Fishing Report 7.1.2025

Lake of the Woods Fishing Report — Fishing Remains Excellent!

Fishing continues to be outstanding on Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re jigging, pulling spinners, or trolling crankbaits, anglers are enjoying steady action and taking home plenty of walleyes and saugers.

On the South Shore… Good numbers of walleyes are now gravitating to the deep mud basin. This time of year, it’s common to see bug hatches over the deep mud, which attracts hungry walleyes looking for an easy meal. Fishing anywhere from 27 to 35 feet has been productive.

The jig bite remains strong. Many anglers are still anchoring up or spot-locking and working a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Hot jig colors this week include orange and chartreuse, gold combined with orange or pink, as well as glow white. Mixing up your colors and letting the fish tell you what they want can really pay off.

Spinners and crawlers are also gaining momentum. Drifting or slowly trolling at 1.0 to 1.25 mph with a 2 – 3 ounce weight or bottom bouncer, a two or three hook harness with a hammered gold blade paired with pink, orange, chartreuse, or glow red or white beads has been very effective. This technique is a great way to cover water and entice walleyes spread out over the basin. Many anglers report catching a mix of walleyes and saugers using this method.

Trolling crankbaits is another excellent option right now. Some anglers are trolling using downriggers to get their lures down to the fish. Others are using leadcore line, snap weights, or a 3-4 ounce bottom bouncer paired with a 6-foot mono or fluorocarbon leader with a shallow diving crankbait. These setups are helping anglers reach the right depth and keep their baits in the strike zone. The ability to cover lots of water while presenting wobble, vibration, and color makes trolling cranks a very effective way to locate and catch walleyes.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes, and it won’t be long until anglers start shifting their attention to sturgeon again. Sturgeon season opens on July 1st, and the river is loaded with these prehistoric giants. If you’re planning a trip in July or August, soaking a few crawlers on a sturgeon rig can give you the chance to hook into one of the biggest fish of your life.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Excellent

fishing continues at the Angle. Walleyes are being found from 12 to 24 feet, relating to both mud and structure. The jig and minnow bite remains solid on rock and sand transitions, while other anglers are also pulling spinners or crankbaits along shoreline breaks and over deeper mud areas. This is producing not just walleyes, but also a nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, and even smallmouth bass.

Muskie anglers have been busy with nice numbers of fish and some big ones. Some fish exceeding 53 inches were caught this past week.

Plan Your Trip. Lake of the Woods is living up to its reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. With a healthy population of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, and soon, sturgeon back in season, now is a perfect time to get out on the water. Whether you’re fishing with your own boat, hiring a guide, or jumping on a charter, the opportunities for success are excellent.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, or trip planning tools, check out LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 6.24.2025

On the South Shore… It’s been another excellent week of summer walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods, with anglers catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers using a variety of techniques. Three main methods are producing fish right now: jigging, pulling spinners, and trolling crankbaits.

A notable bite took place this week along Pine Island, with walleyes being caught in 12 to 15 feet of water. Across the south shore, spinners tipped with crawlers are working well in depths ranging from 12 to 35 feet, as anglers target various schools of walleyes across the sand, mud flats and near structure.

The jig bite is still putting fish in the boat for many anglers, especially those anchoring up or using spot-lock over concentrated schools. A frozen emerald shiner or fathead minnow continues to be the go-to bait when jigging. However, as summer progresses and water temps rise, more anglers are shifting toward spinners and crankbaits to cover more water and locate active fish.

Trolling crankbaits is gaining momentum as a productive technique. Cranks not only cover water quickly, but they also offer a chance at bonus fish like pike and perch.

What colors? With the stained waters of Lake of the Woods, gold or gold combined with pink, orange, chartreuse or glow white are good options.

On the Rainy River… It’s a great time to fish the Rainy River with multi-species action in full swing. There’s a reliable local population of walleyes and saugers, with fish being caught in deeper holes and along channel edges.

Smallmouth bass are very active and can be found around current breaks, rocky shorelines, and along weed edges. Casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are all productive. Pike are spread throughout the river system, but back bays and areas with slack water near current breaks are reliable ambush points.

A reminder that sturgeon fishing reopens July 1st, and anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one fish per year within the slot (45–50 inches or over 75 inches) between July 1 and September 30.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Fishing continues to be strong amongst the islands. Walleyes are being caught near structure in a variety of depths—12 to 24 feet has been especially productive. Jigging with minnows, pulling spinners with crawlers, and trolling crankbaits are all producing good results.

In addition to walleyes, anglers are catching a nice mix of perch, pike, crappies and smallmouth bass. As we move deeper into June, smallmouth action along rocky shorelines and shallow structure remains excellent.

Muskie season opened this past weekend and initial reports were good. With 14,552 islands in LOW, there is a lot of habitat and a lot of fish!

For more information on lodging, guides, charter fishing, and planning your next trip, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 6.17.2025

double header walleyes caught at Arnesen's Rocky Point in Baudette MN

On the South Shore… It was another great week of fishing on Lake of the Woods! The bite remained strong throughout the area.

Walleyes are active and transitioning in how they’re feeding and where they’re holding. The jig bite is still producing in many areas, with anglers anchoring or using spot-lock in areas with roaming schools of walleyes. A 3/8 to 1/2 oz jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be a top performer. Classic Lake of the Woods colors—gold, orange, chartreuse, pink, and glow white, or a combination of these colors—are producing well. Some anglers are beginning to use leeches on jigs with success, especially as water temps rise.

In addition to jigging, pulling spinners is becoming more effective. Many anglers are using crawlers on their spinner rigs, while others are experimenting with minnows for added variety. Hammered gold blades combined with pink, glow red, orange, or white remain great color options. This time of year, versatility can make all the difference.

Trolling crankbaits over deep mud is also gaining momentum as water temperatures climb. Cranks allow anglers to cover water efficiently and locate scattered fish. In addition to walleyes, this technique often produces bonus species like pike, smallmouth bass, and jumbo perch.

Productive depths have ranged, but deeper mud and rocks in 25 – 35 feet have yielded strong results.

For anglers who enjoy using forward facing sonar, the deep mud shines for scoping fish. Tournament tip, keep an eye out for those monster walleyes just below the surface!

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes. As water temperatures rise and the current remains steady, a 1/2 oz jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is still effective, particularly when vertically jigged in deeper holes and along channel edges.

Looking to explore? Pulling spinners with crawlers or trolling crankbaits is a great way to cover ground and locate active fish. Troll along shorelines, weed edges and through various holes in the river.

Casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs along shorelines, docks, and in back bays is also putting walleyes, pike, and smallmouth bass in the boat. A fun way to explore and catch a mixed bag.

With the strong sturgeon population, some groups are making plans to spend a few days relaxing while soaking some crawlers for the largest fish in Lake of the Woods, lake sturgeon. Sturgeon fishing reopens July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers with a valid sturgeon tag can harvest one fish per year between 45–50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Fishing remains excellent at the Northwest Angle. Walleyes are being caught in 12 to 24 feet of water near shoreline structure, underwater points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite continues to be hot in traditional walleye areas such as points, neckdown areas and sunken islands.

Trolling crankbaits along shoreline structure such as points, rubble areas or weed edges will produce a mixed bag of walleyes, jumbo perch, pike, and smallmouth bass. If you aren’t finding a big school of fish, covering water will normally produce. When you start catching, go back and forth in that area.

The muskie opener for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5 is Saturday, Lake of the Woods is known as one of the best muskie fisheries on the planet!

Plan Your Trip… Lake of the Woods continues to shine as a premier walleye destination. Whether you’re jigging, pulling spinners, trolling crankbaits, or casting for a mixed bag, the lake is healthy and full of opportunity.

Bring your own boat or take advantage of the many full-service resorts offering charter boats and expert guides. For everything you need to plan your fishing adventure, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 6.3.2025

The bite continues to be red-hot on Lake of the Woods, with walleyes and saugers providing plenty of action across many areas! Whether you’re targeting shallow sand, deep mud, or rocky structure, fish are active and hungry.

On the South Shore… The jig bite remains the top producer on the South Shore! Anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in a wide range of depths, with the 23 to 28-foot range being especially productive. Walleyes are relating to various forage opportunities, showing up on sand, mud, and rock alike.

The most effective technique continues to be anchoring up or spot-locking and jigging. A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is the go-to bait. Don’t forget those bright colors in the stained waters of LOW – gold / glow white, gold / chartreuse, gold / glow white / pink, or straight gold are all catching walleyes.

Some good pike are still being caught by unsuspecting walleye anglers. While many have moved into the main lake, some big northerns are still lingering in the shallows, offering an exciting change of pace if you’re looking for a fight.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still yielding some fantastic walleyes! With climbing water temperatures and steady current, a 3/4 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is working well. Most anglers are vertically jigging in deeper holes or just off the main channel. Four Mile Bay continues to be productive, especially when fishing the channel edges and slowing your presentation.

For those looking to cover more water and find active fish, consider switching to spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or trolling crankbaits. If you’re up for a fun challenge, try casting crankbaits, swim jigs, or spinnerbaits along the shoreline, around docks, or into the bays for multispecies action.

The sturgeon season is currently closed but will reopen on July 1st. From July 1st through September 30th, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per calendar year, either 45-50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Excellent fishing continues at the Northwest Angle! Walleyes are being found in 12-24 feet of water, particularly off shoreline structure, points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite remains strong, with most anglers anchoring up and working rock or sand transitions.

In addition to jigging, trolling crankbaits along shallow shoreline structure in 6 to 9 feet of water is producing walleyes as well as a mixed bag. Points, underwater points and rock rubble areas are holding good numbers of fish. Trolling is a great way to cover water and locate active, feeding fish.

Muskie anglers, the muskie opener is June 21st for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5. As most muskie anglers know, the lake is healthy for muskies right now. With 14,552 islands, there are plenty of places to spread out and fish.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, and trip planning, visit: LakeoftheWoodsMN.com

Fishing Report 5.26.2025

On the South Shore… The jig bite continues to be on fire this week on Lake of the Woods! Anglers are finding walleyes and saugers in a variety of depths across the south shore. Depending on the forage they’re following, some fish are being found in as shallow as 8 feet of water and others out to 31 feet. The mid-range depths of 23 to 28 feet have been especially productive.

The lake offers a mix of bottom types and structure, and walleyes are showing up on all of it, relating to different forage opportunities. Sand, mud, and rock are all holding fish right now. Anglers are catching fish in shallower water relating to sand, deeper mud flats, and rocky structure in depths ranging from 6 to 29 feet.

The go-to method continues to be anchoring up or spot locking and jigging a minnow. A 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner has been very effective. As always, bright colors are key in the stained waters of LOW—gold, chartreuse, pink, orange, and glow, or a combination of these colors are all producing.

If you’re fishing with a group, it helps to mix up colors and types of minnows to figure out what the fish prefer that day. Frozen emerald shiners are the top bait, but lively fatheads and rainbows are also catching plenty of fish.

Some bonus pike continue to be caught, including by unsuspecting walleye anglers. While many pike have moved into the main lake, there are still some fish lingering in the shallows. If you enjoy chasing big northern pike, now is a great time.

Anglers are reminded that the combined walleye and sauger limit on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is 6 fish, with up to 4 being walleyes. All fish between 19.5 and 28 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches can be kept per day.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River continues to give up some nice walleyes. With water temps climbing and the current still moving, a 3/4 ounce jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner is working great.

Most anglers are vertically jigging in deeper holes or just off the main channel. Four Mile Bay has produced some solid bites, especially when fishing the edges of the channel and slowing things down.

Some anglers are switching things up and using spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or trolling shallow diving crankbaits. Both methods allow you to cover water and find active fish.

For a fun change of pace, try casting crankbaits, swim jigs, or spinnerbaits along the shoreline, around docks, or into the bays. You’ll catch walleyes, smallmouth bass, pike, and maybe even a surprise or two.

The sturgeon season is currently closed but will reopen on July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers with a sturgeon tag can harvest one sturgeon per calendar year, either 45–50 inches or over 75 inches.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Excellent fishing continues up at the Northwest Angle. Walleyes are being found in 12–18 feet of water, particularly off of shoreline structure, points, and shallow reefs. The jig and minnow bite remains strong, with most anglers anchoring up and working rock or sand transitions.

In addition to jigging, trolling crankbaits along shallow shoreline structure in 6 to 9 feet of water has been productive and will most definitely produce a mixed bag. Focus on “fishy” spots such as points and rock rubble areas. Trolling cranks allows anglers to cover water and find active fish feeding on the move.

As always, anglers are catching a mix of species at the Angle, in addition to walleyes and saugers, jumbo perch, northern pike, and smallmouth bass are in good numbers.

The muskie opener is right around the corner—June 21st for both Minnesota and Ontario’s Zone 5. With good water conditions and lots of bait in the system, it’s shaping up to be another strong season.

