Fishing Reports

Filter By:

Minnesota

Lake

Walleye

Ice

89 Fishing Reports

Joe Henry

Blue Ambassador

2/23/26

Lake of the Woods (US)

Species
Walleye
Season
Ice
Technique
Ice Fishing Spoons
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
34°

Lake of the Woods Fishing Report Lake of the Woods ice fishing continues to deliver with outstanding conditions across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle. Ice conditions this winter have been exceptional—we're now seeing more than 30 inches of ice in most areas of the lake, and recent cold weather continues building that solid platform beneath us. Resort ice roads are not just maintained—they're impressive. Many of these roads now extend more than 20 miles out onto the lake, providing safe, reliable access to prime fishing grounds. As always, work through a reputable resort or outfitter who understands current ice conditions, weight limits, and where the fish are holding. They'll keep you safe and put you on fish. Extended Seasons on Lake of the Woods - Come Ice Fish With Us in March! Here's what makes Lake of the Woods special—while the walleye and pike season across Minnesota's inland waters is now closed until the fishing opener, Lake of the Woods is border water with Canada and our season is still open! Here's the breakdown: Fish houses can remain out overnight through March 31st Walleyes and saugers are open through April 14th across most of Lake of the Woods Four Mile Bay and Rainy River: walleyes and saugers are catch and release from March 1 through April 14th Pike season never closes - fish for pike year-round Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open Lake Sturgeon are catch and release through April 23rd. April 24 - May 7 is the harvest season (1 per calendar year. Fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75". Fish must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours). May 8 - 15 is catch and release. The season closes May 16 - June 30, 2026. There's still plenty of season ahead, and plenty of opportunity to get out here. Contact a Lake of the Woods resort and set up your trip in one of their many heated fish houses positioned on schools of walleyes and saugers. You'll be fishing in comfort while the resorts do the heavy lifting. South Shore Ice Fishing Report – Picking Away at Quality Fish in 28-32 Feet The South Shore continues to deliver solid ice fishing. Resort ice roads adapt and extend as needed, keeping anglers positioned on active fish throughout the season. Most fishing activity remains concentrated in 28 to 32 feet of water, where we're picking away at quality catches day after day. It isn't a slamfest, but for February ice fishing, anglers are steadily picking away at various sized walleyes, saugers, good numbers of jumbo perch, some eelpout, and pike. This is Lake of the Woods doing what it does best: providing variety and opportunity. Most anglers are finding some nice fish for a fish fry or to take home to loved ones. You'll sort through some smaller fish—that's part of the game on a lake loaded with multiple year classes. But you'll also connect with nice keeper walleyes and saugers, slot fish between 19.5 - 28.0 inches that need to be released, and maybe even a trophy or two. The mixed bag is as strong as ever. Along with walleyes and saugers, we're seeing good numbers of big jumbo perch, eelpout, tullibees, pike, and even the occasional sturgeon. It's Lake of the Woods—you never know what's coming up the hole next, and that's part of the magic. Walleye / Sauger Limits The walleye and sauger limit on Lake of the Woods is a combined total of 6 fish per day, with up to 4 being walleyes. All walleyes measuring 19.5 inches to 28.0 inches must be released immediately. Anglers may keep one walleye over 28.0 inches per day. Remember: Four Mile Bay and Rainy River are catch and release only for walleyes and saugers from March 1 through April 14th. What's Working The classic one-two punch continues to be the go-to approach: run an active jigging rod to draw fish in and trigger strikes, paired with a deadstick with a live minnow set 6 inches to a foot off bottom for fish in a more neutral mood. Jigging line: Rattle baits like the Rapala Rippin Rap have been producing some nice fish—try the pink UV Firetiger or gold. Also, jigging spoons with a minnow head continue to work well. If fish are finicky or lethargic, slow your jigging cadence and/or downsize your presentation. Deadstick: A small jig or a plain hook with a live minnow 6 inches off the bottom has been consistent and continues to produce. Big Pike Active Anglers who enjoy targeting world class pike are already reporting good action on tip ups and quick strike rigs. Traditionally, live suckers or a good dead bait will get the flags flying. March is a key month to target big pike as they put the feedbag on and begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Sounds like some pike are already starting! Contact a Lake of the Woods resort for fish houses set up in areas specifically where there are pike. Remember—pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods. Rainy River Ice Fishing Report – Focus on the Golden Hours While most ice fishing activity is on the main lake, the Rainy River continues to reward anglers who target it strategically. The best walleye action happens during the "golden hours"—the first couple hours of daylight and the last couple hours before dark. Important: Rainy River walleyes and saugers are catch and release only from March 1 through April 14th. Sturgeon are being caught for those pursuing catch-and-release opportunities. The sturgeon catch-and-release season runs through April 23rd, when the harvest season opens April 24 - May 7. River ice requires extra caution due to current. Always fish through a resort or outfitter who knows the river and can provide safe access. Northwest Angle Ice Fishing Report – Quality Action in 24-32 Feet The Northwest Angle is producing excellent fishing right now. The ice road from Young's Bay to the island resorts is in great condition, and fish cleaning houses are staying busy with quality catches. Most productive fishing is happening in 24 to 32 feet of water. The one-two punch of an active jigging line and a deadstick continues to work well. Anglers are consistently picking away at walleyes, saugers, good numbers of jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and tullibees—a true Lake of the Woods mixed bag. Looking Ahead Ice conditions remain excellent across the lake with more than 30 inches in most areas, ice road systems extend more than 20 miles and are exceptionally well-maintained, and fishing has been consistent for February. Whether you're planning your first ice fishing trip of the season or looking to get out during March, Lake of the Woods has the resorts, heated fish houses, guides, and fishery to deliver a memorable experience. For trip planning, resort information, and fish house rental info, check out https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete ice fishing info at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/