It’s Sportshow time again. Over the next couple of weeks, Lake of the Woods Tourism is displaying at two different sportsman’s shows across the Dakotas. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the area, resorts and of course, the various kinds of fishing the go along with it.
This Weekend, Red River Valley Sportsman’s Show in Fargo! It’s sportshow season in the Dakotas and this time of the year, anglers are excited to talk Lake of the Woods fishing. Perfect timing to be talking Lake of the Woods at this weekend’s Red River Valley Sportsmen’s show that starts Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Fargodome in Fargo, ND. Once again, we will be holding down booth #166 and look forward to seeing everyone.
Next Weekend, Sioux Empire Sportsman’s Show in Sioux Falls! Outdoor minded folks from the Dakotas and the surrounding region love Lake of the Woods. Once again, we will have our normal location in the main exhibit hall, booth #87. Swing by and say hello!
Learn More about Lake of the Woods! One of the great advantages of a sportshow is spending some time with experts from a destination to have the opportunity to learn, ask questions and ultimately make the best choice for your group. A group of guys headed up to fish for four days might be a very different looking trip than a husband / wife getaway or family vacation.
Joe Henry with Lake of the Woods Tourism will be at the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth all weekend both in Fargo and Sioux Falls happy to share info and answer questions.
Seminars! Sportshows are such a great place to learn more about fishing, hunting and the great outdoors. In Fargo and Sioux Falls, check out tournament champion Ted Takasaki discuss the topic “Walleyes Love Structure” and
“Jig for Walleyes Like a Pro”. Ted has a long and successful history in the fishing industry and has educated anglers for decades.
Joe Henry from Lake of the Woods Tourism will also be presenting at both sportshows. Henry is a licensed charter captain along with a walleye tournament angler and outdoor media specialist. He will be speaking about “Pulling Spinners for Walleyes Like a Pro” and “Feel the Noise for Summer Walleyes”.
Visitor Guides. While at the show, stop by and pick up our new Lake of the Woods Tourism visitor guide. This is a great time to learn more about the lake, resorts, activities, etc. taking place this year around Lake of the Woods.
There is a lot to talk about in the upcoming months at Lake of the Woods.
–Upcoming Rainy River Walleye Fishing. What is the outlook for spring fishing on the river? Where should we fish? What should we use? How long does walleye season last? What accesses are on the Rainy River?
–Sturgeon Fishing. How long does the season last?What kind of setup should I use? What is a sturgeon rig? What part of the river do sturgeon live? What is slot during keep season?
–Resorts, Hotels, Outfitters and Guides. Where should I stay based on our group and what we want to do? Where can I find a list of resorts with amenity chart? Are there deals? What resorts offer full service guides? What kind of boats are used on different parts of the lake?
If you are in the Fargo area this weekend or Sioux Falls next weekend, stop by and say hello!
Lake of the Woods at Baudette, MN has the great opportunity to serve those who have served us with a special Pay It Forward weekend.
Pay It Forward is a 3 day/2night fishing extravaganza for nearly 60 disabled veterans is to be held from August 30- September 2, 2021. This marvelous weekend is a special event to honor, recognize and celebrate men and women alike who have served their country in each and every branch of the service.
Fishing on Lake of the Woods is just one way to reach out to our disabled veterans who have given so much for their country and their families. Veterans of all ages have served faithfully and fearlessly in so many ways throughout the years. Many of these veterans have never
been thanked properly for their selfless giving, so this charitable organization has been established to be sure that a “thank you” is given. Appreciation must be an action.
Lake of the Woods is a renowned fishery and a very healthy one. The waters are stained by the various trees of the area but these waters are the home to Walleye, Sauger, Perch, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Northern and even Sturgeon. The southern part of this International Lake is a huge basin called the “Big Traverse”. Depths are more shallow in this basin and fishing is excellent.
Disabled Veterans are invited to this event to experience this great body of water. Local resorts ban together to offer a memorable fishing trip aboard charter boats free, yes, free of charge!! Beyond the fishing, resorts offer complimentary lodging and dining.
Other events during the weekend include a local all-you-can-eat walleye feed usually held at the LOW County Fairgrounds. The Lake of the Woods Color Guard
come to give their salute to these men and women who have dared to serve their country. Speakers and entertainment fill out the evening of food and fellowship. Other resorts offer breakfasts and/or lunches at different times during the weekend. Gathering places at the local resorts also feature nightly music to “entertain the troops”.
