Lake of the Woods (2)
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Lake of the Woods (2) Fishing Reports
Stay up to date with the latest fishing reports from Lake of the Woods (2). Reports are submitted by local anglers, fishing guides, and our team of fishing experts.
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WalleyeTechniqueIce Fishing SpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureOpen Water/BasinLake 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/
- Species
Northern PikeTechniqueSpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureLaydownsIt was a little early in the season as there was still ice in the bays and the main lake. Three of us caught a handful of pike exclusively on 3/8-3/4oz gold spoons. They were crusing around in the low spots on the bay 5-9' and on the edge of the ice in the main lake. I used 40lb braid and a 60lb pre-made fluoro leader. No bite-offs. I recommend the Daiway Tatula XT MH rod paired with the Shimano Stradic reel; it has a good drag system.
- SpeciesNorthern PikeTechniqueBladed JigsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureReeds
Bostic and Zippel Bays were clear of ice early this year. The big pike come in to the bays to spawn. Pike fishing is open year round on Lake Of The Woods, and ice out is a great time to target them as they congregate in the bays. I used spinner baits, spoons and chatter baits primarily. The Zman Big Blade came through to attract pike. LOTW is known for being a place to use gold colored lures. This trip proved that, gold was a preferred color for all the lures I used.
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueIce Fishing SpoonsSeasonIceStructureOpen Water/Basin
Fishing in 35', best bite was from around noon until 4. All the bigger fish were later in the day. One big above the slot fish (28"). We caught a limit with a decent amount of nice keepers- 2 bonus perch as well
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueIce Fishing SpoonsSeasonIceStructureHumps
Just found the edge of the hump in around 30ft and tipped the pinhead with a minnow head and they walleyes were pretty happy to bite in the low light hours.
Species
Lake TroutTechniqueTubesSeasonIceStructurePointsI fished the steeper drops between 35-50ft and the fish wound come from anywhere between 30ft and right off the bottom. Definitely keep the baits moving to get them to strike.
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueIce Fishing SpoonsSeasonIceStructurePoints
- Species
SaugerTechniqueVertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')SeasonSpring (Spawn)StructureBouldersWindy day but managed to get it done both on the lake and in the river.
