Spring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shifted to open water fishing on the Rainy River. Ice fishing for the most part is wrapped up for the year for most anglers, and it was a fantastic year overall—both with good ice conditions and a strong population of fish.
The Lake of the Woods area is very appreciative of everyone who had the chance to make it up this year. Thank you! Your support means everything to our local resorts, businesses, and community. We hope you made memories on the ice and we look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring and summer.
Rainy River Open Water Update – More Access Opening Up
The majority of anglers fishing are focused on the open waters of the Rainy River, and access continues to expand as ice clears downstream.
Currently open boat ramps:
- Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN – fully operational
- Frontier Boat Ramp – just downstream of Birchdale 8-9 miles, fully operational
Opening soon:
- Vidas Boat Ramp (about 8 miles downstream from Frontier) has open water in front of it with just a bit of shoreline ice and should be ready to go very soon.
The open water is making its way downstream each day. As more ramps open, anglers gain access to additional stretches of productive water and can spread out along the river system.
Walleye Bite – Good and Getting Better
The walleye bite has been good. Not crazy good, just good. Much like last week, there are more numbers of walleyes being caught versus huge walleyes. But don’t let that discourage you—this is the normal progression of the spring run. Some big girls are in the river, just not in the numbers that can happen this time of year.
As the water temps increase, the big females will be entering the river in larger numbers. We’re on the front end of the run right now. The best fishing—both in terms of numbers and size—is still ahead of us.
Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14th. All walleyes must be released immediately. Take photos, enjoy the fight, but put them back to swim another day.
What’s Working for Walleyes
Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River.
Two primary jigging methods are working well:
Method 1 – Stationary jigging: Anchored up or spot-locked and vertical jigging, or fan casting shoreline structure. This allows you to work a specific hole, current seam, or piece of structure thoroughly. When you find active fish, you can stay on them and pick them off one at a time.
Method 2 – Slip jigging: Trolling slowly and dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then slowly drifting back downstream. This covers water efficiently and helps you locate fish when they’re scattered or moving.
Some days, fish want it one way over another. Other days, it doesn’t matter—they’ll bite either presentation. Pay attention to what’s working and adjust accordingly. The river will tell you what it wants if you’re willing to listen and adapt.
Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong
Again, some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent.
Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat.
These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you’ve never experienced a sturgeon fight, there’s nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.
Lake Sturgeon Season:
- Catch and release through April 23rd (current season – all fish must be released)
- Harvest season: April 24 – May 7, 2026 (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 if you catch a potential state record.
Fishing Guides Available
Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish.
Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what’s working each day. Whether you’re new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.
Pike Season – Year-Round Opportunities
The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Pike are staging near spawning areas right now and feeding aggressively. As the river continues to open up, more anglers will target these apex predators.
Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.
Looking Ahead – Minnesota Fishing Opener May 9th
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9th, and now is the time to make your plans.
By opener, water temperatures will be warmer, the big female walleyes will be in the system in force, and the bite will be at its peak. The jig bite will be strong, and walleyes will be accessible along shorelines on the lake and current breaks throughout the river.
Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during opener weekend and throughout May. Resorts are taking reservations now. Prime dates and guides book quickly—don’t wait to secure your spot.
Season and Regulation Reminders
2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later.
Walleye and Sauger:
- Rainy River and Four Mile Bay: Catch and release only through April 14th
- Main Lake of the Woods: Open through April 14th with normal limits
- Combined limit of 6 fish per day, with up to 4 being walleyes
- All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately
- One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day
Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released.
Sturgeon: Catch and release through April 23rd; harvest season April 24 – May 7.
Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open.
For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/
Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/
Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and real-time river updates!
Commonly 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.
