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.
