Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report 12/29/2025
1 week ago by Chris Munchow
Modified 1 week ago at 1 week ago
Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report
Ice Conditions, Ice Roads & Weekly Fishing Update
Lake of the Woods, Minnesota continues to deliver a strong ice fishing season. Ice conditions remain good across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle. Resorts are busy, sleeper houses are on the ice, and anglers are enjoying solid fishing despite some challenging weather swings.
South Shore Ice Fishing Report – Solid Fishing Despite Weather Swings
The South Shore experienced a good week of ice fishing. A series of weather systems and significant temperature fluctuations made walleyes and saugers a bit more tight-lipped than normal. Even so, anglers are picking away at fish throughout the day, and by the end of the day, fish buckets are looking pretty good.
Some big walleyes were caught this week, including a 32.5-inch giant. In addition to walleyes and saugers, anglers are catching jumbo perch, eelpout, northern pike, tullibees, and an occasional sturgeon while targeting walleyes.
Ice road conditions continue to improve, but weight limits vary by location and by resort. Most ice roads allow half-ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse. Some ice roads are now allowing three-quarter-ton and even one-ton vehicles, while others are not quite ready for heavier rigs. Anglers should always check ahead by calling resorts directly or checking their social media pages for the most current information.
Sleeper fish houses are on the ice for most South Shore resorts and outfitters. Sleepers remain a popular option for anglers looking to spend multiple days fishing, enjoy warm and comfortable accommodations, and truly get away while staying on the ice.
Best Ice Fishing Presentations This Week
The classic Lake of the Woods one-two punch remains the best strategy. Working a jigging line and a deadstick line with a live minnow continues to produce the most consistent results.
On the jigging line, anglers are using jigging spoons or jigs tipped with a live minnow, working aggressive motions to call fish in. On the deadstick line, a plain hook or small ice jig with a live minnow is being set just off the bottom.
Best producing colors this week include pink, pink and white, glow red, and blinking light lures, all of which perform well in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods.
Rainy River Ice Fishing Report – Ice Building, Use Extreme Caution
Ice conditions on the Rainy River continue to build, but extreme caution is always required due to current. Most walleye fishing activity remains on the lake, though a few resorts have fish houses placed on river ice that is checked daily.
Anglers working through resorts are targeting walleyes, saugers, and lake sturgeon. Working through a resort or outfitter is strongly recommended for safety.
Northwest Angle Ice Fishing Report – Ice Road to Island Resorts Open, Fishing Very Good
Ice fishing at the Northwest Angle continues to gain momentum. Ice conditions are good, and the ice road from Young’s Bay to island resorts is open. If you are staying at a resort on an island, it is a good idea to touch base with the resort before driving over for current travel updates.
Resorts have fish houses out, ice fishing is in full gear, and the season has started out very good. Much like the South Shore, anglers are finding success using a jigging line paired with a deadstick and live minnow, along with colors suited to stained water.
Resort bars and restaurants are open, and the Angle is hopping!
Many Northwest Angle resorts also offer crappie fishing opportunities on the Ontario side of the lake. Some anglers choose to add a dedicated day of crappie fishing to their traditional walleye trip, adding variety and another outstanding fishing experience.
Snowmobile Trails are Open Across the Lake and Beyond
One popular means of traveling from the south end of the lake up to the NW Angle are the state grant in aid snowmobile trails across the lake. These trails are well marked and groomed. This allows snowmobilers to stay in MN and not cross through Canada when traveling to the Angle. Snowmobile rentals are available on both the south end and up at the Angle.
Ice Fishing Safety on Lake of the Woods
No matter where you fish on Lake of the Woods, remember that ice conditions vary by area. Always work through a resort or outfitter, stay on marked ice roads and trails, follow posted weight limits, and do not venture off on your own. There are plenty of fish where resorts are placing their houses, and letting professionals manage ice safety allows anglers to focus on fishing.
Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Outlook
Despite changing weather patterns, ice fishing on Lake of the Woods remains strong. With additional cold weather ahead, ice conditions should continue to stabilize, and fishing opportunities will remain excellent across the region.
For ice fishing trip planning and lodging info, check out https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/
For helpful tips and ice fishing information, visit 
https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/