Optimistic Ice

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

12/2/2019. On the south end...  The majority of the big lake is iced over.  The forecast looks optimistic with the daily low temps forecasted in the teens and single digits.  Resorts are monitoring ice conditions closely.  The area was missed by heavy snowfall in this weekend's snow storm which will help ice creation.  Resorts have been out checking ice and in some cases starting to mark trails.  No ice fishing by resorts is taking place on the main lake at this time. Spearing is taking place for pike on back bays.

On the Rainy River...   Areas of the main channel have open water with edges and bays iced up.  There is no traffic on the river at this time while ice is forming.  Extra caution is always needed with current and this year the current is stronger than most years. 

Up at the NW Angle...  Ice is forming nicely.  With that being said, there is higher than normal current this year so working through a resort or outfitter is always a good idea as they will keep you away from areas that are suspect.  With the many islands in the Angle, there are neck down or shallow areas causing unsafe ice conditions throughout the entire winter. Knowledge of the area is important.  No ice fishing as of yet.  NW Angle resorts will communicate when ice fishing begins.  As we look ahead to hard water, a complete list of lodging and ice fishing options available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging