Anglers Looking Forward to Open Water

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the south end...  Fish houses are off of the lake (for the most part) and most ice fishing is with collapsible fish houses or out in the open. 

Some ice roads are still open to snowmobiles, ATV's and side by sides.  It is good to call ahead of time as this time of year, conditions can change quickly. 

Some anglers are still targeting walleyes.  Mixed reports across the lake. 

Most ice anglers are after pike.  The recent cold spell has seemed to slow pike activity for the time being.  Reports over the weekend were just average. 

Tip ups with a quick strike rig, live sucker, frozen smelt or cisco have been the most successful in 10 - 20'.  Set tip ups in varying depths until you figure out the best depth and duplicate it. 

Some laying dead bait on the bottom or just off.  Others set bait just below the ice, in the middle of the water column, 2 feet off until you find a pattern.

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

On the Rainy River...   Anglers are looking forward to the open water and the spring walleye run. 

As of March 28th, the open water line on the Rainy River was still east of the Nelson Park access in Birchdale, MN.  There is a stretch of open water down the middle of the river near Franz Jevne, which is just east of the Nelson Park access, but colder temps have slowed the open water progress a bit. 

Only Mother Nature knows, but when the river starts to open up, it can happen fast.  Stay tuned.

The snowmobile trail is 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 will be dropped come April 1st.  Travelers 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 ice / 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.