Ice is starting to form in back bays around Lake of the Woods.  When it is time to fish, our resorts and outfitters will be sure to let you know but that time is not yet!

It would behoove us not to mention safety first.  This is the time of year many ice anglers have been looking forward to for literally months and many are ready to get out there.  Mother Nature always determines the progress of ice and sometimes it is prudent to pull back on the reigns a bit.  It won’t be long and the progression of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods will begin.

We really encourage ice anglers any time of the year to use the marked trails ice guides have created.  There is a lot of intel that goes into these trails such as routing around springs, cracks, holes in the ice, etc.  In addition, strategically, many of these trails were flooded, which is a process to put water on top of the ice which freezes faster than ice naturally forming at the bottom of the ice.

Another technique used to build ice for an ice road or trail is keeping the trail or ice road plowed.  This removes the insulated blanket of snow allowing the ice to get thicker quicker.

In another case, there is a resort that has an important part of their ice trail that is back in a bay that doesn’t see much wind.  The wind will actually blow the snow preventing it from accumulating as it normally would in a protected area.  To create a bit of wind, the resort fires up the airboat that is designed for ice fishing.  The huge fan blows the snow off away from the trail area forming a nice early base.

Ice angling, or actually spearing, is one of the first fishing activities to start.  A few resorts offer spearing for pike on back bays that get ice first.  Again, these are not areas where you should just go out on your own.  This is early ice, there are springs, current, cracks, etc that ice guides are aware of and their routes naturally avoid.

Typically when the big lake freezes over, ice guides will work together for safety and venture out checking thickness, where the cracks and ice upheavals have formed.  In some cases, when there is thin ice and a strong wind, ice sheets will get blown on top of each other creating a wall of ice.  This is most common on the south shore.  There have been years where to get ice anglers out to the fishing areas, resorts and their ice guides have literally had to use chain saws and chisels and create an opening through a 10 foot high ice upheaval.

In most cases, it takes sweat equity to get through this ice.  If there was a machine to do it, trust me, they would be using it!

Eventually, south end resorts and outfitters will allow ATV and snowmobile traffic on a marked trail with collapsible fish houses.

Next, the resort day houses will get out.  Guests are then typically shuttled out by resorts in light ice rigs if they don’t have their own light ice transportation.  Mother Nature always determines when this is, but as a rule, around December 10th, give or take.

Eventually light vehicles will be allowed.  Then mid sized vehicles and maybe an ATV or side by side with a smaller wheelhouse.  As the ice thickens, the weight capacities rise.

It is important to note, you can have neighboring resorts with ice roads right next to one another and ice conditions can be very different.  Ice forms differently every year.  In some cases, the ice when forming may have broken apart in an area which takes time to heal up whereas in another area the sheets of ice are solid.  This is why it is important to follow the advice of ice guides and stay on the marked trails.

If we see someone getting themselves in trouble, almost all of the time, it is when they go off on their own off of the marked trails.  Being out on a frozen lake is nothing to mess around with and everyone’s intent is keep everyone safe.  Second, let’s get on fish.

As the season progresses, half ton pickups will be allowed.  Then 3/4 ton.  Eventually 1 ton.

Did you know up at the NW Angle, late in the year on good ice years, semi trucks will actually haul on the ice?  It is true.  In some cases, they may be hauling construction materials to an island for a home, cabin or resort.  In some cases, they haul rip rap to areas for shoreline restoration.  Nonetheless, it is hard chatting about this without someone bringing up the show, “Ice Road Truckers”!

Ice fishing is a part of life up at Lake of the Woods.  It is tradition, a way to get out and thoroughly enjoy a cold Minnesota winter in heat and comfort.  Let’s work together and with our hard working ice guides whose #1 goal is to keep everyone safe and happy!

This year’s predictions for ice fishing Lake of the Woods are most excellent.  Driven by a healthy population of walleyes and saugers, ice anglers are chomping at the bit to get on the ice.  Ice safety first has to be the message and constantly in the forefront of any ice fishing adventure.  As we approach a new ice season, there are some ideas that overall will lead to safer experience up at Lake of the Woods.  Here are just a few things to keep in mind when thinking ice safety.

