Save the date – Pay It Forward 2020 in Baudette, MN, Lake of the Woods, Walleye Capital of the World, is August 31-September 3, 2020. The 7th Annual Pay It Forward 2020 is a 3 Night/2 Day Fishing Extravaganza
bringing injured and disabled Veterans to Lake of the Woods to honor, recognize and celebrate the people who have served our country in all branches of the service. It is our desire in creating this event to lead persons to healing and happiness. Many sponsors organize this great opportunity for veterans each year. About 60 participants are treated to guided fishing trips, outdoor fish frys, banquets, speakers, music and accommodations.
Many area resorts and businesses plus fishing companies sponsor the Pay It Forward event by providing funds, lodging and delicious food. It takes many volunteers to make this event happen. Here are some kind words spoken by past attendees. “The Event is a don’t miss summer fishing outing for your bucket list. Great walleye fishing combined with a great cause. What’s not to like?” “This trip was amazing! I can not thank everyone involved enough! We had an absolute blast fishing. Can’t wait to be back up there!”
Pay It Forward 2020 starts out with a Meet and Greet session, dinner and a program at an area resort. The next day Charter Fishing starts out bright and early. That evening dinner and a program will be at another area resort. The second full day will also be charter fishing, ending with our famous fish fry, one of two in the area during the summer months. Veterans of all ages, young and old, male or female are encouraged to attend. Visit www.lakeofthewoodsMN.com/Pay-It-Forward
or go to www.payitforwardlow.org. to see great pictures and gather insite on the event. For even more information contact Lake of the Woods Tourism Director, Joe Henry at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodmn.com to make your application.
Our community invites you to participate in this 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.
It doesn’t matter if you are a bird watcher, outdoors person or simply are into trying new things. There is a cool activity that is fun, exciting and free up in the Lake of the Woods area near Baudette. From early April through the first week of May, sharp tailed grouse are conducting their annual mating rituals. The entire party takes part in areas of open brushland called a lek. A lek is defined as an assembly area where animals carry on display and courtship behavior (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this case as is usually the case in nature, it is the males fighting for attention from the females.
Bob Schmidt is the new Manager of Wildlife for the MN DNR in Baudette. He says the grouse will be dancing until about May 1st and the public is welcomed to reserve a free blind and enjoy this incredible spectacle. To rent a blind, contact Schmidt at the MN DNR office in Baudette at 218-395-6040.
This event, if you have never witnessed it up close and personal, is one to see. Videos don’t do it justice when the birds are right on top of you. “The males are dancing and fighting to protect their territory and gain the chance to breed with the females,” explains Scott Laudenslager, former MN DNR Supervisor of the Baudette work area. “Typically a lek consists of an area about a half mile. It consists of short grass to the grouse can participate in their breeding activities. Sharp tailed grouse are much more social than ruffed grouse, who drum in the woods and don’t participate in groups like the sharpies do,” explains Laudenslager.
The MN DNR has two blinds set up in prime viewing range of popular leks. “One blind is about 5 minutes from Baudette in which viewers need to walk about 200 yards to the blind. The other is about 15 miles south but only 50 yards or so from the road. The blinds hold 2-3 people, have five gallon pails for seating and are right in the heart of the action.”
Check out the Video! Bret Amundson of Prairie Sportsman TV recently did a piece about sharpies in MN titled, “Birds of the Prairie”. He spent some time with Scott Laudenslager of the MN DNR out of Baudette in a viewing blind in the area.
To reserve a blind to watch sharp tailed grouse which is open to the public, interested viewers can contact the MN DNR in Baudette at 218-395-6040 to make a reservation. It is important to get your sleep the night before as participants must be in the blind before daybreak. “It is not uncommon for folks to be walking to the blind and kick up the grouse,” explains Laudenslager. “When that happens, simply get set up in the blind and in about 15 minutes or so, they will start making their way back to the lek.”
In addition to sharp tailed grouse, other wildlife can be seen up close and personal as well. “It is not uncommon to see white tailed deer, coyotes, eagles, hawks, etc during a sit. When a hawk swoops down in an effort to get the grouse, the grouse will normally fly off but typically return again within 15 minutes, it’s just part of nature.”
