Outdoor fun at Lake of the Woods includes exploring for the Stunning Birds found around Lake of the Woods. This area is recognized statewide as bird watcher’s paradise. Almost 300 species of birds next here and can be seen and heard in any season of the year. Pine to Prairie Birding Trail is a unique partnership between
the NW Minnesota communities of Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Roseau, Thief River Falls, & Warroad. Bird-watching has become a national obsession and is one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies
A very unique way to observe the stunning birds around Lake of the Woods is by boat. Along shorelines you will find Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Great Blue Herons, Mallards and Common Loons. Double-crested Cormorants, and four species of
gulls and terns can be found on the many islands that dot the lake.
The Lake of the Woods area is one of only three places in Minnesota that the American White Pelican will nest. Clementson Rapids, 6 miles east of Baudette, is one of the finest displays of beauty and lures great numbers of these fine birds in its waters. Many visitors stop and watch as the stunning birds swim up current to catch those fish that have just come down the rapids.
Pine and Curry Islands host the endangered Piping Plover and have been designated a state Scientific and Natural Area.
Visitors are still invited to stop on the island to walk the beautiful sandy beach and watch these tiny birds scurry across the land.
Migrating Waterfowl migrate in the spring and fall months. This list includes Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Teal, American Widgeon, Pintails, and mergansers. Some will stay and nest in the surrounding wetlands and WMA’s (Wildlife Management Area’s) near the lake. Included in the birds of prey list are the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and Turkey Vulture. The sight of a Great Gray or Snowy Owl, Sandhill Crane, or crow-sized Pileated Woodpecker is a thrill for any bird lover.
The most beautiful and stunning bird is the American Bald Eagle. They have claimed Lake of the Woods as their home where they stay all year round. You are often able to see their gigantic nests high in the treetops while driving down the road. It is a special treat to view this stunning bird sitting alongside the roadways feasting on an unfortunate animal that has been killed by a car. It’s another amazing experience to come along side of that bird as he takes flight and spreads his wings right in front of you.
Spring’s ambassador is the Red Wing Blackbird, followed by sparrows, warblers, robins, vireos, orioles, finches, grosbeaks and humming birds. Their activities and songs continue into late fall. Dropping temperatures bring northern birds such as Junco and Snow Bunting as short term guests. Check out www.birding-minnesota.com or check out the MNDNR birding lists!
For more information about the Lake of the Woods area and lodging opportunities, check out our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.
If you have not fished Lake of the Woods during the open water seasons, it can be intimidating. There are so many different areas to fish, a wide variety of resorts and hotels to stay at around the lake as well as the sheer size of the fishery. Like any new body of water, the first time is the most difficult, but after that first time, it is so much easier. If you have never been to The Walleye Capital of the World or perhaps only ice fished it, open water is an incredible experience. Check out these ideas for anglers new to Lake of the Woods.
The first time, make like easy. Anglers fishing Lake of the Woods are lucky because there are a number of great options for fishing on a charter boat or with a guide. Especially the first time to the big water, some anglers who own their own boats even find it helpful to jump on-board a charter or with a guide the first time out to get a lay of the land. When you step aboard, nearly everything is provided. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, expertise in navigation and getting you on fish. This make life easy as all you need to do is dress for the weather, bring sunglasses and a camera to record the adventure.
A guide or charter boat makes it so nice. Jump into a vehicle with a few others and drive up. You can focus on each other rather than the weather, navigation and fish.
On the south end… Charter boats for the most part are on the south end of the lake fishing the Rainy River and Big Traverse Bay which is the big water of Lake of the Woods. When I say big water, I am talking about 25 miles north south by about 20 miles east west. If Lake of the Woods was a great lake, it would be the sixth largest. This can be intimidating and certainly requires a healthy respect.
The thing about the basin is it is loaded with millions of walleyes and saugers. The basin also boasts a strong population of big trophy walleyes as there is a good number of tulibees in the big water. Walleyes will focus on tulibees when they reach that 25 inch mark and these fish enable walleyes to get bigger faster.
Charter boat captains do a good job of sharing info with one another about fish movements, where there are active fish and other variables ultimately leading to a successful trip. Most trips produce walleyes, it’s just a matter of how many and how big.
The basin reaches a maximum depth of about 36 feet deep. This makes the entire body of water fair game for fishing. This is one great big aquarium of life and a big part of Lake of the Woods.
