On the south end…  Ice fishing has begun and fish houses are out on most areas of Lake of the Woods.  The lake is big and ice conditions vary greatly.  Be safe and work through a resort or outfitter and stick to their marked ice roads, trails and fishing areas where they have checked ice.

Fishing reports are excellent overall.  Early ice is a great time traditionally and this year is no different.  Good numbers of walleyes and saugers with eelpout, pike, perch and tullibees mixed in.  

Anglers are fishing from 8 – 27 feet of water depending upon the time of day and in some cases, what ice conditions allow.  Some good walleyes caught early morning and last light in shallow water.  This bite can happen all winter as some walleyes will come up shallow to feed low light.

The one two punch, jigging one line and deadsticking your second line is most effective.  Gold, glow colors, lures with vibration and rattles, jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or tail working well.  Live minnow just off the bottom on the second line.

As a general rule, snowmobiles, ATV’s and side by sides are being allowed so far.  For those fishing in resort fish houses, they will transport you out via light ice rigs.  

Pike anglers are finding good numbers of big pike.  Some spearing / fishing is still taking place in bays.  Great success tip up fishing on the main lake.

Extreme safety is always important, especially so with early ice conditions.  Each resort / outfitter will share info as it is available.  

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is ice covered and where there is good ice, anglers are finding walleyes and sturgeon.  With the current of the river, knowing where and where not to travel and working through resorts / outfitters who know ice conditions is key.

Sturgeon have been cooperative through the ice this week.  With a larger hole and beefed up equipment, those targeting dinosaurs are having great success.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice is progressing nicely up at the Angle.  Some local snowmobile travel has been happening in marked areas with good ice conditions.  Like every year, there are areas with cracks, current, etc.  Stay on marked trails when things open up. Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.

Travel to and from the Angle via land through Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Plan ahead with testing or rapid tests are available in Baudette and soon in Warroad.  Once at the Angle, no additional COVID testing is necessary for traveling back south from the Angle through Canada.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Snowmobilers can take the groomed and staked trail across the lake.  Charter transport via bombardiers on the ice trail or flights over the lake landing on an ice runway are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air this winter.

A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  Ice has covered Lake of the Woods and in some areas of the lake, ice fishing has begun!  Other parts of the lake need a bit more time but things are moving along nicely.  It is always a good idea to work through your favorite resort or outfitter as ice thickness and conditions vary from one area to another.

When ice roads / trails open up, it is normally snowmobiles, ATV’s and side by sides with collapsible fish houses initially.  As the ice thickens, each ice road operator will announce when weight limits increase.

Some resorts are getting fish houses out and fishing is beginning this week.  This is happening in areas of good ice that has been checked and marked.  The initial word is fishing is very good!

Spearing and tip up fishing for pike on back bays has been going well with a nice variety of eaters along with the trophies at over 40″.

Extreme safety is always important, especially so with early ice conditions.  Each resort / outfitter will share info as it is available.  

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is ice covered.  With the current of the river throughout the year, knowing where and where not to travel on the ice is a must.  Work through resorts / outfitters for safety as some areas are not safe.

Pike, walleyes and sauger are being caught in areas where ice conditions allow, back bays and areas with low current that have been checked and marked.

As the ice gets thicker in December, a snowmobile trail will be staked from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point offering travel on the river, Mother Nature dictating of course.  When it opens, stay on the trail for safety.  No trail is marked yet.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice is progressing nicely up at the Angle.  Some local snowmobile travel has been happening in marked areas with good ice conditions.  Like every year, there are areas with cracks, current, etc.  Stay on marked trails when things open up.  Ice fishing for some will begin next week.  Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Plan ahead with testing or rapid tests are available in Baudette and soon in Warroad.  Once at the Angle, no additional COVID testing is necessary for traveling back south from the Angle through Canada.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Snowmobilers can take the groomed and staked trail across the lake.  Charter transport via bombardiers on the ice trail or flights over the lake landing on an ice runway are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air this winter.

A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  Ice is forming across the lake, river and bays.  We are moving in a good direction, but need some more time before ice fishing begins.  

The first spear houses are out on back isolated bays looking for pike.  Some resorts offer spearing packages on Zippel Bay and Bostic Bay.  Work through a resort as ice conditions vary.  One resort reports 5-7 inches on their marked trail but they went around an area with only 1 inch of ice caused by springs.  Safety first.

Our resorts and outfitters are on the ice daily checking thickness, avoiding springs, cracks, shifting ice, unclear and weak ice, etc.  When the time comes they open their ice trails, stay on the trails for safety.