The best viewing times are before sunrise to about 9am. If work or school dictates you must leave the blind before that time, not a problem.
The area has excellent sharp tailed grouse habitat with literally thousands of acres of public hunting land with walking trails, ATV trails and dirt roads. A variety of trees mixed in with agricultural lands make this prime territory.
There are three species of grouse in the Lake of the Woods Lake of the Woods area. Ruffed, spruce and of course, our dancing variety, sharp-tailed! The most popular for hunting is the ruffed grouse. The Lake of the Woods chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society is very active and has done a lot of work creating and clearing trails for hunting, some of which in conjunction with the MN DNR.
In the northland, there is about 30 inches of ice on the lake, huge snowbanks everywhere, ice houses and snowmobiles traveling the roads, but the sun is shining brightly and it has the hint of Spring Fishing on the Rainy River. Yes, Rainy River creates the
border between Minnesota and Canada. Its wide expanse and the swift current makes for great adventures on this water. The Rainy flows from Rainy Lake in the east at Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada and International Falls, MN. It meanders over small rapid areas and around a few islands to make it to its destination in Lake of the Woods.
The Minnesota Department of Resources along with the counties of Koochiching and Lake of the Woods maintain small rest areas, parks and landings where anglers can launch their boats or visitors can just enjoy the beauty of the river and possibly cook a hot dog over the provided fire pits in an area complete with shelters and picnic tables.
Spring Fishing on the Rainy River is an experience of a lifetime. Walleyes swim upstream to take part in their annual spawning ritual. Lunkers galore show up on angler’s lines for the thrill of landing a trophy fish. During this early “ice out” season, timing only Mother Nature knows, anglers come dressed in their snowmobile suits sometimes having to push their boats over iced landing areas. It’s not unreasonable to see giant ice formations along the shores on both sides of the river. A sight to behold!
Spring Fishing on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay for walleyes has some new limits though. During this season anglers must practice Catch and Release. The MN DNR imposed these limits so that the population of walleyes and saugers is sustainable.
Previous studies showed a decrease of mature male walleyes in the river. This is believe to be from the previous regulations which allowed anglers to keep two walleyes or saugers under 19.5 inches. Naturally, a high percentage of these fish were mature male walleyes.
As most anglers go to the Rainy River in the spring to pursue big walleyes, splash their boat for the first time of the year and simply for the incredible experience, giving up the two fish limit for catch and release is understood by most.
Another feature of the Rainy River is the incredible sturgeon. Anglers come from all over the world to catch one of these prehistoric monsters, at times over 100 lbs! The sturgeon fishery is healthy and anglers often boat multiple fish per day. Check out regulations on our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.
Here’s another interesting perk to the spring fishing season. More times than not, there is still ice on the lake. Ice houses can remain on the ice in this borderland until March 31st, and the walleye fishing season continues through April 14th. Now anglers can go between fishing on the river to fishing on the ice in the same day. The hint here is to bring your sunscreen and your sunglasses!! Enjoy every season you’re in, but look forward to a season of Spring Fishing on the Rainy River. Check out our website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging to make your reservations now!
If you happen to be in central MN this weekend February 7 – 9, 2020, stop by the St. Cloud Sportsman’s Show at the River’s Edge Convention Center and say hello. Joe Henry with Lake of the Wood Tourism will be available to chat anything Lake of the Woods! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the lake, different methods of fishing, what resorts might fit your group the best, etc.
Make plans to watch seminars on walleye fishing from Joe Henry. The first is titled Crawler Harnesses for Walleye Success. The second, Feel the Noise for Summer Walleyes. Both seminars have been popular and will add tools to your walleye tool belt regardless of where you fish. Professional walleye anglers Ted Takasaki will also be presenting. Ted’s first topic is Why Jig for Walleye and his second is Successful Crappie Techniques.
Sportshows are a great opportunity to sit back with your favorite beverage and learn ideas, tips and tricks enabling you to become a more successful angler.
While at the St. Cloud Sportsman’s Show, pick up the New Official Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide. Sign up for chance to win a 3 night, 2 day fishing trip for four people and of course, let’s talk Lake of the Woods fishing, resorts, NW Angle, spring fishing, sturgeon and everything else that makes Lake of the Woods a special place.
