Ice Fishing Season Kicks Off on Lake of the Woods

Ice Fishing is Here!

The highly anticipated ice fishing season has officially begun on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, and anglers from near and far are gearing up for another winter of exciting fishing adventures. Known as one of the premier ice fishing destinations in North America, Lake of the Woods offers an unparalleled experience, and this year is no exception.

Marked Ice Roads and Day Houses Ready for Action

Resorts along the south shore of Lake of the Woods are reporting that ice conditions have reached the point where snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides (SXS) are now being allowed on their marked and groomed ice roads. These carefully maintained trails provide safe and efficient access to some of the lake’s most productive fishing spots.

Many resorts have already placed their hard-sided fish houses, commonly referred to as “day houses,” on the ice. These rental houses provide a warm, comfortable environment for anglers, complete with pre-drilled holes and setups ready for a day of fishing. Resorts that haven’t quite begun yet are reporting that they expect to have houses on the ice within a matter of days or by the upcoming weekend.

Early Ice Conditions Deliver Strong Fishing Reports

As is often the case with early ice conditions, the initial fishing reports have been promising. Anglers are reeling in a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, the two most targeted species on Lake of the Woods. Alongside these popular fish, there have also been reports of jumbo perch, eelpout, tulibees, crappies, and northern pike being caught.

Much of the ice fishing activity so far has been concentrated along the south shore, where resorts and outfitters have been working diligently to prepare for the season.

NW Angle Resorts Preparing for Ice Fishing

The resorts located in the Northwest Angle, the northernmost part of Lake of the Woods, are also gearing up for the season. Most NW Angle resorts traditionally begin their ice fishing operations on December 26th. However, a couple of resorts are planning to start earlier this year, with some houses expected to be ready this week.

Ice Conditions and Safety Guidelines

One important thing to note is that each resort and outfitter on Lake of the Woods maintains its own ice road. Ice thickness and other safety factors can vary from road to road, depending on location, weather, and ice formation. For this reason, it’s crucial for anglers to work with a resort or outfitter, stay on their marked trails, and strictly adhere to their weight regulations. These measures are in place to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.

An Extended Ice Fishing Season

One of the unique aspects of Lake of the Woods is its extended ice fishing season. Ice fishing typically begins in mid-December and lasts through March 31st, thanks to the lake’s northern location and its classification as border waters with Canada. Additionally, the walleye and sauger seasons extend even further, through April 14th, offering anglers additional time to enjoy this world-class fishery.

For those interested in targeting other species, the seasons for pike, perch, and crappies never close, providing year-round opportunities for anglers to reel in these popular fish.

Plan Your Lake of the Woods Adventure

Whether you’re an experienced ice angler or someone looking to try it for the first time, Lake of the Woods offers something for everyone. From day houses to sleeper houses, and from hotels to full-service resorts, there are a wide variety of accommodations and services available to make your trip comfortable and memorable.

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, now is the time to plan your trip. Check out LakeoftheWoodsMN.com for everything you need to know, including ice fishing updates, resort options, and details on booking your next adventure.

Lake of the Woods is more than just a fishing destination—it’s a winter tradition that brings people together and creates memories to last a lifetime. So grab your gear, head north, and see for yourself why Lake of the Woods is one of the most iconic ice fishing spots in the world.