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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WalleyeTechniqueVertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')SeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureRiver ChannelsSpring has arrived at Lake of the Woods, and the transition from ice to open water is in full swing. The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale on the Rainy River is open for all boats, marking the official start of the spring fishing season on one of North America's premier fisheries. For late season ice anglers, most resorts have finished up for the season. There are still some ice accesses that are allowing ATVs and side-by-sides with portables for those looking to squeeze in one final trip, but the focus has clearly shifted to boats and open water opportunities. Rainy River Open Water Report - Spring Season is Here! The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale is open and seeing steady boat traffic. The next access downstream is Frontier, and with just a bit of ice on the landing but open water throughout that stretch and to the west, it will open very soon as well. The bite is on! Good numbers of walleyes are being reported. Some anglers are catching big fish, but the norm so far has been numbers over size. Don't let that discourage you—the best is yet to come! As we move deeper into spring and closer to the opener, the size and quality will continue to improve. What's Working on the Rainy River Most anglers on the river are catching walleyes using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic. These are the bread-and-butter presentations that work consistently throughout the spring season. own. Trolling slowly upstream and dragging a jig behind the boat has been effective. This covers water, keeps your bait in the strike zone, and allows you to find active fish. Others are anchored up and vertical jigging in proven holes and current breaks. Another technique to keep in the back pocket is trolling upstream with crankbaits. Some troll the shorelines working structure and transitions, while others use a three-way rig with a 2-3 ounce dropper and 6 foot piece of mono or fluorocarbon to a shallow diving crankbait. This setup gets the bait down in the current and covers a lot of productive water. Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14th. You can catch them, photograph them, and enjoy the fight—but all walleyes must go back until the harvest season opens. Great Sturgeon Reports - Trophy Fish Being Caught Some great sturgeon reports are coming in from the Rainy River! A variety of sizes are being caught, including some fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now, and the catch-and-release opportunities are outstanding. Lake Sturgeon Season: -Catch and release through April 23rd (current 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, 2026 -Closed: May 16 - 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. Fishing Guides Available - Step Aboard and Fish! Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing on the Rainy River for walleyes and sturgeon. Avoid any lines and simply step aboard! Everything is provided including the know-how, tackle, bait, and local expertise. Guides put you on fish, handle the logistics, and maximize your time on the water. Whether you're chasing trophy sturgeon or filling your camera with walleye photos during catch-and-release season, a guide trip is the easiest way to experience spring fishing on the Rainy River. Pike Season - Year-Round Action Continues The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Great action continues for late season ice anglers targeting pike with tip-ups, and soon, anglers will be targeting them in open water as well. Pike are aggressive right now as they stage for spawning. They're feeding heavily, and both ice and open water anglers are connecting with trophy fish. This is prime time for big pike. 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. Now is the time to make plans! The jig bite will be on fire in that cold water and walleyes are close to shore. By opener, we'll see even better size distribution and the harvest season will be in full swing. Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during the fishing opener weekend and throughout the summer. Resorts are taking reservations now, and prime dates fill quickly. Don't wait—book your trip and secure your spot for one of the best fishing weekends of the year. Late Season Ice Fishing Update For those still pursuing ice fishing, most resorts have wrapped up their seasons. Some ice accesses continue allowing ATVs and side-by-sides with portable shelters for anglers willing to venture out on their own. Ice conditions vary across the lake, and caution is essential this time of year. If you're going out, check conditions with the resort or ice road operator frequently, avoid areas with current or pressure cracks, and always let someone know your plans. Season and Regulation Summary 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 open April 24 - May 7. Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open. Book Your Spring Trip 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 real-time fishing reports and river condition updates!
