First Ice is Here

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

The big lake is ice covered and making progress.  As we report ice conditions, please know the reports are in the areas resorts and guides are traveling.  As we ramp up, please stay on marked trails and don't venture out on your own.  Ice can be good on the trail and not good in other spots.  Four Mile Bay 5".  Bostic Bay, 2-6".  Zippel Bay, 7-10".  Lake ice adjacent to Pine Island 3-6".  Lake ice adjacent to Zippel Bay, 4".  Some resorts hoping to allow ATV/snowmobile access possibly later in the week.  Some hoping to get houses out with light ice rigs just after Christmas.

The Rainy River is iced over in most areas.  Fishing had been good prior to ice up.  One resort actually took some boats out of storage to guide a group on the river as there was not sufficient ice earlier in the week.  They did very well.  We know there are walleyes in the river.  Most areas not yet fishable with thin ice.

Up at the NW Angle, a couple resorts have houses out and fishing over the weekend with good success.  Mainly walleyes and a few saugers.  Not traveling to normal spots until ice thickens.  Young's Bay area, 8-10".  Trail is marked from Young's Bay to Flag Island, 8-10".  Most resorts ramp up after Christmas.  Safety first.  Work through resorts for safety.  Stay posted to Lake of the Woods Tourism or your favorite resort's Facebook/Twitter pages for updates.

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