Spring has arrived in full force at Lake of the Woods, and the ice-to-open-water transition is happening fast. Signs of big cracks, some open water, and quickly deteriorating ice conditions are showing across the lake. In the meantime, the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, Zippel Bay, and many areas with current up at the Angle are open.

The focus is squarely on three outstanding fishing opportunities happening right now: world-class sturgeon fishing, pike fishing and preparation for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 9th.

Sturgeon Harvest Season is Here!

The sturgeon harvest season begins April 24th and runs through May 7th. This is the spring window for anglers pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime legal harvest sturgeon.

Great sturgeon fishing is happening right now on the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay. A variety of sizes are being caught, including fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric giants are aggressive, feeding heavily, and accessible throughout the open water areas.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

• Catch and release through April 23rd (season has passed)
• Harvest season: April 24 – May 7, 2026 (OPEN – 1 per calendar year; fish must be 45″-50″ inclusive or over 75″; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)
• Catch and release: May 8 – 15, 2026
• Closed: May 16 – June 30, 2026

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required for registration if you harvest a legal fish or catch a potential state record.

Minnesota Fishing Opener – May 9th

The Minnesota Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 9th—and the prediction for walleye fishing is very optimistic.

Healthy numbers of fish combined with a late spring means walleyes will be in the river, in Four Mile Bay, and in a variety of close-to-shore areas across the lake. The cold spring kept fish closer to their spawning grounds, and as walleyes spawn at different times across this big lake, good numbers will remain staged in accessible locations.

It will be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and in classic spring staging areas. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will be the go-to presentation across the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, and shoreline areas on the main lake.

Resorts are taking final reservations, guides are booking up, and the excitement is building. If you haven’t locked in your opener trip yet, now is the time.

Open Water Access Expanding

Boat accesses on the Rainy River are open:

• Wheeler’s Point
• Timbermill Park
• Vidas
• Frontier
• Birchdale (Nelson Park)

With ice deteriorating quickly across the main lake and more bays opening daily, anglers have expanding options for targeting sturgeon, pike, and preparing for the walleye opener.

Pike Fishing – Year-Round Opportunities

Big pike are in the shallows right now, staging near spawning areas and feeding aggressively. The pike season is open year-round, and a small boat is all it takes to access opening bays and shoreline structure.

Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

Fishing Guides Available

Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available for sturgeon and pike trips, and for walleye trips starting May 9th. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and local knowledge. Guides put you on fish and maximize your time on the water.

Book Your Trip Now

Whether you’re targeting trophy sturgeon or pike this week or planning your opener walleye trip, resorts have lodging, guide services, and boat rentals available. Don’t miss out on some of the best fishing of the year.

For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/

Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/

Season Reminders:

• Walleye opener: May 9th
• Sturgeon harvest: April 24 – May 7
• Pike: Open year-round
• 2026 MN fishing license required

Stay connected on social media for daily updates as we count down to opener!