As mentioned, these festivities are free to qualifying veterans. The official website is www.payitforwardlow.org. Another place to see great photos and videos of the event is to view www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/pay-it-forward. If you would like to apply for this great fishing event please contact Joe Henry, Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodsmn.com.
Lake of the Woods Tourism
represents tourism and the lodging community throughout Lake of the Woods County. We are a partner organization behind the Pay It Forward event and believe our veterans and our freedoms, as a result of their efforts and sacrifices, deserve to be recognized.
As an outdoor hunting and fishing community, we have a lot to be thankful for. We live in an area of bountiful outdoor experiences, which include world class Walleye fishing, excellent big game and waterfowl hunting. Also, this is the birth place of one of our favorite winter recreations, snowmobiling. We are fortunate to live in a four season outdoor paradise.
Our community invites you to participate in our event to say thank you to the disabled service members and their families who have served and fought on our behalf to protect the freedom that allows each and every one of us to pursue our dreams. Their sacrifices should be paid forward as a debt of gratitude and we welcome them to be guests in our community with out any financial strain.
Testimonials like these have come in concerning the fishing weekend.
“GOOD AFTERNOON, I ATTENDED THE LOTW FISHING EVENT THIS PASSED SUMMER AND IT WAS THE GREATEST WEEKEND FISHING I HAD EVER HAD. THE VETERANS AND LOCAL SUPPORTERS WERE ALL GREAT AND VERY PASSIONATE IN MAKING THE TRIP ACCESSIBLE AND FUN FOR THE VETERANS….THANK YOU AGAIN AND I HOPE TO DO IT AGAIN ONE DAY.”
“THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY LAST SUMMER WITH THE FISHING TRIP. THE ENTIRE TRIP WAS A FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. YOUR STAFF WAS BEYOND EXCELLENT AND YOUR GUIDES REALLY DID A NICE JOB OF GETTING US ON THE FISH.”
Plans are now being made to make this a very special event from the fishing to the fellowship of our war heros. Remember the dates: August 30-September 2, 2021 in Baudette, MN of Lake of the Woods County.
Many people ask the question about what people do in the frigid times of the winter. Let me tell you that there is no end to possibilities in this northland. There are many ingenious people who use their imagination, their gifts and their talents to make a living and to offer many great services to this area.
Come see us next season!!
In past days, a resort staff member had the ingenious idea to build a restaurant and heated fish house to be used on the ice as a place to gather as well as catch fish. That was the beginning of what is called the “Igloo Bar” which is located about three miles out on frozen Lake of the Woods. The Igloo is placed on Zippel Reef by Zippel Bay Resort.
Although this 2020-21 season hasn’t permitted it to be on the ice due to state regulation on capacity, social distancing, etc due to the pandemic, (try next season) you’ll find that this location is much visited by tourists and locals throughout the season. There you can order a pizza and beverages and set up at a table and then after your meal, raise the table and drop a line in the hole. It’s just amazing!!! And, it is very well designed and attractive.
The Igloo even has heated outhouses for its guests. What a plus!!! Cold toilet seat or warm toilet seat? For many, that choice is easy. How ingenious is that?!?
Bicyclers are also ingenious as they have bikes equipped with “fat” tires that they can use to tool around the lake. Ice skaters/hockey players and coaches have been known to use the ice as a practice run. They skated the entire river from the Wheelers Point area to the Canadian Railroad Bridge located in the town of Baudette. An ingenious way to build skating strength and offer a great experience.
Resorts who offer overnight fish houses are also ingenious. They have equipped those houses with bunks, mattresses, great furnaces and now have also added cooking facilities. They could be as simple as a toaster oven with cooking burners at the top to full range stoves, ovens and
cooking utensils. There again you must remember they have to find a way to have lights and stoves to run. So owners either use all propane, solar or even generators for their power. Ingenious!! Don’t forget Sleeper houses also are equipped with bathrooms or some resorts actually provide “portapoddy” style restrooms on the ice. Awesome.
Some years ago, this writer even thought how incredible it would be to offer a hot lunch to ice anglers. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a hot sandwich and other entrees delivered to your fish house instead of just eating cold sandwiches and chips? How about a nice cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate? Did you know some resorts actually have this as part of their meal plan?
As technology continues to develop, opportunities on the ice continue to take flight. None of these, however, would be possible without a creative and ingenious spirit. No wonder winter up at Lake of the Woods is so much fun!
