Mother Nature is reversing course from a couple of low water years with some significant rain in the areas this past week. With 3.5 inches in some areas around the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods in a single rainfall along with others, water levels on the Rainy River actually went up five feet in three days. With the ground still frozen, it does not have the capacity to soak up much of the water and runoff into the river is even heavier. Combine all of this with the Little Fork and Big Fork letting loose and it has been quite a week on the Rainy River.
There has been some flooding along the Rainy River this past week. Lake of the Woods, however, not only had some capacity to make up, the dam in Kenora was opened to release water as well.
Both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods have been very low for the past couple of years. This had been causing some issues in getting into shallow harbors, difficulty in navigating through areas otherwise safe, concerns over fish spawning habitat and it even makes it difficult getting in or out of a boat on some docks.
The level of Lake of the Woods rose 20 cm (7.87 inch.) in the past week and is expected to rise another 25-30 cm (9-12 inch.) over the next week, according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB).
The LWCB says, Lake of the Woods is quickly approaching the top of the operating level range for the lake and once it is, fully opening the dams in Kenora will be required.
The outflow from Lake of the Woods is scheduled to be increased from 725 m³/s to 825 m³/s today (Wednesday, April 27) and the LWCB has tentatively scheduled outflow increases for Friday and Sunday.
Once the land thaws out making it able to absorb future rainfalls and the initial flow of water subsides, the river should make it’s way to a more normal level, barring no other significant rain events. The lake is slowly filling up to more normal levels and will be in good shape this summer, again, barring unique rain events.
The Minnesota fishing opener is Saturday, May 14th and a very much anticipated event by many who love walleye fishing and Lake of the Woods. Based on some very much needed spring rains, water levels are looking up! Will the lake be free of ice this year? Well, only Mother Nature truly knows, but thankfully, there will be walleyes in the Rainy River which has been open for weeks. The lake is open where tributaries like the Rainy River and Bostick Creek are flowing in. And finally, bays are open, which offer some nice opportunities as they are the size sometimes of inland lakes.
One of the interesting things about the spring melt is it is never the same. There are always twists and turns when it come to Mother Nature, especially in the north country.
This year’s spring walleye season on the river was dotted with cold weather and various storm systems that rolled through. It sure didn’t help out the fishing although many anglers caught some good walleyes and sturgeon. They are still catching good sturgeon but most have taken a little break to let all of the debris from the Big Fork and Little Fork rivers push through.
Like anything in life, the same situation can be looked at negatively by some, positively by others. Some are grumbling the lake may have some ice patches on it on the fishing opener. Others are hoping it does as they know fully well the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay will be full of walleyes. Other fish along the entire south shore are typically hanging out close to shore in good numbers.
And of course up at the NW Angle, walleye anglers know current areas and structure off of the various points in the area will produce some early season walleyes.
It is an interesting time up around Lake of the Woods. Mother Nature is filling her back up as we await the almighty walleye season opener!
As per guidance by CFIA (Canada Food Inspection Agency), CBSA will be refusing entry of all live bird, bird products and by products. The link below provides more details as to what is allowed and not allowed, but examples are:
CBSA will be refusing entry to the products and not holding them, so if a traveller has any of the banned meat products they will be required to return them to the USA.
Border rules for foreign nationals driving to the Northwest Angle
You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit Canada. This applies to Americans driving through Canada to reach the Northwest Angle, MN. Unless you have a right of entry or meet a specific exemption, you cannot enter Canada if you are not vaccinated.
Before crossing the border
You must use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before entering Canada. ArriveCAN is free and available as an online web form or as a mobile app on the App Store and on Google Play. It allows you to submit mandatory information, including:
proof of vaccination
a suitable quarantine plan (if required)
Please note that ArriveCAN only accepts Canadian postal codes. You can list your resort address in the Northwest Angle, MN, as the quarantine location. In this case, use the Canadian postal code: R0A 1Z0.
If using the mobile app, make sure to update to the latest app version.
At the border
ArriveCAN will create a receipt after you have submitted your information. You must bring this receipt and your proof of vaccination to the border. Take a screenshot or bring a printout in case cell service is unavailable. Remember to also wear a mask when crossing the border.
Please note, you may not be able to enter Canada if you didn’t use ArriveCAN or can’t prove your vaccination status.
