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My First Day in a Lake of the Woods Fish House This Year… Awesome!!
It Never Gets Old
There’s something magical about ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. From the beauty of the frozen expanse to the thrill of reeling in walleyes and saugers, it’s an experience that captures the essence of Minnesota winters. On a recent day out on the south end of the lake, Joe Henry shared his ice fishing report from the warmth of a heated fish house, detailing a strategy that led to an exceptionally productive outing.
The One-Two Punch Strategy
The key to success on this particular day was employing the “one-two punch” technique, a tried-and-true method for ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. This approach involves using two fishing holes: one for jigging and the other for deadsticking with a live minnow. This combination covers a variety of fish moods and behaviors, making it highly effective for catching both active and finicky fish.
Joe and his fishing partner relied on two jigging lures that proved to be incredibly effective:
Lindy Rattling Flyer Spoon in red and glow red: The loud rattles and bright colors attracted fish from a distance, enticing strikes.
The Rapala Rippin’ Rap in gold: Its vibration and rattles, combined with the gold color made it irresistible to hungry walleyes and saugers.
Meanwhile, the deadstick setup did the heavy lifting, accounting for the majority of their catches. Joe used a Lindy Tungsten Toad jig in chartreuse, tipped with a lively fathead minnow. The bait was placed about six inches off the bottom, a prime position to tempt walleyes and saugers cruising the lakebed. This setup proved especially effective for the more cautious fish, resulting in steady action throughout the day.
A Day of Nonstop Action
The fish were biting, and the anglers were reeling in walleyes and saugers at an impressive pace. By the day’s end, they had caught more than two limits of fish, a testament to the health and abundance of Lake of the Woods’ fishery. The combination of jigging and deadsticking ensured that they could adapt to the fish’s behavior, maximizing their success.
But the day wasn’t just about the fish—it was about the overall experience. The camaraderie between Joe and his fishing partner, the comfortable warmth of the fish house, and the joy of being out on the ice made for an unforgettable outing.
Comfort and Convenience on the Ice
One of the unique aspects of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is the full-service experience provided by the local resorts and outfitters. From the moment they arrived, Joe and his fishing partner were treated to top-notch service.
The heated fish house, prepped and ready for their arrival, featured holes that had been drilled and cleaned, with the thermostat set to a cozy 70 degrees. Throughout the day, their ice guide checked in to ensure everything was running smoothly, offering tips and assistance as needed.
At the end of the day, the guide returned to help them pack up their gear and transported them back to the resort in a heated light ice trailer. Once back, their fish were cleaned for travel—a service that makes the transition from lake to home seamless. For those staying overnight, the resort even offers to cook fresh catches, turning a successful day on the ice into a delicious meal.
Angler's Paradise
Lakeside Comfort
LODGING
Navigate the Wilderness
MAPS & TRAILS
Frozen Thrills
ICE FISHING