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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Northern PikeTechniqueSpinnerbaitsSeasonSpring (Spawn)StructureSubmerged VegetationHistoric News: New Minnesota DNR Catch and Release State Record Sturgeon! A new MN DNR catch and release state record sturgeon of 80 inches was caught April 18th by Travis Keating and has been officially confirmed. Congratulations to Travis on an incredible fish and a piece of Lake of the Woods history! Anyone who follows Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River knew there were state record fish caught in the past and not registered. This monster of a fish is a great representation of the healthy, growing sturgeon population on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. This confirmation validates what anglers have known for years—Lake of the Woods holds true giants, and the sturgeon fishery here is world-class. The catch-and-release ethic combined with careful management has created a trophy fishery that continues to thrive. Minnesota Fishing Opener - Saturday, May 9thThe MN Fishing Opener for walleyes on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is Saturday, May 9th!Anglers are super optimistic with a very strong population of walleyes and saugers combined with what we saw ice fishing and what we saw this spring in the Rainy River. All indicators point toward an outstanding opener with healthy numbers of fish and excellent fishing conditions. Ice Out in Process - Open Water Expanding The ice out for the big lake is in process. Open water is abundant on Big Traverse Bay with some lingering ice mid-week. Will the ice be totally gone for the opener? Hard to tell, but there is already a ton of open water as far as the eye can see in many areas. When this happens and we get some wave action, it goes quick. The transition is happening fast and the main lake is showing significant open water in multiple areas. By opener, anglers will have plenty of fishable water across the entire lake system. What to Expect for Opener - Walleyes Near Shore A jig and minnow or frozen emerald shiner will be the go-to presentation. This classic spring approach has been deadly all season and will continue to produce during opener weekend. Fish will be near shore throughout Lake of the Woods. The late spring means walleyes haven't pushed deep yet—they'll be accessible in shallow, near-shore areas across the entire lake system. Up at the Angle: Points and neck-down areas will be key spots. These natural funnels and transition zones concentrate fish and create perfect ambush points. Across the south shore: A combination of near-shore structure and open basins with bait will be holding fish. Look for rock piles, sand-to-gravel transitions, and areas where you can see baitfish activity. The Rainy River still has a strong population of walleyes. The river and Four Mile Bay will be hot spots with the late spring. Fish that would normally have moved through the system are still staged and feeding in these prime areas. Techniques for Opener Success Vertical jigging: Anchor or spot-lock over structure and work a jig vertically. This allows precise presentation and keeps your bait in the strike zone longer. Fan casting shorelines: Cover water by casting jigs to shallow structure and working them back to the boat. This locates active fish and triggers strikes from aggressive walleyes. Slip jigging on the river: Troll slowly upstream dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then drift back downstream. This river technique covers water and finds fish efficiently. Trolling crankbaits: A three-way rig with a 2-3 ounce dropper and 6 foot leader to a shallow diving crankbait works well on the river and in Four Mile Bay. Sturgeon Season Update The sturgeon harvest season runs through May 7th, giving anglers just a few more days to pursue a legal harvest fish. After that, the season shifts to catch-and-release from May 8-15 before closing May 16 through June 30.Lake Sturgeon Season: 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, 2026Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026Harvest season: July 1 - September 30, 2026Pike Fishing - Year-Round Opportunities Big pike remain active in shallow bays and near-shore structure. The pike season is open year-round, making them an excellent target before, during, and after opener weekend. 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 opener trips. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know where fish are staging and which techniques are working. Book now—prime guide dates fill quickly as opener approaches. Final Opener Preparations If you haven't booked your opener trip yet, now is the time. Resorts have lodging available, boat rentals are ready, and the excitement is building across the entire Lake of the Woods area. Check your tackle, stock up on jigs and minnows, make sure your boat is ready, and get your 2026 Minnesota fishing license if you haven't already. Opener is Saturday! For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/Season Reminders: Walleye opener: Saturday, May 9thSturgeon harvest: Through May 7; catch-and-release May 8-15Pike: Open year-round2026 MN fishing license required Walleye limit: 6 fish combined (up to 4 walleyes), all 19.5-28.0 inches must be released, one over 28.0 inches allowed Stay connected on social media for daily updates as we count down to opener weekend!
- SpeciesNorthern PikeTechniqueSpinnerbaitsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureSubmerged Vegetation
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!
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SturgeonTechniqueLive Bait RigsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureRiver ChannelsLake 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!
