Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Lake of the Woods continues to offer excellent ice fishing conditions across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle. Ice conditions are strong, resorts are busy, and fishing activity remains very good.

South Shore Ice Fishing Report – Excellent Ice, Consistent Bite
Ice conditions on the South Shore are in great shape. While every ice road has different weight limits, many resort-managed ice roads are now allowing 1-ton trucks pulling wheelhouses. As always, anglers should check directly with the resort or outfitter managing the road for current weight restrictions.

Some resorts transport anglers to the door of their heated fish house vs offering ice roads.  In these cases, bombardiers and specialized track rigs are in full use with good conditions.

Most fishing activity is taking place in 25 to 31 feet of water. The most productive setup continues to be a jigging line paired with a deadstick. Actively work the jigging line to call fish in and target aggressive walleyes, while running a deadstick in a second hole with a live minnow set 6 inches to 1 foot off the bottom. This combination is catching everything from aggressive biters to more lethargic fish.

Best Presentations & Colors
Blinking and lighted lures have been very effective. A red blinking Dirty Bomb with a 4–6 inch dropper and live minnow has been a strong producer. Rippin’ Raps and various jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head are also working well. Productive colors include gold, gold/pink, glow red, glow white, and combinations of these.

In addition to walleyes and saugers, anglers continue to catch jumbo perch, eelpout, northern pike, tullibees, and occasional sturgeon.

Rainy River Ice Fishing Report – Ice Improving
Ice thickness on the Rainy River continues to build, though anglers should always be cautious due to current. Walleye activity has been best during morning and evening hours, and some sturgeon anglers are finding success as well. Even a few eelpout being caught on the river.  Working through a resort or outfitter is strongly recommended.

Bucket of fish with 49 on clicker, Sunset Lodge Oak Island

Northwest Angle Ice Fishing Report – Full Swing
Ice fishing at the Northwest Angle is in full swing with ice thickness steadily increasing. The ice road from Young’s Bay to island resorts is in good shape, and fish cleaning houses are seeing some very nice buckets of fish. Resorts have houses out and fishing has been solid. Some resorts are also offering crappie fishing opportunities, adding variety to a traditional walleye trip.

Ice Fishing Outlook & Safety
Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods remains strong heading forward. Always stay on marked ice roads and trails, follow posted weight limits, and let resorts manage ice safety so you can focus on fishing.

For trip planning and lodging information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.