1.  Work through a resort or outfitter.  It sure is nice to be able to head out ice fishing via an ice road, snowmobile or resort ice transportation.  In many cases, people don’t realize all of the behind the scenes work that takes place to make sure visitors are safe.  Ice workers are constantly monitoring the ice thickness and ice conditions.  Ice roads are driven each morning.  If there are problem areas that can occur in the ice, the resort either adds bridges or re-routes for safety.   Resort ice workers are constantly monitoring, plowing and repairing ice and considering ice safety for their guests.  Staying on the trail is your best bet.  If you decide to venture out on your own, be sure to know the ice conditions first.
2. Be Prepared:  Ice picks.  They aren’t expensive and if the unthinkable would ever happen, could save your life or if someone else if you would toss them to someone else in distress.  When people have fallen through the ice, one of the challenges is getting out of the water.  The ice is wet and slippery.  Picks allow someone to dig in and get a grip when pulling themselves out.  Please, invest in a pair this week.  If they don’t benefit you, perhaps someone else.
3. Markings. When following a marked trail on the ice, double flags mean caution ahead, such as a big ice chunk, crack to avoid, etc. On snowmobile trails you might actually see a caution sign. Trails in good condition are marked with single stakes or flags. If you are ever in doubt, feel free to ask.
4. Who to contact in the event of an emergency.  If you ever experience a situation in which you or someone else is in need of help, your first call should be 911.  This call is routed to professionals who have an entire list of agencies and resorts for that matter who may be able to help.  Resorts often times are right in the middle of assisting with emergencies, medial or otherwise.  With this being said, your first call should be 911.
5. Be Prepared:  cell phone. When you venture out on the ice, it is a good idea to have your cell phone charged up.  Some people will actually carry the small portable battery packs that can plug into most cell phones for a good charge.  Remember if you are out of cell range, a text can sometimes get through.
6. Be Prepared:  Clothing.  A good rule of thumb is to be over prepared.  If you are venturing out on a snowmobile, in your car or even with a resort, having warm clothing, a hat and gloves can be crucial in the event of a breakdown, snow storm or other situation that can occur.  The boy scout motto, “Always be prepared”.
7. Be Prepared:  Vehicle.  Whether you are traveling up to Lake of the Woods or headed out on the lake, it is a good idea to have your gas tank above a half a tank.  This will help with extreme freezing temps and if you would happen to run off of the road while driving. Other good items to have are a tow strap, jumper cables, and a shovel.
8. Be Prepared:  Snowmobile.  In general, it is a good idea to keep you sled tuned up and in good working condition.  Have plenty of fuel, an extra belt (know how to change it), have safety materials in the storage compartment.  Some people will carry a rope along for a rescue situation or even a tow.  Some anglers who use sleds invest in a Nebulus.  In the event you sled goes through the ice, this device is attached to your machine and has a pull cord which inflates a raft.  This raft can save you and keep your machine from going to the bottom of the lake or river.
9. Be Prepared:  GPS.  A GPS whether in your car or a handheld version can be handy.  I like to turn it on when leaving shore so I create a plot line from shore to where I am headed on the ice.  In the event of a whiteout, you will be able to follow your plot line back which will help to stay on the ice road or trail you came out of and obviously get you safely home.  If conditions are extreme and you are in a fish house with ample heat, it is a good idea to stay put until the weather clears.  Contact a resort or someone to communicate your whereabouts and game plan.  In some cases, resorts may be able to assist.
10. Don’t take chances.  There is always someone who is the first one to walk out, take out an ATV or drive a vehicle.  Let the resorts who are trained, who are on the ice daily and have years of experience guide you in what can be used and what is too heavy for the ice conditions.

A big thank you to all of the resorts, ice workers, various agencies around Lake of the Woods including the police departments, fire fighters, local sheriff departments, the MN Highway Patrol, Coast Guard, Border Patrol, U. S. Customs, Canada Border Services Agency, MN DNR, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Valley Med Flight and anyone else who helps with ice safety and has ever assisted or is willing to assist in an emergency situation.

This quick video will give you an idea of near white out conditions and how the wind can whip up on the ice of Lake of the Woods and why it is so very important to be prepared, have the right equipment and have a plan of action while on the ice.  Being prepared for this is part of ice safety prep.

This year is expected to be an excellent year of ice fishing.  Let’s think ice safety first, walleyes second!

 

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Click Here for a list of Lake of the Woods Area Resorts and Ice Fishing Outfitters

Weather Patterns can sure affect your daily life and travel. Lake of the Woods is your destination for all season adventures and enjoyment. Winter has arrived in this north country. Fall was beautiful and was extended this year, but a 6 inch snowfall ended that rather abruptly.

Another sign of winter is the Baudette Bay freezing over as well as other bays on the Rainy River. This amazing phenomena occurs when the current of the river naturally slows down during this time of the year. One day the bay is clear and the next day, there’s a skim of ice that starts to form and winter is on.

Weather patterns are very interesting to follow. Predictions for this area come from Grand Forks, ND or Fargo, ND weather stations. However, for those of us that have lived here for many years, we know that this big body of water called Lake of the Woods affects the weather greatly. A more accurate reading of the weather actually comes from our neighbors in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Many people confuse weather and climate but they are different. Weather is the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere is over long periods of time.

Weather is how the atmosphere is behaving and its effects upon life and human activities. Weather can change from minute-to-minute. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure.

Climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a place. Climate can mean the average weather for a particular region and time period taken over 30 years. Climate is the average of weather over time.

The most pleasant months of the year for Lake of the Woods County are July, August and June. In Lake of the Woods County, there are 3 comfortable months with high temperatures in the range of 70-85°. July is the hottest month for Lake of the Woods County with an average high temperature of 78.7°, which ranks it as one of the coolest places in Minnesota. January is the snowiest month in Lake of the Woods County with 10.5 inches of snow, and 7 months of the year have significant snowfall. There are few days during the summer when the humidity becomes unpleasant.

