Fishing Report 12.4.2024

On the South Shore… The focus for most this past week for resorts and ice fishing outfitters is checking ice conditions. Things are progressing nicely. As we remind anglers each and every year, ice conditions can vary significantly. Consequently, we typically will not make blanket statements about ice conditions or thickness of ice. It is best to work through a resort or outfitter who knows the ice conditions on the part of the lake they are working.

The 10 day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days. Depending upon the wind, this should continue to build up the ice and get things started,

Some spearing and angling for pike has started in areas of back bays. Work through an outfitter and stay on marked trails as ice conditions still vary, even on the bays. Naturally, with Lake of the Woods having a robust population of big pike, some nice fish are coming in.

As the days go on, resorts and outfitters are continuing to mark their ice roads and venture out further checking ice conditions daily. Initial reports are showing good ice formation on many parts of the lake off of the south shore.

From many parts of the south shore, there is ice as far as the eye can see. With cloudy conditions, a satellite image of the entire lake has not been available for a number of days.

On the Rainy River… The river is iced over. It certainly isn’t ready for any traffic as of yet but the fact it is locked up is encouraging.

Some spearing and angling for pike happening in back bays off of the river. Once ice thickens, a couple of resorts who fish the river will mark ice trails in their particulate fishing area. The river has current, it is best to work through a resort or outfitter.

Up at the NW Angle… The Angle is locked up with ice for the most part. Fishing isn’t happening yet, but resorts and outfitters have started checking ice conditions and the ice is progressing nicely. Things are on track for a good ice fishing season.

Watch the Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook page or other resort facebook pages for reports and videos of current ice conditions. At this point, reports are coming in daily.

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time. For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.