The main basin, Big Traverse Bay, is ice covered in most areas.  As most years, some of the shoreline ice is made up of slush that has blown in and frozen.  When resorts / outfitters start grooming, they will smooth the ice out for good ice travel.  We have a good start!

Many LOW resorts / outfitters are providing ice reports on their Facebook pages this time of year.  These are the experts on the ice and they will let you know when the part of the lake they fish is ready for travel.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is ice covered.  With the current of the river throughout the year, knowing when, where and where not to travel on the ice is a must.

Typically, later in December, a snowmobile trail will be staked from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point offering travel on the river, Mother Nature dictating of course.  When it opens, stay on the trail for safety.

Up at the NW Angle…  Angle Inlet and various areas throughout the islands of the NW Angle are ice covered.  A bit of local snowmobile travel in a few areas but no ice fishing as of yet. Things are coming along nicely with little snow.

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Plan ahead with testing or rapid tests are available in Baudette and soon in Warroad.  Once at the Angle, no additional COVID testing is necessary for traveling back south from the Angle through Canada.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Snowmobilers can take the groomed and staked trail across the lake.  Charter transport via bombardiers on the ice trail or flights over the lake landing on an ice runway are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air this winter.

A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  The few anglers who got out this week on the open water had good success but most have put their boats away and are hunting or looking ahead to the ice fishing season.  

Ice is starting to form but is not safe yet.  As of the writing of this report, bays such as Four Mile Bay, Zippel Bay and Bostic Bay have varying thicknesses of ice.  Ice guides are monitoring conditions daily and make the call when it is time.

The first houses out will be spear houses on back bays looking for pike.  Some resorts offer spearing packages on Zippel Bay and Bostic Bay.  

Please exercise safety and caution as ice thickens.  Our resort and outfitter ice guides are on the ice daily checking thickness, avoiding springs, cracks, shifting ice, unclear and weak ice, etc.  

In some cases, they are actually flooding the ice to thicken it quicker.  The bottom line, we encourage you not to go off on your own but rather use ice guides and the marked trails they have created.

Ice has also started to form on the big waters of Big Traverse Bay which is a good sign.  Cold temps, wind and snow can all affect progress.

Many LOW resorts / outfitters are providing ice reports on their Facebook pages this time of year.

On the Rainy River…  The Rainy River is ice covered with pockets of open water.  With the current of the river throughout the year, knowing when, where and where not to travel on the ice is a must.

Typically, later in December, a snowmobile trail will be staked from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point offering travel on the river, Mother Nature dictating of course.  When it opens, stay on the trail for safety.

Up at the NW Angle…  Angle Inlet and various areas throughout the islands of the NW Angle are ice covered with random areas of open water as ice continues to form.  Things are coming along nicely but are not ready yet.

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Plan ahead with testing or rapid tests are available in Baudette and soon in Warroad.  Once at the Angle, no additional COVID testing is necessary for traveling back south from the Angle through Canada.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Snowmobilers can take the groomed and staked trail across the lake.  Charter transport via bombardiers on the ice trail or flights over the lake landing on an ice runway are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air this winter.

A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  The fish are there, the anglers this time of year, not so much.  Some are deer hunting, some have put their boats away and are getting the ice fishing gear ready.  For those who have not winterized their boats, there are plenty of walleyes and saugers to be had.

Those who hit the water this week were rewarded.  Schools of walleyes and saugers are set up along the south shore and are active.  Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner is the most common method of fishing.

Most anglers report good fishing in 17-27 feet of water.  Gold, pink and glow continue to be hot colors in the stained waters of LOW.  

Pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon, crappies and eelpout are also being caught by walleye anglers.

Looking forward to ice fishing!

On the Rainy River…   A great week of fishing on the Rainy River with good numbers of walleyes.  Most are jigging with emerald shiners.  Gold, glow and pink, gold / orange have been strong colors.

Sturgeon are still being caught, many by unsuspecting walleye anglers jigging with minnows.

Up at the NW Angle…  Back harbors and bays are just starting to ice up.  For the few anglers out fishing, the bite continues to be really good.  Most anglers are jigging.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs are doing well.  Anglers fishing the U.S. side are tipping with a fathead or frozen shiner.  Those fishing the Ontario side tipping with various plastics.

Points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 24 feet depending upon the spot.  

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Rapid tests available in Baudette and soon in Warroad.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Charter transport via bombardiers via the ice trail and flights over the lake delivering you to your desired resort are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air this winter.

A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  Unseasonably warm temps are prolonging anglers’ appetites to continue open water fishing and it is paying off.  The late fall bite is very strong!  

