Introduction

The Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force (ORTF) was formed in 2020 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Explore Minnesota to consider (1) how to bring measured growth, increased and equitable access, and a higher quality of outdoor recreation opportunities to Minnesotans and visitors and (2) how to organize and implement this collaborative work going forward. In response to this charge, the Task Force has drafted a set of recommendations for the Minnesota DNR and Explore Minnesota intended to improve accessibility, inclusivity, collaboration and promotion of outdoor recreation across multiple sectors as well as build a stronger outdoor recreation community in Minnesota.

Given sufficient time, resources and both public and private support, members of the Task Force believe these recommendations can help “transform Minnesota into a major leader in outdoor recreation that is known as a world-class destination that welcomes everyone to enjoy its outdoor recreation resources.”

How the recommendations were developed

The 21-member Task Force drafted recommendations they believe will positively impact Minnesota’s residents, visitors, outdoor recreation assets, businesses and the state’s economy. The recommendations were developed by the Task Force over a series of meetings that began in April 2020. The Task Force began by focusing the discussion around the key areas of access, coordination, economic development, promotion and public awareness, and stewardship and conservation. Using these focus areas as a lens, the Task Force completed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of outdoor recreation in Minnesota. These analyses guided and focused the work of the Task Force, which informed these recommendations.

Participants and Conveners

Task Force Members

Reinaldo Aponte, The Loppet Foundation

Lynnea Atlas-Ingebretson, Youthprise

Mary Bauer, VA Medical Center

JR Burke, Polaris

Elliot Christensen, Lower Sioux Indian Community

Megan Christianson, Visit Grand Rapids

Katy Friesz, Winnebago Industries

Matt Gruhn, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

Aaron Hautala, Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew

Breanne Hegg, Girl Scouts River Valleys

Joe Henry, Lake of the Woods Tourism

Hansi Johnson, Minnesota Land Trust

Greg Lais, Wilderness Inquiry

Perry May, All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota

Sarah Milligan-Toffler, Children and Nature Network

Mark Norquist, Modern Carnivore

Stephen Regenold, GearJunkie.com

Mollika Sajady, University of Minnesota Health

Naomi Sam, Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources

Asha Shoffner, Fiwygin Outdoors

Steven Voltz, REI

Agency Leadership

Randolph Briley, DNR, Task Force Co-chair

John Edman, Explore Minnesota, Task Force Co-chair

Sarah Strommen, DNR, Honorary Chair

Public Input

The Task Force now seeks public input on these draft recommendations, inviting more voices into the process to reflect on how they think Minnesota can make the great outdoors even better. Reflections, comments and additional recommendations can be submitted between now and February 15, 2021 through the online public input tool or by emailing mortf.dnr@state.mn.us. Public input will be reviewed by the Task Force and incorporated into the final recommendations and implementation plan.

Recommendations

The draft Task Force recommendations fall into four broad categories:

• Advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
• Unite Minnesota’s Outdoor Recreation Community
• Unify Communication
• Create and Fund Minnesota’s Office of Outdoor Recreation

Major themes that emerged from the Task Force’s conversations include fostering a welcoming outdoors culture in Minnesota; increasing participation in outdoor recreation, especially by people in underrepresented populations; and improving coordination among all of Minnesota’s diverse outdoor interests to enhance the profile of the outdoor recreation sector in the state. Balancing increased participation with effective stewardship of our natural resources in the state will be critical to the long-term sustainability of outdoor recreation in Minnesota.

Many of these recommendations overlap with each other. This is a product of both the recommendation development process and the general interconnectedness of the themes, and serves to reinforce key points. Moreover, many of the recommendations share similarities with those found within existing plans such as the Parks and Trails Legacy Plan, but further expand upon or update those previous recommendations to address today’s outdoor recreation needs.

Advance equity, diversity and inclusivity

The importance of equity, diversity and inclusivity were prominent in Task Force discussions. Use, services, support, and access barriers in outdoor spaces and recreation impede Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, women, people with disabilities, and people with low- or no-income and is a serious concern that Minnesota needs to address. One overarching theme from the Task Force is to build a culture of the outdoors so that Minnesota is known as THE place where EVERYONE is welcome to enjoy Minnesota’s natural resources. The majority of population growth in Minnesota is happening in communities of color. State, regional and local governments, businesses and non-profits need to strive and partner for proportional representativeness in services and supports for these populations to ensure the success of outdoor recreation in our state. In addition, there is a huge potential for growth in outdoor recreation from untapped users in BIPOC and other historically underrepresented communities referenced above. Minnesota needs to promote culturally relevant outdoor recreation and conservation communities in Minnesota.

There is a growing familiarity with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. The Task Force included “justice” in the first group of recommendations below. The Task Force expressed concern that there are isolated and privileged outdoor spaces and recreation activities where racism, sexism, and homophobia have been present with limited recourse and respite for those that experience these types of injustice and harassment. In the Task Force’s conversations, it was acknowledged that not enough work has been done to support underrepresented populations’ outdoor groups and clubs, or individual customers; or to address barriers unique to their lived experiences that limit their participation in outdoor recreation and outdoor spaces.