As we approach March, watching the numbers of big pike being caught on Lake of the Woods, some by pike anglers, some by walleye anglers, it reminded me that this happens every year. Anglers really start to dial into March pike on tip-ups mid to late March into April. With that being said, there is a ton of great pike fishing that happens in February that is under the radar screen.
The other thing interesting is how many big walleyes have been caught this year on tip-ups with big sucker minnows after dark. That’s right, after dark in shallower water. A flash light to shine out of the fish house windows watching for flags when the sun is down is how they do it. Not every walleye is always doing the same thing in the system. Big predators often like big baits.
This reprint of an article from Brett McComas of Target Walleye on catching big Lake of the Woods pike on tip-ups was just too good and educational to let die in the archives.
If you haven’t done it, tip up fishing can be a blast and a fun change from walleye fishing. Resorts on Lake of the Woods will actually place “pike houses” in areas pike are living. Most will use the house as home base and spread tip-ups around watching for flags from the comfort of their home away from home. Enjoy the article.
Known for its zillions of walleyes, Lake of the Woods has also become a world-class pike fishing destination — especially during the Mar/Apr late-ice period. The border waters’ special regulations mean these fish can be targeted all the way through ice-out.
Mammoth pike will stage for the upcoming spawn in shallow bays all along the south shore and are ready to pop tip-up flags. Believe it or not, 40-inchers are hardly considered “big ones” when the bite is on!
Big-fish junkie Andy Walls has been specifically targeting these toothy critters for years, so we tracked him down to get his scoop on putting these freaks topside:
Andy: “You can keep the gear pretty simple when running tip-ups, but make sure to beef things up for those larger-than-average Lake of the Woods gators.”
GEAR
> “Make sure tip-ups are spinning smooth and that they have fresh 50-lb Sufix Performance Tip-Up Ice Braid. From there a quick-strike rig tied right to the tip-up line, and a 1/4-oz weight fixed above the leader to keep the bait in the strike zone.
“Larger ‘Y yolk’ quick-strike rigs present both live and dead bait really well. They have a solid hook-up ratio with one treble fixed just before the head of the minnow and one rigged right before the tail.”
> “I’ve had the most success using 50-lb wire down to two #2 VMC Hybrid Trebles. However, there’s lots of rigging options out there…recommend using any legal option you’re most confident in.
> “Lake of The Woods has a 30-40″ protective slot, so fish between 30″ and 40” need to be quickly released back into the water. I’ve found that packing a kit — that we bring with to every flag — helps this process immensely.
> “In the kit: We keep extra rigs, sinkers, pliers, jaw spreaders, hook cutters, measuring tapes, fish grippers, a hole scoop, and a camera.
> “Being able to quickly take care of the fish after you land it and get it back in the water will help ensure a healthy release. Also allows us to get accurate measurements and a quick photo before we let them go.”
(Photos by Vanilla Weekend Photography and Design)
LOCATION
> “Lake of The Woods northern pike can be caught literally almost anywhere on the lake, but there’s a large concentration of fish that really never leave the south shore.
> “Some of my best success early on in the season is in the 8-12′ range. Look for subtle structure changes like: a slightly quicker depth change, funnel, or ridge the fish may be following. Changes in the bottom content — like a rock or gravel patch — will usually provide even better action.
“As the days start running longer and temperatures begin to inch up, pike will start to migrate in closer to the shorelines. By late March or early April, we’re typically setting lines in less than 5′.
> “The later in the year it gets, begin concentrating your efforts closer to — or directly out in front of — main spawning areas where runoff is the highest…draws fish in.”
> “Spread lines out to cover as much water as possible — I like walking at least 25-35 steps between holes. The more areas you can eliminate (or find) quickly gets you more bites in a day. Once you settle into an area with fish, they seem to let you know pretty quickly.
> “Not getting bit? Try moving north/south (shallower or deeper) first…when you find the right depth those flags will pop.
> “If I’m getting activity but not getting fish…AKA “false flags”…I’ll make smaller moves east/west or play with my bait (size, type, depth set, etc). Even if it’s the minnow tripping a flag, it’s likely because a pike spooked it and didn’t eat. Dead bait seems to be better when getting a lot of those false flags.”
SETTING BAITS
> “You’re allowed 2 lines each…makes it a little faster to see what’s working! Mix up the depths you set your baits down — covering the entire water column keeps the fish ho
nest. I’ve caught them setting lines just inches below the ice all the way to laying baits right on the bottom.
