FISHING REPORT 2.13.2024
On the south end… Ice fishing is in full swing and a good bite continues for most anglers. Some very quality walleyes and saugers with mixed in jumbo perch, eelpout, and occasional pike in the mix.
Ice conditions, and consequently, weight limits on ice roads are again improving with the cold weather. Resort fish houses and sleeper fish houses are available. Some ice roads are allowing pickup trucks pulling wheelhouses. Check each individual ice road for specific limits.
With that being said, it is super important to stay on the resort ice roads and do not go off on your own. Resorts and outfitters keep their roads on the best ice. Going off the ice roads and on your own is not a good idea.
Weather report looks cold. If overnight cold temps hold, and the forecast looks good, fish houses on LOW are allowed out through March. In addition, the walleye / sauger season on LOW is an extended season and goes through April 14th. The pike season never ends.
The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is taking place in 24 – 34 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.
Jigging spoons with and without rattles tipped with a full minnow or piece of a minnow in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, have been good.
On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook, colored hook or a small ice jig six inches – one foot off of the bottom is effective. Jig the deadstick on occasion to keep the minnow moving and to attract fish.
Pike anglers fishing shallower shoreline breaks and reporting big fish. Pike activity will only increase as we approach the month of March.
On the Rainy River… Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake. There are a couple of resorts that ice fish on the Rainy River. Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety.
Ice conditions on the Rainy River can vary greatly due to current.
Up at the NW Angle… A great week of walleye fishing up at the Angle this week. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix.
Resorts continue to have fish houses spread out on a number of good spots throughout the Minnesota side of the NW Angle.
Anglers targeting black crappies are doing well just across the border into Ontario. Inquire with NW Angle resorts for info.
Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. Electronics help in determining what the fish want that given day and will up your catch of fish.
Ice fishing is in full swing. Come on up and catch some walleyes and saugers. Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
