Fishing Report 3.31.2025

fishing

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Fishing Report 2.11.2025

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing remains strong across the south shore of Lake of the Woods out on Big Traverse Bay.  Resorts and outfitters on some parts of the lake have ice roads extending over 16 miles staying on nice schools of walleyes and saugers.  Many fish houses are over deep mud.  Some are on structure.  It is always fishing of course, but overall, February has been very productive for most anglers.

Extensions are being used on ice augers as the ice continues to thicken.  The thick ice this year will be good for the extended ice fishing season Lake of the Woods enjoys with fish houses out through March 31st, walleyes and saugers open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes.

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Jumbo Perch

Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water.  Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with a good number of jumbo perch in the mix this year.  Some big eelpout are also showing up.  Anglers are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish frys and usually extra fish to bring home.  

The one-two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go.  On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent.  Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well.  

Lures with a light have been working well in the stained water.  Please remember, in MN, lures with a light or water activated light can be used as long as the battery is mercury free and the hook is attached directly to the lure and not as a dropper line.  

On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom. 

Some days, mornings are better, other days, it’s the afternoons.  There is no distinct pattern, they could come through at any time.

On the Rainy River…  The start of the day and end of the day have been best for those targeting walleyes on the river. A jig and minnow or a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish.

Some big sturgeon being iced by ice anglers targeting them.  It is a catch-and-release sturgeon season currently.

Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing has been strong in the islands area of Lake of the Woods. Resorts continue to move their fish houses around, staying on the best schools of walleyes.  

Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch with an occasional pike or tullibee as well.  

Big crappies are still being caught just over the border.  Fish houses are available, check with a NW Angle resort for info on crappie fishing.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.

For more information on fish house rentals and various lodging options from across the Rainy River, south shore and NW Angle, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging. 

Fishing Report 2.4.2025

fishing

fishing On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is strong across the south shore of Lake of the Woods out on Big Traverse Bay.  Most anglers are targeting deep mud with others fishing structure if available where they are going out of.  There are fish in both areas.  

Some ice roads are now extending more than 16 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters continue increasing weight limits.

As a rule, fishing continues to be very good with consistent action for anglers.  Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water.  Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish frys and bring fish home.  

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent.  Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well.

On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom. 

You never know when the fish will move through.  Anglers fishing the entire day normally have success.  Electronics are a big help as well.

On the Rainy River…  The morning and evening hours are the best for fishing walleyes. A jig and minnow combination has been a good presentation.  A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still producing some big fish through the ice.  There are two sturgeon seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year. 

The harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd. 

Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing remains good at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts continue to move their fish houses staying on fish.  Some fish houses are set up on structure while others are targeting deeper mud flats. 

Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.  Good numbers of big crappies are still being caught in select areas and hard sided fish houses are available to target them.  Check with a NW Angle resort for info.

Jigging one line, deadsticking the second is effective.  Some days the jigging line is hot, other days the deadstick.  Some good colors have been gold, glow red, glow white, wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging. Tight lines!

 

Fishing Report 1.28.2025

fishing

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is going great across the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with good fishing reports and expanding ice conditions. Many ice roads are now extending more than 12 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters are increasing weight limits, and many roads are now open to 1-ton vehicles pulling wheelhouses. Be sure to check with each resort for the latest weight limit and road condition updates before heading out.

Fishing this past week has been very good with consistent action for anglers.  Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water. Resorts are proactively moving fish houses to stay on schools of walleyes and saugers.

Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish meals and bring fish home.  The limit of walleyes and saugers is a combined limit of 6 fish, up to 4 can be walleyes.  All walleyes 19.5 – 28.0 inches must be released.  Anglers are allowed to keep one walleye over 28 inches per day if desired.

Lots of jumbo perch in the mix this year.  Other species making appearances include eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees, crappies, and the occasional sturgeon.

The “one-two punch” of jigging a spoon or lipless crankbait in one hole to attract active fish, and a live minnow on a plain hook or small jig in the second hole for deadsticking. 

For the jigging line, rippin raps, pink charmers, coffin spoons, leech flutter spoons, and rattling flyer spoons have been effective.  Tip spoons with a minnow head or tail.

On the deadstick, use a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.

Electronics are highly recommended to help anglers locate suspended fish, track movements, and adjust presentations based on the fish’s mood. Most resorts and bait shops rent electronics for those without their own.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River continues to produce some walleyes and saugers during the morning and evening hours. A jig and minnow combination remains effective for targeting these fish.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has also been good for anglers who enjoy battling these prehistoric giants. The preferred setup involves drilling oversized holes or three holes together, using nightcrawlers or frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig fished along the bottom.

Ice conditions on the river vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing continues

fishing
Walleyes and Crappies

to be very good at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts have spread out their fish houses across a variety of areas, some fishing on structure and others targeting deeper mud flats. Anglers are reporting a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.  Good numbers of big crappies being caught amongst the islands, inquire with NW Angle resorts to book a crappie house.

Good colors… Gold, glow red, glow white, Wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange, or a combo of these colors.

With thickening ice, the rest of the ice fishing season is looking strong. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging. Tight lines!