Average Monthly High and Low (°F)  Weather in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota (bestplaces.net)

	High	Low
January	15°	-6°
February	22°	-1°
March	35°	13°
April	52°	29°
May	65°	41°
June	74°	52°
July	79°	56°
August	77°	54°
September	67°	44°
October	52°	32°
November	34°	18°
December	20°	1°

 

Hot, Freezing, Rainy, Snowy Days: Lake of the Woods Weather in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota (bestplaces.net)

	Hot Days	Freezing Days	Rainy Days	Snowy Days
January	0	31	6	8
February	0	28	4	5
March	0	29	5	4
April	0	20	6	2
May	0	5	11	0
June	1	0	13	0
July	1	0	11	0
August	1	0	10	0
September	0	2	11	0
October	0	16	9	1
November	0	28	7	5
December	0	31	7	7

 

As you can see by the numbers above, Lake of the Woods has all the weather variety that’s needed for all outdoor sports. Spring brings the opening of the river and the big lake and spring fishing on the Rainy River is a hit between dodging “ice burgs” floating along.

Summer brings full open water fishing where walleyes venture from shallow to deep water to illude the anglers who chase them. Then there’s hiking, biking, golfing and ATV travel through gorgeous forest areas. Fall brings grouse, duck and goose hunters as well as white tail deer and bear.. Winter months in this northland are the favorite of many as cross country skiing, snowmobile riding and of course, ice fishing becomes a must-do sport.

Weather is watched very carefully in this land because it affects much of the travel and activity that happens here. Be aware, Be wise, and Be Careful are the best advise to be given.

See our webpage at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com for all your information about this great area.

www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging will give you all the information you need to see the great accommodations this destination has to offer.

It started out as an idea to “give back” to those who have given and still give so much.  The name we chose for the Lake of the Woods Area veteran’s event was “Pay It Forward”.  We thought it was appropriate for many reasons.  This past August, for the seventh year, 70 veterans converged on Lake of the Woods for a 3 night, 2 day all expenses paid fishing trip.

They arrived from all over the U.S., but mainly neighboring states and all across MN.  When it’s all said and done, veterans of all types, male and female, various branches of the military, some in the heart of conflicts overseas, many with a physical and/or psychological ailments such as PTSD or TBI come together and rub elbows with other veterans.  Veterans spending time with other veterans on and around Lake of the Woods in a loving and supportive environment.  This recipe is what makes the Pay It Forward event so magical.

There are so many touching stories.  Some are happy stories.  And honestly, some are not so happy.  Like many veterans discuss, for many, even though back home, the “battle” is still real, maybe just in a different form.  Like one veteran put it, “I may have left Vietnam, but Vietnam has not left me.”  This quote is deep and resonates with many veterans regardless of when they were in and what they were involved with.

Pay It Forward allows veterans to forget about challenges, at least for a few days.  Hand picked speakers help shed light on a variety if issues, resources and solutions affecting our veterans.  How to peruse the VA medical system?  Where can I go for a job?  Who can I reach out to if I feel like I am falling through the cracks?  What does a veteran’s service officer do and how can I reach one?  Are their support groups?  How can I receive help for my specific struggles?  What is my purpose in life?  In many cases, there are resources or groups that can be helpful in some way to veterans.

Of course this event does take place up at Lake of the Woods, hence, one of the activities that veterans really look forward to is the walleye fishing.  The fishing guides from a number of resorts did an excellent job putting our veteran guests on fish.

Midwest Outdoors TV filmed this year’s event and gives you just a glimpse of some of the activities, conversations and new friendships formed way out on Lake of the Woods on a charter boat!

 

 

This year, and since the outset, Fishing For Life has assisted as a partner of Pay It Forward.  They are a group based out of the Twin Cities but reaching out to folks throughout the region helping tremendously with bringing veterans together, identifying issues and providing solutions, creating veterans events that are key to fostering support and so much more.

Pay It Forward is made possible through the generosity and giving nature of sponsors.  This includes resorts who donate lodging, charters and meals, small businesses and veteran organizations who believe in helping veterans enjoy a fishing trip aboard a charter boat in this loving, caring environment along with the positive outcomes we see year in and year out.  Thank you to all sponsors who make this event happen. 

This past summer’s event, like every event, brought very special people who happen to be veterans to Lake of the Woods.  And once again, magic happened.

 

If you are interested in yourself or perhaps a company being a sponsor or if you are a veteran or know of a veteran who may be interested, check out www.payitforwardlow.org or our Pay it Forward page.  You can also email Joe Henry at Joe.Henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com or give a call to 320-260-7727.

Thank you to all veterans and all who protect and serve!

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Eelpout, really?  Absolutely!  This fish has gained popularity, is in great abundance in Lake of the Woods, fights hard and is delicious.

