For those who aren’t very familiar with ice fishing, or even if you are, this episode of Midwest Outdoors TV really highlights ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. Spending time in a nice warm fish house picking away at a variety of fish including walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, tulibees, pike, crappies and occasional sucker! Yep, that’s right, caught on camera, a sucker hit Midwest Outdoor’s Greg Jones’s Rippin Rap. This was a first and lead to some excitement of a possible nice walleye until a positive ID was made!
There is nothing like finishing off a day of ice fishing with a traditional fish fry. So just like we do it when we are having fun on our own time, we showed off fried walleyes and saugers with all of the fixings on the show. This is the kind of meal that when you smell the delicious fried fish, you think about spending time in a fish house and the memories you have created.
What a year it has been. And for people who like to ice fish, there is still lots of ice fishing to go. March ice fishing is approaching and Lake of the Woods, being border water with Canada, benefits by having extended seasons. Fish houses are allowed out on the ice through March 31st. In addition, fishing seasons go longer. Walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th. Pike season never closes.
Lake of the Woods has experienced great ice this year and has seen lots of ice anglers. Only Mother Nature knows for sure, but there are many ice anglers looking forward to fishing and getting that spring sun tan at the same time! Enjoy the show.
As many Midwesterners who enjoy ice fishing are in the heart of the ice fishing season, it is good to look ahead at a month of ice fishing that many don’t really consider when it comes to targeting walleyes and pike, March Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods! You see, in most of the great state of Minnesota, March ice fishing is somewhat limited. Fish houses cannot be left overnight on the ice after February 28th, the walleye season and pike season closes and ice fishing for those targeting predators appears to be over.
March Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods, however, is very different. Fish houses are allowed overnight through March 31st. The walleye and sauger season continues on through April 14th and the pike season is open continuously. Being farther north, the ice typically is good and thick throughout the month, and even if some melting is taking place, ice fishing is happening in areas of the lake less affected by runoff, flow of water and current.
Some resorts actually extend the life of the ice by blanketing ice approaches to the land access with saw dust or hay. For those of you with more history under your belt than others, this is much in the same way ice was kept for ice boxes.
What a great time of the year. The sun is out longer, the fish are active and in some cases staging for the spawn and some days anglers actually need to wear sunscreen. Other days seem more like winter with snow and cold. It’s March ice fishing on Lake of the Woods and it’s tradition.
This is an interesting place. On one end of Lake of the Woods, people are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, world class pike and monster eelpout through the ice. Fish have the feedbag on gaining energy for the upcoming spawn.
On the other end of the spectrum towards mid or late March, the Rainy River is open and people are fishing in boats. This is the time of the year that big numbers of walleyes from Lake of the Woods slide up the Rainy River on their annual spawning run. Although regulations are that only Catch and Release is to happen on the Rainy River, it’s also quite exhilarating to catch those monsters who swim up river.
Most anglers will be using jigs and minnows for walleyes. More popular are jigs and plastics. The brighter colors of chartreuse, orange, pink and white are all popular colors depending upon many factors, the color of the water being one. The walleye season on Lake of the Woods continues through April 14th. Go to MN DNR Fishing Regulations page HERE for full current limits.
If you decide you want to get in some bonus March ice fishing, here is a list of resorts and outfitters from the south end of the lake up to the NW Angle.
Whatever you decide, fishing for predators in March and April on Lake of the Woods is in full gear and as a trophy fishery for both walleyes and pike, might be worth a trip!
Lake of the Woods has excellent marked and groomed trails coming up to the NW Angle from the Wheeler’s Point area at the mouth of the Rainy River as well as on the west side of the lake from Arnesen’s Rocky Point and Warroad.
Nice trails across the lake make it possible to stay or park on the south end of the lake and sled up for the day. The trail to Sportsman’s Oak Island is about 42 miles, but a fairly easy drive.
Sportsman’s Oak Island is know for it’s good food and Rally Day will be no different. Enjoy smoked pork shoulder with all of the delicious sides.
There are activities happening all day. Do you have a fast sled? Perhaps you want to take part in the radar run. For those who think they are tough, try the “goose bump jump” where you jump into the icy waters of Lake of the Woods. I dare ya! Once you jump in, warm up by the community bonfire. There will be outdoor games and a tent near the lodge, raffles during the day and certainly lots of great camaraderie! Don’t leave the kids behind as there will be kid’s activities and this is a family event.
The Sportsman’s Oak Island staff is excited to welcome all and to support a good cause. The Angle locals take their winter recreation seriously, and the Snow Rally is the pinnacle of the winter season!
This event is a lot of fun and not only celebrates the culture of snowmobiling in the north woods but is also a fundraiser for the snowmobile club. This year the prizes are impressive including a brand new Polaris snowmobile along with a variety of other prizes.
The NW Angle Edge Riders do a wonderful job of keeping trails properly marked and groomed. The NW Angle and all of Lake of the Woods with the Lake of the Woods Drifters snowmobile club on the south end of the lake create some of the best trail riding around. Known much more for it’s walleyes, snowmobiling in the region is world class but often get overshadowed. If you are a snowmobiler, come up and check out beautiful sledding without the traffic!
Lake of the Woods MN – Lake of the Woods in Minnesota and Key West, Florida are very different, but also have a lot in common. There is currently three feet of ice and thousands of happy ice anglers on Lake of the Woods. The temp in Key West is in the 80’s. What they do have in common is world class fishing and claiming the northernmost and southernmost points in the contiguous U.S. with the marker buoys to prove it!
The two destinations have teamed up for a fishing trip giveaway. Anglers can enter to win a two-destination vacation to fish freshwater and saltwater species in the “Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway” that spotlights recreational angling in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, and the Florida Keys.
The giveaway launched Wednesday as part of a month long social media program showcasing the two destinations, which feature iconic “twin buoys” designating the northernmost and southernmost points in the continental United States.
Catch and release sailfish, often called tail walkers, in the Florida Keys.
Both locales are characterized by islands, world-class fishing and concentrations of professional charter guides and captains ready to share their knowledge of local waters, species and angling techniques.
Facebook users can enter by clicking the contest link on the Florida Keys and Lake of the Woods Facebook pages at @floridakeysandkeywest and @lakeofthewoodsmn.
Desktop and mobile users or people who do not use the Facebook app can enter online at https://a.pgtb.me/vKlCgd.
The grand prize includes gift cards for air travel and car rental, three nights’ accommodations at Flag Island Resort in Lake of the Woods and two nights’ accommodations at Hyatt Centric Key West in the Florida Keys.
In each destination, the prize winner is to experience custom fishing charters with skilled guides and captains who specialize in freshwater inlets, lakes, ice fishing, saltwater flats, inshore and offshore experiences. Also, the winner is to receive a selection of fishing lures, suitable for both the Florida Keys and Lake of the Woods, from A Band of Anglers.
The prize is valued at nearly 5,000 U.S. dollars.
The “Northernmost to Southernmost” entry period continues through 11:59 p.m. (ET) March 11, 2020. Entrants must be age 21 or over and legal residents of the United States or reside in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba or Ontario.
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,
