Ice And River Fishing Happening

On the South Shore...  There is still some ice fishing taking place in a few areas of the lake along the south shore but most resorts and outfitters have pulled their fish houses and called it a good year.  Make sure to call ahead to the resort or outfitter for current conditions if you plan on getting on the ice.  Safety first always.

For those still fishing, some are still targeting walleyes.  There continues to be a good morning / evening bite along the south shore just prior to sunset.  Quality fish are being caught in a number of areas. 

Most still ice fishing are targeting trophy pike.  It was another great week with some big fish caught.  Another week of big fish tipping that 40 inch mark with big girths.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt set about a foot under the ice or just off of the bottom have proven effective. 

On the Rainy River...  Spring open water fishing has begun!  The Rainy River is open in many areas and as of Monday, March 31st, there are two boat ramps open.  The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale and the Frontier Access (about 8 miles to the west of Nelson Park) are both clear of ice.  Boats are running the river and the ice pack is deteriorating by the day.

Initial reports for walleyes are very good with some big fish being caught.  Most are jigging with either plastics or minnows.  Use bright plastics such as chartreuse, orange, pink and white.  for minnows, emerald shiners, fatheads and rainbows have all been productive. 

Trolling crankbaits against the current is also effective and will catch fish.  This is also a good technique to cover water if you are not on fish.

Rainy River walleye fishing is catch and release from March 1st through April 14th on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.

Initial reports for sturgeon are also good.  Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket.  Lots of walleye anglers reporting sturgeon hookups as well.  Here are the seasons for sturgeon fishing...

-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.

-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.

-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle...  It has been a great ice fishing year up at the Angle.  While there are a few locals still getting out, resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year. 

Plan for the MN Fishing Opener which is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

3 TIPS FOR SPRING CRAPPIE FISHING!

As the weather changes and the water warms up, crappies begin to fill the shallower areas of the lake as they begin their spawning ritual. This makes spring crappie fishing an exciting and enjoyable time for anglers, but to be successful there are some details to keep in mind…

1: Water temperature is the most important factor when it comes to crappie fishing. Crappies typically stage to spawn and lay their eggs when the water temperature is between 55-65 degrees. When water temperatures stay consistent at 50 degrees, you can expect to find crappies roaming the shallows. 

2: To narrow down your search, it may be helpful to think back to the winter season. Mid-winter community holes, where anglers often find schools of crappies over depth, can serve as a starting point. From there, crappies will move to the pre-spawn staging areas and eventually to the shallows. The best areas to target usually have a well-defined basin with an inside turn or “chute” that fish follow back and forth as the weather changes. 

3: Once you have located the warmest water temperatures, look for areas such as docks, brush piles, bulrushes, pencil-reeds, and lily pad root stems for crappies to congregate in. Remember that cover is secondary to water temperature, so prioritize your search for warmer water. Start at the weed edges and carefully work your way in making long casts as you go.