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.

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!

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.

Lodging Options

Ice Fishing Packages

Sleeper Fish Houses

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.