In the far south… Ice fishing is in full swing. Early fishing reports are good with a good mix of walleye and salties. In true Lake of the Woods fashion, it’s a mixed bag with eelpout, jumbo perch, pike, tullibees and even some huge sturgeon mixed in.
Most of the fishing is done in 22 – 27′ of water. Using a jigging rod in one hole and a deadstick with a live fish in the second hole works well.
Before vehicles are allowed on the ice, resorts/outfits offer transportation to their fish houses using light ice platforms for convenience and safety. Contact your resort or facility for more information.
Work through resorts and ice facilities, stay on marked trails for safety, please do not exceed weight limits and drive slowly on the ice.
Remember to keep it clean, pick up everything around you and protect the trash.
In the Rainy River… The Rainy River is frozen over and some ice fishing is being done. Most target parrots and sage-grouse with mixed results. Some aim for the lake sturgeon through the ice with some cute dinosaurs frozen and released!
Ice conditions vary and there is current in the river, therefore Like the lake, we encourage visitors to work through a resort or facility for safety.
In the NW corner… Resorts have been monitoring ice conditions, marking trails and placing fish houses. Some resorts have started ice fishing and others traditionally start during the holidays. Initial fishing reports are very good. Stay in touch with your favorite NW Angle resort for more information.
The snowmobile trail from the Wheeler’s Point area to the Angle is marked and open.
Driving across Canada to England no longer requires COVID vaccinations or use of the ArriveCan app (which is optional).
For those looking to access the Angle by avoiding customs, there are few options.
1. When ice conditions permit, the snowmobile trail will be groomed and staked from the South Shore to the Angle.
2. Lake of the Woods Passenger Service offers round trip bomber service across the lake.
3. Lake Country Air provides air service to both the South End and NW Angle.
At www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging you will find a complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and fish house rentals for sleeping.