Up at the NW Angle… The other option is heading up to the NW Angle. Currently, due to COVID – 19, the U.S. Canada border is temporarily closed for non-essential travel which includes tourism. That means until the border is opened again, folks are traveling across Lake of the Woods via water.
Some use their own boats if their boat is large enough and they have a competent captain used to big water. Others use the transport service on the lake run through Sportsman’s Lodge which will shuttle you across to your favorite NW Angle resort.
When things get back to normal, most will travel up to the Angle by vehicle. When driving to the NW Angle, anglers must be knowledgeable about credentials to cross into Canada and back into the U.S. again when up to the Angle. A passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or combo of a government issued photo ID with a birth certificate are necessary. It is also important to note Canadian Customs looks at a DUI as a felony and you may want to check ahead before crossing the border if someone in your group has a DUI in their past. Â
The NW Angle is the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S., is where the 14,552 islands begin and boasts about 12 resorts, some on the mainland, some on islands. The fishing is excellent for multi-species and the scenery and wildlife are even better. Angle resorts have excellent guides that will fish in U.S. waters, Ontario waters or both, depending upon what you are targeting, etc. These guide typically run about a 20′ boat that can navigate to the best and most scenic fishing spots on both sides of the border. If you like fish, most guides to a noon shore lunch that will mess up any fish fry you have at home ever again because they are so delicious and fresh.
Bring your own boat…  For anglers who own their own boat and enjoy the challenge of new water, Lake of the Woods has so many good options. Boat ramps are available on the Rainy River, south end of the lake and up at the Angle. Some are public and resorts also offer nice boat ramps with sheltered marinas for a nominal fee.
Do you homework. Check out Navionics or your graph in your boat prior to coming up. Get an idea of where you will be staying, launching and fishing. It is nice to have a gameplan. Resorts and bait shops can be great resources for local info.
Regarding where to stay, Lake of the Woods Tourism has a complete list of lodging options on all sides of the lake. There are Ma and Pa resorts to brand name hotels, small to large, self service where you make your own meals to full service with full restaurant and bar. Lots of options on where to stay. One thing you will find, whether you jump on a charter, in with a guide or fish on your own, prices up at Lake of the Woods are reasonable and have not caught up to the more cosmopolitan resort areas yet. That means more can enjoy The Walleye Capital of the World, perhaps for multiple trips!
To find out more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website, feel free to give us a call at 218-634-1174 or chat with a resort.
The open water season is excellent for fishing. So many anglers have never experienced the open water bite. Do yourself a fishing favor, come on up. You won’t regret it!
On a normal year, charter boats on Lake of the Woods start hitting the water at the end of April and beginning of May. Some start targeting sturgeon in the Rainy River. Others are splashed just before the MN Fishing Opener. Guests staying at resorts and hotels in the area enjoy the variety of dining options around the river and lake. This year was different due to COVID – 19 and restrictions issued by the Governor of Minnesota’s Executive Order.
As various areas begin to gravitate back to more normalcy, June 1st charter boats and restaurants opened for business and on June 10th, indoor dining at our many restaurants is available as well. This is very much a welcomed site for business owners and guests alike.
Charter boats are a staple around Lake of the Woods. They provide access and success for people wanting to catch walleyes on this famed body of water. There are many reasons people enjoy a charter boat…
–Worry free. The licensed charter captain runs the boat so all guests have to do is relax, enjoy the experience and catch fish. Navigation and figuring out what the walleyes are doing from day to day can be a challenge for inexperienced anglers. While on a charter, there are no worries.
–Success. Walleyes move from day to day. Weather conditions change, forage changes, their mood changes for some reasons known, some unknown. With that being said, charter captains are knowledgeable and work together to provide guests the best experience possible. Charter captains are professionals and know Lake of the Woods and what it takes to catch walleye better than anyone.
–Easy. When you step aboard, most everything is taken care of. Rods, reels, tackle, bait are all covered. Some resorts will provide lunch if you would like one. What do you need to bring? Sun protection, sunglasses, rain gear, and of course dress in layers as Minnesota weather can be chilly in the morning and downright hot in the afternoon.
–Comfortable.  Charter boats are typically 27 – 30 feet long and offer anglers lots of room to move around. The boats handle the lake well. This enables folks not quite as fit to fish in a smaller boat to have an enjoyable day of fishing on a boat that is. There is also an area to get out of the sun or elements out on the lake.  There are also and a bathroom on board most vessels making life just a little bit easier.