As many anglers are focused on deer hunting, those who hit the water were rewarded.  Schools of walleyes and saugers are set up along the south shore and are active.  Looking ahead, these fish are set up nicely for first ice.

Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner is the go to method.  Live shiners are available and effective.

Most anglers report good fishing in 17-27 feet of water.  Gold, pink and glow continue to be hot colors.  

Mixed in with the walleyes are pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon, crappies and eelpout.

Some back bays iced up on cold mornings!

On the Rainy River…   More and more walleyes are being caught in the river each week.  Mother Nature appears to be a couple of weeks behind this fall.  To no surprise, most are stuffed with emerald shiners.  Jigging with a frozen or live shiner has been the go to method, however, those trolling crankbaits also producing.

Sturgeon activity continues to be good with some big fish caught and released.

Up at the NW Angle…  For the few anglers out fishing, the bite continues to be really good.  Most anglers are jigging with big numbers of fish are being caught.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs are doing well.  Anglers fishing the U.S. side are tipping with a fathead or frozen shiner.  Those fishing the Ontario side tipping with various plastics.

Structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 26 feet continues to be the range depending upon the spot.  

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Rapid tests available in Baudette.  Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Charter transport via water and ice and flights over the lake delivering you to your desired resort are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air both this fall and into the winter months via ice.

A complete list of lodging, fishing and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  The late fall bite is on!  As the MN deer hunting opener approaches, walleyes are in high gear but most of the focus of many anglers is towards the woods.  Great fishing is there for those late season anglers.  

Various schools of walleyes and saugers along the south shore are cooperating nicely.  The walleyes and sauger are active and will continue into ice fishing.  

Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner continues to be the go to method.  Live shiners are available and effective.

The best reports are coming from 17-27 feet of water across the south shore in areas such as Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Graceton Beach, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Various schools within these depths. 

Walleye anglers also catching some nice pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon and even a few crappies and eelpout.

Some back bays showing a thin layer of ice on cold mornings!

On the Rainy River…   Some nice walleyes being caught in the river.  Many are full of emerald shiners.  Jigging with a frozen or live shiner, is the go to method.

Some groups continue trolling crankbaits in the river through the fall.  It is consistent, covers water, gives a different look than the millions of shiners, good method for scattered fish and produces reaction bites of shiner stuffed fish.  Keep this tool available if you aren’t catching.

Sturgeon activity continues to be good with some big fish caught and released.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing up at the Angle is good.  Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic (when boating into Canada) for walleyes.  In some areas, walleyes continue to be stacked and big numbers of fish are being caught.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs are doing well.  Reminder, no live, frozen or dead bait being able to be transported over the border from the U.S. into Canada, consequently anglers boating into Ontario waters reporting various plastics on their jigs and spinners working great.

Various areas of structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 26 feet is the range depending upon the spot.  

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test. Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Charter transport via water and ice and flights over the lake are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air both this fall and into the winter months via ice.

A complete list of lodging, fishing and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  Great fall walleye fishing again this week.  As the traditional deer hunting opener approaches, walleye fishing is typically in high gear.  This pattern is holding true.  Various spots along the south shore are producing nicely.  The walleyes and sauger are active.  These fish are also setting up nicely for ice fishing which is just around the corner with water temps in the upper 40’s.

Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner is the go to method.  Live shiners are available and effective.  Some anglers are still pulling spinners with a minnow or trolling crankbaits with good success.  Gold, pink, white and chartreuse hot colors this week.

The best reports are coming from 17-27 feet of water across the south shore in areas such as Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Graceton Beach, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Various schools within these depths. 

In addition to walleyes and saugers, pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon and even a few crappies are in the mix for walleye anglers.

On the Rainy River…   Nice pockets of walleyes being caught in the river.  Jigging with a frozen or live shiner, is the go to method.  Emerald shiners are tough to beat.

Some groups are trolling crankbaits in the river and because of their consistency, they never switch.  Also great in locating walleyes or when fish are scattered.

Sturgeon activity with cooler water is good with numerous fish caught and released.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing up at the Angle continues strong.  Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic (when boating into Canada) for walleyes.  In some areas, walleyes continue to be stacked and big numbers of fish are being caught.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs and spinners are doing well.  Reminder, no live, frozen or dead bait being able to be transported over the border from the U.S. into Canada, consequently anglers boating into Ontario waters reporting various plastics on their jigs and spinners working great.

Various areas of structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 26 feet is the range depending upon the spot.  

Big crappies are being caught on jigs and minnows in 24-30′ adjacent to structure.

Muskie action continues to be strong.  Jigging large baits has boated good numbers of fish as well as casting and trolling. 

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Charter transport via water and ice and flights over the lake are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air both this fall and into the winter months via ice.

A complete list of lodging, fishing and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  An excellent week of fall walleye fishing.  Bring lots of bait as the fish are active.  There are lots of small fish in the system that bodes well for the future.  You will catch your eaters and other larger fish, but will usually have to sort through small fish along the way.

Anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner is the go to method.  Most fish are usually adjacent to the bottom.  Live shiners are available and effective.  Some anglers still using spinners with a minnow or trolling crankbaits.

The best reports are coming from 17-27 feet of water across the south shore in areas such as Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Graceton Beach, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Various schools within these depths. 

In addition to walleyes and saugers, pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon and even a few crappies are in the mix for walleye anglers.

On the Rainy River…   Emerald shiners continue to run in the Rainy River, consequently, there are walleyes around.  Jigging with a frozen or live shiner, is the go to method.  Emerald shiners are tough to beat.

Trolling crankbaits is an extremely effective technique in the river.  Also great in locating walleyes or when fish are scattered.

Sturgeon activity continues good.  A gob of crawlers and/or frozen shiners on a sturgeon rig (18 inch leader made of 60lb test, circle hook and a 2-3 ounce no roll sinker) is the ticket.  The catch and release season continues through April 23, 2022.

Up at the NW Angle…  Fall fishing up at the Angle continues to be excellent.  Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic for walleyes.  In some areas, walleyes are stacked and active with big numbers of fish being caught.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs and spinners are doing well.  Reminder, no live, frozen or dead bait being able to be transported over the border from the U.S. into Canada, consequently anglers boating into Ontario waters reporting various plastics on their jigs and spinners working great.

Various areas of structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 26 feet is the range depending upon the spot.  

Big crappies are active in their fall spots and being caught on jigs and minnows in 24-30′ around various structure.

Muskie action was hot this week.  Jigging large baits has boated good numbers of fish as well as casting and trolling. 

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Want to avoid crossing the border?  Charter transport via water and ice and flights over the lake are available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air both this fall and into the winter months via ice.

A complete list of lodging, fishing and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.  

On the south end…  A really good week of fall walleye fishing.  Big numbers of fish being caught.  It should only improve as water temps get cooler.  This fall has been unseasonably warm. Big numbers of walleyes and saugers are set up along the south shore and anglers are catching a lot of fish.  

Most anglers are anchored up and jigging with a fathead or emerald shiner.  Live shiners are available and effective.  There are still a lot of walleyes being caught on spinners with minnows surprisingly.  Trolling crankbaits has also been catching a lot of fish.

The best reports are coming from 18-28 feet of water across the south shore in areas such as Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Graceton Beach, Long Point and Rocky Point.  Various schools within these depths. 

In addition to walleyes and saugers, pike, jumbo perch, sturgeon and even a few crappies are in the mix for walleye anglers.

On the Rainy River…   Emerald shiners continue to run in the Rainy River and more and more walleyes are entering the river each week.  Fishing has picked up but most believe when water temps reach the 40’s, it will get even better.  Currently, temps are in the low 50’s.

Jigging with a frozen or live shiner, is the go to method.  Emerald shiners are tough to beat this time of year.

Some reports of big fish being caught, but not in big numbers… yet.

Sturgeon activity continues good.  A gob of crawlers and/or frozen shiners on a sturgeon rig (18 inch leader made of 60lb test, circle hook and a 2-3 ounce no roll sinker) is the ticket.  The catch and release season continues through April 23, 2022.

Up at the NW Angle…

Fall fishing up at the Angle continues to be excellent.  Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic.  Some strong reports with warmer than normal water of spinners with a minnow or plastic being the hot bait.

Gold, pink and/or glow colored jigs and spinners are doing well.  Reminder, no live, frozen or dead bait being able to be transported over the border from the U.S. into Canada, consequently anglers boating into Ontario waters reporting various plastics on their jigs and spinners working great.

Various areas of structure such as points, reefs and sandy areas in neck down areas continue to hold good fish.  12 – 26 feet is the range depending upon the spot.  

Big crappies are in their fall spots and being caught on jigs and minnows in 25-30′ around various structure.

Muskie anglers report good fishing overall.  Trollers reporting mixed results.  One day is great, the other not so much.  Covering water trolling is a strong fall muskie technique and should get better as water cools.   

Travel to and from the Angle via vehicle through the 40 miles of Canada is open.  Boating into Canadian waters is now open.

Charter boat transport and float planes are still available through the LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air.

A complete list of lodging, fishing and ice fishing packages around LOW, the NW Angle, Baudette and the Rainy River at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.