FAQ's
Welcome to the Lake of the Woods Tourism FAQ page! Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to your favorite getaway, we’re here to help you make the most of your visit. From fishing regulations and border crossing tips to lodging options and seasonal activities, this page covers the questions we hear most often from travelers.
Still need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to assist in making your Lake of the Woods experience unforgettable.
FAQ's
When is the best time to fish walleyes on Lake of the Woods?
There really isn’t a good time or bad time, but rather, based on the season, walleyes might be in different locations and prefer different techniques.
Ice fishing typically begins in December and goes through March. Mother Nature is definitely in charge, but as a rule, resort fish houses on the south end of Lake of the Woods often get out around December 10th. Resort ice guides are busy checking ice conditions and marking trails as soon as ice forms an will let ice anglers know when their ice road / trail is open and what equipment is allowed based on weight limits. For safety reasons, it is important to work through a resort or outfitter and stay on the ice trails / roads.
Spring open water fishing typically begins late March on the Rainy River. The spring walleye season is a tradition on the rainy River as soon as the ice starts going out near the boat ramps furthest to the east near Birchdale, MN. This is a time when anglers can fish walleyes, and some of the largest walleyes in Lake of the Woods, through April 14th. This is a time many anglers have the chance to use their boat for the first time this open water season. They also have a strong chance of catching the largest walleye of their life.
In the warmer months of July and August, good number of walleyes will be spread out over deep mud. Â
What part of Lake of the Woods should I stay?
There are basically three options to consider…
First, it is good to decide if you want to stay on the south end of the lake along the south shore / Rainy River, or up at the NW Angle. Â
South Shore / Rainy River resorts are located on the south end of the lake. Typically, you drive right up to your cabin or room. Â
South shore lodging options range from from full service resorts where lodging, charter boat service and bar / restaurant is available  There are also self service resorts, hotels and cabins with various amenities and services available.
If you consider the NW Angle and are driving, remember you will have to drive through 40 miles of Canada before entering back into Minnesota up at the Angle.  That means, travelers will need credentials to enter Canada such as a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or an original birth certificate combined with a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.
The other option is to travel to the NW Angle by going across the lake and staying in Minnesota. This can be done via boat during the open water season, or, across the ice on one of the many snowmobile trails in the winter.
Travelers headed to the Angle can also take the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service to your favorite NW Angle resort both summer and winter.
Second, consider whether you want to fish on a charter boat, with a guide in a small boat (18 – 22′), or bring your own boat.Â
Charter boats are primarily on the south end. Guides with small boats can be found on both ends. Â
How do I Drive to the Northwest Angle?
Driving There via Canada (Most Common Route)
This beautiful drive will have you driving through Canada for about 40 miles and re-entering back into the U.S. up at the Angle. The NW Angle is one of four exclaves across the U.S. / Canada border. Basically, an exclave is a portion of a country separated from the main part and surrounded by foreign territory, in this case, Canada.
Travelers crossing the border at Warroad or Roseau will be stop briefly to get cleared to enter Canada by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) border station. A quick check, making sure everyone has proof of identity and residency (Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, etc.) and aren’t bringing in anything or anyone illegal and you are on your way.
The trip up will travelers going through Sprague, Manitoba, a very small town. Some stop at the local grocery store to pick up a few items you can only get in Canada. Perhaps a Coffee Crisp chocolate bar, loaf of famous Canadian Rye cracked wheat bread baked at a Winnipeg bakery or some delicious Canadian jams.
The drive continues through some beautiful parts of Manitoba with incredible scenery and an abundance of wildlife.
Once you re-enter the United States up at the NW Angle, you will need to check in with U.S. Customs. This is an unmanned border, but you still need to check in with U.S. Customs as you entered the country from another country (Canada). You can proceed to one of the three check in stations at the Angle or do as most travelers do, check in at one of the many resorts that have a designated iPad once you arrive. This check in normally takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
When you drive back south from the Angle, first check in with Canada Customs to get clearance to drive through Canada. You can check in at the small booth at Jim’s Corner and press the button on the phone with the Canada symbol, or, simply be close to Jim’s Corner and call the 888-CAN-PASS phone number. (1-888-226-7277) After a few questions, such as who is traveling, license plate of your vehicle, and a few questions about what you are bringing back with you, once approved to travel through Canada, they will issue you a verification number. Write this number down as this is your record of clearing customs to drive back to Warroad or Roseau.
DIRECTIONS TO THE ANGLE WHEN DRIVING FROM WARROAD OR ROSEAU
From Warroad:Â Take MN-313 N into Manitoba, CN. After 12.6 miles, make a right turn onto MB-308 N (follow signs for Sprague just before Esso gas Station). After 27 miles, take a right onto MB-525 E (this will enter back into MN). Continue on Co Rd 330 Angle Road NW.
From Roseau:Â Follow HWY 310 into Manitoba, CN 10 miles. Continuing on to Main St, turn right onto Manitoba 12 S. Travel 5.9 miles and take a left on MB-308 N (turning by Esso gas station following signs for Sprague. After 27 miles, take the right onto MB-525 E (entering MN). Continue onto Co Rd 330 Angle Road NW.
What Credentials are needed to travel into canada?
To cross the border from the U.S. into Canada, travelers need a valid passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or a combination of an original birth certificate with a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.
In addition, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers will typically deny entry to individuals possessing certain offenses defined as a felony per Canada law. This typically includes a DUI in the U.S.  If someone in your party has a previous DUI, it is best to contact Canada Border Services at the port you plan to travel through and communicate with them ahead of time.