Below are recommendations to advance equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) planning

• Ensure all users are safe and protected from injustice in outdoor recreation and outdoor spaces in Minnesota by directly acknowledging, investigating and creating targeted interventions; this work must be done by government agencies, industry and law enforcement.
• Bring together Minnesota outdoor recreation stakeholders in a way that includes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, people with disabilities, and people with low- or no-income—to develop a shared strategy to build community, improve cultural relevance, foster relationships, and facilitate an inclusive and safe outdoor recreation tradition for all in Minnesota.

Marketing and business practices

• Create and implement a united marketing strategy to coordinate across public and private entities that welcomes historically underrepresented populations into the outdoor recreation community.
• Welcome and integrate underrepresented populations as customers, owners, employees and vendors of outdoor recreation agencies, groups and businesses. This includes increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the hiring and retention practices of both private and public outdoor recreation sectors.

Improved access

• Identify and develop solutions to overcome current barriers such as cost and transportation, and create new pathways for accessing outdoor recreation activities including improving cultural relevance and increasing accessibility of outdoor facilities and equipment for all shapes, sizes, abilities and income levels.

Welcoming culture

• Promote and facilitate a culture of welcoming everyone outdoors by practicing inclusivity and ensuring that BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and women are equally valued as tenants of Minnesota’s experience.

Conservation

• Build awareness and understanding of the need for everyone to properly steward and conserve our natural resources as in integral part of outdoor recreation activities.
• Educate all Minnesotans about our impact on land, water, and native species and how we all can play a role in conserving them.
• Promote conservation strategies that connect diverse outdoor recreation groups under a unified mission.
• Become a national model for the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups as thought partners and leaders in advancing the health of Minnesota’s natural resources.

Unite Minnesota’s outdoor recreation community

Unifying Minnesota’s fractured and disconnected outdoor community was a major theme in Task Force discussions. To do this, the Task Force recommends promoting more shared dialogue on challenges and opportunities and identifying new ways to promote outdoor experiences in Minnesota. There are many varied groups and ways that people enjoy the outdoors, and these groups are not always well connected to each other or coordinated in their work for the outdoors. For example, stakeholder groups such as snowmobilers, hunters, ATVers, mountain bikers and skiers may not be talking with each other about their common interests in the outdoors. These outdoor interests are actually much more aligned than many realize across the outdoor recreation community in Minnesota. Bringing these groups and interests together for a unified outdoor recreation sector in Minnesota through improved public to public, public to private, and private to private collaboration, as well as working with the state’s Tribal Nations is needed. Below are recommendations to advance these goals.

Improved coordination and communication

• Bring together users, government agencies, non-profit organizations, for-profit companies and Tribal Nations with an interest in outdoor recreation to build a united community, drive relationships, and facilitate a shared vision for outdoor recreation in Minnesota to create greater collaboration on behalf of our shared parks, forests, trails, transportation corridors and destinations.
• Identify stewardship and conservation priorities that will bring together diverse outdoor stakeholders around a common goal.
• Convene outdoor recreation stakeholders annually; including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, people with disabilities, and people with low- or no-income; and measure and share the benefits of coordinating at the annual event.
• Develop coordinated messaging and welcome new narratives for Minnesota’s outdoors.
• Ensure all of Minnesota’s varied geographies, landscapes and recreation opportunities are positioned as equal tenants within Minnesota’s brand.

Partnership creation and growth

• Build, strengthen and grow public-private partnerships at local, regional, state, national and international levels to unite the outdoor recreation community.
• Use public-private partnerships to advance equity, inclusion and success in awareness, promotions, credibility, technology, industry employment and offerings.
• Encourage private sector partnerships to recognize the market potential of historically underrepresented audiences (including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, people with disabilities, and people with low- or no-income) and approach with an asset-based lens (i.e., value the skills, knowledge, connections and potential in these communities).
• Promote partnerships between communities, conservation and stewardship groups as well as outdoor user groups to maintain recreational infrastructure and preserve Minnesota’s natural spaces.
  • This should include public to private, public to public and private to private partnerships, as well as partnerships with national/international organizations and initiatives.

Conservation, stewardship, and natural resources advocacy

• Encourage conservation and outdoor recreation groups to work together more for the common good.
• Identify and address conservation threats that the different outdoor recreation users of Minnesota can get behind to preserve our natural resources for all communities, such as water quality as a unified stewardship for fishing, boating, and hunting.

Unify communication, promotion and public awareness

Creating more unity in Minnesota’s outdoor recreation community must include better communication, especially by characterizing and honing a cohesive, modern and widely heard voice and identifying new ways to promote a more expansive outdoor experience. Doing so will grow participation in and stewardship of Minnesota’s outdoors. In addition, outdoor recreation is a big industry in Minnesota with significant economic impact across the state. Finding ways to better expand the importance and role of outdoor recreation in Minnesota will benefit not only the economy, but the health and wellness of Minnesotans. Below are recommendations to advance these goals.

Promotion

• Define and promote Minnesota’s unique value proposition as a world-class inclusive outdoor destination.
• Promote and facilitate a culture of “welcoming everyone outdoors” where Minnesota is a world-class destination not solely because of our outdoor recreation resources, but because of our inclusive outdoor culture.

