Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report 12/16/2025

 2 minutes ago by Chris Munchow 

Modified Dec 16th, 2025 at 2:17 PM

Lake of the Woods Fishing Report – Ice Fishing Off to a Fantastic Start!

South Shore – Ice Fishing Has Started Out About as Good as It Gets

Ice fishing along the South Shore is off to an excellent start. Resorts report strong early ice, houses are out, and fishing has been outstanding. Anglers are catching a mixed bag of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, an occasional eelpout, pike, and once in a while even a surprise sturgeon through the ice.

As always, we remind anglers that Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water with conditions that vary from place to place. With great fluctuations in temps, ice cracks and expands.  Resorts and outfitters check ice daily, maintaining their ice road / trail for maximum safety.  We strongly recommend working through them rather than traveling independently.

Most day houses have now been out for about a week. Some resorts are allowing travel by ATV, snowmobile, or side-by-side to their fish houses, while others continue to transport anglers directly to the door of their heated houses.

Best Presentations

Fishing has been excellent with the classic Lake of the Woods one-two punch:

  1. Jigging Line:
    A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail, or an attractor like a Rippin’ Rap.
  2. Deadstick Line:
    A plain hook or small ice jig with a live minnow set 6 to 12 inches off the bottom.

Hot Colors

  • Gold
  • Glow red
  • Pink
  • Glow white
  • Orange
  • Chartreuse

These colors continue to shine in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.

Rainy River – Ice Forming Well, but Use Extreme Caution

Ice is forming nicely on the Rainy River, but as always, current creates variable conditions. Resorts and outfitters on the river monitor the ice continuously and provide the safest access—please check with them before venturing out.

Those fishing through resorts report nice walleyes and good sturgeon action so far. Safety remains the top priority.

Northwest Angle – Excellent Early Ice Fishing Reports and Snowmobile Trails Marked

The Northwest Angle is off to a strong start as well. Favorable early ice conditions have some resorts opening earlier than normal. Initial fishing reports mirror the South Shore—very good fishing right out of the gate.

Resorts continue to check ice, mark safe ice routes, and place fish houses. Some designated ice aviation areas are active as well.

Snowmobile Trails

  • Snowmobile trails throughout the Angle are marked.
  • The trail from Four Mile Bay on the south shore to Northwest Angle was staked on Monday, December 15th and is open.
  • Snow depth is around 5 inches in most places but varies with wind. Trails will improve as they see more use.

For the latest updates and reservations, contact your favorite Northwest Angle resort.

Safety First – Always

No matter which area you fish, please remember:

  • Every area of ice is different.
  • Work through a resort or outfitter.
  • Stay on marked ice roads and trails.
  • Follow posted weight limits.
  • Do not venture off on your own.

There are plenty of fish where resorts are placing their houses. Let the professionals keep you safe.

Great Fishing and More Cold Weather Ahead

With additional cold weather in the forecast, ice conditions will continue improving. Early ice fishing has begun with excellent success, and December typically brings some of the best fishing of the year.

To learn more about ice fishing, lodging, and planning your trip, visit our ice fishing page at:
👉 https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/

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