- SpeciesSturgeonTechniqueLive Bait RigsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureRiver Channels
Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is in full swing with excellent access and multiple fisheries firing on all cylinders. Great news—four boat accesses are now open, with the Wheeler's Point access at the mouth of the Rainy River opening on April 14th right in the heart of the resorts. Currently open boat ramps: Wheeler's Point - at the mouth of the Rainy River, heart of the resort area (just opened April 14th!) Vidas - excellent access to mid-river stretches Frontier - productive water both upstream and downstream Birchdale (Nelson Park) - the original ramp that kicked off the season A big thank you to all who participate in opening ramps, keeping anglers safe, and enabling this wonderful spring fishing to take place each year. The work that goes into maintaining these accesses and ensuring safe conditions doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate everyone who makes spring fishing possible! Spring Walleye Season Recap - Solid Results Despite Some Chilly Conditions The spring walleye season finished up April 14th, and it was a great season with good numbers of walleyes caught. Anglers who made the trip enjoyed good action throughout the catch-and-release period. The spring was cold, and water temps stayed in the 36 degree range with a high point earlier in the week of 38 degrees. Overall, a pretty chilly spring season, but the fish were there and cooperative for those who worked for them. Looking Ahead to Opener - May 9th The walleye season opens up again for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th. This is when things get really exciting. With the cold spring, there will be good numbers of walleyes left over in the river, in Four Mile Bay, and across shorelines on the south shore and up at the Northwest Angle. Typically, warmer springs see fish move through the system faster. This year's extended cold means more fish will be holding in these prime areas come opener. It will continue to be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be accessible along shorelines, in river current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will remain the go-to presentation. Now is the time to finalize your opener plans. Resorts are taking reservations, guides are booking up, and prime dates fill quickly. Don't wait—secure your spot for one of the best fishing weekends of the year. Current Fishing Focus - Pike and Sturgeon Moving forward, many anglers are focused on three outstanding opportunities: The never-ending pike season and those big fish making their way into the shallows The ongoing sturgeon season that goes through May 15th The upcoming Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th Let's break down what's happening right now with pike and sturgeon. Pike Season - Year-Round Trophy Opportunities The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, and spring is prime time. Big pike move into the shallows as they stage for and complete their spawning cycles. These apex predators are aggressive, feed heavily, and accessible in shallow water. Target bays, weed edges, current breaks, and shoreline structure. Use spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, and live or dead bait presentations. Pike are opportunistic feeders, if you put a bait in front of them, they'll often eat it. Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately. This is trophy pike time. If you've been wanting to tangle with a big northern, the next few weeks when back bays open up offer some of the best opportunities of the entire year. Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong Some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent. Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds. 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 We're currently in the catch and release window and beginning April 24th is the "keep season" for those pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime sturgeon of legal size. After May 7th, the season shifts back to catch-and-release through May 15th before closing for the summer. Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or extra long bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record. Fishing Guides Available Fishing guides who must be licensed charter captains from the 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 the river and lake, understand current conditions, network with other guides and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment. 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. Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and amenities. From classic fish fry dinners to craft cocktails, the Lake of the Woods area offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge between days on the water. 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 / 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: 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 Opener Trip Now The Minnesota Fishing Opener is just weeks away, and Lake of the Woods will be at its absolute best. With a good number of walleyes in the system, opening weekend should be excellent walleye fishing. Resorts offer lodging, guide services, boat rentals, dock slips and everything you need for a successful fishing adventure. Don't miss out—book your trip today. For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete open water fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/open-water-fishing/ Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and updates as we count down to opener!
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WalleyeTechniqueVertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')SeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureRiver ChannelsSpring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shifted to open water fishing on the Rainy River. Ice fishing for the most part is wrapped up for the year for most anglers, and it was a fantastic year overall—both with good ice conditions and a strong population of fish. The Lake of the Woods area is very appreciative of everyone who had the chance to make it up this year. Thank you! Your support means everything to our local resorts, businesses, and community. We hope you made memories on the ice and we look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring and summer. Rainy River Open Water Update - More Access Opening Up The majority of anglers fishing are focused on the open waters of the Rainy River, and access continues to expand as ice clears downstream. Currently open boat ramps: Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN - fully operational Frontier Boat Ramp - just downstream of Birchdale 8-9 miles, fully operational Opening soon: Vidas Boat Ramp (about 8 miles downstream from Frontier) has open water in front of it with just a bit of shoreline ice and should be ready to go very soon. The open water is making its way downstream each day. As more ramps open, anglers gain access to additional stretches of productive water and can spread out along the river system. Walleye Bite - Good and Getting Better The walleye bite has been good. Not crazy good, just good. Much like last week, there are more numbers of walleyes being caught versus huge walleyes. But don't let that discourage you—this is the normal progression of the spring run. Some big girls are in the river, just not in the numbers that can happen this time of year. As the water temps increase, the big females will be entering the river in larger numbers. We're on the front end of the run right now. The best fishing—both in terms of numbers and size—is still ahead of us. Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14th. All walleyes must be released immediately. Take photos, enjoy the fight, but put them back to swim another day. What's Working for Walleyes Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River. Two primary jigging methods are working well: Method 1 - Stationary jigging: Anchored up or spot-locked and vertical jigging, or fan casting shoreline structure. This allows you to work a specific hole, current seam, or piece of structure thoroughly. When you find active fish, you can stay on them and pick them off one at a time. Method 2 - Slip jigging: Trolling slowly and dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then slowly drifting back downstream. This covers water efficiently and helps you locate fish when they're scattered or moving. Some days, fish want it one way over another. Other days, it doesn't matter—they'll bite either presentation. Pay attention to what's working and adjust accordingly. The river will tell you what it wants if you're willing to listen and adapt. Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong Again, some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent. Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds. Lake Sturgeon Season: Catch and release through April 23rd (current season - all fish must be released) 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 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. Fishing Guides Available Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment. Pike Season - Year-Round Opportunities The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Pike are staging near spawning areas right now and feeding aggressively. As the river continues to open up, more anglers will target these apex predators. Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately. Looking Ahead - Minnesota Fishing Opener May 9th The Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9th, and now is the time to make your plans. By opener, water temperatures will be warmer, the big female walleyes will be in the system in force, and the bite will be at its peak. The jig bite will be strong, and walleyes will be accessible along shorelines on the lake and current breaks throughout the river. Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during opener weekend and throughout May. Resorts are taking reservations now. Prime dates and guides book quickly—don't wait to secure your spot. 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: Rainy River and Four Mile Bay: Catch and release only through April 14th Main Lake of the Woods: Open through April 14th with normal limits Combined limit of 6 fish 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 through April 23rd; harvest season April 24 - May 7. Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open. 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 river updates!
- 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.
- 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.
- SpeciesNorthern PikeTechniqueSpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureLaydowns
It 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.
