Lake of the Woods (2)
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Species
WalleyeSeason
Spring (Current)
Lake of the Woods (2) Overview
SLOWWind (mph)FAST
01020406080100
Top Techniques Reported for Walleye + Spring
- Spoons2
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')2
- Ice Fishing Spoons1
Total Fishing Reports
23
Top Species Reported for Spring
- Walleye5 Reports
Northern Pike4 Reports
Sturgeon2 Reports
Sauger1 Report
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Recent and Trending Baits
Fishing Reports
23 Reports on Lake of the Woods (2)Sort by
Species
Northern PikeSeason
Spring (Spawn)
Technique
Spinnerbaits
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
47°
Species
Northern PikeSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Spinnerbaits
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
46°
Spring has arrived in full force at Lake of the Woods, and the ice-to-open-water transition is happening fast. Signs of big cracks, some open water, and quickly deteriorating ice conditions are showing across the lake. In the meantime, the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, Zippel Bay, and many areas with current up at the Angle are open. The focus is squarely on three outstanding fishing opportunities happening right now: world-class sturgeon fishing, pike fishing and preparation for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 9th. Sturgeon Harvest Season is Here! The sturgeon harvest season begins April 24th and runs through May 7th. This is the spring window for anglers pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime legal harvest sturgeon. Great sturgeon fishing is happening right now on the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay. A variety of sizes are being caught, including fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric giants are aggressive, feeding heavily, and accessible throughout the open water areas. Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds. Lake Sturgeon Season: Catch and release through April 23rd (season has passed) Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (OPEN - 1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours) Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026 Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026 Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required for registration if you harvest a legal fish or catch a potential state record. Minnesota Fishing Opener - May 9th The Minnesota Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 9th—and the prediction for walleye fishing is very optimistic. Healthy numbers of fish combined with a late spring means walleyes will be in the river, in Four Mile Bay, and in a variety of close-to-shore areas across the lake. The cold spring kept fish closer to their spawning grounds, and as walleyes spawn at different times across this big lake, good numbers will remain staged in accessible locations. It will be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and in classic spring staging areas. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will be the go-to presentation across the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, and shoreline areas on the main lake. Resorts are taking final reservations, guides are booking up, and the excitement is building. If you haven't locked in your opener trip yet, now is the time. Open Water Access Expanding Boat accesses on the Rainy River are open: Wheeler's Point Timbermill Park Vidas Frontier Birchdale (Nelson Park) With ice deteriorating quickly across the main lake and more bays opening daily, anglers have expanding options for targeting sturgeon, pike, and preparing for the walleye opener. Pike Fishing - Year-Round Opportunities Big pike are in the shallows right now, staging near spawning areas and feeding aggressively. The pike season is open year-round, and a small boat is all it takes to access opening bays and shoreline structure. Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately. Fishing Guides Available Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available for sturgeon and pike trips, and for walleye trips starting May 9th. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and local knowledge. Guides put you on fish and maximize your time on the water. Book Your Trip Now Whether you're targeting trophy sturgeon or pike this week or planning your opener walleye trip, resorts have lodging, guide services, and boat rentals available. Don't miss out on some of the best fishing of the year. For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ Season Reminders: Walleye opener: May 9th Sturgeon harvest: April 24 - May 7 Pike: Open year-round 2026 MN fishing license required Stay connected on social media for daily updates as we count down to opener!
Species
SturgeonSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Live Bait Rigs
Structure
River Channels
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
43°
Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River continues to heat up with expanding open water access and multiple species opportunities. The Rainy River is open, as is the majority of Four Mile Bay to the lake, giving anglers significantly more water to explore and fish. Four boat accesses remain open: Wheeler's Point - at the mouth of the Rainy River, heart of the resort area Vidas - excellent access to mid-river stretches Frontier - productive water both upstream and downstream Birchdale (Nelson Park) - upstream access with consistent action With the Rainy River flowing freely and Four Mile Bay opening up, anglers now have access to prime sturgeon water, trophy pike habitat, and staging areas that will be loaded with walleyes come the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th. Four Mile Bay - Expanded Sturgeon Opportunities Four Mile Bay provides another fantastic area to sturgeon fish. This area, at this time of year, holds good numbers of lake sturgeon, giving anglers an alternative to the traditional Rainy River stretches. Most anglers continue using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from these prehistoric giants. Lake Sturgeon Season: Catch and Release through April 23rd Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours) Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026 Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026 Harvest season: July 1 - Sep 30, 2026 Catch and release: Oct 1, 2026 - April 23, 2027 Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record or harvest fish. Bays Opening Up - Big Pike Moving Shallow Bays are starting to show open water, which naturally gets the attention of anglers who like huge pike. This time of year, big pike start shifting towards their spawning areas, and with a pike season that is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River, it offers great opportunities. A small boat is all it takes to put yourself on some fun spring fishing. You don't need a massive rig or specialized equipment. A 14-16 foot aluminum boat with a small outboard gets you into the bays, along shorelines, and into the back corners where big pike are staging and feeding. Target shallow bays with emerging vegetation, wood structure, rocky transitions, and current breaks near spawning habitat. Pike will hit spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and live bait presentations. If they seem lethargic or neutral, try a deadbait under a bobber. These are trophy fish—30, 35, 40+ inch northerns with attitude. The fight is explosive, and this is some of the most exciting fishing of the entire year. Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately. Looking Ahead to Opener - May 9th The Minnesota Fishing Opener is less than two weeks away, and conditions are setting up beautifully. Given the current ice-out progression, good numbers of walleyes remain in the river, Four Mile Bay, and along shorelines across the south shore and up at the Northwest Angle. As water temperatures slowly climb and fish continue their post-spawn patterns, they'll be accessible and aggressive come opener. It will continue to be a great jig bite! The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination that worked so well during the spring catch-and-release season will remain the go-to presentation. Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The water will be cold and the walleyes will be plentiful. Four Mile Bay, the Rainy River, and shoreline areas across Lake of the Woods will all be in play. You'll have options—lots of water, lots of fish, and multiple techniques that work. Current Fishing Focus Right now, anglers have three outstanding opportunities: Trophy pike in opening bays and shallow spawning areas (year-round season) Lake sturgeon in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay Preparing for the Minnesota Fishing Opener walleye season on May 9th All three areas—the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay and the NW Angle—will offer some fun opportunities when the season opens. Fishing Guides Available Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for pike, sturgeon, and walleyes (starting May 9th). Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know where pike are staging, which sturgeon holes are producing, and where walleyes will be positioned come opener. Whether you're new to the area or looking to maximize your time on the water, a guide trip delivers results. Lodging and Good Food Available The area is full of resorts and a variety of eating and drinking options to enjoy after your day of fishing. From comfortable cabins to full-service lodges, there's something for every budget and preference. Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and amenities. After a long day chasing pike or battling sturgeon, there's nothing better than a great meal and comfortable bed. Season and Regulation Reminders 2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later. Walleye and Sauger: Season closed until May 9th Minnesota Fishing Opener After May 9th: Combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers per day, with up to 4 being walleyes All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released. Sturgeon: Catch and release now. Harvest season: April 24 through May 7; catch and release: May 8-15; closed: May 16 - June 30. Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open. Book Your Trip Now For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and real-time updates as we count down to opener!
Top Fishing Techniques
for Walleye + SpringChoose from techniques based on Lake of the Woods (2) fishing reports.
