1. Do not drill holes in an ice road
With more and more snow on the lakes, it might be easiest to fish on an ice road. This however is a huge “no-no” and is one of the things that can get everyone fired up. What happens is it basically will flood the road to the point in many cases, the entire road may have to be re-routed. Nobody will be happy with your poor etiquette, whether you know better or not. Wherever you ice fish, please do not drill holes to fish in the ice road.2. Do not drill holes near another fish house
Did you know that between the weight of the snow combined with the weight of the fish house, punching a hole too close to a permanent fish house will flood the entire area. Water gets on top of the ice and underneath all of the snow creating slush and a very difficult situation for getting to and from the house. When it comes time to move the house, either you are dealing with slush which makes the job way harder or in some cases, the fish house freezes in. Do not drill holes near another fish house.3. Do not set up too close to others
It might be tempting if you heard there is a good bite in the area or you see someone catch a fish, but those with good etiquette will not set up close to others who are already there. Especially on Lake of the Woods where you are often fishing big flats, the fish are moving around. Getting away from others might be the best thing you can do.
4. Don’t speed on the ice roads
The road signs on the ice say slow down or 15 mph for a reason. Lots of vehicles pound the ice daily. That combined with driving fast will prematurely wreck the ice. When you drive too fast, a wave is formed under the ice that will get out in front of your vehicle. Even though you may not bust the ice up immediately, it causes damage to the ice. Please don’t drive too fast on the ice roads.5. Do not add to the garbage problem… Do you know the new Keep It Clean law in MN?
Don’t be that guy or girl. Some people who leave garbage behind are simply selfish to everyone who enjoys and respects the natural resources. Others aren’t intending to be selfish, but maybe get just a bit careless as they forget a bag of garbage outside their fish house, some cans blow out of their pickup bed or when they are leaving the plastic bags on the ice from the day before are frozen in. Most people are well intending. Please plan ahead. Use black or colored garbage bags that show up against the white snow. Secure your trash you take off the ice. Have a plan on where you will deposit the trash after leaving the ice. This is your responsibility. If you are fishing with a resort, check with them on options. Some offer garbage service, some do not. Ultimately, it is your responsibility, have a plan. Pick up for others if they missed something. With 2.5 – over 3M angling hours on Lake of the Woods each winter, imagine if there are just a few mistakes the amount of trash left behind. With such a great lake, we cannot afford to leave any trash behind. In addition in MN, there is new Keep It Clean law. No garbage or waste is allowed to be placed on the ice. It must be placed in your vehicle, fish house or a covered container. This law is now being enforced and for good reason. Regardless of what state, province or body of water you fish, let’s all do our part.6. Do not come on the ice without a restroom plan
Plan ahead. With the popularity of ice fishing along combined with reliable heaters and good fish houses, anglers are spending more time on the ice. Naturally anglers will have to go to the bathroom. Sleeper fish houses and
7. Don’t blow off others who need a helping hand
Driving by someone in need is poor etiquette. It is very possible not everyone has the knowledge, experience or equipment you have. If you see a fellow angler who might need a hand, help them out. Pay if forward, it may come back to reward you some day. It might appear they did something, well, that wasn’t the brightest. Maybe they didn’t know better. Maybe they have a lot going on in their life. Stop and give them a hand. Are they stuck? Is their auger stuck in the ice? Does their truck not start? Are they having a tough time putting up or taking down their fish house? There are a lot of opportunities to lend a helping hand. Often times, it makes you feel better than the people whom you helped.8. Do your best to release fish healthy as possible
Whether you caught a fish too small, a fish in the protected slot that has to be released or a trophy that you snap a few quick pictures of and get back in the water, there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to releasing fish.-
- Be prepared. Have a needle nose, jaw spreader, measuring tape and camera ready to roll.