Mediums and messaging

• Develop new communication mediums such as apps and mobile-first strategies to reach target audiences.
• Strengthen land and water stewardship messaging and education in order to grow public investment and attention from more people who will help steward Minnesota’s outdoor resources.
• Create tactics to amplify communication resources and to do more with less through communication partnership creation, and focus these efforts both in and outside of Minnesota.
• Measure and communicate the return-on-investment metrics of outdoor recreation investments, specifically focused on measurable economic, health, and wellbeing benefits.

Create and fund Minnesota’s Office of Outdoor Recreation

The Task Force’s vision is for a Minnesota Office of Outdoor Recreation that champions an inclusive outdoor recreation culture and creates barrier-free pathways for all Minnesotan’s to benefit from Minnesota’s outdoors. Driven by our “Only in Minnesota” difference, an Office of Outdoor Recreation should fuel increased outdoor opportunities for all residents and visitors, economic development for all businesses, stewardship of our state’s natural environment, as well as increased attention to the cultural value of the outdoors. Below are recommendations to advance this vision.

Office creation

• Create a non-partisan, independent, representative and inclusive entity to facilitate collaboration and relationship building amongst Minnesota’s people to advance outdoor recreation and equity in Minnesota, and fund and staff this entity appropriately.

Office purpose and goals

• Within Minnesota’s collective outdoor recreation storytelling, bring together all user groups, all voices, and information on the total economic impact of the sector to present one unified story, one unified need, and one unified return on investment.
• Understand and develop economic development tools to build the economy of Minnesota’s residents, communities, businesses and industry.
• Help explore and define best practices for outdoor recreation communication for DNR and Explore Minnesota. Clearly identify the communication path through the eyes of the resident or visitor, not the state departments.
• Ask what the Minnesota public feels they are missing in outdoor recreation and then collaborate with other state departments, residents and businesses to make it happen.
• Create and maintain a public-facing database of outdoor recreation stakeholders and users.
• Review outdoor recreation trends and use patterns of residents and visitors as gathered and provided by the DNR, Explore Minnesota and other agencies. Help communicate and amplify the message to residents, visitors and businesses.
• Bringing people together to address the state’s backlog of deferred recreational infrastructure needs.

Final thoughts on success

Success from the implementation of these recommendations would mean more use and stewardship of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation resources, which can translate into more spending, more traveling,  more funding and more influence for the outdoor recreation sector in Minnesota, as well as positive impacts to Minnesota’s economy overall. Success will result in significant increases to the quality of life in Minnesota. Success in all these areas is dependent on success in expanding diversity, equity and inclusion in outdoor recreation, which is why this is a fundamental and cross-sectional feature of the Task Force recommendations.

In addition to the recommendation of creating and funding an Office of Outdoor Recreation, this Task Force also recommends other government agencies, non-profit organizations, user-groups and industries also advance these recommendations in concert with an Office of Outdoor Recreation in order to realize a more welcoming, inclusive, active and connected outdoor recreation community in Minnesota.

Access the MN Outdoor Recreation Task Force webpage

Access Lake of the Woods Tourism

Access Lake of the Woods Resorts, Hotels, Cabins and Fish Houses

Things have sure changed over the years when it comes to the old days fishing.  Things have also changed when it comes to looking back at the old days of Lake of the Woods. The stories are interesting, almost like taking a mini history class.

Early settlers heard about the sturgeon fishing on Lake of the Woods. “The sturgeon were used for their caviar.  At one time, Lake of the Woods produced 2/3 of the world ‘s caviar.”

In the earlier years, there were no marine band radios, so you were on your own.  If the weather changed, you ducked behind an island and rode it out.

The 80’s was a lot of change, commercial fishing on the Minnesota side of the lake came to a halt and the ice fishing business became public in the winter of ’85-’86.  At that time, owners charged around $25 per person.  That was transportation out and back, the fish house, bait, your tackle.  They supplied the poles and everything.  The winter business not only helped financially, but you could also keep employees on the roll for the whole year.

Not only sturgeon, but another fascinating slimy funny looking fish called the eelpout or the burbot kept showing up in the waters.  Years ago people would catch the fish and throw them on the ice and let the birds of the air feast on them.

Then one day a gentleman started to explore the uses of the fish. Joe Rowell and his son Theodore were in the commercial fishing business and doing well, however, the nets kept getting filled with the burbot who actually feed on walleye and northern. Joe founded Rowell Fisheries and was very successful fishing and canning and the burbot which is a fresh water relative of the salt water cod fish.

The Rowell family were also avid trappers in the area and kept noticing how beautiful the pelts were of muskrat and beaver. Another gentleman joined their interest and they established a  business raising foxes industrially. They fed them fish – the burbot. Their coats were incredibly beautiful. (This business has been long gone).

This all occurred in the 1930’s and son Ted went to pharmaceutical school and opened a pharmacy in Baudette. After a disastrous fire that destroyed the pharmacy, Ted, took a year and researched the ugly eel-like fish. His studies demonstrated that burbot liver oil was exceptionally high in Vitamin A & D – 6-8 times more potent than Cod liver oil. He developed a method to extract pure oil from the burbot’s liver and finally marketed and distributed the product.

This incredible discovery has resulted in a great pharmaceutical company that still is located in Baudette, MN. The company is ANI Pharmaceuticals and is currently a big employer in the area and is still hiring. Come join the team! This is Great News for this northern country!

