Outdoor television personality Larry Smith has filmed fishing adventures all over the Midwest, but on a recent summer adventure, he checked a big one off his bucket list—open water fishing at the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods. And he didn’t do it alone. Larry teamed up with Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, for a memorable fishing trip full of laughs, stories, big numbers of walleyes—and one absolute monster northern pike.
As the northernmost point in the contiguous United States, the Northwest Angle offers one of the most unique and productive fisheries in North America. Surrounded by thousands of islands, rocky reefs, and deep-water basins, it’s an angler’s dream. For years, Larry had wanted to experience the open water bite in this corner of Minnesota, and on one of his recent summer visits, it delivered in a big way.
Catching Walleyes and a Giant Pike
During the trip, Larry and Joe put their skills to the test. Using tried-and-true summer walleye techniques, including jigging with minnows and pulling spinners with crawlers, the duo caught good numbers of both walleyes and saugers. Smallmouth bass were also active, making for exciting multispecies action.
But the highlight of the trip was an enormous northern pike. Caught on camera and featured in the episode of Larry Smith Outdoors, the fish was a true Lake of the Woods giant—one of those memorable catches that gets retold around the campfire for years. With its thick shoulders and aggressive strike, the fish was a perfect example of the trophy-caliber pike that call this lake home.
Getting to the Northwest Angle
In this episode, Larry and Joe chose to boat to the Angle, staying in Minnesota waters the entire time. This route avoids passing through Canada, making it a great option for those without passports or vaccination credentials.
That said, there are multiple ways to access the Northwest Angle:
Boat across the lake: Ideal for experienced boaters with the right gear and crew. Conditions can vary, and winds can create big water, so preparation is key.
Lake of the Woods Passenger Service: A popular and stress-free option, this charter shuttle service transports guests across the lake directly to their NW Angle resort. In winter, the service uses heated bombardiers that travel over the ice—an adventure in itself!
Drive through Canada: For those who prefer to drive, driving 40 miles through Canada is the most popular option. Travelers must carry proper credentials to enter Canada, such as a valid passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or a combo of an original birth certificate combined with a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.
About Larry Smith Outdoors
Larry Smith Outdoors airs on a variety of outdoor networks throughout the Midwest. Larry is a year-round sportsman—part guide, part farmer, and full-time storyteller. His show highlights real people enjoying the outdoors, and his time at Lake of the Woods was no exception.
With 52 episodes a year, Larry’s content is always fresh, fun, and focused on showcasing great destinations like Lake of the Woods. His enthusiasm for the area was clear, noting that the sheer number of fish, the scenery, and the welcoming hospitality make it a “must-visit” destination for any angler.
The Fishing is Hot and Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
This summer has been incredible on Lake of the Woods. From the deep mud basins of Big Traverse Bay to the rocky reefs of the Northwest Angle, the fish are active, and the action has been consistent. Thanks to a healthy population of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, smallmouth bass, and muskies, there’s no shortage of opportunity.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler like Larry Smith or someone planning your first fishing trip, Lake of the Woods continues to shine as one of the Midwest’s premier fishing destinations. Bring your gear—or better yet, let one of the area’s full-service resorts and guides take care of everything. Either way, you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
For more information about planning your trip to the Northwest Angle or Lake of the Woods, including lodging, guides, and transportation options, visit www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
