Lake of the Woods Fishing Report 1-25-2016

As the weather warmed up, so did the ice fishing. Ice roads are allowing half-ton trucks onto the lake when not towing a trailer. Ice averages 14-17”. As always, stay on marked resort trails and talk with your resort about ice conditions in their area. Fishing in 24-34’ seems to be the best. Glow colors remain hot and the two way punch of jigging and dead stick remains the go to plan of attack. Ice electronics are key in catching more fish. Walleyes and saugers caught primarily in late morning with flurries in afternoon.  Lots of nice saugers in the mix throughout the basin.

The Rainy River is iced over and being fished in spots but mainly by locals who know the ice.  For safety, work through resorts.  Safety first.  Most anglers fishing the lake.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing is hot.  Ice is 22” where resorts are traveling on Minnesota side and 14” on the Ontario side. Limits in 24-28′ adjacent or on reefs for walleyes and 30-34′ for saugers in the mud. Jumbo perch, pike, and eelpout in the mix. Large crappies (in 30-33′) and lake trout (via snowmobile and guide) being caught on Ontario side.  Resort listings at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.