Back to today’s ice fishing season. What once started as an idea, when people placed a few fish houses out on the lake, today has become an incredible new industry. People from all over the United States come to fish the great Walleye Capital of the World™, has grown to see thousands of fish houses on the lake.

Old times or new times, fishing on the ice in the winter has proven to be one of the most enjoyable events of the frigid cold months in Minnesota.   Old techniques were to put a line in the water, watch the bobber and wait for a “hit” to see if there were any fish down the hole. The new technique is to have electronics called Vexilars and every kind of pole and bait and color imaginable to “lure” those fish up the hole and into the frying pan.

Walleyes, saugers, northerns and perch are prevalent but yes, those eelpout and burbot still show up through the ice and have become a delicacy for many to eat. They are called the “Poor man’s Lobster” and have been showing up through the holes in great sizes.

Stories go on and on.  For anyone into Lake of the Woods, into history, into the transformation of both open water and ice fishing, be assured every tale holds the truth.

For more information and lodging contact: www.lakeofthewoodmn.com/lodging

Click Here to View Prairie Sportsman TV about  The Old Days of Lake of the Woods Fishing

In today’s busy world, when a window of opportunity to buzz up to Lake of the Woods opens up, you need to jump on it.  But how do you find lodging and fish houses during a busy weekend?  Look no further with the lodging availability finder.  This handy tool is found on the Lake of the Woods Tourism website under the lodging tab is a quick and easy way to check with multiple resorts on available lodging with one click of a mouse.

Ice fishing has become more and more popular each and every year.  Resorts have taken advantage of technology in fish house materials, heaters, plow vehicles and transport vehicles to make the sport enjoyable for anglers and non-anglers alike.  With that being said, there are times, often popular weekends, when lodging or fish house rentals are hard to find.  That certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t available. 

Now there is a tool to contact the area of Lake of the Woods you desire with a few clicks of a mouse.  With almost 60 different lodging and fish house facilities at Lake of the Woods, there is always somewhere to stay that is just right for you. Instead, if you are looking to book lodging at Lake of the Woods and don’t feel like calling around or it is last minute, try our lodging availability finder.

Finding available lodging during busy times is quick, just follow these steps.

1.  Go to the Lodging Availability Finder
2. Enter in your contact information
3. Arrival and departure dates
4. How many occupants
5. Select the area you would like to stay…
   1. South Shore / Rainy River
   2. NW Angle
   3. Information for both areas
6. Areas of interest, such as ice fishing, sleeper fish house, pool, etc
7. Any comments or requests.
8. Finally, you can check or un-check the box to receive the Lake of the Woods Tourism newsletter

Your request is emailed to all the lodging facilities in the geographic region you choose.  Resorts will respond back to your email with availability.

Imagine you call your favorite resort or two and they are booked.  This is a perfect time to go to the Lodging Availability Finder.

If you come back and want to us the finder here is how you do it:

1.  To find Lodging, go to the Lodging Availability Request page of the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

2.  Fill out and send!  Enter contact info, arrival and departure dates, how many people and check the box indicating what portion of Lake of the Woods county you would like to stay.   Also indicate if you have any special requests or other comments and hit the submit button.  Your request is automatically emailed to the resorts, hotels and sleeper fish house businesses that are applicable in the area you prefer.  You are on your way to a simple way to find lodging.

If you prefer to contact a few specific resorts, we also have our lodging page to find lodging.  This page is full of information.  In addition to a complete list of lodging opportunities, learn what amenities are available and what might fit your group the best.

There are many ways to access lodging, fish houses, guides and charters up at Lake of the Woods.  Whether you are looking for something in Baudette, perhaps the Rainy River, south shore or Northwest Angle, all of the choices are in one place, the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

Have a chance at a spur of the moment getaway to walleye country?  Give the lodging availability finder a shot.  It will save you time and often will provide options even on busy weekends.

Click Here to return back to the Lake of the Woods Tourism Website

Click Here to find Lodging Options around Lake of the Woods

Click Here for the Lodging Availability Finder Tool

The NW Angle has some of the best ice fishing in North America.  Without a way for guests to drive up to the Angle due to the border closure, area businesses, facing yet another season of little to no revenue, have teamed up to create the NW Angle Guest Ice Road.   This week the ice road opened up and created access to NW Angle Resorts.

Ice fishing in these parts is a big deal.  Enjoyed by both anglers and non-anglers alike, guests typically start their day with a nice breakfast.  Right around daybreak, heated specialized ice transportation called bombardiers transport guests from their resort to heated fish houses with the ice holes all drilled out and ready to fish on some of the best walleye waters in the world.  Some call it paradise!

During a normal winter season, thousands would have made memories from a fish house and enjoyed a fresh walleye fish fry already.  This year, however, is different.

To travel to the NW Angle, a guest would normally drive 40 miles through Canada and enter back into Minnesota up at the Angle.  Most never imagined back in March, 2020 when the U.S. / Canada border was shut down, things would last this long.  The border closure has drastically reduced tourism in this part of Lake of the Woods.

With their backs against the wall and facing another season of little revenue, the NW Angle community, made up of about 120 strong, has pulled together and created the NW Angle Guest Ice Road.

