Fishing Report 5.6.2025

Potential state record sturgeon, 78.25 inches, in Sportsman's Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

On the South Shore… Great news for this weekend’s MN Fishing Opener as the ice has disappeared! There could be a few chunks this time of year still floating around but the satellite view shows open water as do the webcams from around the lake. What a great site to see.

A couple of tournaments this past weekend showed off some big fish from Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. The Annual Zippel Bay Resort Pike Tournament took place with good numbers of pike registered. A good number of pike tipped the tape at over 40 inches long.

The annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament took place with the winning sturgeon, a 78.25 inch monster taking the top spot. This, pending verification with the MN DNR, would be the new catch and release state record!

There are lots of fishing opportunities right now, but for most, the focus is all about the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday and walleyes!

The outlook for walleye fishing is excellent. It is going to be an epic opener and there is still plenty of lodging available. Think about this…

-The fish will be close to shore.
-The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay will still be holding fish
-It will be a jig bite
-A very strong population of walleyes and saugers in the lake
-Big females will be post spawn

On the May 10th opener, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River enjoy a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of 6, with up to 4 being walleyes. The protected slot is 19.5″ – 28.0″, those fish must be released. Anglers can keep one walleye over 28 inches per day.

On the Rainy River… Sturgeon fishing is in full swing through May 15th and the bite has been excellent. Anglers are catching good numbers of these prehistoric giants, and the Rainy River is one of the best places in North America to hook into one. As mentioned, this past weekend, the potential state record sturgeon of 78.25 inches was caught.

There are sturgeon throughout the entire river. Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the river has been holding good numbers of nice fish. Otherwise, most anglers are targeting holes up and down the river.

With the late ice out, there will be plenty of walleyes, and some big walleyes, in the river for the opener. A jig and minnow will be the ticket for most. Some may still use a jig and larger plastic as many do during the spring walleye season. Whatever you decide to use, there will be some good action to be had.

Up at the Northwest Angle… There is open water up at the Angle. We have had some days in the 80’s as well as some wind and that really took care of the ice just in time.

Traditionally, the fish will be near shore and on shoreline structure like points and neckdown areas. With the many islands in this area, there is a lot of structure and a lot of spots to fish. Just like the south end, it will be a jig bite this weekend for the walleyes.

Given the strong ice fishing season and healthy lake conditions, expectations for good walleye catches are good up at the Angle and across the lake.

Whether it is for the fishing opener or later in the summer, now is the time to book! For fishing reports, resort info, and trip ideas, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 4.30.2025

On the South Shore… The focus along the south shore is now on watching the ice disappear from back bays, big pike moving into ditches and shallow bays to spawn, and, of course, the ice out on Big Traverse Bay. Ice across the big lake is black and deteriorating quickly. Bays are open or partially open, and with every warm day, the ice continues to retreat.

From now until the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th, anglers are targeting northern pike in the bays and sturgeon in the Rainy River.

Ditches are running with spring meltwater, and shallow bays are opening up fast. This is the prime window for finding huge pike staging for the spawn—a rare spring fishing opportunity not available in most parts of Minnesota.

Spring pike can be caught in a variety of ways. Fishing with dead bait under a bobber, casting spoons, or trolling shallow-running crankbaits are all effective techniques. Target shallow bays along the south shore like Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, and Zippel Bay for a chance at 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 anglers can keep one pike over 40 inches. Many anglers opt to take measurements and pictures before releasing their catch, then order a replica mount to preserve the memory.

On the Rainy River… Sturgeon fishing is in full swing—and the bite has been excellent. Anglers are catching good numbers of these prehistoric giants, and the Rainy River is one of the best places in North America to hook into one.

They are sturgeon throughout the entire river. Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the river has been holding good numbers of nice fish. Otherwise, most anglers are targeting holes up and down the river.

To stay on the bottom in the stronger current, most anglers are using 4 to 6-ounce no-roll sinkers combined with a traditional sturgeon rig. A typical setup includes an 18-inch leader with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook, baited with nightcrawlers or a combination of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners. Local bait shops and resorts are stocked with everything you’ll need for sturgeon success.

Sturgeon season is open through May 15th, with important dates to keep in mind:

Harvest Season (keep one sturgeon per calendar year, 45-50″ or over 75″): April 24 – May 7 and July 1 – September 30.

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

Closed Season: May 16 – June 30.

If you plan to keep a sturgeon during the harvest season, remember you must purchase a $5 sturgeon tag ahead of time. Sturgeon are excellent smoked, and many anglers enjoy their rich flavor.

The Minnesota DNR estimates there are around 100,000 sturgeon over 40 inches long between Morson, Ontario, and the mouth of the Rainy River. The sturgeon population is strong—and getting even stronger.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Progress continues at the Northwest Angle with more open water showing up daily. Other than a few local airboats making mail and supply runs, ice travel is finished for the season.

The focus now is on open water preparations and the May 10th fishing opener. Resorts and guides at the Angle are already gearing up for the spring and summer fishing seasons.

Given the strong ice fishing season and healthy lake conditions, expectations are high for excellent open water fishing again this year.

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

Fishing Report 4.22.2025

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.

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.

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.

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. 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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Fishing Report 3.25.2025

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.

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!

Fishing Report 3.18.2025

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.

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

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.

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.

Fishing Report 3.11.2025

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.

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

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.

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.

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