Ice Thickens-Great Fishing
On the South Shore... Ice fishing is going great across the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with good fishing reports and expanding ice conditions. Many ice roads are now extending more than 12 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters are increasing weight limits, and many roads are now open to 1-ton vehicles pulling wheelhouses. Be sure to check with each resort for the latest weight limit and road condition updates before heading out.
Fishing this past week has been very good with consistent action for anglers. Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water. Resorts are proactively moving fish houses to stay on schools of walleyes and saugers.
Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish meals and bring fish home. The limit of walleyes and saugers is a combined limit of 6 fish, up to 4 can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released. Anglers are allowed to keep one walleye over 28 inches per day if desired.
Lots of jumbo perch in the mix this year. Other species making appearances include eelpout (burbot), pike, tullibees, crappies, and the occasional sturgeon.
The "one-two punch" of jigging a spoon or lipless crankbait in one hole to attract active fish, and a live minnow on a plain hook or small jig in the second hole for deadsticking.
For the jigging line, rippin raps, pink charmers, coffin spoons, leech flutter spoons, and rattling flyer spoons have been effective. Tip spoons with a minnow head or tail.
On the deadstick, use a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.
Electronics are highly recommended to help anglers locate suspended fish, track movements, and adjust presentations based on the fish's mood. Most resorts and bait shops rent electronics for those without their own.
On the Rainy River... The Rainy River continues to produce some walleyes and saugers during the morning and evening hours. A jig and minnow combination remains effective for targeting these fish.
Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has also been good for anglers who enjoy battling these prehistoric giants. The preferred setup involves drilling oversized holes or three holes together, using nightcrawlers or frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig fished along the bottom.
Ice conditions on the river vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.
Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing continues to be very good at the Northwest Angle. Resorts have spread out their fish houses across a variety of areas, some fishing on structure and others targeting deeper mud flats. Anglers are reporting a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Good numbers of big crappies being caught amongst the islands, inquire with NW Angle resorts to book a crappie house.
Good colors... Gold, glow red, glow white, Wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange, or a combo of these colors.
With thickening ice, the rest of the ice fishing season is looking strong. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.
For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging. Tight lines!
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