Lake of the Woods in Northern Minnesota offers an abundance of different species of fish to catch. Anglers have plenty of choices as to what kind of fish they wish to target, but as the Walleye Capital of the World, most are after that golden predator, not eelpout.  As a diverse fishery, often anglers may catch a species or two they were not planning for.  When ice fishing up at The Walleye Capital of the World and you set the hook on what seemingly feels at first like a trophy walleye, don’t be surprised if what appears in your fish hole is a big burbot, aka, a bout with a pout!

The burbot or eelpout as some call them are loved by some and disliked by others. Some hope they catch a few and can’t wait to eat the firm white flesh many call “poor man’s lobster”.  Others cut their line to avoid having to touch the fish.  One thing is for sure, Lake of the Wood is a top eelpout fishery, whether you like them or not!  With the numbers of pout and size of pout, is Lake of the Woods also the “Eelpout Capital of the World”?

The eelpout or burbot’s scientific name is Lota Lota, which is French for “codfish.” The burbot is the only species of cod that lives entirely in fresh water. Its appearance has been described as “eel-like” or “a cross between an eel and a cod.” It sports one barbel on its chin as well as a barbel-like, tubular extension near each nostril. Burbot inhabit deep, cold lakes in Minnesota but are rarely spotted in the summer months due to their deep water habits and relative inactivity in the warm months.

Burbot spawn while there is still ice covering lakes. They can grow up to 30 inches long and on average weigh 2 pounds but can weigh up to 19 pounds (the current MN record caught on Lake of the Woods). Burbot can live as long as 15-20 years and are known to wrap their tail around an anglers arm when being unhooked. Burbot are opportunistic hunters and are considered the garbage gut of the lake.  They will essentially eat anything they can fit in their mouth.

Lake of the Woods not only has a strong population of eelpout, they grow big in these parts.  In fact, the majority of the Minnesota state record eelpout have been caught in Lake of the Woods.

Here’s a closer look at Minnesota’s state record eelpout since 1980:

• Feb. 3, 1980: 14 pounds, 1 ounce, Deer Lake in Itasca County, Leonard Lundeen of Duluth.
• March 7, 1982: 14 pounds, 1 ounce, Lake of the Woods, Norman Flagstad of Roseau, Minn.
• Jan. 22, 1983: 17 pounds, 8 ounces, Trout Lake in St. Louis County, Allen Lindgren of Virginia, Minn.
• March 30, 1998: 18.3 pounds, Lake of the Woods, Robert Wilmes of Nisswa, Minn.
• Feb. 17, 2001: 19 pounds, 3 ounces, Lake of the Woods, John Galles of St Paul.
• Feb. 24, 2012: 19 pounds, 8 ounces, Lake of the Woods, Aaron Guthrie of Bemidji.
• Dec. 19, 2016: 19 pounds, 10 ounces, Lake of the Woods, Brent Getzler of Roosevelt, Minn.

Do all of these record burbot make a case for Lake of the Woods as The Eelpout Capital of the World?

Delicious Fish!  Eelpout or burbot are freshwater cod and have earned a long-overdue respect not only for their strong fight, but their taste. Despite their size, eelpout don’t provide a very big filet.  The meat comes from both the backstraps and both sections of meat just in front of the tail of the fish.

Back in the day, burbot didn’t have a very good reputation.  In fact, many ice anglers would through them out on the ice for eagles and ravens to scavenge up.  Over the years, things have changed and the word is out burbot are delicious.

Cooking Burbot.  There are many ways to cook “poor man’s lobster”.  Some will cube the meat and boil it in Seven Up, Mountain Dew or simply salt water and dip it in melted butter.  As burbot is really cod, the meat is firm and it has a nice taste.  Others will broil or fry it which is good but doesn’t provide that unique taste and texture as boiling does.

Most burbot are caught by walleye anglers.  Many a burbot have spoiled the big walleye fantasy of ice anglers.  Don’t be surprised when the fish will actually come topside tail first once in the ice hole.  They can really twist and turn, but can’t really wrap around your arm as some describe.

Typically late afternoon into the dark are the best times to target burbot. Your best lures will be rattle type baits with glow colors tipped with a minnow.  Burbot can barely see and sense their prey rather than see it.  Set your lure anywhere on bottom to 2-3 feet above bottom.

Anglers have come to understand the good eating these fish provide.  If you want a great fight through the ice and a great meal after, get hooked up with an eelpout and tell your friends you had a “bout with a pout”!  Come up and catch some pout on The Eelpout Capital of the World!?

 

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Click here for a list of Resorts, ice fishing outfitters and sleeper houses.

Lake of the Woods, the Walleye Capital of the World™, is well known for its excellent fishery and is a destination well worth visiting. It does get “frosty” up in this north country, but that doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying the great outdoors. So, we celebrate each season.

Lake of the Woods and Baudette, itself, serve up some great celebrations throughout the year. Willie Walleye Day takes place the first weekend of June with vendors and concerts and a street dance to celebrate Willie Walleye, our famous icon of the area.

