On the south end…  Most attention right now is with sturgeon and pike with anglers looking forward to the May 15th walleye opener.  The pike season is open year-round on LOW and the Rainy River.  Backwater areas and back bays are all over LOW and the Rainy River and are where pike are being caught.  Deadbait on a quick strike rig under a bobber, spoons, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are all working.

The pike limit is 3 fish per day, 30-40 inches must be released, one over 40″ allowed.  Most practice catch and release with a nice photo on big fish, and there are a lot of big pike being caught.

On the Rainy River…   Sturgeon fishing is in full swing and fishing is good.  Now through May 7th is the sturgeon harvest season (45-50″, or over 75″)  Catch and release 5/8/21 – 5/15/21.  Closed 5/16/21 – 6/30/21.  Harvest season, 7/1/21 – 9/30/21.

A 3-5 ounce no-roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig (18″ snell of 60 lb test with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) with a glob of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is the ticket.  Local bait shops / resorts have rigs and bait available.

Find a deeper spot or hole in a stretch of the river, anchor up and still fish the bottom.  Your bait sends a scent trail the sturgeon will find!  Some huge sturgeon being caught in excess of 70 inches.

Up at the NW Angle…  The NW Angle is ice free and everyone is looking forward to the May 15th fishing opener.  There are many ways to access Angle resorts.  The LOW Passenger Service, charter boat shuttle service from the south end, is open and running.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.  A complete list of lodging and fishing packages available in Baudette, on the Rainy River, around Lake of the Woods and up at the NW Angle at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end…  Lake of the Woods is ice free!  Walleye anglers are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener on May 15th.  Based on the big fish in the Rainy River this spring, there is a lot of excitement!

The pike season is open year-round on LOW and the Rainy River.  Backwater areas and back bays are where pike spawning activity is taking place.  The pike limit is 3 fish per day, 30-40 inches must be released, one over 40″ allowed.  Most practice catch and release with a nice photo on big fish, and there are a lot of big pike being caught.

On the Rainy River…   The spring walleye season closed with good success.  Despite varying clarity and some spring rains pushing debris into the water, hearty walleye anglers still pulled some very good fish last week.  Now looking toward the walleye opener.

Sturgeon fishing this past week was excellent.  Sturgeon of all sizes being caught which bodes well for the health of the fishery which is very strong.  Sturgeon catch and release season through 4/23/21.  Keep season 4/24/21 – 5/7/21, (45-50″, or over 75″)  Catch and release 5/8/21 – 5/15/21.  Closed 5/16/21 – 6/30/21.  Harvest season, 7/1/21 – 9/30/21.

A 4-6 ounce no-roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig (18″ snell of 60 lb test with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) with a glob of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is the ticket.  Local bait shops / resorts have rigs and bait available.

Find a deeper spot or hole in a stretch of the river, anchor up and still fish the bottom.  Your bait sends a scent trail the sturgeon will find!

Up at the NW Angle…  The NW Angle is ice free and everyone is looking forward to the May 15th fishing opener.  There are many ways to access Angle resorts.  The LOW Passenger Service, charter boat shuttle service from the south end, is open and running.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.  A complete list of lodging and fishing packages available in Baudette, on the Rainy River, around Lake of the Woods and up at the NW Angle at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end… The lake is still ice covered with big stretches of open water which is expanding daily.  Anglers fishing the lake are fishing in front of the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters LOW.  Anglers are allowed a limit of walleyes and saugers on the lake, but catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River during the spring walleye season which lasts through April 14.  The walleye season opens again on May 15th.

Pike Fishing.  Open water is available in the back bays such as various Four Mile Bay, Bostic Creek, Zippel Bay and backwaters on the Rainy River where pike spawn.  Some nice pike being caught in shallow water areas.  These areas are off of the main lake and perfect for small boats.  The pike season is open year round on LOW and the Rainy River.  3 fish per day, 30-40 inches must be released, one over 40″ allowed.

On the Rainy River…   This past week was nothing short of incredible for walleye fishing on the Rainy River.  Large numbers of big walleyes were caught and released.  Many fish 30 – 33+ inches in the mix.  Exactly why anglers love the Rainy River in the spring.  

Good reports up and down the river including Four Mile Bay.

A 3/8 – 1/2 ounce jig is working nicely tipped with a minnow or a plastic.  Bright plastics and frozen shiners working best on jigs.  Some anglers trolling crankbaits with success to cover water.

Sturgeon fishing continues to be good with good numbers of sturgeon being caught.  Most anglers targeting holes in the river.  Some sturgeon being caught on rolling sand dunes with fish laying in the depressions. Wherever there is food and a bit of slacker water!

With lower current, a 3 ounce no-roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig (18″ snell of 60 lb test with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) with a glob of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is the ticket.  Local bait shops have rigs and bait available.

