Everyone at Lake of the Woods is excited about this winter season and the most exciting time is Ice Fishing. We must preface this article by stating that we are just starting to make ice here. Mother Nature has decided to give us some mild temps and that is nice for travel but it is slow in making ice. Caution and Safety are very important words for this beginning ice season. MN DNR gives some great guidelines and we are recommending that you contact your favorite outfitter before trying the ice.

You, for sure, don’t have to be a professional and you don’t have to hold back from a new experience of ice fishing. Everyone of all ages and genders can have this exciting time. You don’t have to buy expensive fishing poles or tackle or even expensive outer wear. “Come as you are!” and be ready to reel in an adventure of a lifetime. Of course, once you’ve put your hand to this great outdoors experience, you’ll be “hooked” and after the first time you won’t be a novice anymore!

What is your favorite species? Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the United States. There are 14,552 islands and over 65,000 miles of shoreline to capture your attention at any time. It is the home of walleye, sauger, northern, perch, smallmouth bass, black carp, tullibees, eelpout and muskies.

However, as wonderful as open water fishing is, fishing through the ice has become an exciting national favorite. The waters of Lake of the Woods freeze over completely this time of the year and suddenly you will see a whole city of houses placed in various spots on the lake. It has been said that the “city” consists of thousands of ice houses of many varieties and colors. A site to behold!!! Let’s ice fishing from the eyes of a novice angler.

First, choose the resort of your preference and let them drive you on a well-maintained ice road (actually plowed and graded) in a track vehicle fully equipped to take you up over an island and out to the great expanse of ice and snow. Ice can reach depths of over 50” throughout the winter.

Before your arrival, guides have gone out to the ice “shacks” and opened holes, turned up the furnaces, and placed poles and bait for your use. These little houses are toasty by the time you arrive and you’ll be taking off a few layers of clothing to get ready for your ice fishing experience.

Bring along a thermos of coffee and your favorite sandwiches or snacks and now you are ready for a full day of ice fishing fun. There is no other sport that compares to this!!! So Exciting!!! An added benefit is that many of the houses are now equipped with bathrooms inside the houses – especially nice for the ladies and children. Many “shacks” are also equipped with small stoves and a few pans to use for heating up your meals. No need for a refrigerator…..haha.

The guides will set you up, teach you to feel the bottom, teach you how to jig and what color to use to lure (pun intended) those fish up the holes and into your bucket and eventually to your table. Exciting? The sounds of excitement will be heard house to house as screams of delight are heard when that fish flies out of the hole. Every fish caught is an extreme accomplishment no matter what size it is. There is no greater exciting time than pulling a fighting fish through that hole. Everyone is hooting and hollering and clebrating your catch.

Soon, limits of fish are caught and you look out over the horizon and it seems as though creation smiles at you as you will see some of the most gorgeous sunsets to ever behold. Guides that have checked on you many times during the day will now arrive again to transport you back to your favorite resort. Now….you are no longer a “novice” but an experienced angler. Men and women alike can’t wait to return to these waters year after year for their fishing fun. That’s especially true of this author!! Come…there’s lots of room!!!

For more information contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoods.com/icefishing

For lodging also check: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging  to see over 50+ resorts available to serve you.

Check out MN DNR for regulations and licensing.

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