The Restaurant scene around Lake of the Woods is diverse and delicious. Some settings are overlooking the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods. Others are in the woods and in the heart of nature.
Each place has it’s own feel. From cute, small places with that log cabin feel to larger dining options. Currently, outdoor dining on decks and patios are available. As time goes on, the indoor portions of restaurants and bars will be coming online. Menus offer visitors much variety.
Lake of the Woods is home to delicious homemade pizza and ice cream, fresh taco nights, fish frys, smoked wings and some more finer dining options such as steak, prime rib and seafood. Some may envision the northwoods as a place with not so many choices but in actuality, the choices are many.
Area businesses have gone to great lengths incorporating extensive cleaning procedures and protocols as safety precautions for charter boats and restaurants so guests can feel good about coming up.
Let’s not mince words, the COVID – 19 chapter of life has been tough for so many reasons. As restrictions start to get lifted on charter boats and restaurants and life begins to look a bit more normal, many are welcoming a Lake of the Woods fishing trip into their life with open arms.
One of the very common navigation routes used by anglers up at Lake of the Woods is traveling from the mouth of the Rainy River through Four Mile Bay to Lake of the Woods. It is important to be aware and use caution along this route. That means knowing and understanding a few basic principles of boating and navigation to navigate safely along this route.
First off, to navigate safely, there are a number of tools used in navigation that if used in unison, can greatly increase safety. Using just one tool is dangerous because if it fails or isn’t accurate, there is risk. Common navigation tools are…
-GPS. Using a GPS is very helpful to successfully navigate, especially with a chip in it that adds detail to the map. Please know navigation using a GPS can be off due to lost signal, map chips being
inaccurate and a myriad of other reasons. Overall, a GPS with the proper map chip that matches the body of water you are on is very helpful.
Another tip, make sure to zoom in enough to be able to see details but not too close that you cannot see on your map where your vessel is headed.
–Visual aids to navigation. These can be visual markers on the water or adjacent to the water aiding in navigation. Again, these are helpful but only one tool in navigation. Imagine if you use red and green buoys on the water as your sole source of navigation and a storm blew them away from the correct spot of placement. The results could result in an accident.
As a rule, when boating through red and green buoys, remember the saying, red right return. What this means is when you are navigating, you want the red buoy on your right side and the green buoy on your left side.
This is also helpful if there is only one color buoy in an area. Remember red right return, meaning if you are returning to harbor, the red needs to be on your right.
The rule is then reversed when headed out to the lake or away from port. When headed out, have the red buoys on your left, the green on your right.
When navigating, it is a good rule of thumb to use a number of tools. Navigational buoys are one good tool, but it has happened that buoys have changed position due to excessive wind, the anchor line breaking, etc. Other tools are your GPS, being aware of where other boats are and are not traveling and observing water conditions as they can change where there is shallow water or obstacles.
-Be aware and use common sense. There are many clues that if you are paying attention while boating, can tip you off to avoiding danger to navigate safely. In some cases, logs or other hazards can be floating in the water. Watching the waves breaking or a bird that looks like it is standing on the water are clues of an obstruction.
Pay attention to where other boats are safely navigating. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are in the right area, but again, it can be a good clue to assist in the overall assessment while navigating.
-Reduce your speed. Slower speeds allow boaters to have more time to assess situations and react if necessary. Be aware of your surroundings and navigate safely. It probably isn’t a good move to all of a sudden stop if you are on plane with a boat right behind you. Plan your route, use your tools and make good decisions.
Navigation on any body of water is about safety first. Knowing a few of the rules to navigation will help wherever you might be boating. Be safe on the water!
Traveling to the NW Angle can be done a number of ways. Lake of the Woods is a big lake. Across the water from the south shore up to the NW Angle, it is a 35-40 mile trip depending upon where you depart. In the open water months, there are typically three ways to travel up. Some prefer driving up which includes a short stretch through Canada. Some actually fly up via float plane. And finally some prefer to travel by boat across the lake.
As long as the U.S. / Canada border is closed, flying up via float plane or boating across are the two options available. As most don’t have access to a float plane, boating across is the most realistic for many. Traveling to the NW Angle across Lake of the Woods can be a fun experience but it is vital to know your options and have a game plan that includes “safety first” as one of the criteria.