Up at the NW Angle…  Locals are able to get their boats from the mainland (Angle Inlet) to most areas of the islands.  Looking ahead to open water, there are various ways to travel to the NW Angle this summer without crossing the border.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  There is also the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (charter boat shuttle to Angle).  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.  A complete list of lodging and fishing packages available on the Rainy River, around Lake of the Woods and up at the NW Angle at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end… Ice fishing is all finished up on the main lake.  The focus is on back bays for big pike and areas of open water on the lake for walleyes.  The pike season is open year round on LOW and the Rainy River.  3 fish per day, 30-40 inches must be released, one over 40″ allowed.

Anglers are allowed a limit of walleyes and saugers on the lake, but catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River through April 14.  A limit of walleyes and saugers is a combined limit of 6 fish with up to 4 being walleyes.  Walleyes 19.5-28.0 inches must be released with one allowed over 28 inches.  The walleye season runs through April 14th and starts up again May 15th for the MN Fishing Opener.

On the Rainy River…   Five boat ramps are open on the Rainy River and there are 42 miles of open water for fishing.  Nelson Park in Birchdale, Frontier, Vidas (near Clementson), Timbermill Park in Baudette and the Wheeler’s Point access at the mouth of the river 12 miles north of Baudette are all open.  

River fishing has started out strong.  Good numbers of walleyes are being caught by some with trophy fish in the mix.  A 3/8 – 1/2 ounce jig is working nicely tipped with a minnow or a plastic.  Walleye season is catch and release only on Rainy River and Four Mile Bay through April 14th.

Sturgeon fishing continues to be excellent with big numbers of sturgeon being caught.  Sturgeon catch and release season through 4/23/21.  Keep season 4/24/21 – 5/7/21, (45-50″, or over 75″)  Catch and release 5/8/21 – 5/15/21.

With lower current, a 3 ounce no-roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig (18″ snell of 60 lb test with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) with a glob of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is the ticket.  Local bait shops have rigs available.

Up at the NW Angle…  Looking ahead to open water, there are various ways to travel to the NW Angle this summer without crossing the border.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  There is also the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (charter boat shuttle to Angle).  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.  A complete list of lodging and fishing packages available on the Rainy River, around Lake of the Woods and up at the NW Angle at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end… Most resorts have pulled off fish houses for the season with a few resorts adjacent to better ice conditions still ice fishing.  Big pike are active and staging adjacent to spawning areas. Most fish are being caught on tip ups with live sucker minnows or a dead bait like a tullibee.  Most pike angling taking place in 5-15′ of water.

Walleye anglers finding fish 15 – 30′ of water.  A morning / evening bite shallower, walleyes and saugers during the day in deeper water.

On the Rainy River…   The Rainy River is starting to open!  Some small boats pushing over shoreline ice at Nelson Park in Birchdale.  The middle of the river is open with the boat ramp still ice covered as of 3-16-21.  It may open in coming days.  

Safety first.  Life preservers, warm weather gear, a knife to cut anchor rope if drifting ice gets caught in rope, and of course common sense.  Please have patience for your fellow anglers when the accesses open up.  Use slower speed and caution on Hwy 11 near access points.  Do not block approaches to fields, etc. when parking.  

Up at the NW Angle…  Looking ahead to open water, there are various ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  There is also the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (charter boat shuttle to Angle).  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.

The majority of ice fishing is finished up at the Angle.  Some locals are still fishing but most are looking forward to open water.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end…  Lots of ice fishing is still happening in some areas while other areas are dealing with ice upheavals due to temperature fluctuations.  Some parts of the lake are very accessible, but It is a good idea to call ahead or watch the Facebook page of the resort or outfitter you are fishing with for any updates.

Mixed reports.  Some catching lots of fish with quite a bit of sorting for keepers happening while others are catching one here, one there.  Some nice slot fish (between 19.5 – 28.0 inches) being caught and released.  Also some trophy walleyes (28 – 33 inches) caught this week.  24-32 feet has been the best bite.  Lures with some noise such as jigging spoons or small lipless crankbaits with rattles are helpful.  Gold, glow, glow red, pink and green solid colors this week.  On the deadstick, a colored hook with a live fathead has been effective.

Big pike being caught on tip-ups with a quick strike rig and either live sucker or large dead baitfish in 5 – 15′ of water.

On the Rainy River…   Morning / evening bite the best.  Remember, March 1st – April 14th, catch and release only for walleyes on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.  As warmer temps and melting happening, use extreme caution on the river.  River east of Birchdale showing some open water, spring fishing is around the corner.

Up at the NW Angle…  With the border closure, there are four ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  1.  NW Angle Guest Ice Road from south shore up to the Angle.  2.  Snowmobile trails across the lake.  3.  Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (bombardier).  4.  Lake Country Air flying service.

