Ice Fishing Has Begun!

Every once in a while, the sun, stars and moon align.  That is exactly what has happened this year if you like ice fishing and catching walleyes up at Lake of the Woods.  With the unseasonably cold temps combined with no snow, ice formation has gone very well.  So well, in fact, that many resorts already have fish houses on the ice with many more resorts and outfitters pulling them out this weekend.  It’s game on for ice fishing! 

Each year we emphasize the importance of staying on the resort’s marked ice trail.  As we speak, some parts of the lake have 12″ of ice and not that far away there is much thinner ice.  The resorts check ice often and have their houses and roads in good ice areas.  Please do not go off the beaten path.

As far as a fishing report, all reports so far are absolutely excellent.  We are hearing great walleye reports in 17-25′ of water.  The go to ice fishing method of having a jigging line and a dead stick with a live minnow is working great.  Colors, gold, glow red, pink are good starting points.

Here is a report as of Wednesday, November 28th of what is happening at a few resorts.  Things can change, but this will get you started.  Make sure to communicate with your resort and this time of year more than ever, take all safety precautions.  This is bonus time on the ice and is some of the best ice fishing of the year.  If you can sneak that extra trip of the year in before the holidays, you won’t regret it!  It’s Game On for ice fishing Lake of the Woods.

Adrian’s Resort.  Ice road open for ATV’s, UTV’s, snowmobiles and collapsible fish houses.  Houses on ice and available.

Morris Point Resort.  Ice road is open to ATV’s, UTV’s, snowmobiles and collapsible fish houses.  The resort has day houses on the ice for rental they will transport you to.

Cyrus Resort.  Ice road open Friday, Nov 30, 2018 to ATV, UTV, snowmobiles.  Fish houses available.

Sportsman’s Lodge.  Fish houses are out and are available starting Friday.  Resort is open.

Ballard’s Resort.  Fish houses ready Friday, Nov 30, 2018. 

Wigwam Resort.  Fish houses are out and ready for rental.  Ice road open to ATV, UTV, snowmobiles.

Wheeler’s Point.  Renting fish houses Dec 7, 2018.

Arnesen’s Rocky Point.  Fish houses available December 6, 2018.

Border View Lodge.  Fish houses on ice and ready for rental.

Settlers Point.  Ice road open to ATV, UTV, snowmobiles. Houses on ice and ready.

Lakeroad Lodge.  Fish houses on ice and available.

Slim’s Resort.  Ice fishing begins December 5, 2018.

River Bend Resort.  Fish houses available December 3, 2018.

Johnson’s Walleye Retreat.  Fish houses available now.

Bugsy’s on Bostic.  Fish houses available now.

Ken Mar Ke Resort.  Fish houses available now.

Rainy River Resort.  Fish houses available December 5, 2018.

Bayview Lodge.  Fish houses available Friday, Nov 30, 2018.

Zippel Bay Resort.  Fish houses available.  Resort shuttling guests currently, no travel on own.

Twin River Resort.  Fish houses out and available immediately.

Ship’s Wheel Resort.  Fish houses available immediately.

Long Point Resort.  To be determined.  Some shifting ice out front, will be testing next week.

Dale’s Fish House Rental.  To be determined.  Some shifting ice, will be testing ice.

Fred’s Beds.  Sleepers on ice Nov 29, 2018 and fishing has begun.

Sweet’s Fishing.  Trail coming along nicely, first day of fishing Th, Dec 6, 2018.

Sean’s Birchview Resort.  Fish houses on ice 11-29-18, ready for fishing.

 

And up at the NW Angle….

Angle Outpost.  Fish houses are out and ready.

Flag Island Resort.  December 26th or sooner.

Sunset Lodge.  Official start date is December 15, 2018.

Angle Inn Lodge.  Official start date is December 26, 2018.

Sportsman’s Oak Island.  December 12th open date (ice dependent).

Jake’s Northwest Angle.  December 15th.

 

It’s Game On for ice fishing.  Some of the best fishing of the year is happening right now.  Be safe and have fun!

 

A complete list of resorts, ice fishing rentals and sleeper fish houses