The first question it is good to ask is, “What are all of our options in traveling to the NW Angle during the border shutdown?” One option is to use a passenger service. Sportsman’s Lodge offers (for a fee) a passenger service across the lake on one of their charter boats. Many who use a guide or rent a boat up at a NW Angle resort are taking advantage of this option this year anyway as to get their NW Angle vacation in.
Another option is to put your people and gear aboard a charter boat and follow behind the charter in your own boat. This not only can make the ride much more comfortable for passengers but also lightens the load of your own boat making it more seaworthy. It also helps that a big charter boat is handling the navigation and breaking down the waves for you across the lake.
There are some guides up at the Angle who are planning on picking up guests on the south end, weather depending which makes traveling to the NW Angle that much easier. Communicate with your resort for all of the options.
Considerations if boating across on your own. Traveling across on your own can be a very viable option or a “not so good” of option depending upon a number of things. Here are a few considerations.
 Is your boat seaworthy enough to cross 35 miles of big water?
How reliable is your motor?
How experienced is the captain?
Do you have flexibility in your schedule if weather is not good?
How seaworthy are your passengers on the boat?
Do you have reliable electronics and do you know how to use them?
is your bilge pump working?
Safety Equipment and considerations.Â
Is everyone wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD)
Have you checked all necessary safety equipment? (Fire extinguisher, throw cushion, marine band radio, cell phone with portable battery charger, flares, whistle, etc)
Do you navigation lights work? Do you have a spotlight or bright flashlight?
Have you contacted the resort or people at your final destination and communicated your travel plans?
Have you mapped out your route?
Where are you going to put in and depart from?
Have you lightened up your load for the boat to be safe?
Is your gear in waterproof bags or containers?
Do you have Navionics on your phone as a backup for navigation?
Have you checked the weather forecast?
Where can I launch and park my truck and trailer? There are a number of resorts who have graciously offered to allow you to park your truck and trailer at their resort if you are traveling up to a NW Angle resort. It is a good idea to contact these resorts and communicate your plans to make sure you know where to launch your boat and where they would like you to park your vehicle.
South Shore Parking Options…
–Arnesen’s Rocky Point. Located on the SW corner of the lake, Arnesen’s has a new harbor, a boat ramp and plenty of land for parking your rig.
–Wigwam Resort. Located on Wheeler’s Point, Wigwam is a couple of blocks away from the Wheeler’s Point public access.
–Border View Lodge. Border View Lodge is also located in the Wheeler’s Point area and is right next to the Wheeler’s Point public access.
Traveling to the NW Angle is a very special experience. This year for many, the normal way to travel up is going to be different. Once there, the few extra hurdles will be well worth it. With that being said, we all have to error on safety first. If you have any questions on traveling across the lake, we encourage you to contact your favorite resort or you can certainly contact us at Lake of the Woods Tourism as well. Have fun, enjoy the adventure, be safe.
Want to plan a trip to Lake of the Woods but you don’t know the lake, are a novice fisherman, or want something family friendly? A charter launch
trip is an awesome solution to all your worries. Here are the TOP TEN reasons to book a thrilling charter trip when you visit Lake of the Woods.
“So easy to have a Thrilling Charter Trip on LOW. Whether you have a
family that needs a little extra guidance, a novice angler yourself, or just really want to be on vacation and not worry about a thing; charter fishing is the way to go. Guides and their resort take care of you all day from when the boat leaves at 8 from the dock, until after hours when they even clean the fish for you if that is what you choose. Families with children, guys and girls get-aways, even those with special requests love the luxuries of a charter boat.
Don’t know the lake like the back of your hand? No problem! Many anglers, even if they bring their own boat, will rent a charter for the day to get a feel for the lake and a “lay of the land,” if you will. Having a lake large enough to have charters can be a little unsettling to maneuver, but with a charter, it is one less worry.
Fish ANYWHERE on the lake. Thrilling Charter Trips are a smooth ride anywhere on Lake of the Woods or Rainy River. Mid summer, walleyes are very deep and charters travel across the lake to find fish with ease. Windy days they slip into the river for a sheltered day.
Jigging to Down Rigging. All types of fishing are welcome on a charter. Jigging and spinners in the spring and summer, to down rigging in the late summer and fall the options are endless. Pick your favorite method and set the hook!
BATHROOMS. Yes ladies, you read correctly! A “potty” is available in the lower deck of the charter when you just can’t hold it any longer.