At the end of your trip
You must also use ArriveCAN for your return travel through Canada at the end of your trip. When providing a quarantine location, you can list your home address in the United States. Remember to use the Canadian postal code: R0A 1Z0.
Please visit Travel.gc.ca for full details on Canada’s latest border measures. We wish you safe travels when driving through Canada this summer. Thank you for your cooperation.
For some, it’s almost like a holiday. The Minnesota fishing opener is fast approaching and this tradition is one many look very forward to. Lake of the Woods resorts and hotels are open, prepared and looking forward to welcoming anglers for the 2022 MN Fishing Opener.
As happens quite often in the north country, people are asking, “when is spring arriving?” It has been a cold spring and ice still remains on the lake. We have had a lot of rain which has greatly increased current and water output of the Rainy River through Lake of the Woods. This increased flow, combined with the rain, wind and sun and most are confident the ice, or vast majority of it, will be in the form of soft water come the opener.
The Rainy River, bays, current areas up at the NW Angle and much of the south shore adjacent to the Rainy River and Bostic Creek are open. This open water will spread and when things happen, they happen quickly.
There are a few observations pointing to an epic MN Fishing Opener on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River on Saturday, May 14th. First off, in past years when there has been a late ice out, anglers have done extremely well catching good numbers of nice walleyes. Second, during the spring walleye season, walleye anglers who caught windows of stable weather did excellent. Third, walleyes for the most part have been left alone since mid March. Finally, the walleyes will have just spawned and that means they will be hungry.
Some anglers will focus on the Rainy River. With a colder spring, walleyes will still be in the river. We also know there are walleyes from sturgeon anglers who are catching them unintentionally. Anglers who have fished the river understand they need to go a bit heavier with their jigs as there is current in the river.
Others will target the main basin. Big schools of walleyes will be staged at various spots off of the south shore. Some anglers will catch them shallow along Pine Island. Others will be in front of Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point. Wherever you like to fish out of, the fish should be there and have not seen a lure in some time.
Don’t be afraid to slide up into shallow water as many years, that can be the ticket. Also don’t be afraid to slowly troll crankbaits. This is a great way to find fish and on some days, despite the cold water, actually out fishes the anglers using jigs.
As far as presentations for the 2022 MN fishing opener, most will be using a jig and a minnow or frozen emerald shiner. Some go to colors are gold, glow, pink, orange and chartreuse, or a combination of them. When hooking your minnow, if you are missing fish, try putting the hook of your jig through the mouth and out the gill of the minnow. Then slide the minnow all the way up to the jig head and place the point of the hook half way back on the minnow. With the stained waters of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, walleyes don’t seem to mind. Some make it simple and use a stinger hook.
The NW Angle is actually also poised for a great opener. Ice fishing up there this year was excellent. The fish are there and for those who want to get an early start by fishing the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S., it will be good fishing. Target shoreline structure such as points, neck down areas between islands and transition areas along shore. There are good numbers of fish, an angler simply has to hit a few spots to see what the pattern is.
For some, the MN Fishing Opener is tradition. For some, it’s a holiday. Whatever it means to you, the “opener” is a celebration of fishing for everyone who appreciates fishing in MN. The season on Lake of the Woods is an extended season, so we only had to be not fishing walleyes since April 14th. This year due to COVID -19 this year, many anglers never had the chance to fish the river. That almost makes this opening day even more of a holiday.
For some anglers, pike will enter the conversation. Up at Lake of the Woods, the pike season is open all year long and the limits stay the same. You can keep three pike per day, must release everything between 30 – 40 inches and may keep one fish over 40″. The possession limit is three, the same as the daily limit.
Lake of the Woods is managed as a trophy pike fishery by the MN DNR. This was quite evident many big pike over 40 inches have already been caught through the ice this spring. As bays have just opened in most cases, we believe many will be targeting pike in the shallows into the opener. A 40″ pike is considered a trophy in most circles.
Sturgeon are going strong. The catch and release season is on through May 15th. The season then closes until July 1st. On July 1, it opens again through September 30 and is the “keep” season meaning you are allowed to harvest one for the calendar year from 45-50″ or over 75″. Remember to purchase a sturgeon tag prior to going sturgeon fishing if your intent is to keep one.
