Species

Here are some of the more common species found in Lake of the Woods.
(From the Minnesota DNR web site.) http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/baudette/winter_handout_2013.pdf

Walleye – the most sought-after fish in Minnesota. Known for it’s taste, walleyes are delicious table fare and are enjoyed at fish fries around the lake.
Sauger – sometimes called the “sand pike,” is a relative of the walleye. A bit smaller and colored a bit differently, saugers add nicely to a day’s catch. Like the walleye, delicious table fare.
Northern Pike – An exciting fish to catch that is also very plentiful at Lake of the Woods. Many trophies are caught with many fish over 20 lbs. Also good table fare as long as you remove the “Y” bones.
Yellow Perch – Smaller cousin of the walleye is good to eat. Jumbo perch swim our waters and are a bonus for the fry pan.
Muskellunge (Muskie) – The NW Angle of Lake of the Woods is one of the premier areas in the world to catch not only numbers of fish, but trophy fish. Muskies are at the top of the food chain and exceed 50 lbs.
Crappies – A great panfish caught on the Rainy River around the docks but very prevalent at spots at the NW Angle.
Largemouth Bass – Located in bays and around weed growth. Not heavily targeted, anglers who fish for them are typically pleased. Good spots up in backwaters of NW Angle.
Smallmouth Bass – Very prevalent throughout the entire lake and one of the strongest fish for its weight. “Bronzebacks” offer exciting fishing and a great fight.
Lake Sturgeon – Minnesota’s biggest fish. It can weigh more than an adult human. Very prevalent in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay, but also are caught in the lake.
Burbot (Eelpout) – Primarily caught in the winter months, this fish is dormant in the summer. Anglers have learned about the delicious meat considered by many as “Poor man’s lobster”. The meat is cubed and boiled in salt water or Seven Up and served with drawn butter. It is also the fish most commonly used in fish oil vitamins.
Whitefish – Often confused with the tulibee, this fish has a nice white meat and is caught primarily in the NW Angle.
Tulibee – These fish swim in abundance in the big lake and are often enjoyed “smoked” by anglers due to their oily flesh.