July 4^th is a great national day to celebrate our country’s freedom and Baudette knows how to celebrate that day for sure. As a matter of fact, it is known to have the very best display of fireworks in the northern area.  Again, there are vendors, food vendors, children’s activities, entertainment, a parade and the traditional street dance.

People from all over travel here and many people travel home for this great event. Many celebrate school reunions during this period of time. The park in the center of town known as Willie Walleye Park is on Baudette Bay where thousands of people sit on the grounds to watch this great display of fireworks over the bay. This alone is a site to behold and gives a nostalgic feeling of days past and families gathering to spend time together.

Lake of the Woods County Fair Board has chosen over three days of entertainment to celebrate the county fair. Horse Shows, outside entertainment, races and the like, happen at the fair grounds located right in the city of Baudette. The Chamber of Commerce also features outdoor movie nights and Crazy Daze to help celebrate.

Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce, this volunteer organization is instrumental in establishing the protocol for many of these celebrations. It sells buttons to raise monies for many events and these monies also pay for the great displays of fireworks. They sponsor an Easter Egg hunt for children in the spring and also serve the community at Halloween with treats for the kids.

This brings us to this great winter season. To celebrate the upcoming Christmas Season, the community offers a huge annual Craft Fair called Holiday Extravaganza held at Lake of the Woods School Commons. The Fair will be held November 20th with doors opening at 9:00 a.m. at the School located on Hwy 11 west of Baudette about 1 mile. Crafters from all over display their wares and many many people attend from across the northland.

As the tempe ratures drop everyone gets excited to celebrate Frost Fest. This year’s Frost Fest is set to celebrate the oncome of winter on December 4^th. A winter parade complete with decorated fish hous

es will lead off at 2:00 p.m. traveling through the Main Ave of town. At 3:00 p.m. Santa will make his appearance at the restored Baudette Depot located at the north end of Main Ave. Visitors will be treated to refreshments provided by the Depot Preservation Committee as they serve in the beautifully decorated building.

The Women of Today/the Chamber/ and the Rotary will be serving a supper from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Moose Club. All are welcome. Also while dinner is being served, the annual tree lighting will happen downtown at 5:00 p.m. Everyone looks forward to the beauty that this tree brings to celebrate the season. Button sales have been available during this time as well as local businesses decorating their windows for a contest. At the tree lighting ceremony, winners of both the button sales and the decorating contest will be announced. Winners of the button sales will receive Chamber Bucks in the amounts of $150.00, $75.00 and $50.00.

The huge climax of this great celebration will happen at 7:00 p.m. when a fireworks display will be shot off over the Baudette Bay much like that of July 4^th. Do you like to celebrate? Well, come to Baudette for this sweet time and stay at one of our 50 plus resorts. Maybe the ice will be one and fishing will also be something to celebrate.

See this website: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Or www.baudettelakeofthewoodschamber.com

Lake of the Woods Foods in Baudette, MN has completed $3M in renovations that have turned this grocery store into a destination all of it’s own!  Major improvements to all areas of the store along with the addition of Caribou Coffee is really turning heads, let alone the quality and wide variety of food choices.

Chuck Lindner, owner of Lake of the Woods Foods, explains he wants his grocery stores to have a connection to each town they are in.  “I get a lot of pride when someone says ‘my supermarket’ because they take ownership and they feel it is something they are proud in,” explains Lindner.  This is one of the reasons he chose to keep the current location in Baudette which is on the main drag, HWY 11 and International Drive, the road that heads to the International Bridge to Canada.  This is also right across the street from Willie Walleye and Willie Walleye Park.

“We added a lot of nice services, the biggest one, one of my biggest requests, was a Caribou Coffee.  A little taste of a big city in a small town”, explains Lindner.  “We expanded our perishables department, more produce offering, fresh foods.  We basically touched every part of the store so aside from starting up from scratch, we have a brand new store.”

Check out the newly remodeled Lake of the Woods Foods and the brand new Caribou Coffee in the Lakeland PBS story below.

 

 

Baudette and Lake of the Woods Area Information

Lake of the Woods Area Lodging

 

 

Are you aware that it is now November and November brings hunters everywhere chasing after white tail deer!!!

Lake of the Woods,  known for its great fishery, is also notable for the whitetail deer population. If you were to take a drive down any road it is very common to see dozens of deer in ditches and fields. Lake of the Woods has a healthy the whitetail population and several trophy bucks.

With hundreds of acres of State and Public land, deer hunters can find large areas to hunt where there is virtually no pressure while having the opportunity to harvest a large buck or any deer of your choosing.

The deer hunting season is upon us at Lake of the Woods. The Whitetail Deer is abundant in the Lake of the Woods area and many are harvested each year. The 2021 firearm hunting season runs from November 6^th-21st  With the abundance of public land and thousands of deer around the area, it is important that everyone in the field wears hunter’s orange!

The MN DNR does a nice job of listing deer hunting seasons and regulations on the MN DNR website.  Please refer there for specifics.

Hunters are keenly away that during hunting season safety precautions should not be taken lightly and should most definitely be followed. Adhering to the standards of safety hunting is of utmost importance and could actually be your ticket to a great and successful hunting experience. Wearing the hunters orange is a safety law in most hunting areas and there are a multitude of reasons why you should never neglect this law.

Be aware that wearing the blaze orange or hunter’s orange is for your safety as a hunter and in addition, having clothing that has a bright hue can help rescuers find you easily in case you get lost. During the rifle hunting  season laws require to wear gear that has at least 20 inches of hunters orange in it. The main point of it is to be seen in the woods and fields by others and prevent other hunters mistaking you for a deer or shooting at your direction altogether.

The deer can’t tell!  Deer can’t exactly see things like we humans do. They are only able to see colors with smaller wavelengths like dark green, dark blue and even ultraviolet light! And more importantly, deer may be color blind but they are able to differentiate the environment from humans through shapes so the more blaze orange there is on your clothes, the more noticeable you are likely to become for the deer. The deeper you are in the woods, the harder it is to see you even if you’re wearing a full blaze orange jacket.

All in all, a deer’s eyesight isn’t the same as humans. They are able to see shorter wavelengths down to the ultraviolet light, but not bright red and orange. This is the reason why hunters wear blaze orange for safety purposes when hunting. It appears brown or gray to the deer but is very bright and clear to the human eye. Not only does blaze orange help other hunters distinguish game from humans, but it can also be helpful when being rescued. Safety first is always the motto for a safe hunting season at Lake of the Woods.

Whether you are traveling by car, walking the dog, working in the woods or on your property you also must be keenly aware of the dangers during this season. When traveling highways be aware that this is the season of deer being in rut and that means that the deer are running. They are crazed during this season and are not looking out for people driving the roads. However, YOU must be aware and keep a watchful eye out for these animals every minute.

Why not go shopping now for your blaze orange and wear it whenever you’re out and about. This will make others aware that you are aware of the season. Besides, it’s always a celebration to wear this color during this “National Orange Holiday”. (author’s humor)

If you’re looking for public hunting land, Lake of the Woods offers literally thousands of acres of state land, nearly all of which is open and available for hunting.  Some popular areas to begin are Beltrami Island State Forest, Red Lake Wildlife Management Area, Pine Island State Forest and Lake of the Woods State Forest are just a few places to begin. Some hunters prefer to stay at Northwest Angle Resorts and hunt the islands.

Check out the webpage for the Beltrami State Island

Hunters can find deer hunting information at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.

Hunting season questions can be fielded by the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or (888) 646-6367 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information on hunting lands, guides or lodging, see our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

 

As the leaves are starting to come down in big numbers and we begin experiencing some of the first light snowfalls of the season around Lake of the Woods, life encourages us to look ahead.  For some, looking ahead means cold winters.  To others, it means a winter wonderland of opportunities.  One of those opportunities that often times gets overlooked in these parts because of the world class ice fishing is snowmobiling, and this exact topic was featured in MN Snowmobiling Magazine!

In past years, myself and a couple of friends had the chance to embark on this snowmobiling adventure around the area and it has been fantastic.  It was something we wanted to do for a long time.  With a busy schedule and also out of fairness, being a walleye nut, never made the time for.

Here is the text of the article, enjoy!

 

Sleeper Snowmobiling Destination Will Have You Coming Back

By Joe Henry

Lake of the Woods for snowmobiling?  Absolutely.  There is no doubt in these parts there is a lot of attention focused on ice fishing.  Consequently, what flies under the radar screen are the incredible snowmobile trails.  Hundreds of miles of nicely groomed trails through some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer.  For those who enjoy trail riding where there aren’t hundreds of sleds, this area might be just what you were looking for.

If you like to snowmobile, think about this… 

-There are staked and groomed snowmobile trails extending from Wheeler’s Point at the lake south to Baudette on the Rainy River, 42 miles north to the NW Angle and west to Warroad.

-There are 273 miles of land trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods alone.

-The trails extend from Baudette east to Birchdale and then to Big Falls.  This is probably the most wilderness type trail in the state.  It goes for 87 miles one way and only crosses two roads.  There are gas stations in Birchdale and in Big Falls.  The stretch from Birchdale to Big Falls is 53 miles.

-Trails also extend west from Baudette to Williams, Zippel Bay State Park and over to Warroad.  You can also go south from on that trail and hit Roosevelt and enter part of Beltrami Island State Forest.

-To the south, trails go from Baudette south all the way to Washkish.

-There are staked and groomed trails across the lake to the NW Angle from both Warroad, Rocky Point and Wheeler’s Point.  Not only is this a quick ride across the lake, for sledders, this provides an opportunity to visit the NW Angle and save both driving around the lake via automobile and checking through at customs as the snowmobile trails across the lake are in MN.

-While up at the NW Angle, land trails extend through the wilderness from Angle Inlet throughout the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S.

Local Snowmobile Clubs.  There are two local snowmobile clubs in Lake of the Woods County that do a great job.  The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club is on the south end of the lake.  Up at the NW Angle the NW Angle Edge Riders keep the trails groomed and in good shape.  Both clubs connect trails to neighboring clubs who do a nice job with trails as well.  What this means for sledders is a variety of quality trails.