The 2022 MN Fishing opener is almost here. For many, it is like a holiday. It is the start of something very special in the state of Minnesota.
There is lodging available if you still want to experience an opener tradition on Lake of the Woods. Good luck to all anglers wherever you might fish. Take in a deep breath, relax and enjoy, walleye season is almost upon us!
The 25th Annual Zippel Bay Resort Ice Out Pike Tournament will take place May 7-8, 2022. The ice is starting to disappear slowly but surely and this year’s tournament is setting up to have a lot of action.
Pike season on Lake of the Woods never ends. As we are border water with Canada, our pike season is continuous or another way of saying it is it goes all year long. This gives anglers a fantastic opportunity in April and early May to take advantage of monster pike who are somewhere along in their spawning ritual. And in Lake of the Woods, there are a lot of big pike!
Pike anglers pull nice pike out of various bays on the lake all spring and Zippel Bay is definitely a go to spot. Sometimes mother nature can throw some cold curve balls in the spring month but that’s what makes this stretch of water so special. Zippel Bay is quite secluded from the main lake, making it easier to hide from cold winds, and anglers will not require the larger boats like on the main lake. The tournament still has spots available and all are welcome.
Some anglers have had success with dead bait on the bottom or just off of the bottom with a quick strike rig. There will be others in the tournament who prefer trolling shallow diving crankbaits or casting spoons. Whatever your flavor, the pike will be ready.
Zippel Bay has a lot of spots to fish pike but no big water, meaning, most small boats will do just fine in the bay. That opens things up and levels the playing field for those pike tournament anglers with 14 – 16′ boats.
If Zippel Bay Resort is filled up as far as the lodging goes for the pike tournament, but there are many resorts available in the vicinity less than 10 miles away. Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Resorts.
MN DNR info from a 2013 fisheries lake survey verifies the presence of a healthy trophy pike fishery. Lake of the Woods is managed for a high-quality northern pike population, with a significant component of “trophy” northern pike over 40 inches long. To monitor the size structure of the northern pike population, it is sampled every 5 years using trap nets at known spawning sites. The northern pike population continues to be one of high quality, with 19% of the adult population at least 35 inches long, and 5% of the adults 40 inches long, or longer.
During the spawning season, pike head to shallow bays, ditches and streams to find the right conditions to lay and fertilize eggs. There are many areas around the lake and on the Rainy River pike spawn, and one of them is Zippel Bay.
Zippel Bay Resort has their annual pike tournament right around the last weekend of April. This year’s tournament will take place May 7-8. Initially, the tournament was scheduled for the weekend before, but with the late spring, ice on the bay and the chance the pike would be more active the following weekend, the tournament was pushed back a weekend.
The tourney is made up of two person teams and is a two day tournament based on weight.
This is a fun pike tournament with locals and visitors alike coming together to target big toothy. Most teams troll and cast crankbaits. Others use dead bait under a bobber in 1 – 8 feet of water. Most years, dozens and sometimes hundreds of pike are weighed in and many more caught in the slot (30-40 inches) that were not weighed in but immediately released.
The northern pike regs on Lake of the Woods are as follows:
Lake Of The Woods and Rainy River to dam at international Falls
Northern Pike
Continuous
3, all northern pike from 30-40″ must be immediately released. Only 1 northern pike over 40″
Anglers are already getting their boats ready for this year’s pike tournament. If you want to have a blast, check out the pike tournament at Zippel Bay Resort or just go fish pike on your own. You truly have an opportunity to catch a pike of a lifetime.
Traveling to Minnesota’s NW Angle has become easier. For those driving up, you are traveling through a foreign country (Canada) and there are some requirements in order to enter. We thought it might be helpful to provide a checklist and some basic info that will answer some frequently asked questions.
Thankfully, for those who prefer not to pass through Canada and avoid customs, there are some good options to travel up. Some have big boats and the expertise to boat across Big Traverse Bay which keeps you in Minnesota. This is a good option but it sure helps to have flexibility in your schedule for those windy days.
Lake Country Air is a flying service that services the NW Angle. Their float planes provide fast, worry free travel up to your NW Angle destination.
For those driving, it has become easier.
