Fishing Report 12.16.2024

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods.  The ice is progressing nicely.  Many resorts have day houses out and are fishing, some have been fishing for a week already.  There are some sleeper fish houses out in some areas.  This is all good news.  

Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next.  It is best to work through your favorite resort or outfitter for current ice conditions and weight limits on their specific ice road.   

In Minnesota waters, you can use two lines through the ice.  Most anglers are using the one – two punch, basically jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second.  The jigging line will catch more active fish as well as attract fish to where you are fishing.  The deadstick with a live minnow sitting under a bobber will often catch the more neutral fish.
 
On the jigging line, use a jigging spoon or lure tipped with a minnow head or tail.  In the second hole, a live minnow set about 6″ off of the bottom on a plain hook or some type of ice fishing jig under a bobber will work well.  
 
Colors to consider, gold, glow red, Wonder Bread, pink and orange, or a combo of these colors.  Rippin Raps, jigging rap style baits and more aggressive presentations work well some days.  Pay attention to your electronics and adapt.

Fishing reports have been very good.  Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well.

Most resorts are transporting guests to the heated fish houses this time of year.  If you have a snowmobile, ATV or side by side, please stay on marked trails for safety.  
 
Some spearing and angling is taking place on Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay.  Good numbers of pike along with some big pike showing up.

On the Rainy River…  The river continues to gain ice.  Some local resorts are fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and very good reports on sturgeon.  Work through a resort for safety.

In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river.  

Up at the NW Angle…   Ice fishing has started up at the Angle.  Initial fishing reports are good which is no surprise in these parts.  

Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th.   Ice is thickening by the day and things are shaping up nicely.  Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort / outfitter for specifics.

There is availability both on the south end, Rainy River resorts and NW Angle portions of Lake of the Woods.  Lots of openings now, get that bonus fishing trip in.

Remember, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st, with walleye and sauger season open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes.  

For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 12.10.2024

LAKE OF THE WOODS

FISHING REPORT

ENTER TEXT HERE…

Joe Henry in a Lake of the Woods fish house with a limit of walleyes and saugers

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Fishing Report 12.16.2024

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods.  The ice is
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On the South Shore…  Ice fishing has begun for some areas of the lake, while others are grooming trails and will be close behind.  The ice is progressing nicely.  There were concerns a big blow this past week might mess things up but thankfully, the ice stayed intact and is continuing to thicken. 
 
Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next.  That is why it is difficult to provide an answer to the question, “How thick is the ice?”  The thickness and condition of the ice is best told by those working each ice road every day.  With that being said, there is certainly some good news regarding ice progression.    
 
So far, some resorts have begun by allowing snowmobiles and ATVs with collapsible fish houses to access their ice roads.  
 
In addition, some resorts are pulling day houses out this week and they are available to rent.  It is best to check with your favorite resort for additional info.  Resorts will provide transportation to and from the front door of their heated fish houses.  Early ice provides some excellent ice fishing opportunities.
fishing
First Ice Walleye
 
The 10 day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting below zero and single digits many days.  Good news for eager ice anglers and resorts who provide ice fishing services.  

Initial actual fishing reports have been very good.  Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well.

When you decide to come up, please stay on the resort / outfitters marked trails.  They are marked for a reason and veering off of the trail could put you on ice conditions not suitable.

 
The satellite imagery shows Big Traverse Bay, which is the main body of the lake, locked up.  
On the Rainy River…  The river is gaining ice.  Some local resorts and guides have been out checking ice conditions and fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and some sturgeon.  River ice doesn’t form as quickly as there is current.  Work through a resort for safety.
In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river.  
 
Up at the NW Angle…   The Angle is locked up with ice.  Resorts and outfitters are continuing to check ice conditions and mark trails.  Ice fishing will be coming soon to this part of the lake as ice conditions are also progressing nicely up at the Angle.  
 
Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th.   Some resorts may take advantage of good ice conditions and get out earlier in the month.  Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort / outfitter for specifics.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook / Instagram pages or other resort social media pages will keep you updated often with current ice and fishing reports.  