The ice road, which opened this week, is 30 miles long.   The road stays in Minnesota and travels over 22 miles of ice and 8 miles through forest.  It already has seen hundreds of hours invested in plowing, staking, erecting signage and building and placing bridges over cracks in the ice which is standard protocol with an ice road.

“Unseasonably mild temps have held back the start of the ice road compared to a normal winter, but with some recent cold weather, it is in great shape and open,” explains Joe Henry, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Tourism.

“I had the chance to drive the ice road this week and it is incredible.  Honestly, after experiencing postcard type scenery and just the adventure of driving up, catching walleyes was just a bonus.  It felt good knowing we were supporting some great people whose businesses were cut off from customers as they have been stuck between two countries and a border closure during a pandemic.”

The NW Angle Guest Ice Road begins at Springsteel Resort just south of the Canadian border on the SW corner of Lake of the Woods.  The ice road makes its way north on U.S. ice and eventually connects to one of the main roads leading into the NW Angle.  From this road, NW Angle resorts are accessible.

In addition to the NW Angle Guest Ice Road, guests do have a few more options.  First is the snowmobile trails.  There are groomed and staked trails extending from the southeast and southwest corners of Lake of the Woods all the way up to the Angle.  The trip is about 42 miles on a well marked and groomed trail.

In addition to the trails up to the Angle, there are literally hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails in the area.  Trails also extend around the lake through some of the most beautiful scenery around.  From Baudette on the Rainy River to the Wheeler’s Point area, across the south shore through Bostic Creek, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Excellent sledding.

There is also the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service.  This is a bombardier service that transports guests from the south end of Lake of the Woods up to the Angle.

There is still time to enjoy ice fishing on Lake of the Woods as the season continues through March.

Information on the NW Angle

Information on the NW Angle Guest Ice Road

Information about Lake of the Woods

Information about Lake of the Woods Lodging and Ice Fishing  

A snowmobile, also known as a motor sled, motor sledge, skimobile, snow scooter, Ski-Doo, or snowmachine, is a motorized vehicle designed for winter travel and recreation on snow. It is designed to be operated on snow and ice and does not require a road or trail, but most are

driven on open terrain or trails. Snowmobiling is a sport that many people have taken on as a serious hobby.

Minnesota has over 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Access to trails depends on the cooperation of landowners, non-motorized trail users, other recreationists, and local units of government. The vast majority of trails are groomed and maintained by snowmobile club volunteers. Be aware that trespass is the most frequent complaint landowners have against snowmobilers. Trespass seriously impacts the ability of clubs to get private landowners to allow grant-in-aid trails on their property. We recommend that all recreational users ask first before entering private lands, even if the land is not posted.

REQUIREMENTS Residents born after December 31, 1976, must complete a snowmobile safety training course to operate a snowmobile in Minnesota. While operating a snowmobile, you must have either: • a snowmobile safety certificate in your possession or • a snowmobile safety certificate indicator on your driver’s license or on your Minnesota ID card *Minnesota’s enhanced driver’s license does not allow for certification indicator Ages 11 to 15 Youth can complete safety training by selecting one of the choices below.

Either choice will have a required “hands-on” snowmobile riding course. Choice 1: Attend a Traditional classroom snowmobile course • Course fee $5.00 • 8-hour course provided by DNR Volunteer Instructors • Meets two or more times in a classroom setting • Required “hands-on” snowmobile riding course** Choice 2: Complete the Online snowmobile safety course • Snowmobilecourse.com [course fee $24.95] • Attend required “hands-on” snowmobile riding course** **Additional fees may apply to attend the hands-on course. Contact the Instructor.

Where do I find a training course? On the DNR website www.mndnr.gov, click on Education & Safety and then under Recreational Vehicle Safety Classes to find snowmobile safety training. You may also contact the DNR Information Center by email (info.dnr@state.mn.us) or by phone 1-888-646-6367. Ages 16 and older Anyone who is 16 years or older may complete the online course at Snowmobilecourse.com and click on the Minnesota course link.

Non-residents Certificates for snowmobile safety training issued in another state will be recognized in Minnesota.

Another resource available is the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association providing information for all snowmobilers about trails and snowmobile events and safety.

Lake of the Woods specifically has staked and groomed snowmobile trails extending from Wheeler’s Point south to Baudette on the Rainy River, 42 miles north to the NW Angle and west to Warroad.

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

-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.

-They 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.

-Also extend from Baudette south all the way to Waskish.

-Don’t forget about the NW Angle.  Land trails extend through the wilderness from Angle Inlet throughout the northernmost point of the continental U.S.

Our marvelous lake also has many staked and groomed trails to travel for a winter-time adventure. Both the Northwest Angle and the south side of the lake have full time groomers that keep the trails in excellent condition. Two snowmobile clubs in the area offer current information and keep the trail shelters available for travelers to rest in.

The Lake of the Woods Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders snowmobile clubs are the ones to contact when riding the lake. Remember they are the professionals and are always exploring the lake trails for any dangerous ice areas, etc. Contact them or contact www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com at 218-634-1174 or info@lakeofthewoodsmn.com for current snowmobile maps. You can also find these maps virtually on that same website. After logging onto the site, go to Outdoor Adventures>Recreation>Snowmobiling to find them.

For more information see these websites:

www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

www.nwangleedgeriders.com

www.lakeofthewoodsdrifters.com

Sleepers are not for everyone, but if you like a sense of adventure, camping, being a little bit remote, a sleeper fish house experience may just be what you are looking for this winter.

There are many ways to enjoy ice fishing on The Walleye Capital of the World™.  One of the adventures enjoyed by many is staying overnight in a sleeper fish house.  Both resorts and independent sleeper fish house operators provide the opportunity to experience staying overnight on the ice.  It’s not for everyone, but for many, it is just what the doctor ordered when the goal is to get away from it all and have the opportunity to fish 24 hours a day.

Fishing out of a sleeper fish house is almost like ice camping.https://www.facebook.com/1620159894921821/videos/2162814713854626/?__cft__[0]=AZVp7lgZ6Thjyf3nJiMcV48I_cz0ntTjb5AnxJHbRyqXTI82pTDMD0cUyO6swgb5tf1cHVT9nWlOM2Es_876cfl16pGFojzRX1MJRcQP3cGVluZLG8B4T8DSBCWd9wGujVEXJ-3vtiOs92gJ4lZPb2InWYyeM3foI1v_YAoP9mdN6PAt2ZQAtVY3Wh_dwnJG6GA&__cft__[1]=AZUyoXTyLHY5XhircSQsPNhl5GBAl5EjHnEmAzRJ14JcbMy6LaEAT4fdXAkQrouUrHyCDjed2EpfBadcwW43JDQuz6g64wYrzu3Q06jWDkYNp62ju5C9NC7XFuOpjTaebwg3JWFjuu0E0206r0kMwdFRV8kb9_GBH2VIQRbiLtJc9UwSJD9nnV1ex08KSNbWwX8&__tn__=-R  You are in a spacious and cozy fish house for 2-3 days with friends and / or loved ones.  Regardless of the temps outside, inside the fish house is nice and balmy.  Fish from your bunk bed or with slippers on if you would like.  Good times to break up a long winter season.

There are many types and sizes of sleeper houses, but most often, a bed, strong heater, cook stove sometimes with a oven, bait and rest room facilities, which do not include running water, are included.

Planning for meals, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, evening activities, beverages, camera gear, cell phones and your fishing gear is part of the experience. Remember that guides continually check on their clients making sure of your safety, your warmth and enough bait to keep you fishing. If there’s ever any adverse weather, you will be the first to be alerted. Thank you guides for your expertise!!

A wide variety of people enjoy sleepers.  Families, couples, groups of friends, girl’s weekend, and bachelor parties are some of the groups who enjoy short term living on the ice.

When you stay in a sleeper house on Lake of the Woods, try and remember to look at the sky on a clear night.  Being so far north combined with very little light pollution allows the stars, planets and milky ways to just pop!  It is a breathtaking view not to be forgotten.  If you really get lucky, perhaps you will experience the northern lights.

There are a number of resorts and sleeper fish house outfitters that will take good care of you on Lake of the Woods.  Each one has their own style house, fishes a different part of the lake and may have different ways you get out to your fish house.  It is good to do a bit of homework ahead of time to see what fits you the best.  Click Here for an entire list of sleeper fish house opportunities.

Plan your food early either by bringing some from home or stop to shop in our local grocery store and convenience stores. Check out this week’s recipe on the website and in this newsletter to bring a

big pot of beef stew to keep your insides warm and satisfied for the duration of your stay. Many ice houses are equipped with full stoves for cooking or reheating your meal. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water as well.

In another article please pay attention to disposal of all garbage. Lake of the Woods has established a “Keep It Clean” policy to protect our wonderful natural resource.

For more info on renting a sleeper fish house on Lake of the Woods, go to www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging for a complete listing.

Click Here to Access Lake of the Woods lodging options.

Each winter, thousands of anglers, families, and friends enjoy staying overnight on Lake of the Woods in a sleeper fish house.  Resorts offer a variety of sleeper houses normally with bunk beds, a strong propane furnace to keep everyone warm on the coldest of nights, and of course, a stove for cooking meals.  Naturally, while fishing the Walleye Capital of the World, most will bring along the fixings for a fresh fish fry.  There is nothing like fresh walleye, sauger or perch fillets out on the ice.  It is important to understand the fish fry rules in a sleeper fish house.

With opportunity comes responsibility.  It us up to us as anglers to know and understand the rules of the MN DNR who manages natural resources in the state.  We thought it might be helpful to shed some light on what the rules are regarding cleaning, cooking and possessing fish while on the ice.

Over the years, one learns when discussing rules of any type to mention a disclaimer that our intent is to help with understanding and ultimately, it is your responsibility to know right from wrong.  The fish possession rules are not difficult, but one needs to be educated before hitting the ice.  Resorts are a great resource for additional questions.

Individuals may not possess fillets in their day/sleeper houses unless:

1.  They are in immediate preparation of a meal (the oil is heating) and carcasses are available for inspection

2.  Or a licensed fish packer has filleted and packaged them to be consumed while their guests are on the lake. If a licensed fish packer filets your fish, make sure to have proof (which they can provide) and know you have to cook and eat the fillets while on the ice.  It is unlawful to return to shore with filets from a licensed fish packer.  