With so many fish being caught and great weather ahead, now is a great time to book a trip to Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re fishing with friends, family, or going solo, you’ll find great action and beautiful scenery.

For more information on resorts, guides, charters, and trip planning, visit: LakeoftheWoodsMN.com

Fishing Report 5.20.2025

On the South Shore… A good week of walleye fishing despite some fluctuating weather systems rolling through. Walleyes were found in 8 – 31 feet of water.

A nice mix of walleyes and saugers this week with the tradition of fish frys enjoyed around the lake and up and down the river.

Once again this week, the go to method was a jig and a minnow over the side of the boat while anchored up or spot locked. Bright colors were the best. Gold, orange, chartreuse, pink and glow white, or a combination of these colors often with some gold has been working well.

Minnows have been working the best on a jig. Frozen emerald shiners are a preferred bait by many, but fatheads and rainbows catch a lot of walleyes as well.

Anglers are catching some nice pike, with many of them being caught by walleye anglers jigging. There are plenty of pike to be had for those who like to target them. Some fish are still in the shallows. Larger fish have slid into the lake.

The walleye and sauger limit on LOW is 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… Some very good walleye reports on the Rainy River again this week. Some fish are still left over from the spawn and other fish remain in the river throughout the year.

Most anglers are fishing with a jig and minnow vertically jigging. With the current, a 3/4 ounce jig vertically jigged is working out well.

Good walleye reports from Four Mile Bay. Get off of the edge of the channel and jig with a minnow.

Sturgeon fishing is closed and will re-open again July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers can harvest one sturgeon 45-50 inches or over 75 inches if they have a sturgeon tag. One sturgeon per angler per calendar year. Summer is a great time to fish the river.

Up at the Northwest Angle… Good reports for walleyes this week despite various pressure systems moving through. Walleyes are hanging out on shoreline structure such as points, weed edges and neckdown areas.

A jig and a minnow is the goto presentation. Multispecies action for many anglers with jumbo perch, pike, and smallmouth bass in the mix.

The muskie opener in MN and Ontario Zone 5 is June 21st for both areas.

For fishing reports, resort info, fishing guides, charter boats and trip ideas, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 5.13.2025

On the South Shore… An excellent MN Fishing Opener on the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Some hot walleye action with most anglers finding walleyes and saugers. Walleyes were found in many locations across the south shore in anywhere from 15 – 31 feet of water. Kind of a big spread, but not every fish is targeting the same forage. Good success from east to west.

The go to method was a jig and a minnow over the side of the boat while anchored up or spot locked. With the stained waters, brighter colors are normally best. Gold, orange, chartreuse, pink and glow white, or a combination of these colors, normally works out well.

If you are fishing with others, it is helpful to start with different colors and even different minnows. Some anglers stick with frozen emerald shiners, others might put on a lively fathead or rainbow. Work together to get the walleyes dialed in.

Naturally, some big pike caught this weekend. Some by anglers targeting pike, others by unsuspecting walleye anglers.

On the Rainy River… Great walleye reports on the Rainy River. Plenty of nice fish are still in the river, both big fish, slots and eaters.

Just like the lake, most anglers went with a jig and minnow vertically jigging. Good reports from Four Mile Bay in addition to various stretches up river.

Sturgeon fishing continues through May 15th and the spring season has been excellent. The sturgeon season will re-open again July 1st. From July 1 through September 30, anglers can harvest one sturgeon 45-50 inches or over 75 inches if they have a sturgeon tag. One sturgeon per angler per calendar year. Summer on the river is a beautiful time to soak nightcrawlers!

Up at the Northwest Angle… Great reports for the fishing opener from the Angle. As expected, walleyes were found on shoreline structure such as points, weed edges and neckdown areas.

With the many islands in this part of the lake, there is a ton of structure and so many spots to fish. This time of the year, it is hard to beat a jig and a minnow which was the go to for most anglers

Multispecies action is common up at the Angle with jumbo perch, pike, and smallmouth bass in the mix for walleye anglers.

For those who enjoy smallmouth bass fishing, May and June can be lights out amongst the islands. As walleyes get most of the attention, smallmouth get missed but are in big numbers.

The muskie opener in MN and Ontario Zone 5 is June 21st for both areas.

Lake of the Woods is full of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, smallmouth bass, muskies and sturgeon. Come on up and get in on the action! For fishing reports, resort info, fishing guides and trip ideas, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

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.

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