For some, the focus will still be talking ice fishing as fish houses can be left on the lake overnight through March 31st, a bit longer than most of MN as we are border water with Canada. The walleye/sauger season continues through April 14th on Lake of the Woods which extends the ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods.
Many anglers are looking forward to the spring run of walleyes on the Rainy River. Typically the Rainy River starts to open up east of Baudette towards the middle or end of March. Only Mother Nature knows when this will happen but when it does, it can be world class fishing for big female walleyes. Walleyes from a good portion of Lake of the Woods will make their way to spawning grounds up river. Imagine, all of these walleyes constricted into a relatively small river. This can lead to some epic walleye fishing and of course memories. The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release only for walleyes and saugers from March 1 – April 14. Most anglers don’t mind as it is a chance to splash their boat and fish walleyes for the first time of the year. It is also a chance to catch a walleye of a lifetime!
There will also be anglers wanting to chat about big pike in March or possibly catching them when the ice goes out as the pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods and that lends itself to some nice opportunities. Lake of the Woods is a trophy pike lake with many fish caught over 40″.
It won’t be long and anglers will also be targeting Lake Sturgeon on the Rainy River. This fish that dates back to the prehistoric times is a handful of fun and a blast to catch. Anglers will be fishing sturgeon up and down the Rainy River as well as in Four Mile Bay. Many skip the walleyes and focus on the sturgeon. It is fun fishing too. Basically anchored up near a hole in the river fishing night crawlers on the bottom.
In addition to Lake of the Woods, the St. Cloud Sportsman’s Show will have a large selection of fishing tackle retailers, boats, trailers, resorts, etc. The River’s Edge Convention Center is located right in the downtown area of St. Cloud on the shores of the mighty Mississippi River.
Back by popular demand, The Old Days of Lake of the Woods Fishing…
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. It was for this reason Bret Amundson of Prairie Sportsman TV decided to produce a piece chatting with some of the resort owners with a lot of history under their belt from this body of water so near and dear to the hearts of many.
There were many great resort owners to choose from. For this episode, time was spent with Ed and Jack Arnesen of Arnesen’s Rocky Point, Steve Ballard of Ballard’s Resort and Mike Trueman, former owner of Border View Lodge.
The stories are interesting, almost like taking a mini history class. Ed Arnesen speaks of his grandfather walking to Rocky Point in about 1894 from the Red River Valley. “He wasn’t much for farming and had heard about the sturgeon fishing on Lake of the Woods. He homesteaded here in 1897 and started his own fishery,” explains Arnesen. “The sturgeon were used for their caviar. At one time, Lake of the Woods produced 2/3 of the world’s caviar.”
“In 1961, my parents moved up here from NW Iowa. I was five years old,” explains Steve Ballard of Ballard’s Resort. “They bought their first launch in 1962. It was a 23′ Chris Craft. When you were out there, you had no cell phones. If you broke down, you pretty much had to figure out how to get home. 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. Now everyone is looking at their I phone telling everyone where the storm is,” explains Ballard.
“When we first moved here, we were very fortunate that for the most part, all resort owners got along very well just because of the way things were and the changes that were coming about, getting into the winter business. The 80’s was a lot of change,” explains Mike Trueman, previous owner of Border View Lodge. “I got into the ice fishing business the winter of ’85-’86. At that time, I know we got $25 per person. That was transportation out and back, the fish house, bait, your tackle. We supplied the poles and everything. I wanna say we got about $15 per night per head for the cabin, and it just grew. The winter business not only helped financially, but you didn’t have to hug and kiss your guides and summer employees in the fall and hope you got them back in the spring because now you could keep them employed,” explains Trueman.
The stories went on and on. For anyone into Lake of the Woods, into history, into the transformation of both open water and ice fishing, this is definitely a piece to peak your interest.
It is not always easy to get in front of a camera and talk about the past. I want to personally thank Ed and Jack Arnesen, Steve Ballard and Mike Trueman for taking the time to share about the way things used to be, how and when they started to change and the way you see things now. Precious history like this is invaluable. We hope you find this short ten minute segment of Prairie Sportsman TV as intriguing as we did.