> “Arming your spread with a mixture of live and dead baits will allow you to quickly figure out what the pike want that day. Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well.
> “Pay close attention to which flags are going off: If dead baits are getting more bites…switch more lines over to dead bait. If more flags are going off on a certain side of the spread…start shifting the entire spread in that direction. Can turn a good day into a great day!”
WHEN TO SET THE HOOK
> “Some people like to wait and let the fish eat, but I’ll grab the flag as quick as I get to it and set the hook while they’re running…not stopped. My theory is that anytime the fish is moving, they likely have a good grip on the head or tail of the bait…both have hooks.
> “When they’re not moving, they’re adjusting the bait in their mouth…so you’ll miss half the fish that grab it.
> “Also seem to get much better hooksets when the fish is running — doesn’t take nearly as much force for the hook to penetrate since the fish is already pulling the other way.”
[BONUS: YOU’D BE SURPRISED HOW MANY BIG WALLEYES YOU CAN RUN INTO TOO!]
Lake of the Woods, the Walleye Capital of the World™, is known for its pristine waters and its natural beauty. It’s time now to plan your trip to Lake of the Woods. Here’s a few things to consider as you make your plans.
How do you get to Lake of the Woods? Lake of the Woods is located at the very top of Minnesota and borders the great country of Canada.
The port of entry is located right in the town of Baudette. You can travel by air and arrive at airports in either Bemidji or International Falls. Each location has rental cars available there. From Bemidji, travel north on Hwy 71 to Hwy 72 for 100 miles and turn west onto Hwy 11. From there, travel through the town of Baudette to Hwy 172 north.
If you’re traveling by car, you will be 211 miles from Duluth, 232 miles from Fargo, ND, 308 miles from Minneapolis/St.Paul, 476 miles from Sioux Falls, SD, 550 miles from Des Moines, IA, 608 miles from Milwaukee, WI, and 680 miles from Chicago, IL.
From International Falls, travel west on Hwy 11 for 70 miles to Baudette, MN and then take Hwy 172 north (our lake road) to reach your lodging destination. Lake of the Woods has nearly 60 resorts to choose from so do your shopping early. There are four locations to stay at if you choose to stay in the town area. See our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging for a detailed list of the resorts in three strategic areas.
The Rainy River listing gives the names of all the resorts along the Rainy River as it travels to the lake. The south shore listing gives locations of those resorts that are right along the lake shore itself and then, of course, we have the great Northwest Angle resorts. The Northwest Angle is the northernmost point in the contiguous United States and forms the “chimney” on the top of the Minnesota map. All three areas have
many lodging facilities to offer for your vacation adventure.
Also consider what kind of resort you would like to stay at. We have smaller resorts that have beautiful cabins available. We have great motels in town that can serve your needs with restaurants located very near your motel. We have resorts that have full restaurants, bar-lounges, lodge rooms, or beautiful “great” lodges or log cabins that can outfit large family groups or large company gatherings. Some resorts have outside swimming pools and a couple have indoor pools and hot tubs.
Restaurants? Oh yes, we have some of the finest dining around. From blackened walleye, to all you can eat tacos, to shrimp baskets or steak sandwiches, your dining appetite will be met. Stay at one resort but feel free to visit other resorts and their dining expertise as well. Full scale menus offer you and your date a beautiful evening out. Some resorts also offer live music to conclude your evening.
Are you fishing for Walleye? Northern? Perch? Sturgeon? Lake Trout? You’ll find them all in abundance at this fine fishery at Lake of the Woods.
Another tool for planning your trip is our Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide. This beautiful brochure elaborates on all the aspects of this great northern destination. As on the website, this brochure has the area divided into three regions but also has some great amenity charts to see what is available to meet your needs while here. These charts will tell you if a resort has air conditioning, wi-fi, a restaurant, lounge, ice houses and many other great features.
Further on in the brochure, you’ll find great information on species of fish, hunting in the area, history of the area and beautiful photographs
for you to study and choose your location. If you would like to have a hands-on magazine to look at while planning your trip, feel free to email us at info@lakeofthewoodsmn.com and include your postal address. We would be happy to send you one. You could also call our number at 218-634-1174 and place your order.
