnow on the deadstick. In this case, as the other holes weren’t setting the world on fire, he thought he would try it. Keeping his offering in the strike zone 6-18 inches off of the bottom, it was the hottest hole in the house. Who would have guessed!
Walleye fishing can be challenging. Learning how to tease walleyes into a bite vs watching that mark on your electronics slowly disappear can really change the day for the better. The subtle art of “teasing” is often the missing element that will allow you to ice more walleyes.
Info on Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods
More information on everything Lake of the Woods
List of LOW resorts, hotels, outfitters and ice fishing accommodations
Commonly Asked Questions about Ice Fishing Lake of the woods (FAQ's)
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.
Why choose Lake of the Woods if we are new and have no equipment or know-how?
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 don’t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobile—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 away—something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.
For anyone searching online for “best beginner ice fishing lake,” “easy guided ice fishing trips,” “ice fishing without gear,” or “where to try ice fishing for the first time,” 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.
Eat out or cook your own meals. Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars. There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin. Some guests do both!
How do I start planning an ice fishing trip?
Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if it’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 (Baudette–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 don’t need to bring equipment—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 house—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 you’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 “how to plan an ice fishing trip,” “Lake of the Woods trip planning,” or “best way to book an ice fishing vacation,” this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easy—and the adventure is unforgettable.
What kind of fish can we catch on Lake of the Woods?
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 World® 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 walleye–sauger “combo limits.”
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 “what fish are in Lake of the Woods,” “species to catch,” “best fishing in Minnesota,” or “multi-species fishing destinations,” this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same trip—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!
When is the best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods?
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 winter—late February into March—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.
Do I need a guide or can I ice fish on my own at Lake of the Woods?
You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitors—especially beginners—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.
What bait works best for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods?
The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shiner—either live or frozen. This is the lake’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.
What are the fish limits during ice fishing season on 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. 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.
What should I pack for an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods?
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.