Snowmobile Shelters.  There are a variety of different shelters available to snowmobilers along the trail.  These are for both safety and an area to take a break, warm up or simply regroup with your party.  It is good to know where these shelters are before you begin your trip.

Variety of area resorts.  Lake of the Woods is home to dozens of resorts, hotels and a variety of sleeper fish house outfitters.  Resorts and hotels on the Rainy River, in Baudette, along the south shore and up at the NW Angle are a good place to start.  Depending upon who is in your group and how you roll, there are lots of options.

Bon appetite!  For snowmobilers, one of the fun experiences is sampling the variety of good food and drink throughout the area.  Some resorts are small, quaint and have specialties like hand pressed cheeseburgers or homemade pizza.  Some of the larger resorts have salad bars and more elaborate food such as prime rib and shrimp.  Take your pick as it is fun to have options.

Visit the Igloo Bar!  When snowmobiling around Lake of the Woods, consider a stop at the Igloo Bar on the lake ice in front of Zippel Bay.  This bar has big screen TV’s, electric lights, bar, hot food and heated porta-poddies.  Oh, and if you would like, you can actually fish in the bar!  For many, this is nirvana.  For snowmobilers, the igloo bar is sure a fun stop.

Working together for great snowmobile trails!  Local snowmobile clubs, like in a lot of areas, put much planning, time and effort making the border trails in this region so special.  They take great pride in summer clearing, opening and grooming trails weekly, making sure there is good signage and creating access trails to resorts, restaurants and bars. 

Some of the trails in this area are funded by the DNR through the Grant-in-Aid program using license fees and gas tax monies. The State of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, Roseau County and private landowners are the people that make these great trails possible.

As in many areas, local trails cross the property of many private citizens, as well as lands which are administered by various levels of government.  As snowmobilers, we owe the landowners our thanks and advocate respecting their property.

Although ice fishing receives most of the attention in these parts during the winter months, snowmobiling opportunities abound and fly under the radar screen.  With not nearly the traffic as more cosmopolitan snowmobile areas and with a climate a bit colder than most Midwest destinations, the trails stay in nice shape often into March. 

Lake of the Woods is an epic place to snowmobile.  Think of the variety.  There are land trails across the south shore going through some of the most beautiful forests the state has to offer as well as established trails providing accessibility to all parts of the lake.

The trail on the Rainy River connects the City of Baudette and all of its amenities with the resorts on the Rainy River, resorts along the south shore of the lake as well as the 42-mile-long trail across the lake up to the NW Angle. 

The Lake of the Woods area isn’t known as your cosmopolitan snowmobiling destination which is perfect for those who would prefer to have the trails to themselves.  The trails are beautiful, provide a variety of different snowmobiling experiences and are very well maintained.  Those who have experienced snowmobiling in these parts usually come back.

If you like snowmobiling, a destination on your list needs to be Lake of the Woods.  The two snowmobile clubs, the Lake of the Woods Drifters in the south and the NW Angle Edge Riders on the north end of the lake, are active and do a great job of maintaining the trails.  The trails go through some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes around.

There are seven shelters along the trails to stop and take a break.  These, for many, are nice places to stop, talk about the trails, plan on next stops and just pause for a moment to appreciate the beauty of being in the woods. 

 

Click here to learn more about snowmobiling Lake of the Woods

Click here to learn more about the Lake of the Woods area

Click here to find lodging around Lake of the Woods

 

Are you seeking a change?  Maybe your are an adventure seeker?  Work up at Lake of the Woods!  Many resorts, hotels and others are Now Hiring.  Did you know most people regret not taking enough chances in life and simply settling?  Are you someone who has visited Lake of the Woods and thought, “I could live here?”  This is a great time to consider Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods isn’t just a great place to fish, hunt and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s an excellent place to find good employment and do business. Not only is there a steady flow of visitors, there is a thriving local economy that boasts an educated workforce, world-class technology and an abundance of resources for those interested in opening, relocating or expanding a business. This area is a dream getaway.  Lake of the Woods employment opportunities abound.

People visit Lake of the Woods County for the stunning international waters and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Minnesota. Lake of the Woods offers four seasons of world-class fishing, a hunter’s paradise and a vast array of outdoor recreation.  Winter is actually the busiest season at Lake of the Woods.  The world class ice fishing, consistent ice conditions, daytime bite, millions of walleyes and saugers, and great resort community cater to anglers from many regions.

Many couples have found success working amongst the resorts as there are a number of important jobs available.  This is hospitality at it’s finest.  Imagine the possibilities, ice guide, front desk, housekeeping, cook, servers, marketing and business managers, and bartenders.  Lots of opportunities right now across the lake as resorts have openings and are staffing up.

Do you have a favorite resort?  If so, give them a call and inquire directly about openings.  Opportunities await across the lake (and river).

Employment Opportunities!  Have you ever thought about working in an area you love to vacation?  There are a variety of opportunities and many have taken the step to work where they play and area businesses are hiring.  Imagine fishing, hunting and simply living in an area people travel across the country to get to!

Right now, area resorts are looking for valued employees for a variety of positions.  Whether it is an ice guide, working the front desk, cleaning rooms, food service, various hospitality positions, outside maintenance, marketing and the list goes on.

A listing of local resorts can be found on the Lake of the Woods Tourism lodging page.  Resorts are hiring on their resort websites, some on Facebook, and some positions may not be listed at all but there is still a need.

It is sometimes good if you are looking for work, to simply pick up the phone, call and inquire about open positions.  It has been said about 80% of potential open positions are not advertised for.  As a candidate for employment, this is also a good technique that also shows your willingness to work.

Quality healthcare and education.  People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the community. We take pride in our outstanding healthcare and nationally-recognized education with Lake of the Woods Schools ranking very high in Minnesota schools. There are positive things happening in town, such as the new Lake of the Woods International Arena, a new international bridge to Canada, a major remodel of Lake of the Woods Foods, addition of a Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bagels, a new distillery on Main Street and more.

As the winter months approach, many of the resorts are looking for good people to take advantage of excellent Lake of the Woods employment opportunities. Again, winter fishing on LOW is known to be some of the best in the world. Look no further than Here for many of the employment vacancies!

Right now there are openings and various area employers would love to meet with you. Visit www.gethookedforlife.com for more valuable information and also www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.  Another good option is to look at the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging page.  Many of the resorts and hotels are hiring for a variety of positions, email them or give them a call.  You can also email Lake of the Woods Tourism at info@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

 

 

Click here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

Click here to view Lake of the Woods Lodging options.

Seasons come and go and are always changing at the Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods. Sportsmen have great adventures all year long whether it’s catching their favorite fish, duck hunting, white tail deer hunting, or exploring the beautiful forest areas by ATV travel.  If you’re planning a vacation and bringing the whole family, it’s important to plan your schedule and be able to entertain them with great food options.

I believe one of the best kept secrets of our area is all of the dining availability here. Between the City of Baudette and the resort area, there are enough dining places for you to eat at a different location every night of the month if you so desire.

 

Although this season of COVID-19 has changed some things, proprietors of dining facilities have taken this opportunity to add special areas to comply with social distancing and safety. Those precautions are still in effect but it doesn’t affect the “Minnesota Nice” type of hospitality that each establishment offers. Many facilities have outside dining, patio areas and deck areas or picnic tables to enjoy the warm seasons.

Of course, now mother nature is changing the season so we get to enjoy the comforts of inside dining with fireplaces blazing and great fragrances from the kitchen.  Did you know that when you catch your limit of fish whether in the summer or the winter, that dining facilities will not only clean your catch, but will prepare your catch of the day with all the fixings for a great dining experience.

 

Let’s take a dining journey to see what there is to offer. Of course, I will not be able to mention all the possibilities, but I can assure you, each business has excellent choices.  If you are interested in pizza, there are many options both in the City of Baudette and at the resort community.  Subway, Teco’s Tacos and McDonalds are available for quick take out items. The city also has some great “Ma and Pa” restaurants where you can order great breakfast menus, specialty coffees, baskets to eat in or take out, and especially prepared steak dinners.

If you head towards the lake area this season, locals will tell you to try the pizza at a couple of resorts where one night is set aside as pizza night that features especially homemade crusts loaded with whatever toppings you enjoy. Resorts offer specials to the local clientele and their customers whether it’s prime rib, shrimp, blackened walleye, or liver and onions.  The summer season boasts of two “all you can eat” walleye feeds served out in the open air. Resorts have additions that have enhanced  the wonderful décor of each establishment.

How about sitting on a beautiful patio on the Rainy River and enjoy the view, the sunshine and watching the boats come and go. Don’t forget about the dining areas where you can watch the beautiful sunsets over Lake of the Woods. The dining experience features facilities that serve up baskets or full meals while gazing at the beautiful waters of Big Traverse. You can see water for miles and miles and the sight is only enhanced while dining on steak sandwiches, shrimp baskets or even walleye cheeks.

Views are very important to enhance the dining experience. Lake of the Woods is divided into three strategic areas:  the Rainy River area, the South Shore and of course, the beautiful Northwest Angle. Each season brings its own beauty and can be enjoyed by your company group or family group.

As the waters and currents slow and the lake begins to freeze over for its winter season, it’s always so welcoming to come in from fishing the big lake to the warm atmosphere of fireplaces and the smell of good food and warm beverages to warm up the body and sooth the soul while dining at some of the best places in the world.

One very unique experience on Lake of the Woods near Zippel Bay is the Igloo restaurant. A local gentleman designed this facility to look exactly like an igloo. They serve sandwiches and pizza to clientele and after the lunch happens, the table lifts and you can fish through the holes drilled through the ice. There are even heated outhouses on the lake. Now, no visit to the area is complete without seeing and experiencing this dining opportunity during the beautiful winter season.

For more information, see our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

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