Lake of the Woods (2)
Published: Updated:
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Current)
Lake of the Woods (2) Overview
SLOWWind (mph)FAST
01020406080100
Top Techniques Reported for Walleye + Spring
- Spoons2
- Ice Fishing Spoons1
Total Fishing Reports
17
Top Species Reported for Spring
- Walleye3 Reports
Northern Pike2 Reports
Sauger1 Report
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Fishing Reports
17 Reports on Lake of the Woods (2)Sort by
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Spoons
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Minnows
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Spoons
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
36°
March ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is in full swing with excellent conditions holding strong across the basin. While much of Minnesota is experiencing spring melt, Lake of the Woods remains locked in winter, offering solid ice and productive fishing opportunities that could extend well into April for some anglers and some resorts that choose to remain open. The 10-day weather forecast looks cold, which will hold ice conditions nicely. Resort ice roads continue to provide access to prime fishing areas, and many operations are still running heated fish houses on productive spots. As always, communicate directly with your resort or outfitter for current conditions and access—they know their ice and they'll keep you safe. Even though it's still cold, Mother Nature has a way of still moving things along so relying on the pros on the ice who provide real time info is important. South Shore Ice Fishing - Full Swing Through March and Beyond Ice fishing on the south end of Lake of the Woods is going strong. Fish houses are allowed overnight through March 31st, and with the cold forecast ahead, ice conditions are holding well. Some resorts will even fish into April—it's best to call ahead to find out who's extending their season. Ice anglers continue picking away at nice fish across the south shore. The typical pattern includes some smaller fish to release, keeper walleyes in the mix, various sizes of saugers, jumbo perch, and a good variety of tullibees, eelpout, and pike. Most anglers are heading home with plenty of fish for a quality meal or to share with family and friends. Many resorts have moved fish houses closer to shore, fishing depths from 22 - 30 feet. You'll work through some undersized fish, but quality keepers are there along with slot fish (19.5 - 28.0 inches) that need immediate release. Extended Season Opportunities Here's the advantage of fishing border waters—Lake of the Woods walleye and sauger season runs through April 14th while inland Minnesota waters remain closed. Pike season never closes, and perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees are all available targets. Important regulatory reminders: Walleyes and saugers on Four Mile Bay and Rainy River are catch and release only from March 1 through April 14th Main lake walleye and sauger harvest remains open through April 14th New Minnesota fishing licenses are required as of March 1st Pike season is open year-round with no closure Walleye and sauger limits: Combined total of 6 fish per day, with up to 4 being walleyes. All walleyes measuring 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately. Anglers may keep one walleye over 28.0 inches per day. What's Working - The Proven Approach The one-two punch remains most effective: one active jigging line to trigger bites, paired with a deadstick presentation for finicky or cruising fish. Active jigging: Lipless crankbaits and jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head remain productive. When fish seem hesitant, slow down your cadence or downsize your presentation. Tease the fish by shaking the lure while raising it in the water column. Deadstick setup: A small jig or plain hook with a live minnow positioned 6 inches to a foot off bottom continues producing consistent results. This stationary presentation catches fish that won't commit to aggressive jigging. Prime Time for Trophy Pike Pike anglers love this time of year on Lake of the Woods. Big pike are starting to stage for upcoming spawning activity and they have the feed bag on. This is trophy pike time, and the opportunities are excellent right now. Tip-up fishing is the most popular approach. Some anglers are targeting bays, others work shorelines adjacent to future spawning areas. Using a live sucker or dead bait on a quick strike rig is effective and gives you the best chance at landing a big fish without deep-hooking it. Pro tip: Stagger your tip-ups across various depths. Oftentimes, a pattern will show up with a popular depth that fish are traveling. When this happens, move your other tip-ups to that depth and let the flags start flying. Contact a Lake of the Woods resort to set you up in areas known for holding big pike. Remember—pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods, so you can chase these fish all the way through ice-out and beyond. Rainy River Update - Watching for Open Water Colder temps are currently holding ice on the Rainy River, but there is some progress with open water spotted at Manitou Rapids, which is 9 miles east of Birchdale, MN. This is the early sign that spring is working its way into the system. Typically, Nelson Park at Birchdale is the first boat ramp which accommodates larger boats and will see open water. The open water makes its way from east to west, and we'll be tracking its progress over the coming weeks. For those still ice fishing the river, stick to the golden hours—first light and last light produce the best walleye action. Remember: Rainy River walleyes and saugers are catch and release only through April 14th. River ice always requires extra caution due to current. Work only through a resort or outfitter who knows