Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

Our ice remains 24-30 inches and with single digit nights coming up in the back half of the week.  Ice fishing in full swing.  A very active bite continues.  In some areas, anglers are having to sort through a variety of walleyes / saugers to find keepers.  Electronics helpful as some walleyes are suspended.  Jigging spoon tipped with minnow head or tail and a dead stick with a plain hook or small ice jig and minnow are doing good.  Key depth  29-33 ft.  Best colors glow pink/red or chartreuse. Northern pike have started staging near spawning areas and are active.

The Rainy River morning and evening bite has been spotty at times. Know the river or use a resort or guide for safety on ice. The river is open from Birchdale to the east. Shore ice remains and some reports say a few anglers have already started pushing boats over the ice. Reporting open water progress at Rainy River page of website.

Up at the NW Angle, ice conditions are still good with 20-24 inches of solid ice in non-current areas. On the Minnesota side, walleyes on shallower rock points between 20-24 feet as well as well as in the mud between 28-30 feet. Perch are also being caught. A variety of baits with a variety of colors having success.  In Ontario the crappie bite has been hot.  Walleyes are are most active on humps with successful colors being blue and white, pink and gold. Remember to move on to another species after you have your limit of crappies as these fish have a high mortality rate over 25' of water. Work through resorts and stay on ice road. Fish houses can stay on ice through March, walleyes/saugers through April 14th.  Pike and crappies open all year for LOW MN.