Fishing Report 4.22.2025

fishing

On the South Shore…  The focus along the south shore is watching the ice disappear from back bays, big pike sliding into the bays and ditches for the spawn and of course ice out on the main lake (Big Traverse Bay).  

From now until the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, anglers will be targeting northern pike (and sturgeon on the Rainy River).

Ditches are running and shallow bays are starting to pop open. Now is the time when the big pike are moving in, staging for the upcoming spawn.  This is a great spring fishing opportunity not available in most parts of the state.

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Big Sturgeon

Various techniques for spring pike are effective.  A dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons or trolling shallow crankbaits all can be effective. However you fish, shallow bays along the south shore such as Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are a prime spot to hook into a true trophy.

The pike limit on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is three fish per day. All pike between 30 and 40 inches must be released, but one pike over 40 inches can be kept. Many anglers choose to take measurements and photos, release their fish, and order a replica mount to remember the catch. All great options!

On the Rainy River…  Now that walleye season is closed, sturgeon fishing is in full swing and the bite is very good.  Anglers are catching solid numbers of these prehistoric giants. Some of the feeder creeks have opened up, increasing the current. That added flow has lowered visibility of the water a bit, but sturgeon primarily feed by scent, so fishing has not been affected.

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Big Lake Sturgeon

Most anglers are using 4 to 6-ounce no roll sinkers with their sturgeon rigs to stay on the bottom in the heavier current. A typical sturgeon rig includes an 18-inch leader, a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook, and baited with nightcrawlers, or crawlers paired with frozen emerald shiners. Local bait shops and resorts are well-stocked with everything you’ll need.

The sturgeon season is open through May 15th. Here are the upcoming dates to keep in mind:

Catch and Release Season: May 8 – May 15, and again October 1 – April 23.

Harvest Season: April 24 – May 7, and July 1 – September 30.

Closed Season: May 16 – June 30.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Progress is being made with more and more open water this week. Other than some local airboats, travel on the ice is pretty much done.  The focus is on the upcoming open water season.  Resorts and area guides are already preparing.

Based on the ice fishing season, expectations for fishing success naturally are high.  Lake of the Woods is healthy.

Now’s the time to plan your spring or summer fishing trip!  For fishing reports, resort info, and more, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 4.15.2025

On the South Shore…  For the vast majority of anglers, ice fishing is over for the year, and what a great year it was.  You may hear of a few hardcore ice guides still gaining access in places targeting pike, but overall, we will now start watching for open holes appearing in the ice, the Rainy River making its presence known outside the Lighthouse Gap and satellite images from clear days showing progress up until the MN Fishing Opener.  

The spring walleye season is complete as of April 14th.  As far as the lake goes, the focus now is pike up until the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 10th. 

Ditches are running and soon bays will pop open enabling anglers to target huge pike while they head to spawning areas.  Pike fishing is year round on Lake of the Woods and can be excellent during the spring in back bays. fishing

Some anglers will use dead bait much like they do on a tip up.  Others will cast spoons or troll crankbaits.  Pike fishing in the back secluded bays along the south shore of Lake of the Woods offers a unique fishing opportunity you don’t need a big boat for and it can produce trophy sized pike.

The limit of pike on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is a daily limit of 3, with all pike 30 – 40 inches having to be released.  An angler is allowed one trophy pike over 40 inches per day.  Some anglers choose to get measurements, take some pictures, release the fish and get a graphite mount.  All good options.

On the Rainy River…  The spring walleye season is in the books!  Overall, big numbers of walleyes caught and released on the Rainy River (along with some absolute giants).  Thank you to all who traveled up, had patience with some long lines, helped out others and shared in this spring tradition of catching walleyes (and sturgeon). 

A sincere thank you to all who help this spring tradition happen behind the scenes.  Koochiching County did a great job clearing ice from the boat ramps on the river as soon as possible.  Many agencies work together to make this tradition safe, respectful and enjoyable.  Again, thank you.

