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.

fishing
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!

Fishing Report 1.21.2025

fishing

fishing On the South Shore… Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods and fishing is good.  Resorts and outfitters are reporting thickening ice conditions with over two feet of ice in many areas and on many ice roads.  Ice road operators continue to increase weight limits and many are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Very good fishing this past week despite some windy days, cold and fronts.  Lake of the Woods is special this way.  As a rule, fishing activity is happening in 26 – 32 feet of water.  Resorts continue to move fish houses to stay on schools of walleyes and saugers.

Most groups are having plenty of fresh fish to eat along with bringing fish home.  A wide range of sizes of walleyes and saugers are showing up, which shows a healthy fishery.  Anglers are sorting through fish, releasing small fish and walleyes in the protected slot between 19.5 – 28.0 inches.   Anglers are allowed to keep one walleye per day over 28 inches if they so desire.  It continues to be a very good year for jumbo perch with good numbers being caught.  Other fish in the mix are eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees and an occasional sturgeon.   

punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole.  A jigging spoon or lipless crankbait in the jigging hole and a live minnow on a hook or small jig in the deadstick hole.

Electronics are very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.  Most resorts, outfitters and bait shops in the area rent electronics by the day.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes and saugers, primarily in the mornings and evenings.  A jig and minnow working well.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good for those targeting them.  An oversized hole, or three holes drilled together, with nightcrawlers or frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig fished on the bottom are what anglers are using.  

Ice conditions on the river can vary significantly due to the current. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions. 

Up at the NW Angle… Ice continues to thicken and fishing continues to be very good up at the Northwest Angle. Resorts are spread out on a variety of areas, some on the structure, some set just off of structure in the deep mud.  A nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and tullibees are being caught.  

The ice road from Jerry’s on the mainland (Angle Inlet, MN) to island resorts is open to 1 ton vehicles.  Guests drive right to their island resort after picking up a road pass at Jerry’s or Point North Services.  

With thickening ice, an ice fishing season through March is shaping up nicely.  Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st.  Walleye / sauger season is open through April 14th and perch, crappie, and pike season never closes.

More information on fish house rentals, lodging, and general information at LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Fishing Report 1.14.2025

Ice fishing lake of the woods mn

On the South Shore… Ice fishing is going great on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters reporting thickening ice conditions with two feet of ice in some areas.  Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Some good fishing this past week.  As a rule, fishing activity is happening in 28 – 32 feet of water.  Resorts do just about everything they can to get customers on fish and this past week, some resorts made some long runs, resetting fish houses in new areas miles off shore.  Most are reporting good fishing as a rule. 

fishing
Huge Eelpout

It is common to sort through some small walleyes and saugers to get your keepers on LOW.  Naturally, some big fish are showing up, especially in deeper water.  In addition, this has been a very good year for jumbo perch with good numbers being caught.  Other fish in the mix are eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees and an occasional sturgeon.   

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail in gold / pink, gold / glow red, glow white / pink, or Wonder Bread have worked well.  

Especially in the deeper water, some anglers are finding success on rippin raps or using jigging spoons with a rattle as well.  

On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom is working well.  One day the jigging line catches most of the fish, the other day a deadstick is hot.  

Electronics are very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.  Most resorts, outfitters and bait shops in the area rent electronics by the day.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice walleyes and saugers, primarily in the mornings and evenings.  A jig and minnow working well.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good for those targeting them.  An oversized hole, or three holes drilled together, with nightcrawlers or frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig fished on the bottom are what anglers are using.  

Ice conditions on the river can vary significantly due to the current. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions. 

Up at the NW Angle… Ice fishing continues to be very good up at the Northwest Angle. Resorts have fish houses set up on various pieces of structure as well as adjacent to structure in deep mud.  A consistent mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike and tullibees in the mix.  

Shallow structure is best right away in the morning and as the sun starts going down in the late afternoon.  Mud is more of a slower bite but all day.

The ice road from Jerry’s on the mainland (Angle Inlet, MN) to island resorts (as of this past week) was open to 1 ton vehicles.  Guests drive right to their island resort after picking up a road pass at Jerry’s or Point North Services.  Venmo is also available at all resorts.  Work through your resort for specifics.

Ice fishing is in full swing across Lake of the Woods and there are openings for lodging, fish house rentals, sleeper fish house rentals and meal plans across the area.  Ice fishing is extended on LOW with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st, walleye / sauger season open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and helpful information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

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Fishing Report 1.8.2025

Ice fishing lake of the woods mn

On the South Shore… Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to report solid ice conditions and some good fishing. Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Most fishing activity is happening in 26 – 32 feet of water.  Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye.   Most buckets have some good quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up as well.

fishing
Beautiful Perch at the Northwest Angle

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, your favorite small to mid sized jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors tipped with a minnow head. Rattles can help as well in the stained water.

Some anglers are finding success on jigging raps and rippin raps as well.  More aggressive techniques at times are really getting it done.

On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom is working well.

Using electronics is very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.

On the Rainy River… The Rainy River is still producing some nice fish but the good walleye bite has slowed some.  Anglers are catching some decent numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good.  To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.

Up at the NW Angle… Ice fishing is going very well up at the Northwest Angle. Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success.

The NW Angle is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to place fish houses on points, reefs and over deep mud.  

Ice fishing is in full swing and there are openings for lodging and fish house rentals on both ends of the lake.  

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

Fishing Report 12.31.2024

Ice fishing lake of the woods mn

On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to report solid ice conditions. A colder weather pattern is expected over the next couple of weeks, which will further strengthen ice and ensure safe and productive fishing. Many resorts have sleeper fish houses on the ice, offering anglers the chance to spend extended time fishing in comfort.

Most fishing activity is happening in 24-30 feet of water, where anglers are reporting steady action. While some sorting is required to find keeper-sized fish, buckets are being filled with quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up to surprise anglers as well.

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole.  In the jigging hole, your favorite jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors.  Rattles can help as well in the stained water.

On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom is working well.

Although every ice road is different, many are now allowing mid-sized vehicles as ice thickness improves. Be sure to check with your ice road operator for specific conditions and weight limits to ensure a safe outing.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River continues to produce great results for those heading out. Anglers are catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been excellent, offering a thrilling battle for anglers seeking a unique challenge. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing going strong up at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success.

The NW Angle is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to ensure safe ice conditions, with marked trails and ready-to-fish houses set up for a seamless experience.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for details.

Good news for snowmobilers: the snowmobile trail from the south end of the lake across the ice to the Northwest Angle is staked and open!  Scratchers are recommended with some melting snow last week.

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

Happy Holidays from Lake of the Woods Tourism! Tight lines and safe fishing!

fishing

Fishing Report 12.16.2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fishing Report 12.10.2024

lake of the woods mn

LAKE OF THE WOODS

FISHING REPORT

ENTER TEXT HERE…

Ladies with nice walleye outside fish house Ballards Resort 021025

Fishing Report 2.11.2025

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On the South Shore…  Ice fishing has begun for some areas of the lake, while others are grooming trails and will be close behind.  The ice is progressing nicely.  There were concerns a big blow this past week might mess things up but thankfully, the ice stayed intact and is continuing to thicken. 
 
Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next.  That is why it is difficult to provide an answer to theÂ