All equipment is provided. This includes rods, reels, bait, life jackets and more to make fishing a breeze! When fishing on a charter you only have to ask your self 2 questions:
What should I wear and what should I eat?? Lunch is always an option on a charter trip. If you want to hit the water all day, choose a sack lunch including a sandwich, cookie, chips, and a pop made fresh that morning
so you never miss the bite. Option two is the Traditional Shore Lunch special to Lake of the Woods. A picnic made fresh of the morning’s catch cooked on shore with a million dollar view! To learn more about a shore lunch, read it HERE.
Large or mixed groups. Charter trip fishing is great for groups. Each boat can carry 6 passengers plus their guide, plenty of opportunity for lots of limits! If you are a smaller group of two or three or four, that works also.
Always on the fish! With over 50 resorts on Lake of the Woods, licensed charter trip captains are always on the move to find the day’s hot spot. An entire system keeps these guides in communication so that no one has a bad day. Some resorts are so confident you will find fish, they offer a money back guarantee!
The American Plan. It has never been so easy to plan a vacation. The American Plan is an all-in-one package that includes your stay (cabin or room), charter rental, and even your meals if you so choose! No one wants to mess around with multiple bills, with the American plan you pay one package amount, show up… and the rest is history!
Resort and hotels have welcomed guests back! Charter boats are running again. I think it is safe to say the times we are living through are unprecedented. After a number of temporary closures throughout the State of Minnesota, resorts and hotels up at Lake of the Woods have resumed operations for the summer with a variety of well thought out safety measures in place. There is nowhere better to practice social distancing than out on Lake of the Woods enjoying what the area is famous for, world class fishing. Guided and charter fishing are back. Fish frys are back. Smiles are back. Traditions are back.
Fishing has started out excellent. Fishing has started out HOT in true Lake of the Woods style. Limits of walleyes and saugers are coming in on a regular basis. Known as The Walleye Capital of the World, people flock here to take advantage of the big schools of these delicious eating fish.
Most anglers are jigging with a jig and a minnow, drifting with crawler harnesses or as the water warms into June, will start trolling crankbaits.
Bring your own boat or enjoy a guide or charter. Some bring their own boats and are quite self sufficient. Rent a cabin or a room at an area hotel or resort and have at it. There are nice boat ramps in the area.  Local bait and tackle are in abundance. Hotels and resorts have fish cleaning areas. Either you can bring your own food or there are a good number of resorts that have delicious meals in a variety of settings.
If you don’t have a boat or prefer to ensure your odds on reeling in a bunch of fish, guides and charter boats are also available. The advantages are many. You don’t have to pull your boat up. Virtually everything is taken care of for you. The only thing you have to decide is what to wear and what to eat. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, boat, navigation and putting you on good fish is all taken care of. The boats have longer range and can access more good fishing areas. They are also big and consequently comfortable.
Area resorts and hotels have implemented a variety of safety precautions for all parts of their businesses.  Here are just a handful of changes resorts and hotels have implemented for this year’s fishing season.
Specialized cleaning and disinfecting. Lodging industry associations have done a nice job of sharing best practices known throughout the world in cleaning and disinfecting for COVID – 19. Consequently, properties around the lake have implemented new cleaning standards to ensure guests are entering safe environments in their cabin or hotel room. In some cases, this demands more time, different cleaning agents, additional laundering and just a different way of doing things to provide sterile conditions.
For some, this means public areas are cleaned, in many cases, numerous times throughout the day. Some resorts are taking special measures to clean rental, guide and charter boats, rods and reels, nets, bait containers, fish cleaning areas and other surfaces used in a day of fishing that people could be touching when charters and guided fishing are rolling again.
Remote Check In and Communication. Measures have been taken for social distancing as well as simply eliminating human to human contact when possible. Many resorts are doing check-ins and other communication via email or over the phone. That might include taking payment, discussing fish patterns, when and where to meet your guide or charter, etc.Â
In many cases, guests don’t even need to enter the lobby, but rather continue right to their room or cabin that staff has unlocked and ready. If you prefer to go into the lobby to say hello and check in, social distancing guidelines are in place for safety.
Altering check in areas and flow. For some resorts, changing the way people flow into and through the resort for check-ins has been altered. Making sure there are only a couple of people at a time in the office and eliminating the need for guests to be in small confined areas together are just a couple of the tweaks resorts have changed as of recent.
Meal Plans. Meal prep has taken on a different look with kitchen facilities and employees implementing precautions in meal prep and distribution. Resorts are adapting nicely with allowable seating at the resort as well as pick up and in some cases, delivery available.