- Know the rules. On Lake of the Woods, you can keep a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers per day. Up to four of the six can be walleyes. Walleyes 19.5″ – 28.0″ must be returned to the water immediately. One walleye over 28″ may be kept. For pike, the limit is three with all fish 30″ – 40″ having to be returned immediately. One pike over 40″ may be kept per day.
- Release fish quickly. The quicker you release the fish, the better. Even small fish in deep water over 30 feet have a good chance at surviving if you get them back in the water quickly. Often times, a little side to side movement in the hold will get them to kick. Pushing them down and pulling them back up can actually harm the fish as they aren’t meant to swim backwards. Side by side motion is the best.
- Don’t take the fish outside if it is really cold out. Their eyes, gills and fins can freeze in a hurry.
- Don’t hold a fish by it’s eyes. Keep your fingers out of the red parts of the gills.
9. Respect the many small businesses on the lake and the spots they have plowed for their paying customers
Don’t be that guy or gal, it’s poor etiquette! We hear the stories way too often. It goes like this… a sleeper fish house business or resort is planning on moving some houses to a different area. They maybe plow a new road or extend an existing. They plow out some spots to move their fish houses to and as they are plowing they see a pickup truck with a wheelhouse coming down their newly plowed trail. After explaining this area is being plowed out for their customers renting a fish house, but “I would be happy to plow you a spot off of the main trail that is basically the same fishing grounds”, they get the attitude, “this is public water, I can put my house wherever I (beeeeep) want!” Technically and by the letter of the law, yes. Ethically, really poor. Take the high road, be nice.
10. Don’t skip out on paying
Maybe you are arriving out on the ice at 1 a.m. as you left after work from the Twin Cities. You get to the lake access, drive out on miles of plowed ice road, set up and go to sleep until sunrise and the morning bite. Do you pay the resort or outfitter for that first or second or third day on the ice? Maybe you are fishing with a resort and the ice guides are checking on you often, giving you some helpful tips and are really pleasant to talk to. They are also the guides who may be cleaning your fish late that night and were driving the ice road or bomber trail at O dark thirty. Do you tip them? Most are really good about all of this. Please don’t skip out even if you can. Ice fishing up at Lake of the Woods or really, anywhere, is really an enjoyable way to pass the winter season. Etiquette comes down to doing the right thing. Most have great etiquette. Some don’t choose to have any, others simply don’t know any better. The bottom line, we are all in this together. The more we can do to help out or be considerate of our fellow angler, the better off we all will be. Click Here for info about Lake of the Woods Click Here for Lake of the Woods lodging and fish house rentalsCommonly Asked Questions about Ice Fishing Lake of the woods (FAQ's)
Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is the most popular ice fishing destination in North America. It has a consistent healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eel pout, and crappies.
The lake enjoys stained water meaning, the water is very clean but has a light coffee tint to it. This “tint” makes fishing all day very productive versus fishing in a lake with clear water.
The Lake of the Woods resort community provides full service ice fishing, taking the work out of ice fishing. Resorts and outfitters create well marked and groomed ice roads, they shuttle people to heated fish houses that are all ready to fish and are moving fish houses often to stay on the fish.
Some Anglers fish out of a day house and go back to shore at night to sleep at a resort and eat at the many restaurants and bars.
Others enjoy staying in a sleeper fish house, where they stay overnight on the ice in a nice warm sleeper fish house equipped with a strong furnace, cooking facilities and the opportunity to wake up in the morning with your favorite cup of coffee and start jigging.
Ice skates will clean your fish and if you like, Resorts will even cook up your fresh catch.
When you are up ice fishing, don’t forget to check out the two bars out on the ice. The first is the igloo bar located out of Zippel Bay Resort. The second, is the Angry Walleye located out of Cyrus Resort. Both are located off the south shore of Lake of the Woods.
Why choose Lake of the Woods if we are new and have no equipment or know-how?
Lake of the Woods is one of the best places in North America for beginners to experience ice fishing, even if you have no equipment, no experience, and no idea where to start. Unlike many lakes where you must bring your own gear, drill your own holes, and navigate the ice on your own, Lake of the Woods offers a complete full-service ice fishing experience designed for first-time anglers, families, and groups.
Our resorts and outfitters provide everything you need, including:
Heated rental fish houses (warm, comfortable, fully set up)
Pre-drilled holes
Transportation to and from your fish house
Bait, gear, and tackle
Fish cleaning services
Lodging, meals, and snacks
Guides and expert advice
Safe, maintained ice roads
This means you can simply show up, walk into a warm fish house, drop a line, and start catching walleyes.
What makes Lake of the Woods perfect for beginners is the simplicity and safety of the experience. You don’t need to own augers, GPS, heaters, rods, or a snowmobile—our professional resorts make it effortless. They place your fish house on productive walleye and sauger areas, monitor the ice conditions daily, and ensure everything is ready for you.
With one of the largest and most abundant walleye populations in the Midwest, Lake of the Woods also gives first-time anglers an excellent chance to catch fish right away—something that builds confidence and creates unforgettable memories.
For anyone searching online for “best beginner ice fishing lake,” “easy guided ice fishing trips,” “ice fishing without gear,” or “where to try ice fishing for the first time,” Lake of the Woods consistently ranks as a top destination. It combines world-class fishing, highly experienced outfitters, and a stress-free, all-inclusive setup that makes ice fishing enjoyable for everyone.
In addition, there are a wide variety of lodging options including cabins, villas, suites and lodge rooms.
Eat out or cook your own meals. Many of the resorts offer great food and fun bars. There is also the option of cooking your own meals in your cabin. Some guests do both!
How do I start planning an ice fishing trip?
Planning an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is simple, even if it’s your first time. The region is designed for visitors, with full-service resorts, professional guides, heated fish houses, and easy trip-planning support. Here are the key steps to get started:
1. Choose the part of Lake of the Woods you want to experience.
Each area offers something unique:
South Shore (Baudette–Williams area): Most popular, easy access, lots of resorts and ice roads.
Rainy River: Great early and late ice, plus excellent walleye and sturgeon action.
Northwest Angle: Remote, scenic, and famous for world-class walleye ice fishing and thousands of islands.
2. Pick a resort or outfitter.
Lake of the Woods is known for its full-service lodging and fishing options. Most resorts provide:
Heated day houses or sleeper houses
Pre-drilled holes
Transportation on the ice
All gear, bait, and advice
Fish cleaning
Meals and comfortable lodging
This means you don’t need to bring equipment—everything is ready when you arrive.
3. Decide whether you want a day house or sleeper house.
Day Houses: Fish during daytime and return to the resort at night.
Sleeper Houses: Stay overnight on the ice in a warm, fully equipped fish house—an unforgettable Minnesota experience.
4. Pick your dates.
Ice fishing typically runs early December through late March, depending on conditions. Many anglers book early, especially around weekends and holidays.
5. Purchase a Minnesota fishing license.
You can buy your license online in minutes before your trip.
6. Dress warm and bring personal essentials.
Resorts provide the fishing gear, but you’ll want warm clothing, snacks, and a sense of adventure.
7. Arrive and let the experts handle the rest.
Your resort will transport you to your heated fish house, show you how everything works, and get you fishing within minutes.
For anyone searching “how to plan an ice fishing trip,” “Lake of the Woods trip planning,” or “best way to book an ice fishing vacation,” this destination is ideal because it offers complete, beginner-friendly, all-inclusive experiences. With world-class fishing and seamless service, planning is easy—and the adventure is unforgettable.
What kind of fish can we catch on Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods offers one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in North America. Anglers can catch a wide variety of species all year long, which is one of the reasons the lake is known as The Walleye Capital of the World® and a top destination for both open-water and ice fishing.
Here are the primary fish species you can catch on Lake of the Woods:
Walleyes
The signature species of Lake of the Woods. Known for high numbers and impressive trophy potential, walleyes are the most targeted fish year-round.