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st, with walleyes and saugers open through April 14th and pike season never closes.  

 
For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 12.4.2024

Fishing Report 12.4.2024

On the South Shore…  The focus for most this past week for resorts and ice fishing outfitters is checking ice conditions.  Things are progressing nicely.  As we remind anglers each and every year, ice conditions can vary significantly.  Consequently,  we typically will not make blanket statements about ice conditions or thickness of ice.  It is best to work through a resort or outfitter who knows the ice conditions on the part of the lake they are working.  
 
The 10 day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days.  Depending upon the wind, this should continue to build up the ice and get things started,  

Some spearing and angling for pike has started in areas of back bays.  Work through an outfitter and stay on marked trails as ice conditions still vary, even on the bays.  Naturally, with Lake of the Woods having a robust population of big pike, some nice fish are coming in.

As the days go on, resorts and outfitters are continuing to mark their ice roads and venture out further checking ice conditions daily.  Initial reports are showing good ice formation on many parts of the lake off of the south shore.  

 
From many parts of the south shore, there is ice as far as the eye can see.  With cloudy conditions, a satellite image of the entire lake has not been available for a number of days.  

On the Rainy River…  The river is iced over.  It certainly isn’t ready for any traffic as of yet but the fact it is locked up is encouraging.  

Some spearing and angling for pike happening in back bays off of the river.  Once ice thickens, a couple of resorts who fish the river will mark ice trails in their particulate fishing area.  The river has current, it is best to work through a resort or outfitter.

 
Up at the NW Angle…   The Angle is locked up with ice for the most part.  Fishing isn’t happening yet, but resorts and outfitters have started checking ice conditions and the ice is progressing nicely.  Things are on track for a good ice fishing season.
fishing
NW Angle Ice Forming

Watch the Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook page or other resort facebook pages for reports and videos of current ice conditions.  At this point, reports are coming in daily.

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

 
Checking ice with a chainsaw Wigwam Resort 120324

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Fishing Report 11.26.2024

Bostic Bay thin ice Sweets Fishing 112424 On the South Shore…  The focus for most this past week has been the ongoing deer hunting season and/or watching the forecast and feeling optimistic about the cold temps over the next couple of weeks.  

The forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days.  Depending upon the wind, this should make some ice and get things started,  

The limited number of anglers still fishing are taking advantage of fairly mild weather for November, but that is changing quickly.  Good numbers of walleyes, saugers and a lot of jumbo perch are staged across the south shore which bodes well for ice fishing.  

No surprise this time of year, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  

Resorts and outfitters are busy, continually getting ready for the ice fishing season.  Fish house maintenance, light ice rigs, bombardiers, track rigs, augers, fish houses, sleeper houses, permitting, deep cleaning, remodeling, and the list goes on.  All good stuff that helps to make the ice fishing season more enjoyable.

On the Rainy River…  Very good fishing reports for those on the river this week, and there have been a few boats.  Limits of walleyes was the norm for most.

Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners. 

Having good numbers of walleyes in the river is desired by those who ice fish the south shore.  It is believed some of the walleyes in the river make their way out to the lake as the ice fishing season progresses, providing additional fish to ice anglers out in front of Pine Island.  All good stuff.

Up at the NW Angle…  As temps are getting colder, most are finishing up deer hunting, processing venison or getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.  For the few that got out, reports were excellent.  A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught.

Very good muskie fishing for those who braved the colder temps.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Late fall is known as a good time to catch muskies and this year has held true.

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  Day houses normally get out mid December with an extended season on LOW, lasting through March.  Mother Nature always dictates.  Resorts and outfitters will be monitoring ice conditions, posting weight limits throughout the year. 

For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

 

Walleyes on fish cleaning table River Bend Resort 112624

Fishing Report 11.12.2024

On the South Shore…  It’s deer hunting season in MN and not many are out fishing.  Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.

The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.

No surprise, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is the program for most anglers.  Anglers are going through a lot of frozen emerald shiners as the walleyes and saugers are all mixed sizes.  You will catch small ones and your eaters.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well.
Anglers are also reporting very good numbers of jumbo perch this fall.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.
Good numbers of fish are staged in great spots for the upcoming ice fishing season.

fishing
Eelpout

On the Rainy River…  Good numbers of shiners again in the river this past week. Typically, if there are shiners, there will be walleyes, and there definitely are.

Walleyes are coming from various spots from Four Mile Bay to Wheeler’s Point, to Baudette all the way to Birchdale.  With so many anglers taking advantage of the deer hunting season, there are not a lot of boats on the river.
Walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.  The bait and consequently, walleyes, are moving around.  Once you find some fish, you will be rewarded.

Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the way to go. Some anglers are also still trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results.

Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the “keep season” on April 24th.

Up at the NW Angle…  For those not in the woods hunting, fall fishing continues to be excellent.  It is areas with structure holding walleyes in this part of the lake.  Points, neck-down areas with current, shoreline breaks, and transition zones from rock to mud are all productive locations for walleye right now.

A nice mixed bag with perch, pike and crappies being caught as well.

Good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.

For more information on lodging, fall fishing and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 11.5.2024

On the South Shore…  With unseasonably warm weather, there are still some anglers hitting the water and most have been rewarded.  Limits of walleyes and saugers being caught, and the forecast looking ahead is favorable.

The best bite on the south end of LOW has been in 22-28 feet of water. Water temperatures are dropping and as the temps cool further, the bite has been excellent.

Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners has been the program for most anglers.  Bring plenty of bait, as you’ll need to sort through some smaller fish and short biters.  Plenty of eater fish to be had, just have to do a bit of sorting.  Anglers are also reporting very good numbers of jumbo perch and occasional pike mixed in with the walleyes.  fishing
For those fishing structure, if you slide up on top of a rock pile, don’t be surprised to catch a big smallmouth bass, there are plenty around.
This week’s hot colors have been gold, gold/glow white, gold/chartreuse, gold/orange, and gold/glow white/pink.
One tip, a stinger hook on your jig will catch you more fish if you start missing too many fish.

On the Rainy River…  Bait dealers are reporting good numbers of shiners in the river this past week.  Interesting, each night is different.  Some areas have the small shiners called pinheads.  Other areas have the larger minnows.

The river is producing some nice walleyes in various spots from Four Mile Bay to Wheeler’s Point, to Baudette all the way to Birchdale.  There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale with plenty of public boat ramps along the way.
Walleyes are being caught in various depths, but 15-25 feet of water has been good.

Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners has been highly effective. Some anglers are also trolling crankbaits to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results.

Sturgeon fishing has been strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the “keep season” on April 24th.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing continues to be excellent. Points, neck-down areas with current, shoreline breaks, and transition zones from rock to mud are all productive locations for walleye right now.

It is traditionally a mixed bag up around the many islands in this part of the lake and this fall is no different.  In addition to walleyes, pike, jumbo perch, and crappies are in the mix.  A jig and minnow has been the most effective presentation.

Good muskie fishing is the norm during the fall of the year and area reports have been good.  In addition to casting, trolling shorelines, points and neckdown areas has been effective.  Muskies are often targeting schooling tullibees this time of year.

The weather forecast for the next couple of weeks is conducive for fall fishing.  If you don’t deer hunt, or if you have harvested your deer, consider some bonus walleye action before the ice forms.  The bite continues to be excellent.

For more information on fall fishing and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 10.29.2024

On the South Shore…  Now is prime time to head up to Lake of the Woods (LOW) and the Rainy River as fall fishing is in full swing!  With plenty of limits of walleyes and saugers being caught, and a favorable weather forecast, anglers are enjoying some excellent fishing.

Dress for Comfort: With cooler mornings, dressing in layers is essential. Ice fishing gear is ideal for early mornings, and you can shed layers as the day warms. A warm hat and gloves or mittens are also handy.

The best bite on the south end of LOW has been in 22-28 feet of water. Water temperatures are dropping and as the temps cool further, the bite has been excellent. fishing

Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners remains highly effective. Bring plenty of bait, as you’ll need to sort through some smaller fish, but you’re likely to land keepers as well as larger walleyes. Anglers have also reported good numbers of jumbo perch and occasional pike mixed in with the walleyes.

Good Jig Colors: This week’s hot colors have been gold, gold/glow white, gold/chartreuse, gold/orange, and gold/pink.

On the Rainy River…  Shiners and walleyes continue to move into the Rainy River, making it an ideal spot for targeting large walleyes. Anglers are experiencing success up and down the river, especially in areas throughout Four Mile Bay.  Walleyes are being caught in various depths, but 15-25 feet of water has been good.

Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners has been highly effective. Some anglers are also trolling crankbaits to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results.

Sturgeon Fishing: With cooler days and shorter daylight hours, sturgeon activity has picked up. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open, providing anglers with an exciting opportunity to hook into these prehistoric giants.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing is firing on all cylinders up at the Angle, where walleyes continue to be concentrated around traditional areas with structure. Points, neck-down areas with current, shoreline breaks, and transition zones from rock to mud are all productive locations for walleye right now.

In addition to walleyes, anglers are catching pike, jumbo perch, and crappies. Using a jig and minnow is a tried-and-true approach and continues to yield excellent results.

Muskie fishing is also hot this time of year, with anglers casting and trolling to find these predators. Big muskies over 50 inches are being caught and released.

For those looking to enjoy some fall fishing at its finest, now is the time to head to Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. With cooling water temps, great weather on the horizon, and prime fishing conditions, it’s a fantastic opportunity to jig up some walleyes and saugers for a fish fry. So, bundle up, gather your gear, and come experience the unforgettable fishing that awaits you up north!

For more information on fall and winter fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 10.21.2024

On the South End…  Now is a great time to get up to LOW and the Rainy River as fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is on fire.  Lots of limits of walleyes and saugers with a great weather forecast ahead.

Like any fishing, being flexible pays dividends.  If you are fishing on a charter or with a guide, your guide will make necessary adjustments to put you on fish.  If you are fishing on your own, some considerations…

fishing
Big Walleye
-If water clarity isn’t good as maybe a big blow has muddied up the water, find an area of cleaner water.  This could be a different area of the lake or switching to / from the river or NW Angle.
-Things change quickly.  One group went way out on the lake from a resort on the river, only to get a call from their buddies the walleyes moved in the river.  They came back and fished in front of their resort and limited out with nice fish.  No wonder there were so many seagulls on the river that morning!
-Don’t be afraid to trailer your boat to a different shoreline, which is often easier and more economical vs making long runs on the water, especially on days with some wind.
-Trailering your boat to different sections of the Rainy River is not only effective, it’s enjoyable to learn other areas.  So beautiful this time of year.
-Fishing reports, resort owners, guides, other anglers, bait shops, social media groups are all sources of info.
-Dress warm, be comfortable.  Wear ice fishing gear in the morning when it is chilly.  As the day gets warmer, shed clothing.  Hat and gloves or mittens are also helpful.
Walleyes and saugers are being caught in a variety of locations across the south shore from 18-25 feet.  Water temps are in the low to mid 50’s.

Vertical jigging with frozen, or live emerald shiners is catching a pile of fish.  Have plenty of bait as typically, lots of small fish to sort through but boats are getting their keepers along with some larger walleyes.

Good numbers of jumbo perch and along with some pike are also being caught by walleye anglers.

Good jig colors this week were gold, gold / glow white, gold / chartreuse, gold / orange, and gold / pink.

On the Rainy River… More shiners and walleyes moved into the river this past week. Nice walleyes are being caught up and down the river, including areas throughout Four Mile Bay.  The morning and evening hours have had the best bite.

Jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners and trolling crankbaits have been the most popular methods of catching walleyes.  15 – 25 feet of water has been the norm.

Sturgeon fishing continues to pick up as the days get shorter and the water cools.  The “Catch and Release” sturgeon season is in place right now.

Up at the NW Angle... A great week of fall fishing up at the Angle.  Walleyes are being found around traditional areas with structure.  Points, neck down areas with current, shoreline breaks and transition areas from rock to mud are good right now.

In addition to good numbers of walleyes, pike, jumbo perch and crappies being caught.   A jig and minnow continues to be the staple presentation and very effective.

Muskie anglers are both casting and trolling this time of year to find the predators in this part of the lake.
For more information on fall and winter fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 10.14.2024

On the South End…  Fall fishing on Lake of the Woods is excellent right now.  The colder water temps have the fish snapping.

Walleyes and saugers are being caught in a variety of locations across the south shore from 20 to 27 feet.  Water temps are in the low to mid 50’s.

Jigging with frozen, or live emerald shiners is catching a pile of fish.  Anchor up and jig over the side of the boat.  Typically, lots of small fish to sort through but you will get your keepers along with some larger walleyes.

Jig colors to consider are gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, and pink.  Gold combined with any one of these colors is often a good choice.

On the Rainy River… The river continues to get better and better with more walleyes moving in each week.  Good fish being caught in many sections of the river.  The morning and evening hours have had the best bite.

Walleyes are actually being caught using three methods.  Jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners, pulling spinners and trolling crankbaits.  15 – 25 feet of water has been the norm.

Sturgeon fishing continues to pick up as the water cools.  The “Catch and Release” sturgeon season is in place right now.

The river holds a myriad of species of fish.  Crappies, pike, smallmouth bass, suckers, bullheads and even an eelpout or two are being caught up and down the river.

Four Mile Bay is also holding some nice walleyes as they make their way in from the lake.  Various areas on the edge of the current and channel break are good spots to begin.

Up at the NW Angle... Another great week of fall fishing up at the Angle.  Walleyes are keying in on various areas with structure.  Points, neck down areas with some current and transition areas from rock to mud are good right now.

fishing
Big Pike

Walleyes are the most sought after but in the fall, lots of muskie and crappie anglers are around as well.  Good reports on a variety of species including jumbo perch and pike as the waters cool.

Put on some warm fall clothes, make sure your camera is ready and make some incredible fall fishing memories.  There is still time to get in that last fall trip.

For more information on fall and winter fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Fishing Report 10.9.2024

Fishing Lake of the Woods, MN

On the South End… Walleye and sauger fishing remains excellent with numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught.  The fall bite is definitely on.  Anglers are finding fish a bit shallower this week, ranging from 20 to 25 feet across the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Jigging with frozen, or live emerald shiners, is catching most of the fish.  Locating fish on your sonar and anchoring up for about 30 minutes will normally give you a good idea of what is living in the area and a good strategy.
Areas across the south shore including the Lighthouse Gap (where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods) west to the Morris Point area, west to Zippel Bay area to Long Point are all still producing nice fish.
Successful jig colors in the stained waters of LOW are gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, and pink.  Gold combined with any one of these colors is often a good choice.
On the Rainy River… The river continues to get better and better.  There are definitely more shiners and walleyes in the river this week.  Good fish being caught in many sections of the river.
Trolling crankbaits in the fall is also a well known strategy to catch hungry walleyes chasing shiners.  A great way to cover water and get that reaction strike.

Sturgeon fishing is really picking up as the water cools.  Sturgeon are catch and release right now into the month of April, 2025 when the “keep season” begins again. fishing

Some nice crappies, pike and smallmouth bass were also in the mix for fall anglers fishing the river this week.
The river is a great option for small boats and also a nice option if it is windy.
Up at the NW Angle… Fishing is flat out excellent up at the Angle.  Some anglers are fishing the MN side, others the Ontario side.  Walleyes are using a variety of areas, but structure such as points and neck down areas with some current are good right now.
A mixed bag of fish is the norm in these parts.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, crappies, pike, smallmouth bass and muskies are all being caught.
Fall fishing leading into early ice is some of the best fishing of the year and a beautiful time to be out.

For more information on fishing packages, fall fishing and ice fishing, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.