The Rainy River is Open

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the south end...  Most ice roads are closed.  A few ice anglers are still venturing out with ATV's or snowmobiles, mostly in search of big pike.  Ice conditions vary greatly and safety first has to be the consideration. 

Pike activity increased for many this week and lots of pike over 40 inches were caught.  Tip ups with a quick strike rig, live sucker, frozen smelt or cisco have been the most successful in 5-15'. 

Walleye and sauger season open through April 14th.  Pike season open year round.  MN fishing opener is May 14th.

On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is open and anglers are open water fishing on the Rainy River!  The Nelson Park access in Birchdale, MN opened up this weekend and the Frontier Boat Ramp opened 4-4-22.   

Next boat ramp to the west is Vidas which is near Clementson followed by Timber Mill Park which is in Baudette and finally Wheeler's Point at the mouth of the river adjacent to Four Mile Bay.  Things are opening quickly, watch Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook Page for updates.

Fishing is good with both walleyes and sturgeon being caught.  Good number of walleyes with some big fish.  As water warms, more big females will make their way up the river.  The water is still a bit cold for big females, but It should only get better.  All walleye fishing is catch and release only on the river and Four Mile Bay through April 14th.

Jigs and frozen shiners or live minnows or a jig with a plastic are the goto presentations.  Slowly trolling crankbaits upstream can be effective to find big walleyes this time of year.

Lots of sturgeon being caught, mainly by unsuspecting walleye anglers.  Sturgeon are active.  Sturgeon season dates...

Oct 1 - April 23, 2022...   Catch and Release only, no tag needed

April 24 - May 7, 2022...    1 per calendar year. Fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75". Fish must be immediately tagged and registered within 48 hours.  No tag needed for catch and release

May 8 - May 15, 2022...   Catch and Release only, no tag needed

May 16 - June 30... Sturgeon fishing closed

 Up at the NW Angle...  Resorts have pulled fish houses off for the year.  Some residents are still ice fishing with collapsible houses. 

COVID testing requirements to drive through Canada were dropped as of April 1st.  Travelers still need to be vaccinated and use the ArriveCan App.

There are various ways to travel to the Angle. 

1.  Drive through Canada to the Angle 

2.  LOW Passenger Service (charter boat service across the lake staying in MN)

3.  Lake Country Air.(stays in MN, lands on water)

4.  Take your own boat.  (Safety first, this is a 40 mile ride over big water)

A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals, spring and summer guide and charter boat trips at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.