Saugers
Common alongside walleyes and often caught in large numbers, especially during winter. Many anglers enjoy catching walleye–sauger “combo limits.”
Northern Pike
A top predator with incredible size potential. Lake of the Woods consistently produces trophy pike over 40 inches, especially during late ice and spring.
Yellow Perch
Abundant throughout the lake. Jumbo perch are a favorite among ice anglers.
Lake Sturgeon
A prehistoric giant found mainly in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Strict seasons apply, but catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a major draw in spring and fall.
Muskie (Muskellunge)
The Northwest Angle is world-renowned for muskie fishing, offering some of the best trophy muskie opportunities anywhere.
Smallmouth Bass
Strong populations throughout the islands and reef areas, especially in the Northwest Angle.
Crappies
Black crappies can be found mainly in the Northwest Angle, offering excellent spring and winter opportunities.
Why the variety matters
For anyone searching “what fish are in Lake of the Woods,” “species to catch,” “best fishing in Minnesota,” or “multi-species fishing destinations,” this lake stands out because anglers can target multiple species on the same trip—often in the same day.
With millions of acres of water, endless structure, and world-class habitat, Lake of the Woods offers one of the most complete freshwater fishing experiences anywhere.
There are some ice anglers that target sturgeon through the ice, primarily on safe stretches of the Rainy River.
Up at the NW Angle, in addition to walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike, there are resorts that specialize in targeting big crappies!
When is the best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods?
The best time to go ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is generally mid-December through late March, depending on ice conditions. Early ice offers excellent walleye and sauger action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallower water. Mid-winter provides consistent daily catches across Big Traverse Bay, the South Shore, and the Northwest Angle. Late winter—late February into March—is prime for trophy northern pike, perch, and suspended walleye patterns.
Because Lake of the Woods has one of the longest and most stable ice seasons in the Midwest, anglers enjoy reliable fishing for nearly four months. Resorts and outfitters monitor ice thickness daily and ensure safe access, making any time between December and March an excellent choice.
Do I need a guide or can I ice fish on my own at Lake of the Woods?
You can ice fish with or without a guide, but most visitors—especially beginners—choose a full-service resort or outfitter. Lake of the Woods is famous for making ice fishing incredibly easy. Resorts provide heated day houses or sleeper houses, transportation on marked ice roads, pre-drilled holes, gear, bait, fish cleaning, and expert advice.
If you have your own gear and experience, you can also explore the lake on your own using public ice roads and your own equipment. However, guided or resort-assisted trips are the preferred and safest option, offering convenience, comfort, and the highest chance of success.
What bait works best for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods?
The best bait for catching walleyes during winter on Lake of the Woods is the emerald shiner—either live or frozen. This is the lake’s primary forage, and walleyes respond extremely well to it throughout the entire ice season.
Anglers typically use:
Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head
Jigging raps / glide baits for aggressive fish
Plain hooks or small jigs on a deadstick with a full minnow
A combination of a jigging rod and a deadstick is the most effective setup. Bright colors like gold, glow red, glow pink, and green are popular choices in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.
What are the fish limits during ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods?
We are happy to provide general fish limits on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, but the Minnesota DNR sets the rules and they should be consulted officially.
Here is a helpful link to the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page. Please note, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River are considered border water with Canada and have special regs and in some cases, extended seasons.
What should I pack for an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods?
Because most resorts supply fishing gear, augers, heaters, and transportation, your packing list for Lake of the Woods is simple. Bring:
Warm layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, bibs)
Winter boots, hat, and gloves
Snacks and beverages for the fish house
A camera or phone for photos
Fishing license (Minnesota license required)
Optional: Favorite jigging rods, tackle, or electronics
If you stay in a sleeper house, also bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, a cooler with food, snacks, beverages, and any overnight comforts you prefer. Resorts provide clear packing guidance for each type of trip.
