On the South Shore…  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters reporting great action on walleyes and saugers. Some ice roads are now extending over 19 miles out, staying on productive schools of walleyes and saugers.  Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best ice seasons in recent years. If you’re fishing on your own, be sure to bring an extension for your auger, as ice thickness is significant.
Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, it’s fishing, but February has been highly productive for most anglers. It’s Lake of the Woods, be prepared to catch some small fish along the way. This also shows the health of the fishery.
With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of opportunities. Pike fishing never closes, and with thick ice, conditions are shaping up well for late-season action.
Current Fishing Depths & Patterns:
- Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water.
- Anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout with some pike, tullibees, and crappies mixed in.
- Watch electronics for suspended walleyes.
- Many are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish fries with extra to bring home.
Best Techniques:
- The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking continues to be the go-to strategy.
- Jigging Line:
- Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head are producing consistent bites.
- Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well.
- Lures with a built-in light have been effective in the stained water. Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal **as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure (not on a dropper line).
- Deadstick:
- A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, is catching many of the neutral or less aggressive fish.
Time of Day:
- Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best, while other days, afternoons produce better. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and paying attention to electronics is key.
On the Rainy River…  Mornings and evenings continue to be the most productive times for walleyes.
- A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head has been the most effective presentation.
- Sturgeon fishing has been good by anglers targeting them. (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release.)
- Safety Note: While ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, they can vary significantly due to the current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out.
Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing remains excellent in the islands region of Lake of the Woods.
- Resorts continue to move fish houses, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes.
- Anglers are catching a solid mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.
- Big crappies are being caught just over the border in Canada. If you’re interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions.
Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure!
Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:
 Fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th Perch, crappie, and pike seasons open year-round
Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, comfortable lodging at a resort, or you are fishing on your own, there’s a perfect option for every angler.
For more information on lodging, ice conditions, and fish house rentals, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.