Any filleting for transport should be done on shore or at the resort just prior to individuals traveling.  This means if you have fish you want to bring home, you cannot clean them on the ice.  Bring them to shore whole and clean them on shore for transport.

For those who really like to dig into state law, click here for the link.

State Rule 6262.0100 Subp. 5. (D)

Subp. 5. Possession of fish while on state waters.

1. While on or fishing in state waters with size restrictions that differ from statewide regulations, including experimental waters, special management waters, boundary waters, or any other waters with size restrictions, all fish for which the different size restrictions apply must be undressed and measurable when in a person’s possession, regardless of where taken, except under the following conditions:

(1) when a watercraft is docked or moored to shore or when on the ice and a person is in the act of preparing and using the fish for a meal; or

(2) when a person is on an experimental or special management water and the fish were lawfully taken, have been packaged and labeled by a licensed fish packer, are to be prepared for a meal while on the ice or shore of that water body, and do not otherwise exceed the statewide possession limits.

When fish are consumed under subitem (1), the angler must maintain the carcass of a fish with size limits in such a way that the carcass may be readily unpacked, unwrapped, and separated so that the carcass may be examined, measured, and counted to ensure compliance with size restrictions for that day, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.45.

In a nutshell, if you are going to have a fish fry, do not clean the fish until your oil is hot.  Fillets basically need to be cooked right away and not stored while staying on the ice.

In addition, when you clean fish, make sure to keep the carcasses so they can be measured.  This doesn’t mean frozen in a ball outside of the fish house.  With a slot limit on walleyes of 19.5 inches – 28 inches must be returned to the water immediately with the ability to keep one per day over 28 inches.  The pike slot is 30 inches – 40 inches must be returned with one fish in possession of over 40 inches.  It is vital that the MN DNR can measure fish to ensure compliance.

Winter walleye / sauger limits on Lake of the Woods.  Remember that in MN, the possession limit is equivalent of one day’s limit.  The winter limit on Lake of the Woods is a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers, with up to 4 of those fish being walleyes.  The slot limit of walleyes in 19.5″ – 28″ must be released.  One walleye over 28″ may be kept daily.

Many folks will have fish to bring home the day of departure.  Make sure to keep those fish in their whole form and do not clean them until you reach shore.

If you have further questions on fish fry rules in a sleeper fish house, contact your resort, outfitter or the MN DNR.

Sleeper fish houses provided a ton of winter fun and memories.  Whether it is stepping out on the ice at night and marvel at the stars and galaxy so far north with very little light pollution, waking up in the morning and fishing in your pajamas with a hot cup of coffee or simply having quality time with people whom you care about, sleeper fish houses on Lake of the Woods provide lasting memories and lots of happiness.

Fish frys are a tradition while out on the ice and are celebrated.  Before you head out, make sure to know your fish fry rules in a sleeper fish house!

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

Click here to view Lake of the Woods lodging options including sleeper fish house rentals.

Lake of the Woods is a stained water lake.  Natural tannins add a light brown color to the water.  This makes it great for catching walleyes during the daylight hours.  It also makes noise even more valuable.  When it comes to catching walleyes and saugers through the ice on Lake of the Woods, sometimes it is the little things that can make a big difference.  One of those “little things” I have noticed over the years is adding some noise and aggressiveness to my presentation can pay dividends.

Noise in the fishing world can come in a lot of forms.  Pounding the bottom with your lure, the jigging action you create, rattles, vibration and spinners all create noise that can attract walleyes.  One of the ways walleyes sense their next meal is through their lateral line.  This lateral line senses vibration and noise in the water and can cause a natural triggering effect.

Over time, I have been turned on to using noise, becoming more aggressive with my approach in extracting walleyes and saugers from the icy depths across the ice belt.  Some of this trial and error has been during times of a tough bite.  Whether it is a cold front rolling through as they do periodically throughout the winter or perhaps a day in which the walleyes and saugers just aren’t feeding as well which could be for many reasons, noise has definitely been a strong tool in my walleye tool belt to catch more fish.

There are a couple of go to presentations / lures that I start with when I want walleyes to feel the noise.  First, a vibrating lure with bb’s in it, such as a Rapala Rippin Rap.  The second lure is a jigging spoon with rattles tipped with a minnow head or tail.  There are certainly times when rattles will out fish a spoon without rattles and vice versa.  As a rule, when I fish stained water lakes such as Lake of the Woods, I am a fan of rattles and a bit more noise.

For years, I was a fan of the lipless crankbaits for open water fishing, but had never used them through the ice.  This technique first caught my eye when a local guide up at Lake of the Woods talked to me about how years back he used to use a Rattle Trap to ice March walleyes.  Lake of the Woods has an extended ice fishing season with houses on the ice through March and the walleye season open through April 14^th.  Hence, anglers can target March walleyes putting on the pre-spawn feedbag.

He said he would be ripping a trap in one hole and deadsticking (a live minnow six inches to a foot off of the bottom) his second hole.  He said there were times when a walleye would hit that trap so hard it almost rip the rod out of his hand.

I experimented a bit with lipless cranks through the ice but really started having success with the Rippin Rap.  Now, it is a lure that I often lead with for my jigging line through the ice.

I experiment with jigging action, watching my electronics allowing them teach me what the walleyes want that day.  Some days, the walleyes’ moods are consistent, wanting the same action for the lure.  Other days, it is basically fishing each individual fish to learn what they want.

