On the South Shore… Ice fishing has begun for some areas of the lake, while others are grooming trails and will be close behind. The ice is progressing nicely. There were concerns a big blow this past week might mess things up but thankfully, the ice stayed intact and is continuing to thicken.Â
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Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next. That is why it is difficult to provide an answer to the question, “How thick is the ice?” The thickness and condition of the ice is best told by those working each ice road every day. With that being said, there is certainly some good news regarding ice progression.  Â
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So far, some resorts have begun by allowing snowmobiles and ATVs with collapsible fish houses to access their ice roads. Â
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In addition, some resorts are pulling day houses out this week and they are available to rent. It is best to check with your favorite resort for additional info. Resorts will provide transportation to and from the front door of their heated fish houses. Early ice provides some excellent ice fishing opportunities.First Ice Walleye
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The 10 day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting below zero and single digits many days. Good news for eager ice anglers and resorts who provide ice fishing services. Â
Initial actual fishing reports have been very good. Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well.
When you decide to come up, please stay on the resort / outfitters marked trails. They are marked for a reason and veering off of the trail could put you on ice conditions not suitable.
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The satellite imagery shows Big Traverse Bay, which is the main body of the lake, locked up. Â
On the Rainy River… The river is gaining ice. Some local resorts and guides have been out checking ice conditions and fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and some sturgeon. River ice doesn’t form as quickly as there is current. Work through a resort for safety.
In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river. Â
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Up at the NW Angle…  The Angle is locked up with ice. Resorts and outfitters are continuing to check ice conditions and mark trails. Ice fishing will be coming soon to this part of the lake as ice conditions are also progressing nicely up at the Angle. Â
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Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th.  Some resorts may take advantage of good ice conditions and get out earlier in the month. Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort / outfitter for specifics.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook / Instagram pages or other resort social media pages will keep you updated often with current ice and fishing reports. Â
If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st, with walleyes and saugers open through April 14th and pike season never closes. Â
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For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