Canada / USA Border Update
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals (Americans) are allowed to enter Canada for discretionary travel as long as they meet the requirements. Foreign nationals who don’t qualify as fully vaccinated will only be allowed to enter in specific circumstances: Find out if you can enter Canada
Travelers entering Canada by land, air or water, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe. Canadians must meet and follow all of the same entry requirements.
As of April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada by land, air or water.
Travelers must still use the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before arrival into Canada. Pre-entry testing is still required for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children 5 years of age or older, even if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult. Children who are less than 5 years old are not required to test, regardless of their vaccination status.
Randomized, mandatory COVID-19 testing is still in place, regardless of vaccination status, however, those who are randomly selected for testing will not have to isolate while they wait for their results.
When you enter Canada on your way to the NW Angle, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport or other acceptable form of travel document. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s License (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are traveling by air and landing in Canada, such as Winnipeg on your way to the Angle, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.
To enter or return to Canada as a fully vaccinated traveler, you must follow all of these requirements.
Whether you’re driving or flying, have the following items with you for assessment by a government official at the border (land border crossings do not provide WiFi for travelers):
Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.
For further information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.
Bringing Children Into Canada
Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land – a birth certificate will suffice.
If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.
If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.
Entering the NW Angle
As you have just driven through Canada on your way up to the Angle, upon entering the NW Angle, you are re-entering the U.S. This means you need to check in with U.S. Customs. This is a very easy process. You can stop at one of the three U.S. Customs and Border Protection kiosks located at Jim’s Corner, the NW Angle school or at Young’s Bay Resort.
An even easier option is to use an iPad at Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant or most of the resorts up at the Angle, depending upon which resort you are staying with. A few questions and you are set!
Boating into Canada Water from the NW Angle
If you are staying at the NW Angle and plan on boating into Canadian waters, the first thing you need to decide is if you are going to touch land. If you are just boating and not touching land, touching a dock, exchanging goods and services or anchoring up, you are welcome to boat across the line without checking in with Canada Customs.
If you plan on touching land in Canada, you need to contact CBSA prior to boating into Canada by calling the 1-800-CAN-PASS number.
Know the rules if you plan on fishing in Ontario. You must have the proper Ontario fishing license and fishing or Outdoors Card. No bait can be transported into Canada from the U.S., alive, dead, or frozen. This is a newer regulation that went into effect in October, 2020. Thankfully, there are some great plastics to use on jigs and when pulling spinners and the walleyes have responded favorably.
Returning to the United States
Travelers departing the NW Angle need to check in with Canada Border Services Agency prior to driving back through Canada to the U.S. There is a phone at Jim’s Corner otherwise travelers can call 888-CAN-PASS. After a few questions assuming you are granted entry into Canada, you will receive a number you write down. This verifies you checked into Canada Customs before entering Canada should you be checked.
As time goes on, driving up to the NW Angle is getting easier and easier. The 40 mile drive is beautiful with lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. Some will tell you, one of the many things that make the Angle so special is that it isn’t easy to get to. See for yourself!
Lake sturgeon fishing is starting to become more and more popular, and for good reason. The fish are plentiful in the Rainy River, they eat a lot and are can be caught with consistency and the fish can grow in excess of 100 lbs which is fun!
Where do I start? One option is to get a guide from a local resort. This is an easy way to use heavy duty sturgeon gear you might not own, be introduced to the right set ups with sturgeon rigs and of course, have the opportunity to fish some of the best sturgeon hot spots on the river.
If you are going to use your own boat and tackle, some ideas. Use strong rods, reels and line. Muskie gear or your strongest freshwater gear is a good choice. These fish fight hard and on walleye gear, the fight often times can last an hour. Heavier gear will allow you to pull in the fish quicker, which puts less stress on the sturgeon and ultimately is better for releasing.
Basically, a no roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig will get the job done on the tackle end. A sturgeon rig is an 18″ snell with a 5/0 circle hook loaded with either nightcrawlers, frozen emerald shiners or a combo of both. Fish this set up on the bottom much like you would fishing for carp or catfish.
When a sturgeon bites, they don’t hammer it. It is often a subtle bit with taps or swimming weight. No need to do a hard hook set with a circle hook. Rather, tighten the line by reeling and moving your rod away from the fish. The circle hook is designed to hook the fish in the lips vs down deep where it can cause internal damage.
Where to fish for sturgeon.
Although sturgeon do roam the vast waters of Lake of the Woods and are often caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers, the best stretch of water to fish for sturgeon is at the mouth of the Rainy River called Four Mile Bay all the way up river to the falls near Birchdale. This is about a 40 mile stretch of ideal sturgeon habitat. Anglers typically choose areas to anchor just upstream from a deep hole in the river. The idea is when the sturgeon decides to eat, it swims upstream from the deep hole to shallower water to feed.
Equipment to have ready for sturgeon fishing.
-Use tackle that is suitable for landing a fish that weighs 100 pounds, or more
-Camera
-Large landing net
-Gloves, especially for handling small sturgeon that have razor-sharp projections (scutes)
-Pliers to remove hooks from fish. Sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth.
-Device to accurately measure the length of a long fish. We see fish over 80 inches long.
-A wet towel to place over the fish’s head when measuring. This helps calm the fish.
-Device, such as a seamstress tape, to measure maximum girth for weight estimation
-A pen or pencil and a pad of paper to record numbers from tagged fish that you catch
The first time sturgeon fishing is always the most intimidating. Most anglers have some success their first couple of times out. Over time, knowledge and confidence grows leading to even more sturgeon success.
Local bait shops and resorts are a great resource to get you started. Bait shops also have the necessary bait and tackle to catch a sturgeon.
Be Ready for that Record Breaking Sturgeon.
The MN DNR now has a catch and release record for the Lake Sturgeon fishing season. It is a good idea to take a peek at the regulations on how to measure both length and girth, know what pictures need to be taken for proof, have a witness verify catch and how to submit the proper form. More info on how to register a potential catch and release sturgeon here.
Sturgeon Fishing Seasons.
There are two sturgeon fishing seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year. The harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd. This means from May 16 – June 30, no sturgeon fishing. The rest of the year, you can fish for sturgeon. See MN DNR Fishing Regulations for more info.
Some call them dinosaurs as they have roots dating back to prehistoric times. Lake Sturgeon are a remarkable success story on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. With both numbers and size increasing, they are in many cases the largest and strongest freshwater fish an angler will ever catch. If you haven’t caught one, just try it, you’ll soon understand.
Due to a mapping error in 1783, a part of Minnesota is completely cut off via land travel from the rest of the United States called Angle Inlet, MN up at the Northwest Angle. Is the NW Angle completely controlled by Canada as the story this week at digg.com suggests?
The NW Angle, it’s residents and businesses have had to put up with hurdles other Americans have not for years. Since COVID and the Canadian border being shut down, travel to the Angle has become even more difficult. Resorts and area businesses have been missing their guests who would otherwise be vacationing and helping out the area economy.
Thankfully, travel restrictions through Canada have eased some. First off, the border is open. Second, the need for a COVID test was dropped as of April 1st, 2022. This is all good news.
Currently, to travel through Canada to the NW Angle, a traveler must…
-Not have a DUI (as it is considered a felony in Canada)
-Have a Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or a Government issued ID combined with a birth certificate.
-Have received at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted for travel, a mix of 2 accepted vaccines or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
-Use the ArriveCan App as part of the check in procedures.
There are other ways to reach the Angle due to necessity.
-Boat across the lake. Lake of the Woods, specifically Big Traverse Bay is big water. One must have the right boat that can handle big water. One must be able to hold off on traveling if it is a windy day and the waves are big. One must have the right crew who can handle traveling across big water. One must be a good mariner, skilled at making good decisions, able to follow GPS navigation, and an understanding on how to drive a boat in rough waters.
–Lake of the Woods Passenger Service. This service will boat you across Big Traverse with licensed charter captains in big charter boats. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
–Lake Country Air. This fly in service will fly you from various locations and land right on the water near your favorite NW Angle resort. Easy, fast and enjoyable.
Why make the effort?
Maybe this question deserves a question with a question, “Why do people keep coming back?” There are so many reasons to go up to the Angle. The fishing is world class. The scenery is incredible. It just smells different up there. You feel different when you are up there.
The NW Angle is the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. It is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. There are 15 resorts both on the mainland and on islands that take great care of guests, providing them an incredible trip with a backdrop that is jaw dropping beautiful.
World Class Fishing
The Angle is really the start of the Canadian shield in this area and provides a wide variety of fishing spots. Islands, neck down areas, reefs, points, rock to sand to mud transitions, saddles off of islands, and the list goes on.
In addition to the most sought after fish, the walleye, anglers target a world class fishery for muskies, smallmouth bass, pike, yellow perch and crappies.
Area fishing guides will show you a day on the water that is very special. This might mean traveling amongst thousands of islands on the Ontario side of the lake. It might mean a shore lunch where the fresh walleye just melt in your mouth.
An Explorer’s Dream
Perhaps some history, looking at the petroglyphs (carvings by the natives into the rock cliffs showing messages or directions), interior waterfalls or abandoned gold mines?
There is actually a smartphone app one of the people in the video, Joe Laurin, has put together that provides info and shows on a map where much of this history is throughout Lake of the Woods on both sides of the border. The Lake of the Woods Explorer App is available in both the Apple Store and in the Android Play Store.
For $20, this app shows you where Fort St. Charles is, the site of a fort where early explorers set up camp. Maybe some well known fishing spots to get you started if you are fishing on your own. How about Cheerios beach where many of the stones look like Cheerios!
If you haven’t been up to the NW Angle, it is worth the trip. There is this very incredible part of the earth and often discussed historical mistake right in Minnesota. As the past couple of years have taught us, don’t put it off!
Are you planning a once in a lifetime trip to Lake of the Woods or are you returning very soon to your favorite travel destination? I would choose returning and returning and returning. This popular destination is great for the guys who want to go fishing or for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and the great lake.
In today’s world, most travelers want to plan their trip before the get in the car. The internet has become a great tool to do this whether you’re looking at Google Mapsfor travel or looking for place to stay. Lake of the Woods Tourism has created a great website to help you in planning such a vacation.
Just type in www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comand you will be welcomed to the front page of a beautiful website.
If you’re like me, sometimes I only get that far and need a little help navigating the rest of the site. This website is a great resource to help answer all of your questions.
Stop for a while and browse the beautiful pictures that come up on this page. Great photography that captures the beauty of the area is meant to “lure” you to explore even more. Buttons or tabs, across the top of the page, are: Home, Lodging, Fishing, Outdoor Adventures, Events and Info and Maps and Trails. You can click on each tab to obtain a drop-down menu pointing you in the direction you are looking for.
If you have decided to look further down on the home page, you’ll come to another set of buttons that will also get you to some of the same locations. One of the most important sets of information you’ll want to look at is Lodging. This drop-down menu has three important subjects. Lodging will bring you to an inclusive listing of more that 50+ resorts in our area. Before clicking on each resort, notice the tabs across the bottom of the big Lodging picture. Here’s another set of tabs to help you navigate to specific amenities you might be looking for. click on an amenity such as charter boats / guided fishing and all properties with these amenities will pop up.
As you look at the lodging you will notice our region is divided into three areas: Rainy River, the South Shore and the Northwest Angle (located on the “chimney” of Minnesota). This helps you specify and area you might want to stay at. As you click on each resort listed, you will see pictures of their facility along with amenities and rates for the kind of lodging you choose. What a great way to shop.
Another feature of the Lodging tab is the Lodging Availability Request.
Simply enter in your contact information, what part of the lake or river you want to stay, how many people and dates; and special comments. Your request is then emailed to all the lodging facilities in the geographic region you choose. Resorts will respond back to your email with availability. What a great tool for last minute travel plans.
The next part of the Lodging drop-down menu is Getting Here. This page features a map of the town of Baudette, and also lists helpful information about traveling from a distance. Here you will find airports in close proximity to the area, car rentals, and distances from major cities. Our outfitters in the area can also arrange for you to be picked up at an airport if need be. You can see that this Tab is essential to your travel plans.
Looking for Bargains? Click on the Hot Deals Tab and find resorts offering discounted prices on their lodging and/or package deals for fishing, eating and lodging.
Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™ so the next tab you want to check out on the webpage is Fishing. Use the drop-down menu here to find all kinds of fishing including river fishing, summer fishing and ice fishing. It also provides information to the current fishing regulations and licensing put out by the Minnesota DNR and also species of fish and their limits. There is a tab for lake maps and public and private boat landings.
