Spring Fishing at Lake of the Woods

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the south end... Resorts have pulled off fish houses for the season.  There was some ice fishing happening this past weekend but ice conditions are deteriorating quickly.  Big pike and some nice walleyes were caught. 

Big pike are setting up adjacent shallow water areas of bays, streams and shorelines setting up to spawn.  Soon those open water areas will turn on.  The pike season on LOW is open year round.  The limit is 3 pike.  Pike between 30 - 40 inches must be released.  One pike allowed over 40 inches. 

On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is open and numerous boat ramps are open. Nelson Park in Birchdale, Frontier and Vidas (near Clementson) are all open boat ramps.  Timbermill in Baudette will be soon.  River fishing has started out strong.  Some nice walleyes are being caught and it should only get better as water warms.  Walleye season is catch and release only on Rainy River and Four Mile Bay, catch and release only.

Sturgeon fishing has been excellent with big numbers of sturgeon being caught.  Sturgeon catch and release season through 4/23/21.  Keep season 4/24/21 - 5/7/21, (45-50", or over 75")  Catch and release 5/8/21 - 6/30/21.

Up at the NW Angle...  Looking ahead to open water, there are various ways to travel to the NW Angle without crossing the border.  If you have the right boat and expertise, boating across is an option.  There is also the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service (charter boat shuttle to Angle).  And finally, Lake Country Air flying service, a float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.

The majority of ice fishing is finished up at the Angle.  Some locals are still fishing but most are looking forward to open water.  A complete list of lodging and ice fishing packages available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging