In the southern end… A mixed bag of fish caught in Lake of the Woods. The rule is to classify walleyes to be taken in feeders with slot fish (19.5 to 28.0 inches) and trophies (over 28 inches).
Sages of all sizes are being caught. There are a good number of diner-sized fish in the lake that provide good action and good fish fry, but sorting out future keepers is also part of the day.
Other fish caught are large eel, jumbo perch, pike, tulibes and an occasional sturgeon. As the saying goes, “you never know what you’ll catch on Lake of the Woods.”
Most of the fishing is done in 25-32′ of water. As usual this time of year, the fish are moving deeper.
Make a piece out of your favorite spoon with the tip of a fish head or tail. In many cases, smaller presentations, such as 1/8-ounce lures, work best.
On cloudy days, bright colors have worked best. On sunny or brighter days, brighter colors like gold and chip have worked well. A color combination is also effective.
On the dead pole, a live fish on a small jig or regular hook 1 to 2 feet off the bottom has been effective. Usually the fish rise from the bottom to catch the fish.
Ice conditions are generally very good. In many cases, they are being allowed out of larger trucks and control booths. It is important to work with a complex / equipment and meet their current weight limits, stay on the marked path and drive slowly.
In the Rainy River… A mixed bag of pickles and sauces on the river. A jig and a fish are still the main producers in the fish catch.
A few anglers target sturgeon with larger holes, heavier rods and tackle. It’s a waiting game, but a good fish freezes.
Ice conditions vary on the river as there is current, work through a complex or equipment for safety.
In the NW corner…Ice fishing is on. The ice road from Angle Inlet in Young’s Bay to the island resorts is open.
A nice bag of fish mixed in with parrots in good numbers. Saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike in the mix too.
Some complexes are fishing on the structure, others right on the edge. Depending on the location and water depth usually determines when the walleyes will be in good numbers. Some places are more conducive to mornings/nights, some daytime activities.
Most anglers report good catches of fish with the occasional trophy mixed in on one jigging line, and the second hooking.
Driving across Canada to Angle no longer requires COVID vaccinations or use of the ArriveCan app.
For those looking to access the Angle by avoiding customs, there are few options.
1. The snowmobile trail across the lake is open 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.
Ice fishing and fish houses available until March 31st. At www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging you will find a complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and fish house rentals for sleeping.