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueSpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureOpen Water/Basin
Late season ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is reaching its final chapter for many resorts, but for those looking to squeeze in one more trip, opportunities still exist across the basin. Ice fishing is still going strong for a few resorts, while it has come to a nice completion for many others as we transition toward the open water season. Where to Fish - Late Season Ice Access If you're looking to get some late season ice fishing in, here are some resorts still offering access as of March 24, 2026: South Shore: Arnesen's Rocky Point Long Point Resort Dale's on Lake of the Woods Morris Point Lake View Lodge Zippel Bay Resort (collapsible fish houses only, no vehicle traffic) Northwest Angle: Sunset Lodge (ice road to the resort is still good for vehicles; anglers are fishing on their own with snowmobiles and collapsibles) Always call ahead and/or check social media to confirm current conditions, access options, and availability. Conditions can change quickly this time of year, and these resorts will give you the most up-to-date information on what's possible. South Shore Fishing Report - Walleyes Have Been Active On the south end, overall, the walleye and sauger bite has been good. Some anglers are reporting more fish moving closer to shore and becoming more active—a pattern that often develops as we push deeper into March and fish begin their pre-spawn movements. The normal one-two punch of jigging one line and deadsticking the second with a live minnow is working well. The active jigging rod draws fish in and triggers aggressive strikes, while the deadstick with a live minnow positioned 6 inches to a foot off bottom picks up fish in a more neutral mood or those cruising through looking for an easy meal. Anglers continue to sort through a mix of fish—some undersized walleyes to release, quality keepers, saugers, jumbo perch, and the usual Lake of the Woods variety including tullibees, eelpout, and pike. It's the mixed bag that makes this fishery special, and late season continues to deliver that classic Lake of the Woods experience. Pike Bite Really Picking Up - Late Season Trophy Time The pike bite is really picking up, which is not uncommon this time of year. As pike stage for spawning and feed aggressively, late March offers some of the best trophy pike fishing of the entire ice season. A tip-up combined with a quick strike rig and a live sucker or dead bait is the ticket. This setup allows pike to run with the bait before you set the hook, resulting in better hookups and fewer deep-hooked fish. It's the most effective and fish-friendly approach for targeting these apex predators. Spread your tip-ups across different depths and structure types—bays, shoreline transitions, points, and weed edges. Pike are on the move right now, and they're actively feeding. This is prime time for anglers who love chasing big pike on the ice. Remember: Pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods. You can target these fish year-round, making late season ice fishing and the upcoming open water transition both excellent times to connect with trophy pike. Rainy River Watch - Open Water Progress Open water in stretches of the Rainy River is showing up at Franz Jevne. The hope is that in the next week, open water will make it a bit further west to Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN, which is the first main boat ramp to open up for spring Rainy River fishing. When Nelson Park opens, the spring Rainy River season begins (for most who drop in boats with a trailer)!. This marks the start of one of the most exciting fishing periods of the year—trophy walleyes, massive sturgeon, and big pike all become accessible from the boat. Stay posted to social media pages for Lake of the Woods Tourism and local Rainy River resorts for real-time updates on river conditions and boat ramp access. When it opens, it opens fast, and you'll want to be ready. Northwest Angle Up at the Northwest Angle, Sunset Lodge continues providing access. The ice road to the resort is still good for vehicles, and anglers are fishing on their own with snowmobiles and collapsibles. This offers a bit more freedom for experienced ice anglers who want to explore and find their own fish. The Angle continues to produce that classic Lake of the Woods mixed bag—walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and tullibees all remain active targets. Important Season and Regulation Reminders New 2026 fishing license required: If you are fishing in Minnesota, a new fishing license is required as of March 1st. Make sure you're legal before you hit the ice or water. Walleye and Sauger Seasons: Main Lake of the Woods: Walleye and sauger season runs through April 14th Four Mile Bay and Rainy River: Catch and release only from March 1 through April 14th Combined limit 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 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 Other Species: Pike season is open year-round with no closure Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open Looking Ahead - Spring Transition We're entering the transition period between ice fishing and open water fishing. Ice anglers are wrapping up their seasons while boat anglers are prepping tackle, checking equipment, and watching the river for open water progress. Spring on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offers world-class fishing opportunities. Trophy walleyes, giant sturgeon, big pike, and excellent perch fishing all await. Now is the time to finalize your plans, book your lodging, and prepare your gear. Whether you're squeezing in one last ice trip or preparing for the spring boat season, Lake of the Woods delivers quality fishing and memorable experiences. The fishing doesn't stop—it just changes platforms. For trip planning, resort information, and current conditions, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/ Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/fishing/ Stay connected on social media for real-time updates on river conditions and fishing reports as we transition into the spring season!
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueSpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureOpen Water/Basin
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/
- SpeciesWalleyeTechniqueIce Fishing SpoonsSeasonSpring (Pre-Spawn)StructureOpen Water/Basin
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/
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
