In the southern end… Remember, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses through March 31st, walleye and walleye season through April 14th, and walleye season never closes.
Ice roads and bomber trails stretch out to Lake of the Woods working to stay in schools of parrots and sage-grouse. Some anglers fishing up to 24 miles away, while others choose to stay closer to shore and catch fish that they believe other anglers have passed. The most popular depth is 30 to 36 feet of water.
Some anglers are still fishing in shallower water during the 90 minute morning/evening that takes place in 14 to 18 feet of water across the shoreline. It can be hit or miss, but if you hit, it can be really good.
Anglers are sorting small fish to find the feeders (under 19.5 inches). Most are finding enough pickles and sauces during the day to make a nice fish fry at night. A few slot walleyes (19.5 to 28.0 inches to be released) have also been caught, as have trophy fish (over 28 inches).
If the fish are finicky, reduce the bait size on your jigging line and use a regular hook on your deadstick or bobber line.
Bright colors or even small light sticks on lures are effective in stained waters. Charge them often and keep them bright.
Walleye anglers are also catching some nice jumbo perch, eelpout (botta), pike, crappies and tullibees (ciscos).
Big pike are already coming in for pike anglers using tip. It should only get better.
In the Rainy River… The beginning and end of the day is still the best for walleye anglers. Remember, March 1st is catch and release only in Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River for walleyes and saugers until the April 14th close.
Sturgeons appear before the hunting dinosaurs. For those looking ahead, aAnticipation is high for an earlier-than-normal ice-out on the river, which is a good time for sturgeon and sturgeon fishing. Meanwhile, the river remains closed. As always, be very careful as there is a current in the river.
In the NW Angle… Resorts move from home as needed, staying on the lookout as we hit mid-February. As a rule of thumb, 24 to 30 feet of water is where most of the fishing is done.
Some are still fishing structures, while others, this time of year, slide right off the structure to target the mudflats. Fish are being found in both areas.
Some nice walleyes caught this week with a mixed bag for most. Anglers fishing for crappie on the Ontario side continue to find some nice slabs.
For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails or using the Lake of the Woods passenger (bomber) service keeps you in Minnesota.
A complete list of accommodations, fish house rentals and fish house rentals to sleep in www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.