The normal jigging cadence I begin with is to pull the lure up in about two foot increments, enough to feel the vibration and hear the rattles.  I then will let it free fall into the strike zone, which in my mind is normally about a foot off of the bottom.

I do mix the jigging up, giving extra long and fast rips at times, shaking the lure as fast as I can, elevating the lure in the water column as some bait is elevated and fish see up.

Sometimes walleyes will slide in slowly on the lure.  Other times there will be a mark on my electronics out of nowhere.  That fish will eat almost all of the time.

When a fish slides in slowly, I work various jigging cadences until I get that fish to go.  Sometimes they want the normal jigging routine with a free fall.  Other times, will hold it just above them a bit and jig it more subtly much like I would a jigging spoon with a minnow head.  Jig, jig, hold in strike zone.  Shake, shake, shake, shake, hold in strike zone.  Walleyes will hit this lure sitting still and at times will actually prefer it sitting still in front of them verses moving.

When a walleye flies in out of nowhere, this fish is hot and is ready to eat.  Normally, all I have to do is get the lure in front of them, give it a couple of shakes and POW!  I have seen this happen often, both with walleyes when the bite is good but also when fish are in a more neutral mood.  I think it relates to the reaction strike we talk about when pulling cranks in the summer.

It is important to let the fish tell you what they want each day.  Their mood can change from day to day, sometimes, hour to hour.  Regardless, don’t be afraid to add some noise to your walleye and sauger arsenal to ice more fish.

Click Here for Lake of the Woods Tourism website

Click Here for Lake of the Woods Tourism lodging and fish house rentals

I’m writing this article with great excitement. I got to go fishing on Lake of the Woods!!  I would classify myself as a novice but the fish don’t know that and I’m glad. It’s an annual event that this family gets to go ice fishing over Christmas. This year was no exception.

Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World™.  It is a world renowned fishery and according to statistics from the MN DNR at Lake of the Woods, our fishery is more than healthy even though many pounds of fish are harvested each year. Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the US. It supports many species of fish and keeps the excitement brimming as anglers drop their lines in.

This angler, if I can call myself that, has caught the fishing bug. I can’t wait for my next chance to get onto that body of frozen water and experience the beauty and the bounty of it all. It’s an indescribable experience and one that all should come and enjoy. As a local, I begin to see ATVs, Snowmobiles, Wheelhouses and all kinds of equipment frequent our highways during this season.

Let me give you a play by play of my experience. We left out house in town at 6:30 a.m. with 4-5 layers of clothing on and coolers packed with lunches and beverages and of course, chocolate. It was pure dark but as we traveled onto the “lake road” (Hwy 172 North), up in front of us we saw the most beautiful orange moon any of us had ever seen. We arrived at out destination and waited for our host to load us up for the ride out.

I must mention that this day was the coldest day of the year so far with temps at minus 9 below zero. Our guides would tell you it was perfect for making ice!!  We were loaded into a smaller vehicle pulling an enclosed trailer to motor us to our location. Out on the ice we went, through a bay area and then up over land and onto the “big lake”.  The road was plowed but the driver was very skilled at that morning light to navigate us through turns and twists that have been hewn out on the lake.

Right here I must mention that I personally am in total awe of the skills and commitment resort owners and staff have to making this ice fishing experience one of a kind in all of life. They are up in the wee hours of the morning moving houses, securing them by packing snow all around them and then drilling the ice holes in the houses and turning up the heat so that you walk into a beautifully warmed fish house. The work is continual as Mother Nature changes her mind and direction of weather every day. It’s always an adventure.

We arrived at our destination (still dark) and our guide gets us all set to have a great day. He makes sure we understand the current fishing limits so that we are in compliance with them and assures us he will be checking on us throughout the day. Temperature in the house is excellent and we have a fresh bucket of shiner minnows to use as our bait.

The lines are dropped in. Each person is allowed to fish two lines. Usually one is left laying on the ice with a bobber or just with a hook and this is called a dead stick. (Are you impressed?) The technique is to bait your lure with a minnow and let it drop until you feel bottom (which I have to learn each time). Then with an up and down motion,  you start to “jig” and wait for a tug on the line. I was told to “set the hook” with a great upward motion and pull in whatever was at the end of the line.

There were six of us in our party so we fished out of two houses. By 10:00 a.m. our sister house had 11 fish, we only had 1…so….one of my companions started to tell the “skunk” to get out of our house…hehe. That did it. The catch was on!! Excitement?!?!? On my! It is like a fever! And everyone in the house starts cheering for that fish to come through the hole. Yes, caught a beautiful sauger, which is the first cousin of the walleye.

My story is getting pretty long, but I have to brag because I caught the biggest fish of the day….a 20.5 inch walleye. We got the picture and put it back down the hole to practice catch and release and keep the fish population growing. And yes, each house limited out and we all had the time of our lives!  I want to go AGAIN!!

Let me invite you to come to Lake of the Woods to have the same great experience that I had. I promise you that you will have stories to tell for years to come. The lake is beautiful when frozen and the city of houses that are out there is amazing. Please applaud the ones who make this sport accessible to all peoples whether experienced or not.

For more information on lodging or ice fishing contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoodmn.com/lodging.