the river conditions and can provide safe access. Northwest Angle Report The Northwest Angle continues producing quality fishing with conditions similar to last week. The ice road from Young's Bay remains in good condition, and some resorts are planning to fish through March and into April, weather permitting. Other resorts at the Angle are wrapping up the season. Opportunities still exist if you have interest, call ahead. Fly-in anglers: Contact Sunset Lodge for current runway conditions before making your flight. Spring Sturgeon Season Ahead Looking toward April and May, we're expecting another excellent sturgeon season on the Rainy River. Now is the time to prepare your gear if you're planning to target these prehistoric giants. Lake Sturgeon are catch and release through April 23rd. The harvest season runs April 24 - May 7 (1 per calendar year, fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75", must be immediately tagged and registered within 48 hours). May 8-15 returns to catch and release, and the season closes May 16 through June 30, 2026. Come prepared with heavy tackle—many anglers use their muskie or catfish gear. Bring an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, camera, and know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record. Book Your Late Season Trip Ice conditions remain strong with over 3 feet of ice in most areas, the weather forecast is cooperating with cold temps, and fishing continues to produce quality mixed bags. Whether this is your first trip of the season or your last hurrah before open water, Lake of the Woods typically delivers. Most resorts have lodging and fish house options available. Some are extending into April. Call ahead to find out who's running what and when—availability and options vary as we transition toward spring. For trip planning, resort information, and fish house details, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete ice fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/
VMC Bull Spoon 1/8 oz / Glow Gold Fish
Out of Stock
Thill Pro Series Float 5/8"
Out of Stock
Gamakatsu Tournament Grade Wire Octopus Hook #4
Out of Stock
Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Ice Fishing Spoons
Structure
Open Water/Basin
Forage
Cisco/Whitefish
Water Temperature
34°
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—with some areas exceeding 3 feet of solid ice. In many cases, resort ice roads extend more than 20 miles onto the lake, providing 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 - March Ice Fishing Looks Strong! With ice fishing lasting through March and temps looking to be cold the first part of the month, it looks like the 3 feet plus of ice on many parts of the lake will be around for a while. This is great news if you want to get in one last trip or if you want to target big pike. 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 On the lake, the normal walleye and sauger limits through April 14th 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. Important Reminders for March Anglers New fishing license required: If you are fishing in Minnesota, you need a new fishing license starting March 1st. Catch and release areas: If you are fishing the Rainy River or Four Mile Bay, walleyes and sauger are catch and release only through April 14th. You can still keep walleyes and saugers on the main lake through April 14th. South Shore Ice Fishing Report – Picking Away at Quality Fish in 28-32 Feet Most South Shore ice fishig continues in 28 to 32 feet of water. Anglers are steadily picking away at various sizes of walleyes, saugers, good numbers of jumbo perch, some eelpout, and pike. Most anglers are finding some nice fish for a fish fry or to take home to loved ones. 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. 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 continue producing some nice fish along with 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. A gold blinking light lure with a dropper and live minnow also continues to produce. Big Pike Active - March is Prime Time! 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. 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. Exercise extra caution on river ice due to the current. Always fish through a resort or outfitter that knows the river and can provide safe access. Important: Rainy River walleyes and saugers are catch and release only from March 1 through April 14th. The Rainy River will really gain popularity towards the end of March when the river starts to open. The topic will be the spring walleye run and the excellent sturgeon fishing. Northwest Angle Ice Fishing Report – Quality Action in 24-32 Feet The Northwest Angle continues to produce some great ice 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 - Rainy River Spring Season End of March and April Mother Nature is always in charge, but typically, the Rainy River will open at the end of March at the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, MN—30 miles east of Baudette. Now is a good time to start making sure your boat and tackle is ready. When it opens, it opens fast! Prepare for Banner Sturgeon Season We expect another banner sturgeon fishing season on the Rainy River this spring. Plan ahead with heavier rods, reels, line, and other gear. Many anglers use their muskie or catfish gear. Come prepared with: Oversized net or tail lasso Needle nose pliers Measuring tape or long bump board Camera Understanding of what measurements/images are needed in the event you catch a state record sturgeon Book Your Trip Now Most resorts have lodging and fish houses available. Check out LakeoftheWoodsMN.com for more info, trip planning, and resort contact information. 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/
Top Fishing Techniques
for Walleye + SpringChoose from techniques based on Lake of the Woods (2) fishing reports.