Do i need to check in with Canada customs when staying in the U.S. and fishing in Canada?
Many guests will stay at one of the variety of resorts in the NW Angle and fish Ontario waters. Fishing the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods adjacent to the NW Angle offers up thousands of islands and world class fishing with very little boat traffic. Accessing the Canadian border is just minutes from Angle resorts.
Visitors who cross into Canada via boat and do not touch land, a dock, another boat, anchor or exchange goods or services, do not need to clear customs when entering Canada or returning back into the U.S.
If you plan on touching land, docking, coming in contact with another boat, anchoring, mooring or exchanging goods or services in Canada, you must call CBSA via the 888-CAN-PASS (1-888-226-7277) number before entering Canada for approval to enter. Again, if you boat into Canada from the U.S., and don’t touch land, a dock, moor or anchor, you are not required to check in with CBSA.
When traveling back into the U.S. after touching land in Canada, travelers must check back in with U.S. Customs with one of the designated ROAM check in stations, resort iPads or mobile ROAM app.
Winter Ice Travel into Canada from the Angle. Remember, if you are snowmobiling or ice fishing, by definition, ice equals land, meaning everyone must check in with CBSA before entering Canada and check back in with U.S. Customs when you are back in the U.S. at one of the resorts on a designated iPad or via ROAM on your mobile device.
The Optional, but easy RABC… Remote Area Border Crossing Permit
Designed for travelers who will frequently be crossing the U.S. / Canada border in designated remote areas such as the NW Angle that doesn’t have a CBSA office, the RABC allows travelers to quickly get through the process of clearing Canada customs. In a nutshell, this program is now easier than ever. For around $30 CDN, this permit can be applied for and received online. It’s intent is for frequent travelers to Canada, or those who simply want to avoid some time in the morning when calling into CBSA for permission to enter Canada and touch land.
Traveling with Pets? To bring a dog from Canada to the U.S., it must be at least six months old, microchipped, appear healthy, and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. You’ll also need to complete and submit the CDC Dog Import Form. For cats, there are no new requirements unless the cat appears ill or is found dead upon arrival.
To bring a dog from the U.S. to Canada, there are also rules to follow as most countries have to prevent the spread of disease.  Here is some additional info.
Do I need a passport to fish at the Angle?
Yes, a passport or other approved border-crossing identification is required to travel to the Northwest Angle (also known as the Angle) by land, as it involves crossing into Canada. You can also reach the Angle by boat, float plane, or track vehicle, which might not require a border crossing depending on the route.
Where can I rent snowmobiles or ATVs?
For snowmobile and ATV rentals in Lake of the Woods, XCAPE RENTALS is a great option for both snowmobiles and ATVs. They offer rentals and are located on the Rainy River, with access to the Lake Trail.
Where can I learn more about Ice Thickness & safety?
Ice conditions on Lake of the Woods vary greatly and depend on many factors beyond just thickness, but generally, 4 inches of clear ice is considered safe for walking, 5 inches for snowmobiles, 8-12 inches for cars, and 12-15 inches for medium trucks. Always check with local resorts or bait shops for the most up-to-date information and be aware of potential hazards like currents, wind, and wildlife that can weaken ice.
Where are the Snowmobile Trail in Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota boasts an extensive and well-maintained snowmobile trail system, offering riders access to hundreds of miles of groomed trails. The trails connect in various directions, allowing for both local exploration and longer excursions. Popular routes include trails leading west to Roseau and Kittson counties, south to the Beltrami Island State Forest, and east to the Voyageur Trail West and the Arrowhead Trail. The Lake of the Woods Drifters and the NW Angle Edge Riders are two local snowmobile clubs that actively maintain and update trail information, particularly on their Facebook pages.
What are some non-fishing activities I can do in Lake of the Woods?
- Hiking & Camping: Explore various hiking trails and camping options in state parks and forests like Zippel Bay State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, Big Bog State Recreation Area, Pine Island State Forest, and Mississippi Headwaters State Forest.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Paddle through the historic Rainy River or explore the tranquil waters of Baudette Bay, Zippel Bay, Silver Creek, Winter Road River, and Wabanica Creek. Rentals are available from places like Zippel Bay Resort and Zippel Bay State Park. Consider multi-day trips down the Rainy River, camping overnight in parks like Franz Jevne State Park.
- Boating:Â Explore Lake of the Woods and its many islands by renting a boat from Warroad, the area’s home port.
- Golf: Enjoy a round of golf at the scenic 9-hole course with sand greens in Angle Inlet, near Jake’s Northwest Angle Resort.
- Museums & Historical Sites: Learn about the region’s rich history and heritage at the Lake of the Woods County Museum and the Fort St. Charles Historic Site.
- Other Activities: The area also offers opportunities for hunting, bicycling, snowmobiling, and enjoying local shops and restaurants in towns like Baudette. Timber Mill Park in Baudette offers a playground and walking trail.Â
Where can I check the current Lake of the Woods, MN conditions?
Making informed decisions when boating or fishing is a key component of being safe on the water. Our Wave Buoys page provides real-time data on wave heights and water conditions in key areas of Lake of the Woods. This information is especially useful for anglers, boaters, and anyone planning time on the water. The buoys measure wave activity, helping visitors make informed decisions for a safer and more enjoyable day on the lake. Updated regularly throughout the open-water season, this page is a must-check resource before heading out.
Where can I get a MN fishing license?
To get a fishing license for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, you can purchase it online through the Minnesota DNR’s GoOutdoors website or at authorized vendors – many gas stations and sportsman stores offer them. Make sure to have your driver’s license or public safety identification number available for proof of residency.Â