The NW Angle Edge Riders Snowmobile Club will hold their 20th annual Snow Rally on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Sunset Lodge Resort up at the NW Angle. Follow the ice road from Young’s Bay, or ride snowmobile across the lake from the surrounding communities – watch for the rally signs.
Lake of the Woods has excellent marked and groomed trails coming up to the NW Angle from the Wheeler’s Point area at the mouth of the Rainy River as well as on the west side of the lake from Arnesen’s Rocky Point and Warroad.
Nice trails across the lake make it possible to stay or park on the south end of the lake and sled up for the day. The trail to Sportsman’s Oak Island is about 42 miles, but a fairly easy drive.
Once you are up to in the NW Angle Edge Riders territory, take advantage of not only the beauty of the Angle, but of the hard work that goes into maintaining and grooming the area snowmobile trails.
This is also a great year to drive up on the NW Angle Guest Ice Road. The ice road begins at Springsteel Resort and goes about 30 miles up to the NW Angle. Even if you don’t snowmobile, the snowmobile rally is a festive time with guests stopping at numerous resorts, bars and restaurants in the area.
Consider working in a fishing trip around the NW Angle Edge Riders snowmobile rally. Regardless of what resort you visitor or stay at, these resorts specialize in taking care of not only snowmobilers but also anglers. The area is home to some of the best ice fishing in North America.
As mentioned, Sunset Lodge is home to this year’s event. It is known for it’s good food, beautiful bar and Rally Day will be no different. Many of the activities will be located outside so dress warm. The bar and restaurant will also be open for guests to enjoy.
There are activities happening all day. Do you have a fast sled? Perhaps you want to take part in the radar run. For those who think they are tough, try the “goose bump jump” where you jump into the icy waters of Lake of the Woods. I dare ya! Once you jump in, warm up by the community bonfire. There will be outdoor games and a tent near the lodge, raffles during the day and certainly lots of great camaraderie! Don’t leave the kids behind as there will be kid’s activities and this is a family event.
The Sunset Lodge staff is excited to welcome all and to support a good cause. The Angle locals take their winter recreation seriously, and the Snow Rally is the pinnacle of the winter season!
This event is a lot of fun and not only celebrates the culture of snowmobiling in the north woods but is also a fundraiser for the snowmobile club. This year the prizes are impressive including a brand new Polaris snowmobile along with a variety of other prizes.
The NW Angle Edge Riders do a wonderful job of keeping trails properly marked and groomed. The NW Angle and all of Lake of the Woods with the Lake of the Woods Drifters snowmobile club on the south end of the lake create some of the best trail riding around. Known much more for it’s walleyes, snowmobiling in the region is world class but often get overshadowed. If you are a snowmobiler, come up and check out beautiful sledding without the traffic!
The plans were made months ago. Once we had word the business owners up at the NW Angle were taking matters into their own hands and constructing the NW Angle Guest Ice Road, Greg Jones of Midwest Outdoors and myself were on the phone making plans on how to shoot a show and get the message out. So a few weeks ago when the ice road first opened up, we made the trek on the road up to the Angle and once again, we were not disappointed.
Our destination on this given trip was Sunset Lodge on Oak Island. The plan was to film the adventure of driving on the ice road starting at Springsteel Resort just south of the Canadian border and proceed north on the NW Angle Guest Ice Road to the Angle.
After stopping a number of times along the way to take some pics, record a video and fly the drone, we were on our way to the land portion of the Angle.
Heading up, things wouldn’t be right if we didn’t stop at the Northernmost Point Buoy located between Young’s Bay Resort and Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant. This is where we decided to film our open. With daylight running out fast, we did a couple of different takes and like most TV shows, leaned on the videographer and video editor Dave to sort things out on the back end.
With the hard work of Dave to turn around the show with editing over the weekend, the show was sent to Midwest Outdoors for airing. In most cases, this show would have aired next year to pre-empt the next upcoming ice fishing season. In this case, the show was put in the loop immediately and aired in just a few week due to the unique circumstances of the border closure and the NW Angle Guest Ice Road.
Accommodations were very nice, overlooking the docks and incoming ice road into Sunset Lodge. All of this and only a 2 minute walk to the resort where there is a full menu and bar amongst a beautiful northwoods feel.
The next day was a day of fishing. We were set up on some shallower structure, in about 22 feet. Fish have been moving through this particular area well. The optimism was high. Even though our goal was to film a TV show, there is still that excitement and anticipation every time we drop a line into Lake of the Woods. You just never know what could happen.
We have learned to not drop our lines until the videographer is ready. Too many times we get hooked up when the camera is not rolling. On this occasion, we patiently put on our mics, waited for Dave to adjust the light as it was still a bit dark outside and finally, we were ready.
The fish were there immediately, to the point I couldn’t get down a second line. Each time we caught a fish, as our goal was obviously to make a good show, we had to chat about an aspect of what we were doing, showing or wanting to communicate. This ate up valuable time during a hardcore morning bite.
We caught some nice walleyes and saugers. The action was hot and heavy. After a while when the sun started getting a bit higher in the sky, the bite just stopped. Literally stopped. 100 miles per hour to nothing just like that.
While the action was slow, we had the chance to have Ronnie Davidson, one of the owners of Sunset Lodge along with Travis and Samantha Palmquist, fly very low right over our fish house a couple of times. Ronnie is known to fly up to
the lake and land in front of the resort on the ice or on the water during the summer months.
During the day, just like all of the customers, the ice guides checked on us. They check on fishing, see if there is anything we needed or they could do for us and then go on to their to do list.
We picked at a few more walleyes and saugers up throughout the day along with some tulibees. Finally when the evening hit, action picked up again and we finished up with some nice walleye action and just as fast as it had started, it was over.
Some of the fish houses were positioned over deep mud. They didn’t have the good morning / evening bite we did, but they had more consistent fishing throughout the day. Other anglers fishing out of Sunset’s houses in different areas on structure fared even better than we did. One house had 16 walleyes caught in the last hour and half of the day. That’s what Lake of the Woods can do.
The trip home on first the island ice road and then the NW Angle Guest Ice Road was again easy and enjoyable.
It was a business trip, but like anytime we go to the Angle, good things happen and memories are made.
With the border being shut down since March, 2020, it feels good to be around hard working small business people who are friendly and down to earth. Simply trying to make a living caught between two countries during a pandemic.
If you had a choice, would you choose to move to the Artic or Baudette, MN? Funny question? That’s the very question that was asked by businesses in the US that were looking for special testing sites with low temps for their new cars.
Baudette, MN Is located on the US/Canadian border and is known as a neighbor to the coldest spot in the US. That’s our friends who live in International Falls, or so they boast. Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™.
The temps in this northland are certainly conducive to the wonderful ice fishing season that is currently upon us. Ice measures over 20 inches and outfitters are busy busy busy with guests who travel here for this great season.
However, temps also play an important part for two businesses that have moved to the Lake of the Woods area. Any local person or guest traveling through on Hwy 11 can see incredible lights like a football field during the night hours. One might even wonder if aliens have landed as temps in the atmosphere dictate how the lights shine into the sky on any given night. This local person even traveled one evening to see lights cascading straight up into the sky like beacons.
Two business that were brought here by the cold temps were Bosch, Inc. and AET (Automotive Enviro Testing). Both businesses test various brands of cars that will coming out in the future for their safety and durability during frigid winter months. Commercials by these companies have even put Baudette/Lake of the Woods on the map as they featured the area.
Bosch in Baudette
Bosch, Inc. is located at the junction of US Hwy 11 and Co. Hwy 172. The company purchased land there, landscaped it beautifully, built buildings to store their equipment and built an incredible course to test their automobiles. When temps dip, the employees arrive in town and stay approximately 3 months. Baudette is fortunate to have them here as they stay overnight at local hotels, dine at the local restaurants, skate at the local arenas, employ people from the area, and are very generous in supporting the community.
“Bosch’s proving grounds offer a variety of environments you would need to carry out your vehicle and system tests efficiently and under any conditions you may wish. We can simulate a diverse mix of driving and weather conditions, for all vehicle types. This includes a multitude of test tracks, for all speeds, and every incline, with great traction, or hardly any, simulating land or ice. There is a wide range of specialized services and workshops available to help successfully carry out your test programs.”
Temps below freezing are what they are looking for as they make ice and snow for their testing course. They have created curves, straightaways, and hills and work all through the night putting their vehicles to the test.
The other business that frigid temps have created in the area is AET (Automotive Enviro Testing). This company is located south of Baudette on Co. Rd. 1 which used to be the old Air Force base in former years.
The local owner has cooperated with automobile companies and have also created a course that has been prepared for all their testing needs. This facility also houses employees and creates a great work environment for them. This facility tests a different brand of automobile but doesn’t disclose what they are testing. Locals will often see cars covered in camouflage buying gas at a local station. Are they testing Hondas?, Toyotas?, Teslas? It’s your guess.
It’s been quoted, “AET has unprecedented track equipment, expert equipment operators and personnel for customer program support location. Baudette is located in the “ice box region” of extreme northern Minnesota, an area known for having the best winter test conditions in the continental U.S. In 1995, AET began construction on a land based winter proving ground near Baudette, Minnesota. Today, AET is the most comprehensive low temperature test and evaluation facility in the industry. Totally self-contained and capable of supporting both the technical and human aspects of any program.”
Lake of the Woods known for its frigid temps during the winter months is very fortunate for the opportunities those temps bring to many industries.
The area welcomes you to come fish, dine, vacation, or move here to take advantage of this great northland and all of the magnificence it provides.
As many Midwesterners who enjoy ice fishing are in the heart of the ice fishing season, it is good to look ahead at a month of ice fishing that many don’t really consider when it comes to targeting walleyes and pike, March! You see, in most of the great state of Minnesota, March ice fishing is somewhat limited. Fish houses cannot be left overnight on the ice after February 28th, the walleye season and pike season closes and ice fishing for those targeting predators appears to be
over.
March ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, however, is very different. Fish houses are allowed overnight through March 31st. The walleye and sauger season continues on through April 14th and the pike season is open continuously.
Being further north, the ice typically is good and thick throughout the month, and even if some melting is taking place, ice fishing is happening in areas of the lake less affected by runoff, flow of water and current. On Lake of the Woods, ice fishing for March walleyes and pike is the norm and allows an extra month of excellent fishing.
Some resorts actually extend the life of the ice by blanketing ice approaches to the land access with saw dust or hay. For those of you with more history under your belt than others, this is much in the same way ice was kept for ice boxes.
What a great time of the year. The sun is out longer, the fish are active and in some cases staging for the spawn and some days anglers actually need to wear sunscreen. Other days seem more like winter with snow and cold. It’s March ice fishing for walleyes and pike on Lake of the Woods and it’s tradition.
This is an interesting place. One one end of Lake of the Woods, people are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, world class pike and mo
nster eelpout through the ice. Fish have the feedbag on gaining energy for the upcoming spawn.
While all of this great March ice fishing is happening, on the other end of the county, the Rainy River is starting to open and there is another group of anglers chomping at the bit to get their boats on the river!
Rainy River Spring Fishing. Typically towards mid or late March, the Rainy River is open and people are fishing in boats. This is the time of the year that big numbers of walleyes from Lake of the Woods slide up the Rainy River on their annual spawning run. This is also the time of year an angler can catch a walleye of a lifetime, not to mention big numbers of fish.
Most anglers will be using jigs and minnows for walleyes. More popular are jigs and plastics. The brighter colors of chartreuse, orange, pink and white are all popular colors depending upon many factors, the color of the water being one.
The walleye season on Lake of the Woods continues through April 14th. The regulations on the Rainy River for March through April 14th is different than the lake as the walleye season is catch and release only. As most anglers aren’t here for the fillets, the chance at a monster walleye, big numbers of walleyes and a chance to splash your boat for the first time this year is all what draws anglers the end of March and through April 14th.
Limits on Lake of the Woods remain consistent with a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers, with up to 4 of the 6 being walleyes. Any walleye between 19.5″ – 28.0″ must be returned to the water immediately, with anglers being able to keep one fish over 28″.
Limits on pike are three with a protected slot limit of 30″ – 40″ having to be returned to the water immediately. Anglers are allowed one pike over 40″.
If you decide you want to get in some bonus March ice fishing, here is a list of resorts and outfitters from the south end of the lake up to the NW Angle.
As border water with Canada, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extra long ice fishing season with the walleye and pike seasons extended as well. Whatever your choice of fishing or species, fishing for predators during March ice fishing or April on the Rainy River might be worth a trip!