For those who want to sit back, relax and enjoy a good sit down meal right at the resort, some of the most beautiful views in Minnesota await you overlooking the Rainy River or Lake of the Woods await you. Resorts have taken measures to address social distancing by making sure tables are spaced apart properly and other safety measures have been implemented to ensure a safe dining experience.
Social Distancing in Fish Cleaning Houses. Fish cleaning houses are a staple at The Walleye Capital of the World. Depending upon the size of each fish cleaning area, resorts / hotels are implementing social distancing guidelines to keep anglers apart. In addition, they are working hard on new COVID – 19 cleaning protocols within the fish cleaning areas.
As some things are very different, some things will remain the same. Minnesota traditions of catching walleyes, hanging out with friends and loved ones and of course fish frys are happening again up at Lake of the Woods as it has for generations.
We encourage guests to communicate with the resort and hotel you are staying at ahead of time and do everything possible to be safe. Feedback so far has been very positive and people once again are starting to get out and make memories. Come check out social distancing, Lake of the Woods style!
This week the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz and his staff announced charter boats are once again allowed to operate starting June 1st. This is great news for many Lake of the Woods resorts as charter boats are a integral part of their resort and offer visitors options and the opportunity to access Lake of the Woods safely, effectively and with very high fish catch rates.
Why are charter boats such a great option?  No worries. Just step aboard and most everything is taken care of. The Coast Guard licensed charter captain will lead your adventure in search of walleyes. Rods and reels, bait, jigs, lures and really most everything you need for a fun and successful day on the water is provided. All you have to decide is what to wear and what to eat. In fact, when you come off of the water, the guides will even clean your fish. In many cases, the resort will even cook your fish! Now this is living.
Fishing the NW Angle. Both the U.S. and Canada extended the border closure another 30 days to June 21st. With that being said, there are various options in traveling up to the Angle. Normally, you can drive there through Canada and back into the U.S. at the Angle. With that option not available for the time being, people can boat over. With that being said, you need to have a very seaworthy boat and an experienced boat driver as the trip is around 30 miles across Big Traverse Bay of Lake of the Woods.
Most will go across in the morning when the winds are down. As always, it needs to be safety first. For some, it shouldn’t be advised. For others, no big deal.
There are a number of resorts on the south shore offering parking if you are headed to a NW Angle resort. Arnesen’s Rocky Point on the west end of the lake. At the mouth of the Rainy River, Wigwam and Border View Lodge have said they are happy to help NW Angle guests.
Sportsman’s Lodge offers a transport service up to the Angle. You can load up all of your gear and people traveling on a charter boat and they will transport you across to the NW Angle resort you are staying. In some cases, people will have the transport boat haul the majority of the party along with gear and follow behind. Lots of options.
The fishing on the Minnesota side of the NW Angle is excellent. During the summer months, anglers have a lot of water to choose from loaded with options and a variety of fish. Walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch and even some big muskies live in the Minnesota waters adjacent to the Angle.
Camping. It was also announced that camping will re-open on June 1st. Lake of the Woods has a myriad of good camping options. The resorts and lodging community that offer camping have a variety of setting form on the water, in the woods or a little of both. Check out our resort lodging page for more info.
Staying at hotels and resorts. For some time now there has been options as resorts and hotels have been operating and serving guests with their own boats. Many safety precautions have been implemented to keep both guests and employees safe. If you have your own boat, many excellent fishing opportunities exist right now. Anglers are catching limits of walleyes and saugers. Pike and bass are also very prevalent but take a back seat to the walleyes.
Many of the resorts are offering take out meals. Simply order off of their menu. Some guests choose to cook their own meals. Some like eating out on vacation. Others do both. Lots of options up at Lake of the Woods.
It is a wonderful time to come to the area. The fish are biting, fish frys are delicious as ever and memories are still being made, even during this unique chapter of life we call COVID – 19.
If you follow Lake of the Woods, you have probably heard the jigging bite is on! The majority of the walleyes being caught these days is on a jig and minnow. There are a number of nuances when it comes to jigs and
minnows and each angler has their favorites. It is good to have a number of tools in your jigging tool belt when it comes to jigging
. Some nuances to consider.
Color. Lake of the Woods is stained water. Consequently, there are some go to colors that work quite consistently. Gold is one color that absolutely shines. As many long time LOW anglers will tell you, use any color on LOW as long as it’s gold. In some cases, the gold is combined with other colors. Sometimes straight gold is the ticket.