Nice walleyes caught this week up at the NW Angle.  Fish have been finicky, try downsizing presentations and using some noise to attract them and fire them up.  Walleyes in 22 – 31′ of water.  Some big pike caught both on tip ups and by walleye anglers.  Communicate with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.  Ice fishing on LOW through March.  Remember, a new MN Fishing License is required March 1st.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end…  Fish houses can be on the ice through March 31st.  Walleyes are open through April 14th, pike never close.  A good week of fishing despite a number of temperature changes.  A variety of walleyes, saugers, perch, pike, tullibee and eelpout being caught in 29-33 feet.  Jigging spoons with a glow stick or rattles tipped with a piece of minnow for the jigging line.  On the deadstick, a colored hook with a live fathead has been effective.  Electronics are helpful to show suspended fish.  When suspended fish are spotted, reel up quickly before fish swims through.  When your lure is 2 feet below the fish, reel up to the fish slowly so you don’t spook the fish.  The suspended fish have been larger walleyes overall.

Big pike being caught on tip-ups with a quick strike rig and either live sucker or large dead baitfish in 5 – 15′ of water.

On the Rainy River…   Morning / evening bite continues to be the best.  Remember, March 1st – April 14th, catch and release only for walleyes on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.  The snowmobile trail on the river from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point to the NW Angle staked and groomed.

Up at the NW Angle…  With the border closure, there are four ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  1.  NW Angle Guest Ice Road from south shore up to the Angle.  2.  Snowmobile trails across the lake.  3.  Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (bombardier).  4.  Lake Country Air flying service.

A good number of walleyes caught this week up at the NW Angle.  Walleyes in 24 – 31′ of water.  Jigging with a lure producing noise with rattles is effective.  Tip jigging spoons with minnow head, tail or whole minnow.  Experiment until you figure out what the walleyes want.  Plain hook or a glow jig with a live minnow on deadstick.  Communicate with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.  Ice fishing on LOW through March.  Remember, a new MN Fishing License is required March 1st.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end…  Despite the cold weather, some good fishing reports up on Lake of the Woods this week.  A nice mix of walleyes and saugers being caught in 29-33 feet.  The cold weather made some of the fish less active, so coaxing them was key.  Using a jigging line in one hole with lures that put out vibration or noise was helpful.  That combined with a deadstick in your second hole with either a glow jig or plan hook and a minnow.  Keep the jigging line moving to attract fish.  Try gold, glow white, glow red, wonderbread and pink.  Lures that glow, have a glow stick or make noise are effective in the stained water.

Electronics are helpful to show suspended fish as well as how fish are reacting to your presentation.  Some bait shops and resorts will rent units for the day.

On the Rainy River…   Morning and evening bite producing some walleyes on the river.  A variety of areas being fished with low flow and cold temps.  The snowmobile trail on the river from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point to the NW Angle staked and groomed.  Use caution and work through a resort, outfitter or gain info from a bait shop as there is current and areas not fit for travel on the river.

Up at the NW Angle…  With the border closure, there are four ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  1.  NW Angle Guest Ice Road from south shore up to the Angle.  2.  Snowmobile trails across the lake.  3.  Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (bombardier).  4.  Lake Country Air flying service.

A lot of nice walleyes caught up at the Angle this week with a mix of other species.  Walleyes in 24 – 30′ of water.  Some resorts are fishing structure, others fishing deep mud.  Jigging with noisy lures 3-4′ off of the bottom is a good way to pull in fish.    Plain hook or a glow jig with a live minnow on deadstick.  Some days, the jigging line is hot, others the bobbers are going down.  Communicate with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.  Ice fishing on LOW through March.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

On the south end…  A good week of fishing up on Lake of the Woods.  Cold weather is welcomed as the fish houses are warm!  Remember, ice fishing is open through March.  A nice variety of walleyes and saugers being caught in 29-33 feet.  Use a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick with a live minnow in the other.  Keep the jigging line moving to attract fish.  Try gold, glow white, glow red and pink.  Lures that glow or with a glow stick effective in the stained water.

Fish range in size.  A typical day will usually include small fish, eaters, some slots (19.5 – 28″ to be released) and even a big walleye over 28″ on occasion.  The limit of walleyes and saugers on LOW is a combined limit of 6 fish, with up to 4 of the 6 being walleyes.  Walleyes 19.5 – 28″ must be released.  One fish over 28″ allowed per day.  Anglers also catching jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, tullibees and every once in a while, a crappie or sturgeon.

Electronics are helpful to show suspended fish as well as how fish are reacting to your presentation.  Some bait shops and resorts will rent units for the day.

On the Rainy River…   Morning and evening bite still the best on the river.  The snowmobile trail on the river from Baudette to Wheeler’s Point to the NW Angle staked and groomed.  Use caution and work through a resort, outfitter or gain info from a bait shop as there is current and areas not fit for travel on the river.

Up at the NW Angle…  With the border closure, there are four ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  1.  NW Angle Guest Ice Road from south shore up to the Angle.  2.  Snowmobile trails across the lake.  3.  Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (bombardier).  4.  Lake Country Air flying service.

A good week of walleye fishing mixed with perch, eelpout, pike and tullibees.  Walleyes are following their typical pattern, sliding off of structure into that 26 – 30′ of water.  As a rule, structure morning / evening and deep mud or rocks during the day.  Ripping Raps or jigging spoons with a rattle tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail working well.  Plain hook or a glow jig with a live minnow on deadstick.  Communicate with your favorite NW Angle resort for specifics.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging