If you have never been to The Walleye Capital of the World or perhaps only ice fished it, the open water season offers an incredible experience. It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie at fishing or very experienced, the resorts around the lake offer everything needed for everyone to have a fun and memorable day on the water. It won’t take long to learn why many consider this area some of the best fishing anywhere.
Three Areas of Lake of the Woods
There are basically three areas of Lake of the Woods, all of which offer some world class fishing.
First is the Rainy River which feeds the lake. This all by itself can be a wonderful fishery with walleyes, lake sturgeon and pike. There are 42 miles of navigable river from the mouth of the river at Wheeler’s Point all the way to Birchdale, MN which is 26 miles east of the small northern MN town of Baudette.
The second part of Lake of the Woods is Big Traverse Bay. This is the big open water of the lake spanning 30+ miles north/south by 25 miles east/west. A big body of water with it’s deepest area only 38 feet deep. This is like one big aquarium full of a variety of fish.
The third area of Lake of the Woods is the Northwest Angle. The “Angle” is on the very northern tip of Minnesota and is actually the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. This is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. This area is surrounded by Canada, with Manitoba to the west and Ontario to the north and east.
Lodging
Resorts, hotels and cabins to stay and fish at are all around the area. Stay right on the Rainy River, or maybe in the small northern MN town of Baudette, along the south shore of the big lake or maybe up north at the NW Angle.
There are a number of full service resorts offering full service fishing on a charter boat, guided fishing, rental boats, restaurants and cool little taverns. At the same time, there are the small resorts where a person can get away from the crowds, make their own meals and do their own thing. Something for everyone.
Like any new area or body of water, the first time is the most difficult, but after that first time, it is so much easier.  Check out these ideas for anglers new to Lake of the Woods.
Fish on a charter boat. Simply step aboard, everything is provided!
Anglers fishing Lake of the Woods are lucky because there are a number of great options for fishing on a charter boat or with a guide. Especially the first time to the big water, some anglers who own their own boats even find it helpful to jump on-board a charter or with a guide the first time out to get a lay of the land.
When you step aboard, nearly everything is provided. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, expertise in navigation and getting you on fish. This make life easy as all you need to do is dress for the weather, bring sunglasses and a camera to record the adventure.
A guide or charter boat makes it so nice. Jump into a vehicle with a few others and drive up. You can focus on each other rather than the weather, navigation and how to find the fish.
On the south end… Charter boats for the most part are on the south end of the lake fishing the Rainy River and Big Traverse Bay which is the big water of Lake of the Woods. When I say big water, I am talking about 25 miles north south by about 20 miles east west. If Lake of the Woods was a great lake, it would be the sixth largest. This can be intimidating and certainly requires a healthy respect.
The thing about the basin is it is loaded with millions of walleyes and saugers. The basin also boasts a strong population of big trophy walleyes as there is a good number of tulibees in the big water. Walleyes will focus on tulibees when they reach that 25 inch mark and these fish enable walleyes to get bigger faster.
Charter boat captains do a good job of sharing info with one another about fish movements, where there are active fish and other variables ultimately leading to a successful trip. Most trips produce walleyes, it’s just a matter of how many and how big.
The basin reaches a maximum depth of about 38 feet deep. This makes the entire body of water fair game for fishing. This is one great big aquarium of life and a big part of Lake of the Woods.
Experience the NW Angle.
It’s the northernmost point of the contiguous United States. It is where the 14,552 islands of Lake of the Woods begin. It is one of four exclaves between the United States and Canada, meaning, if you drive there, you actually have to drive about 40 miles through Canada and re-enter back into the U.S.
It is beautiful, is an absolute angler’s dream destination with fish around every corner, or in these parts, island and it is full of beauty. Getting to this incredible part of Lake of the Woods is well worth the effort and there are a few way to get there.
 Drive to the NW Angle
Jump aboard a Lake of the Woods Passenger Service charter boat
Boat across on your own (40+ miles across big open water)
Driving up to the NW Angle
Most will travel up to the Angle by vehicle. Interestingly enough, when driving to the NW Angle, you must travel through about 40 miles of Canada before entering back into the U.S. up at the Angle.
The drive up is scenic and most really enjoy the adventure. There are a few things required of travelers entering Canada.
-A passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or combo of a government issued photo ID with a birth certificate are necessary.
-It is also important to note Canadian Customs looks at a DUI as a felony and you may want to check ahead before crossing the border if someone in your group has a DUI in their past.
-Travelers must show proof of COVID Vaccination. A vaccination and booster is required unless you have Johnson & Johnson, then it’s just the one vaccination.
-Travelers must use the ArriveCan App to check in with Canada Border Services Agency at the Canada border.
Jump on a Charter Boat to Travel to the NW Angle
The charter boat service on the lake is called the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service. It will shuttle you across 40+ miles of big open water, avoiding Canada and all customs, to your favorite NW Angle resort.
Bring your own boatÂ
For anglers who own their own boat and enjoy the challenge of new water, Lake of the Woods has so many good options. Boat ramps are available on the Rainy River, south end of the lake and up at the Angle. Some are public and resorts also offer nice boat ramps with sheltered marinas for a nominal fee.
Do you homework. Check out Navionics or your graph in your boat prior to coming up. Get an idea of where you will be staying, launching and fishing. It is nice to have a game plan. Resorts and bait shops can be great resources for local info.
The NW Angle is the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S., is where the 14,552 islands begin and boasts about 12 resorts, some on the mainland, some on islands. The fishing is excellent for multi-species and the scenery and wildlife are even better. Angle resorts have excellent guides that will fish in U.S. waters, Ontario waters or both, depending upon what you are targeting, etc.
Fishing guides typically run about a 20′ boat that can navigate to the best and most scenic fishing spots on both sides of the border. If you like fish, most guides to a noon shore lunch that will mess up any fish fry you have at home ever again because they are so delicious and fresh.
Fresh Fish Fry!
Lake of the Woods is considered The Walleye Capital of the World as it is some of the best walleye fishing in the world. Walleyes are one of the best eating fish with a mild, white flaky meat that comes out of cold northern Minnesota waters.
Some guides will prepare a shore lunch while out fishing. Otherwise, many resorts are happy to cook up your fresh catch back at the resort.
Regarding where to stay, Lake of the Woods Tourism has a complete list of lodging options on all sides of the lake. There are Ma and Pa resorts to brand name hotels, small to large, self service where you make your own meals to full service with full restaurant and bar. Lots of options on where to stay.
One thing you will find, whether you jump on a charter, in with a guide or fish on your own, prices up at Lake of the Woods are reasonable and have not caught up to the more cosmopolitan resort areas yet. That means more can enjoy The Walleye Capital of the World, perhaps for multiple trips!
To find out more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website, feel free to give us a call at 218-634-1174 or chat with a resort.
The open water season is excellent for fishing. So many anglers have never experienced the open water bite. Do yourself a fishing favor, come on up. You won’t regret it!
The drive up is scenic and most really enjoy the adventure. There are a few things required of travelers entering Canada.