The Outdoor Adventures Tab lists parks and trails and other recreation offered in the area such as golf courses and canoe/kayak routes. The Events and Info Tab includes a great number of beautiful videos of the area and even features a link to work available if you are interested in staying in the area. One question often asked is about us offering maps of the area. The Maps and Trails Tab offers a Navionics map of the Lake itself with depths, etc., snowmobile maps, State forest trails for ATV travel and much more.
Here’s another perk. Near the bottom of the webpage is a virtual copy of our Visitor Guide for the area. Click on it, enlarge it and flip the pages to learn even more information about this great area.
As you can see, Lake of the Woods Tourism is proud of its website and has taken great care in providing you a with a tool to make your travel destination to the area easy and care free before you come.
There was a lot to celebrate this week. Bret Amundson of Sporting Journal Radio did his 500th radio show with, and amongst, many people from the outdoor industry, friends and even some family up at River Bend Resort on the banks of the Rainy River.
Amundson’s history in media and the outdoor media industry is extensive. His professional background includes starting out and becoming a popular DJ for a rock radio station in the Fargo area. He was host for Northland Outdoors, a venture that included TV host, radio show and print based out of the Fargo area. Bret is the current host of the award winning Prairie Sportsman TV.
Amundson represents and does work for numerous outdoor destinations and companies. Creating beautiful videos and imagery and well thought out promotional campaigns reaching target markets companies look for to grow their businesses is just in a normal day’s work.
Sporting Journal Radio also creates credible branding and utilizing high quality creative and promotions many don’t have expertise or the time to do on their own.
Oh yeah, and along the way for the past ten years, every single week, Amundson has created and hosted Sporting Journal Radio, a radio show heard across the Midwest on over 30 radio stations.
The show began with Bret and a couple of others in the outdoor industry brainstorming about what the show could look like and how it could be done. It has morphed into a radio show / video show. Each week while Amundson records his radio show, guests are also connected with a video link that is also recorded, creating a type of TV show along simultaneously.
Amundson’s nephew, Dan Amundson, works along his side helping to edit, organize and keep the videos, images and other visual effects on the screen while Bret is interviewing the guest. It makes for an interesting way to enjoy various interesting updates, stories and topics of interest about the great outdoors.
The 500th episode featured live guests at River Bend Resort, talking about everything from how the show began and the early days to the current show and even current fishing conditions on the Rainy River which was just feet from where he was recording.
In conjunction with the 500th episode, Amundson organized a small fishing tournament using the smartphone app Fish Donkey. Basically, anglers would take two pictures of the fish while inside the Fish Donkey app. One photo had to be a picture of their fish on a commercially made ruler with the mouth closed and touching the “bump” of the bump board, which is that 90 degree angler on the ruler. The second image required was the “hero” shot, which is a pic of the angler posing with the fish so you could see the side of the fish.
Despite cold conditions, snow and wind, most said they thoroughly enjoyed getting out on the water and most caught some fish despite the tough weather. Walleyes, sturgeon, suckers and pike were caught over the two day tournament.
After the 500th show was recorded and wrapped up in front of a live audience, Greg Jones entertained the group strumming his guitar and singing away. Jones, also in the outdoor industry, attended the event to support and recognize Amundson for his accomplishments. Jones incorporated songs we have heard, some we haven’t and even sang about a Guy on a Buffalo! (You had to be there!)
Amundson reminisced a bit about where it all started. It was fun to hear about his very first show, where he interviewed the very beautiful Laura Schara who is a host of various outdoor TV shows, a spokesperson and model. His first question for Laura, “Will you marry me?”
That humor, quick wit along with a passion for the outdoors, attention to detail and simply a good guy in the industry has led him to where he is today. Here is a fun video Sporting Journal Radio put together titled “A Look Back at 500 Episodes”.
Congratulations to Bret and all involved. Lake of the Woods Tourism has worked with Amundson for many years and appreciates his good character, hard work and unique ability to share and educate people about the great outdoors. Here’s to 500 more!
It’s a tradition for many. For others, the chance to catch a fish of a lifetime or maybe a personal best. It is spring fishing on the Rainy River. This year, like most years, Mother Nature is moving things along and both the open water and fishing are progressing.
3 Boat Ramps are Open
Despite a cold week of weather which included snow and freezing temps, open water on the river has made good progress. It started out with the Nelson Park boat ramp opening up in Birchdale, MN. This is a nice ramp that is appropriate for boats of all sizes. The ramp is a good one with ample water depth.
The second ramp that opened as the open water line makes it’s way west is Frontier. Again, a very nice boat ramp. Please know in the spring, docks are not in yet which means boats will come to shore to drop off people to pick up trucks and trailers, etc. With ice still in the area, docks could be damaged if put in too early.
The third ramp that opened up this week was the Vidas Landing. This public boat ramp is just to the east of Clementson, MN where the Rapid River enters the Rainy River. Many know this as the Clementson Rapids, with the river flowing under highway 11. You can see the rapids when you drive over the bridge. Some will stop and take pics of the rapids throughout the year.
The next boat ramp that will open and is still iced in as of April 7th is the Timbermill Park boat ramp in Baudette. This is a beautiful ramp with good parking, etc.
The spring walleye season
If you haven’t experienced it, some might ask the question, what makes spring fishing on the Rainy River so special? First off, it is one of the few areas in Minnesota that you can legally fish for walleyes. The season for walleyes and saugers on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River goes through April 14th.
Please note, on Four Mile Bay (which is at the mouth of the Rainy River before you go through the Lighthouse or Morris Point Gaps to enter Lake of the Woods) and the Rainy River are catch and release only for walleyes and saugers. That doesn’t deter most from the spring fishing tradition as most aren’t coming up to catch a couple of walleyes.
Most are coming up to get their boat in the water for the first time, have a chance at a trophy walleye or numbers of them if you hit it right. It is also tradition for many. The first open water trip of the year. On some days it could be snowing. Other days it might be in the 50’s and sunny. It’s all part of the allure.
Walleye Techniques
Jigging is by far the most common technique for catching walleyes out of the ice cold waters of the Rainy River. Using a jig with a plastic or minnow is usually really effective.
Another technique not to be overlooked is trolling crankbaits. It is very cold water so trolling upstream at about 1.0 – 1.4 mph combined with the speed of the current gives your lures plenty of action and also allows the spring walleyes to react to your offering.
Some will troll a crankbait staying in a range of water so the crankbait selected will be close to the bottom where most spring walleyes are hanging out.
Other anglers will use a three way rig for trolling. Basically, this is a three way swivel with one part connected to the line of your rod and reel, the second part being a 6 foot leader made of mono or fluorocarbon line with a shallow diving crankbait and the third part going to a two foot dropper with a 2 ounce sinker attached. Basically, while trolling, simply keep the sinker not dragging the bottom but touching the bottom from time to time and your lure will be in perfect position to be eaten.
There have been a lot of sturgeon caught and released this spring and fishing will only get better. In a nutshell, find a deeper hole in the river and anchor up. Use a sturgeon rig attached to a heavier rod and reel with about 60 lb. test is the ideal set up.
A sturgeon rig is an 18″ leader of about 60 lb test tied to a 3/0 – 5/0 circle hook. The short lead is so it doesn’t move around too much in the current, allowing the sturgeon, which are bottom feeders, to follow the scent trail upstream and eat the offering.
Most use about a 3 ounce no roll sinker. You may go lighter or heavier based on current. A no roll sinker is a flat sinker that stays pinned to the bottom and doesn’t get pushed around too easy by the current.
Some make their own sturgeon rigs, but others will simply purchase them up at Lake of the Woods as most bait shops carry this and other equipment made for sturgeon fishing. Tom’s Tackle, a local tackle manufacturer based out of Baudette, MN, makes the sturgeon rigs which are distributed in this area.
Sturgeon season dates
Oct 1 – April 23, 2022… Catch and Release only, no tag needed
April 24 – May 7, 2022… 1 per calendar year. Fish must be 45″-50″ inclusive or over 75″. Fish must be immediately tagged and registered within 48 hours. No tag needed for catch and release
May 8 – May 15, 2022… Catch and Release only, no tag needed
May 16 – June 30… Sturgeon fishing closed
Spring is a magical time to come fishing up on the Rainy River. It is small water, meaning even on windy days, a small boat will do well. There is always a bend or stretch of river that is more out of the wind than another if it is a windy day.
By the time you hear they are biting, it is often too late. The best thing to do is plan dates once the river is open and just go. Regardless of the weather, the chance for Rainy River magic is always there. Normally, some good things happen which make the spring season special for many.