The 7th Annual Ice Derby is set for Thursday, February 6th out of Wheeler’s Point Resort. There are some fun changes this year with the inclusion of a catch, photograph, release format. On Lake of the Woods, there is a slot limit. Any walleye caught between 19.5 inches and 28 inches has to be released immediately with anglers being able to keep one fish per day over 28 inches. With a normal “keep” ice derby in which fish are brought to weigh in, there could be a number of big walleyes caught over 28 inches and brought back for weigh in. That means that fish will never swim again.
With this year’s catch, photo, release format, anglers are allowed to photograph the walleye on of of Wheeler’s Point Resort’s official rulers and the image shared with the resort judges vs the actual fish. This will allow participants the chance to photograph and release trophy walleyes if they so choose to.
In addition, catch, photo, release allows walleyes that are in the protected slot to be photographed and counted for the contest. In a traditional “keep” tournament, anglers would be looking to catch walleyes up to 19.5 inches and hoping to get a trophy over 28 inches.
Anglers must be fishing Lake of the Woods, but the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay are off limits. Check out the rules sheet here for official rules of the derby.
Ice fishing is fun all by itself, let alone adding the excitement of an ice fishing tournament or “ice derby” to the mix. Everyone is welcome regardless of where you are staying. If you would like to find out more or register for this derby, contact Wheeler’s Point Resort at 218-634-2629,
Yes, Good News-there’s Great Ice on Lake of the Woods. This great expanse of water in the northland is the sight of near 30 inches of ice and supports many fish houses and wheelhouses.
Jerry Carlson of the St. Cloud Times recently wrote an article while interviewing Lake of the Woods Tourism Director, Joe Henry.
He wrote, “For much of the northern part of the state, the ice conditions have been a disaster this winter. Heavy snow, slush and thin ice have had a major impact on fishing.
Normal winter hotspots like Red, Winnie and Leech have all had issues. Travel has been limited to snowmobiles and ATVs in many locations. In some cases, there are plowed roads that are open to truck traffic and wheelhouses, but those are limited. If you are traveling to these lakes in the near future, call ahead for current conditions.
There’s Good News-Great Ice, a bright spot up north at Lake of the Woods. Most of the major snows have missed the area allowing them to develop over two feet of good ice.
This popular winter destination is home to over 50 resorts and outfitters that work Lake of the Woods in the winter. About a dozen of these resorts plow and maintain roads for those that wish to bring their own wheelhouse.
The walleye and sauger activity has been consistent. Henry did remind me that as of last year, the limits have changed. An angler can have a total of six fish in possession with no more than four of these walleyes. It used to be eight. There is tremendous wintertime fishing pressure on Lake of the Woods with more than two million angling hours put in last year. In an effort to protect the sauger population, they reduced the limit by two. The protected slot limit for walleyes is still 19.5 to 28 inches. Anglers can keep one walleye over 28. Fishing regulations on Lake of the Woods are different from the rest of the state. Houses are allowed on the ice through the end of March. The walleye season stays open through April 14th.
If traveling to Lake of the Woods, Henry highly recommends using sonar equipment as fish often come in suspended off of the bottom.”
This has been the opinion of outdoors columnist Jerry Carlson. Contact him at jerrycarlson@cloudnet.com.
Whether visiting to the north country in winter or summer, you’ll find a number of Historical Sites at Lake of the Woods. Let’s visit some of them now.
Lake of the Woods County Museum in Baudette is a bridge to the past. It has exhibits on geology, natural history, native cultures, the Great Forest Fire of 1910, commercial fishing in the past, logging, agriculture and pharamaceutical industries.
Cairn of Peace World Ploughing 2019
The new exhibit coming in the spring of 2020 will be the Cairn of Peace from the World Ploughing Competition which was held the fall of 2019 in Lake of the Woods County where 28 countries joined in from around the world. The museum is open seasonally or by appointment
The Baudette Depot – Once abandoned in the 1980s, is now completely renovated as of 2011. The Depot of 1923 is one of Baudette’s favorite connections to the Canadian Railway and start to the city of Baudette. The depot sits on land leased from CN (the Canadian National Railways) at the very end of Main Ave. Head in for a private tour or attend one of the many festivities and art shows this beautiful location holds.
