If you’re asking yourself, “Where should I go ice fishing this winter?” the answer many seasoned anglers and families agree on is Lake of the Woods, Minnesota — the Walleye Capital of the World. Each winter, this massive northern lake transforms into a thriving “ice city” of heated fish houses, plowed ice roads, and friendly resorts that make ice fishing easy for everyone — even if you have no experience or equipment.
Why Lake of the Woods Is Ideal for Beginners and Groups
If your family or group wants to experience ice fishing but doesn’t have gear, knowledge, or a snowmobile — no problem. Lake of the Woods is famous for full-service ice fishing, where resorts and outfitters handle everything.
Here’s what’s included when you book:
Heated fish houses (usually around 70°F) — no freezing on a bucket here!
Pre-drilled holes and a clean, ready-to-fish setup.
Transportation to and from the house via heated track vehicles or plowed ice roads.
Guides who check in regularly, help you catch fish, and even clean your catch.
Optional “catch and cook” dinners — many resorts will fry up your fresh-caught walleyes with all the sides.
You simply show up, hang up your jacket, drop a line, and start catching fish.
What Makes Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing So Special
Lake of the Woods is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in North America. Millions of walleyes and saugers roam its waters, providing steady action and the chance to catch trophy fish. It’s also home to northern pike, perch, eelpout, and even an occasional sturgeon through the ice.
Because of its reliable ice conditions and massive size, fishing remains consistent all winter long — from early December through March.
Add in friendly resort staff, incredible sunsets over the snow-covered lake, and the camaraderie of fishing with friends and family, and it’s easy to see why thousands return year after year.
Where the Ice Fishing Happens: Two Main Areas
1. Big Traverse Bay (South Shore)
This expansive area stretches roughly 30 miles north-to-south and 25 miles east-to-west — it’s big ice! Resorts and outfitters constantly track fish movements and move houses accordingly to keep guests on active schools of walleyes and saugers. Depending on the bite, you may fish near shore or miles out on the ice.
2. The Northwest Angle
Located at the northernmost point of the continental U.S., the Northwest Angle is another world-class ice fishing area. You can drive there through Canada or take the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service, a bombardier ride across the frozen lake that stays entirely in Minnesota. Once you arrive, outfitters provide the same full-service experience — heated houses, gear, guides, and great fishing.
Getting There and Getting Around
Resorts make access simple and safe.
Early season: guests are transported by heated track vehicles or light ice rigs.
Mid to late season: plowed ice roads allow guests to drive personal vehicles right to their fish house or resort bombardiers and track rigs transport guests right to their fish house.
This extensive infrastructure — maintained by resorts and local businesses — is part of what makes Lake of the Woods the easiest and safest place in Minnesota to experience ice fishing.
What to Expect Beyond the Fishing
Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is about more than catching fish. It’s a social and relaxing winter getaway. You’ll enjoy:
Warm, comfortable fish houses with panoramic winter views.
Great conversation, laughter, and maybe a hot meal cooked right on the ice.
Resort amenities such as restaurants, bars, and lodging options.
Families, couples, corporate groups, and friends all find their own kind of magic out on the frozen lake.
How to Start Planning Your Ice Fishing Trip
If you’re wondering, “How do I start planning my Lake of the Woods ice fishing trip?” — here’s what to do next:
Visit the Lake of the Woods Tourism website – www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
You’ll find a list of resorts, sleeper fish houses, and outfitters, along with rates and photos.
Choose your style:
Day house trip – return to your warm resort cabin or lodge room each evening.
Sleeper fish house – stay overnight right on the ice.
Book early! Prime weekends fill quickly.
Pack light: the resort provides nearly everything. Bring warm clothes, snacks, and your favorite beverages.
Experience Full-Service Ice Fishing — Lake of the Woods Style
This winter, discover why Lake of the Woods is the premier destination for full-service ice fishing in Minnesota. Whether it’s your first time dropping a line or your hundredth, the combination of great fishing, professional guides, and comfortable accommodations make it an unforgettable experience.
Warm fish houses, friendly faces, and world-class walleye fishing — that’s Lake of the Woods.
Plan your trip today at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.
Summary: Full-service ice fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota—heated fish houses, guides, plowed ice roads, and resort amenities. Ideal for families, groups, and first-timers.
Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure
Warm fish houses, friendly faces, and world-class walleye fishing—Lake of the Woods makes winter easy and unforgettable.
Where should I go ice fishing this winter?
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is a top choice thanks to full-service resorts, heated fish houses, guides, and reliable ice conditions from early winter through March.
Why choose Lake of the Woods if we’re new and have no gear?
Full-service ice fishing packages include heated fish houses, drilled and cleaned holes, transportation to the fish house or an ice road so you can drive yourself to the fish house, guide check-ins and fish cleaning.
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!
How do I start planning an ice fishing trip?
Visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com for resort listings, sleeper fish houses, rates, and availability. Book early, choose day-house or sleeper, and confirm transportation or ice-road access.
What fish can we catch?
Lake of the Woods is considered The Walleye Capital of the World. The focus in these parts is primarily walleyes and saugers, with chances for perch, northern pike, and eelpout. Action is consistent all winter.
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!