It all started out as a necessity. Business owners up at the NW Angle have been cut off since Mid March of 2020 from their customers. Nobody ever imagined this would last into the winter months, but here we are. With their backs against the wall, Angle residents decided to do something about it and created the NW Angle Guest Ice Road. The story is told by award winning journalist Boyd Huppert who has the show Land of 10,000 Stories on KARE 11. The story, subsequently, was picked up by NBC News and many affiliates across the country. Angle resorts will not recover to levels seen during a normal winter season, but everything helps. Openings for NW Angle resorts, ice fishing, etc are still available. Ice fishing continues through March on Lake of the Woods. The video features the NW Angle Guest Ice Road along with some perspectives from local resort owners. Click on the link below to watch the video portion of this well done piece. Enjoy the story. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/nation-world/cut-off-from-the-usa-by-canada-minnesotas-northwest-angle-builds-a-22-mile-ice-road/89-ad869f5e-6313-4e32-8b43-3f9b67077a7c
Cut off from rest of U.S. by Canada, Minnesota’s Northwest Angle builds a 22-mile ice road
The ice road crosses Lake of the Woods, giving struggling resorts a lifeline.
Author: Boyd Huppert
ANGLE INLET, Minn. — Paul and Karen Colson live 40 miles north of Warroad, Minnesota.
They may as well be on the moon.
“Cut off,” Paul says. “Totally, totally.”
For the past 10 months, the Minnesota husband and wife have been essentially severed from the rest of the United States.
That’s when Canada, seeking to slow the spread of COVID-19, closed its southern border to all but essential travel.
Roughly 40 miles away, a dozen resorts, and about 100 residents they support, lost the Canadian highway that provides the only access into Minnesota’s Northwest Angle.
Summer bookings evaporated at Jake’s Northwest Angle, the third-generation resort started by Paul’s grandfather.
Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11
The Northwest Angle Ice Road
“Very depressing,” Karen Colson says.
“We had zero people at our place,” her husband adds.
Some resorts tried ferrying customers in by boat, but even that limited effort was rendered moot by colder weather.
Resort owners needed something bold. They now have it, in the form of a 22-mile ice road cut across frozen Lake of the Woods.
“I thought it was kind of crazy,” Cale Alsleben says as he steers a battered Chevy pickup and plow across a frozen moonscape.
Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11
Karen & Paul Colson own Jake’s Northwest Angle Resort
Nearby, Cale’s dad drives another plow. With no trees, buildings, or hills to block the wind, ice road plowing never ends.
But what choice do they have?
“We gotta figure some way to get customers up here,” Cale says.
It’s working.
Two weeks since the opening, the Northwest Angle ice road has returned life to the northernmost tip of the lower 48 states.
The lights are on again in the Colson’s cabins, fish houses are full on the lake and people are coming and going from Jerry’s Bar & Restaurant.
Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11
Plowing on the Northwest Angle Ice Road
All thanks to a 25 mile-per-hour highway built on 20 inches of ice.
“My wife was very skeptical about me coming out here,” Scott Bushman says on the drive back home to Wisconsin after several days of fishing on the Angle.
Scott’s friend, Jim VanHerwynen, says his wife had concerns too. “When you do see the plow trucks out there, it makes you feel a little more comfortable,” Jim says with a laugh.
Passage on the ice road requires a $145 roundtrip permit. Season passes are being sold for $500.
Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11
Sandy Baumgartner holds up her season pass for the Northwest Angle ice road
Resort owners, who put up the seed money for the ice road, say they’re not looking to make a profit, only cover their initial investment and the costs associated with constant plowing and temporary bridge placement over pressure ridges.
“It’s worth this $500 pass,” Sandy Baumgartner says from the passenger seat of her husband’s pickup truck while navigating the ice road up to the Angle.
“We have a cabin up here and it’s the only way we can get here right now,” Sandy’s husband, Mike Baumgartner, says.
The ice will only prop up the Angle’s economy until spring, but the Colsons will take it.
Credit: Devin Krinke, KARE 11
A pickup crosses a temporary bridge placed over a pressure ridge on the Northwest Angle ice road
“We don’t have anything else,” Paul says.
His resort is paid off, but Paul worries for other owners making loan payments.
“Everybody will be able to hang on a little bit longer,” Karen says.
Ten months after the border closing, the Canadian government still only permits permanent residents of the Angle to cross for essential needs like food and medical treatment.
The ice road is the lifeline the angle has craved.
“Sink or swim,” Paul says. “So, we just keep swimming.”
More information about the NW Angle Guest Ice Road
Access more information about Lake of the Woods
A list of Lake of the Woods Resorts, Hotels and Sleeper Fish Houses
Consider working in a fishing trip around the NW Angle Edge Riders snowmobile rally. Regardless of what resort you visitor or stay at, these resorts specialize in taking care of not only snowmobilers but also anglers. The area is home to some of the best ice fishing in North America.