Fort St. Charles – is the site of the original fortress and fur-trading post erected in 1732, by the French-Canadian voyageurs. The fort is on Magnusson’s Island and is open to the public. This island is accessible by boat during open water
months and snowmobile during the winter months. There is no charge to visit this site
Faunce Tower Lookout – is a 100 foot stairway tower erected by the Civilian Conservations Corps in 1935. It replace an
Faunce Tower
older tower located 3 miles to the south of the original along Faunce Forest Road. It also marks the lost village of Faunce. Faunce campground is located at this site which stands roughly 12 miles south of Williams on Co Rd 2.
Norris Camp – is today’s headquarters of the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area. The history of Norris Camp began in 1933 with President Roosevelt’s CCC program and it became the impetus for creating Norris Camp. Today you can travel to Faunce Tower and Norris Camp view the beauty of the Beltrami Forest with native pines lining the drive. Bicycle enthusiasts would especially enjoy this ride.
Painted Rock Island – is located on Lake of the Woods. Earliest Settlers and those passing through have left their mark on the north side of that Rock. These pictographs are extimated to be over 900 years old. This can be viewed from a boat in the channel between Painted Rock Island and Split Rock Island adjacent to the NW Angle just into Ontario.
Historical Sites at Lake of the Woods also includes Native history found on both sides of this international border. Come and enjoy the beauty of Lake of the Woods area by traveling through its rich history.
If you are close to the Chicago area, stop by Thursday – Sunday, January 26 – 29, 2023 and say hello to Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo. In addition to answering questions, giving out specific information, and handing out the brand new Lake of the Woods Visitor’s Guides, Joe will be conducting two seminars titled, “Spot Hopping for Walleyes” and “Lake of the Woods 101”.
Thursday, January 26, 2023 @ 4 pm, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor). Spot Hoppin’ for Walleyes
Saturday, January 28, 2023 @ Noon, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor). Spot Hoppin’ for Walleyes
Sunday, January 29, 2023 @ 11:00 am, Seminar Hall (2nd Floor). Lake of the Woods 101 (emphasis on walleyes)
Spot Hoppin’ for Walleyes is a strategy to maximize productivity on catching walleyes on lakes and rivers, clear water and stained water in all parts of the walleye world. Discussing this strategy used by guides and tournament angler to quickly break apart the body of water and understanding in a short time where the walleyes are and what it will take to catch them.
In addition, this year’s Chicagoland Fishing Show will feature an informative Lake of the Woods 101 seminar featuring helpful info about the lake, Rainy River and NW Angle. Seasonal patterns, techniques, seasons and limits will be discussed. Some of the top techniques to catch walleyes along with the nuances to those presentations to really put more walleyes in the boat will be part of this presentation.
The seminars are jam packed with videos, images and maps to give you the help you need in having a successful trip up to The Walleye Capital of the World or simply whacking more walleyes using a number of very effective methods.
Stop by our booth #723!
If you plan on attending the show, stop by and enter the drawing for a free fishing trip and say hello!
Lake of the Woods Tourism will be in booth #723 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. We hope to see you at the 2023 Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo!
When In Depth Outdoors host James Holst hooks up with long time NW Angle guide, Eric Grundahl, good things are bound to happen. On this episode, shot just recently during an arctic blast of cold temps, the two decided to hunker down in -15 degree weather. Because of the cold, they weren’t going to be moving around a lot and picked a spot they thought they could sit on and catch fish. Well, between the knowledge of the area and their understanding of catching walleyes, things turned out pretty good.
On this day, the pair were using minnow baits. Initially, Holst was using a #4 Rapala Rippin Rap, a lure that brings a lot of noise. Not only does it have vibration when you rip it, it has rattles in the lure that can be heard a long ways away. Grundahl started out with a minnow bait without so much noise and also caught a good number of walleyes on the show.
Holst is no stranger to Lake of the Woods and the NW Angle. He has fished it often both in the open water and on the ice.
Later in the show, James Holst gets a surprise with a big pike hitting the lure. Grundahl, who has handled thousands of pike in his fishing career, grabbed the big fish from the ice hole like a champ just as the lure falls out of the pike’s mouth.
Always an educational show, check out In Depth Outdoors fishing out of the NW Angle. Who says walleyes are tough to catch in sub zero weather!
Baudette’s favorite connections to the Canadian Railway and start to the city of 