The Wheeler’s Point boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River located 12 miles north of Baudette is open.  Thank you to a number of resort owners combined with some visitors in boats working together to drill holes, make waves, and coax the last remaining stubborn ice away from the ramp.  It is teamwork like this that makes the resort / fishing community in these parts special.  

Initial reports for sturgeon are excellent.  71 inch sturgeon SJR 500 tournament 040725 Good numbers being caught and released.  Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket.  A sturgeon rig is about an 18 inch leader with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers and emerald shiners.  Local resorts and bait shops have all the equipment you need.  

Sturgeon fishing is open through May 15th.  Here are the specific seasons for sturgeon fishing…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  With many areas of open water showing up along with some heaves and cracks, travel on the ice up at the Angle is pretty much finished up.  You may see a local in an airboat which can traverse over both ice and open water delivering mail to the Oak Island post office or bringing supplies to a resort, but the watch for open water is on.  

For now, folks will be fishing pike and sturgeon and paying attention to aerial images of open water and ice out on the lake until the MN Fishing Opener on May 10th.  Time to make plans!  For more information on spring and summer fishing, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 4.8.2025

fishing

On the South Shore…  There is still some ice fishing taking place by some hardcore ice anglers, but most have called it a good year.  For those still getting out on the ice, fishing has been good.  Most resort ice accesses have been closed for the year.  Safety first always.

Ditches are running along the south end of the lake which means water is running into the bays.  Moving water will soon pop open the bays and anglers will be out open water targeting huge pike while they head to spawning areas.  Pike fishing is year round on Lake of the Woods and can be excellent during the spring in back bays.

On the Rainy River…  Spring open water fishing began over a week ago and has started out very good with some big walleyes being caught and released! 

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Rainy River Spring Walleye

As of April 8th, the Rainy River is open to the west of Baudette and gaining every day.  With warm temps in the weekly forecast, not only will the ice deteriorate quickly, but the walleye bite should get even better.  Weather forecast in the next week shows 60’s.

There are three boat ramps open.  The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, the Frontier Access (about 8 miles to the west of Nelson Park) and the Vidas boat ramp just east of Clementson and the Rapid River.  

Most walleye anglers are jigging with either plastics or minnows.  Use bright plastics such as chartreuse, orange, pink and white.  Some are slowly drifting a jig with a minnow such as emerald shiners, fatheads or rainbows.  

Trolling crankbaits against the current is also effective and will catch fish.  This is also a good technique to cover water if you are not on fish.

fishing Rainy River walleye fishing is catch and release from March 1st through April 14th on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River. 

Initial reports for sturgeon are also good.  Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket.  A sturgeon rig is about an18 inch leader with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers and emerald shiners.  Here are the seasons for sturgeon fishing…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  It has been a great ice fishing year up at the Angle.  While there are a few locals still getting out, resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year.  There are many areas showing open water primarily where there is current.  Progress to open water is being made.  

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information on spring and summer fishing, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 3.31.2025

spring fishing on the Rainy River

On the South Shore…  There is still some ice fishing taking place in a few areas of the lake along the south shore but most resorts and outfitters have pulled their fish houses and called it a good year.  Make sure to call ahead to the resort or outfitter for current conditions if you plan on getting on the ice.  Safety first always.

For those still fishing, some are still targeting walleyes.  There continues to be a good morning / evening bite along the south shore just prior to sunset.  Quality fish are being caught in a number of areas.  fishing

Most still ice fishing are targeting trophy pike.  It was another great week with some big fish caught.  Another week of big fish tipping that 40 inch mark with big girths.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt set about a foot under the ice or just off of the bottom have proven effective.  

On the Rainy River…  Spring open water fishing has begun!  The

fishing
Nice Spring Walleye

Rainy River is open in many areas and as of Monday, March 31st, there are two boat ramps open.  The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale and the Frontier Access (about 8 miles to the west of Nelson Park) are both clear of ice.  Boats are running the river and the ice pack is deteriorating by the day.

Initial reports for walleyes are very good with some big fish being caught.  Most are jigging with either plastics or minnows.  Use bright plastics such as chartreuse, orange, pink and white.  for minnows, emerald shiners, fatheads and rainbows have all been productive.  

Trolling crankbaits against the current is also effective and will catch fish.  This is also a good technique to cover water if you are not on fish.

Rainy River walleye fishing is catch and release from March 1st through April 14th on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River. 

Initial reports for sturgeon are also good.  Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket.  Lots of walleye anglers reporting sturgeon hookups as well.  Here are the seasons for sturgeon fishing…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  It has been a great ice fishing year up at the Angle.  While there are a few locals still getting out, resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year.  

Plan for the MN Fishing Opener which is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 3.25.2025

ice fishing Lake of the Woods, MN

On the South Shore…  There is still some good ice fishing taking place in a few areas of the lake along the south shore but many resorts and outfitters have pulled their fish houses and called it a year.  Make sure to call ahead or check social media pages for current conditions.  

For those still fishing, some are still targeting walleyes.  There has been a good morning / evening bite along the south shore just prior to sunset.  Some very quality fish are being caught.  Some good walleye fishing along Pine Island as they make their way into the Rainy River and various spots along the south shore for those who spawn in the lake.

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Big Walleye
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Huge Pike

It was another great week of pike fishing for most.  Fish are starting to transition closer to spawning areas as the days get longer.  A number of big fish tipping that 40 inch mark coming topside.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt set about a foot under the ice or just off of the bottom have proven effective.  Most pike anglers are fishing in depths, 9 – 15 feet.

On the Rainy River…  The Rain River is still frozen from Nelson Park at Birchdale, MN (30 miles east of Baudette), which is the first full sized boat ramp that opens up, but there is open water appearing and progress has been made.  Things are happening, stay tuned as with the warmer weather, the river should open quickly.

A good reminder, as of March 1st, walleyes and saugers are catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.  

Sturgeon fishing.  Once the open water appears, sturgeon are active.  Here are the seasons…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  There is a bit of ice fishing still happening at the Angle, but most resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year.  Call ahead if you plan on getting on that last ice fishing trip as some areas with current are opening up and ice guides will keep you safe.  

Fishing remains very good up at the Angle.  The evening bite for walleyes has been super solid.  The pike are active and big, ready to spawn.  Still big numbers of jumbo perch throughout the area.  Very good fishing reports for late ice.  Safety first, please work through a resort or outfitter if you plan on getting out.

Plan for the MN Fishing Opener which is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 3.18.2025

Lake of the Woods, MN ice fishing

On the South Shore…  There is still some good ice fishing to take advantage of if you still have that itch and want to ice some walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, maybe an eelpout and certainly big pike.  

Being up on the Canadian border, the colder temps Lake of the Woods enjoys vs much of the region combined with three feet of ice makes a big difference.  Fish houses are allowed unattended overnight through March 31st.  Some resorts have called it a season, but other resorts still have fish houses out, are still fishing and have availability.   

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Nice Walleye

Fishing reports have been good.  Numbers of walleyes, saugers and perch.  Using electronics is super helpful with some larger walleyes swimming through suspended. 

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41 Inch Pike

It was a great week of pike fishing for most.  Good numbers of fish and some big fish tipping that 40 inch mark coming topside.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt are working well. Putting baits 1 foot under the ice or right off bottom has been effective.  Most pike anglers are fishing in depths, 9 – 15 feet.

On the Rainy River…  The Rain River is still frozen from Nelson Park at Birchdale, MN (30 miles east of Baudette) and to the west, which is where most anglers spring fish.  The ice is showing signs of deteriorating in places.  The river is open water about 20 miles east of Birchdale near Loman.  Things are happening.  

A good reminder, as of March 1st, walleyes and saugers are catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.  

Sturgeon fishing.  Once the open water appears, sturgeon are active.  Here are the seasons…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Fishing remains very good up at the Angle.  There is still some ice fishing happening with some, and others have called it a season.  Call ahead if you have that itch for one last ice fishing trip.  

Walleyes, saugers, perch, crappies and pike are in good numbers.  

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 3.11.2025

ice fishing lake of the woods, mn

On the South Shore…  The big question:  “How is the ice up at Lake of the Woods?”  That is for each individual resort or outfitter who operates an ice road or trail to answer, but overall, ice conditions are still very good and ice fishing is going strong!  As always, stay on the marked ice  roads and trails for safety. 

Being up on the Canadian border, the colder temps Lake of the Woods enjoys vs much of the region combined with three feet of ice makes a big difference.  Fish houses are allowed unattended overnight through March 31st and it sounds like a good number of resorts will be fishing through the month, but ultimately, Mother Nature will determine that.  

Regarding the fishing, overall, very good reports for walleyes, saugers and perch.  There is a strong population of smaller walleyes and saugers in the lake which bodes well for the future, but in the meantime, anglers are sorting through them to catch their keepers.

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Nice Walleye

The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head or a lipless crankbait on the jigging line is the ticket.  On the deadstick, a live minnow a foot off the bottom on a plain red hook or medium sized ice fishing jig is catching a lot of fish.

Using electronics is super helpful.  Many nice walleyes are swimming through suspended, keep an eye out.  

Anglers tip-up fishing for pike have had a great week and it should continue to get even better.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt are working well. Putting baits 1 foot under the ice or right off bottom seems to be effective this week.  Most common depths, 9 – 15 feet.

On the Rainy River…  The Rain River is still frozen with no signs of open water yet.  Every year can be different, but on average, the Rainy River will start opening up around the third week of March.  The first boat ramp suitable for larger boats is Nelson Park in Birchdale.  We will keep you posted. 

As of March 1st, walleyes and saugers are catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.  

Make plans now for sturgeon season.  Once the open water appears, the fish are super active.  Here are the seasons…

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th. 

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Fishing remains very good up at the Angle and the ice is in good shape as well.  As on the south end, resorts monitor ice roads and trails daily and there are still some great ice fishing opportunities available.  

Walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike are showing up in good numbers.  Those targeting crappies are reporting good numbers of fish.  Work through a NW Angle resort for ice fishing opportunities on this part of the lake.

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure. For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 3.4.2025

ice fishing lake of the woods, mn

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing remains strong on Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to offer both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite has been good in most areas, and ice conditions are among the best in recent years. 

Some ice roads now extend more than 20 miles out, with resorts and outfitters working hard keeping anglers on schools of walleyes and saugers. With nearly 40 inches of ice in many areas, auger extensions are necessary for those fishing on their own. The March forecast predicts daytime temperatures above freezing and overnight lows below freezing, helping to maintain solid ice conditions through the month.  Resort guides and outfitters are on the ice daily monitoring conditions where they travel and fish.

Anglers are sorting through smaller fish but are consistently catching limits of walleyes and saugers, along with jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even a few crappies. The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles, lipless crankbaits, and jigging rap-style lures are producing well, while deadsticks with a live minnow a foot off the bottom are catching less aggressive fish.

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Big Pike through the Ice

March is prime time for trophy northern pike, with tip-up fishing proving to be highly productive. It was a great week for big pike and should only get better through March and into April.

On the Rainy River…  As it has been most of the winter, walleye fishing has been best in the mornings and evenings using jigs and minnows. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some large fish being caught. Anglers should check with resorts before heading out, as ice conditions on the river can change quickly due to current and runoff during the day.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  Fishing remains very good. Resorts continue to move fish houses to keep guests on active schools of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike. Big crappies are still being caught just over the border in Canada, and those interested should check with resorts for the latest conditions and guide services.

Lake of the Woods being border water with Canada has an extended ice fishing season, with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st.  In addition, the walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure. For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 2.24.2025

ice fishing lake of the woods, MN

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters still in full swing offering both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite in February has been excellent, with lots of fish being caught and plenty of opportunities for fresh fish fries.

Some ice roads are now extending over 20 miles out, keeping anglers on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best late-season ice years in recent memory. If you’re fishing on your own, bring an auger extension, as ice thickness is significant.

Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, expect to sort through some smaller fish, but that’s a good sign of a healthy fishery.

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27 inch Walleye

With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of time to plan your trip. Pike fishing never closes, and with the thick ice conditions, this year is shaping up to be fantastic for targeting trophy pike.


March: The Go-To Month for Trophy Pike

March is prime time for big northern pike, as these aggressive predators begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Lake of the Woods is loaded with pike over 40 inches, and tip-up fishing can be lights out this time of year. Anglers targeting pike should set baits under tip-ups in shallow water (6-15 feet) near pre-spawn areas, weedy areas, river mouths, or back bays.


Current Fishing Depths & Patterns:

  • Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water.
  • Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even some crappies are in the mix.
  • Suspended walleyes are showing up—watch electronics closely.
  • Plenty of limits are being caught, with many anglers taking home bonus perch this season.

Best Techniques:

Jigging Line:

  • Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head continue to be the top producer.
  • Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well for aggressive fish.
  • Lures with built-in lights have been very effective in the stained water (Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure, not on a dropper line).

Deadstick:

  • A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, continues to catch neutral or less aggressive fish.

Time of Day:

  • Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best; other days, the afternoon bite turns on. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and watching electronics is key.

On the Rainy River…  Mornings and evenings continue to be the best times for targeting walleyes.

  • A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head remains the go-to presentation.
  • Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some giants being iced (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release).
  • Safety Note: Ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, but they can change rapidly due to current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing remains excellent throughout the islands region of Lake of the Woods.

  • Resorts are moving fish houses regularly, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes.
  • Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.
  • Big crappies continue to be caught just over the border in Canada. If you’re interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions.

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure!

Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:
✅ Fish houses allowed overnight through March 31st
✅ Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th
✅ Pike season never closes—March is prime time for trophies!
✅ Perch and crappie seasons open year-round

Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, or comfortable lodging at a resort with or without a meal plan, there’s still time to plan your late-season ice fishing adventure.

For more information on lodging, ice conditions, and fish house rentals, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

 

Fishing Report 2.18.2025

ice fishing lake of the woods, MN

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters reporting great action on walleyes and saugers. Some ice roads are now extending over 19 miles out, staying on productive schools of walleyes and saugers.  Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best ice seasons in recent years. If you’re fishing on your own, be sure to bring an extension for your auger, as ice thickness is significant.

Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure.  As always, it’s fishing, but February has been highly productive for most anglers.  It’s Lake of the Woods, be prepared to catch some small fish along the way.  This also shows the health of the fishery.

With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of opportunities. Pike fishing never closes, and with thick ice, conditions are shaping up well for late-season action. fishing

Current Fishing Depths & Patterns:

  • Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water.
  • Anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout with some pike, tullibees, and crappies mixed in.
  • Watch electronics for suspended walleyes.
  • Many are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish fries with extra to bring home.

Best Techniques:

  • The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking continues to be the go-to strategy.
  • Jigging Line:
    • Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head are producing consistent bites.
    • Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well.
    • Lures with a built-in light have been effective in the stained water. Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal **as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure (not on a dropper line).
  • Deadstick:
    • A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, is catching many of the neutral or less aggressive fish.

Time of Day:

  • Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best, while other days, afternoons produce better. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and paying attention to electronics is key.

On the Rainy River…  Mornings and evenings continue to be the most productive times for walleyes.

  • A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head has been the most effective presentation.
  • Sturgeon fishing has been good by anglers targeting them. (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release.)
  • Safety Note: While ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, they can vary significantly due to the current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing remains excellent in the islands region of Lake of the Woods.

  • Resorts continue to move fish houses, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes.
  • Anglers are catching a solid mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.
  • Big crappies are being caught just over the border in Canada. If you’re interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions.

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure!

Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:
✅ Fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st
✅ Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th
✅ Perch, crappie, and pike seasons open year-round

Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, comfortable lodging at a resort, or you are fishing on your own, there’s a perfect option for every angler.

For more information on lodging, ice conditions, and fish house rentals, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.