Other strong colors are pink, orange, chartreuse and glow. Glow is an interesting choice in colors as it really shows up nicely in stained water. The other caveat is the different colors of glow that are available now. Glow red, glow pink, etc. Glow is also a nice complimentary color that is added to other colors.
A local company located up at Lake of the Woods, Tom’s Tackle, specializes in tackle for this body of water and has really created some effective color schemes specifically designed for stained water. Some of the creations are multi colored jigs on a gold base which is always a good starting point.Â
Shape and noise. Some jigs have different shapes. Most are round but there are other shapes that can be attractive to walleyes. In current, thinner molded jigs can cut the current allowing a different action and allow a lighter jig to be used.
Some jigs have extra noise attractants on them. In some cases it’s a rattle, in other cases a propeller or spinner. It is amazing how, in some cases, a little bit of noise can make such a difference.
Some jigs have a prism effect which causes the light to reflect differently off of the jig. How much of a difference does this make to the walleyes? Nobody really knows, but those jigs have produced a lot of big walleyes.
Hooking the minnow. Most anglers who jig simply hook the minnow through the lips. This technique is effective unless the walleyes are short biting. Many of the charters on LOW have their customers hook the frozen shiners through the mid body. Basically, place the hook of the jig through the mouth and out of the gill of the shiner, push it all the way up to the lead head and then hook the minnow through the mid section. In the stained water, the walleyes are less finicky about the presentation and this allows for a better percentage of successful hooksets.
Another effective nuance to effective jigging is if you are missing fish when they bite, add a stinger hook. A stinger hook is a short piece of line connected to a small treble hook that can be inserted near the tail of the minnow. As long as the stinger doesn’t take away action of the presentation which could cause you to get fewer bites, the hook up ratio will be much better. In the stained waters of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, this normally isn’t an issue.
Jigging can be an easy way to fish, certainly effective and relaxing. At the same time, there are ways to get this technique to be more productive. Thinking about the nuances and understanding how to use them can up the ante on your walleye jigging performance.
State Parks are beautiful and number as high as 75 in Minnesota, however, Lake of the Woods is home to many beautiful areas to explore.
The Shoreline at Zippel Bay State Park
It’s time to get outdoors and get some fresh air and sit and enjoy the beauty of creation as it comes to life in the springtime. Zippel Bay State Park is a beautiful spot to visit at any season, but springtime has special beauty.
With miles of groomed trails, you will enjoy wildflowers peeking through the undergrowth and the aspens and birch trees coming alive with their bright green leaves and beautiful white bark. This State Park is located at 3684 54th Avenue Northwest, Williams, MN 56686 on Hwy #8 northwest of Baudette. Currently during Covid-19, state parks are only open to day visits until May 31st but that is a great opportunity to take the family on a walking tour.
The State Park at Zippel Bay is also known for its sandy beach reaching out into Lake of the Woods. It’s a perfect place for children to build sand castles and explore the shoreline. The bay itself is very shallow there so it is the best place for visitors to swim and walk out a long distance. You may obtain a State Park Sticker online before you visit or right at the entrance. A great family experience while practicing social distancing.
Zipple Bay State Park also manages the Blueberry Hill and Faunce campgrounds inside the Beltrami Island State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Zippel Bay State Park office at (218) 783-6252. Blueberry Hill State Forest is located 3.5 miles west of Williams on the south side of Highway 11 and is one of the highest points of elevation in the county.
Other state parks in the area include an excursion by boat to the northern-most park of Garden Island on Lake of the Woods.
Garden Island State ParkBeach at Zippel Bay State Park
Boat docks and picnic grounds are available three seasons of the year. Here you can explore and do some walleye fishing and even enjoy a shore lunch on these beautiful grounds. Here’s a link to see what you can expect. Don’t forget that if you’re a birding fanatic, you are able to see many species at this untouched landscape. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/garden_island/vt_gardenisland.html
Venture to the northland very soon to enjoy the rich beauty spring offers in state parks. Come to Lake of the Woods, MN. For more information and lodging availability, please see out website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging. Feast your eyes on the beauty nature has to offer.
The thing about the basin is it is loaded with millions of walleyes and saugers. The basin also boasts a strong population of big trophy walleyes as there is a good number of tulibees in the big water. Walleyes will focus on tulibees when they reach that 25 inch mark and these fish enable walleyes to get bigger faster.
