Extended Ice Fishing in March

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the south end...  The weather is holding up great to be able to ice fish through March.  Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended season with fish houses allowed on the ice overnight through March 31st, walleye and sauger season open through April 14 and a pike season that does not close.  Lodging and fish houses are available.

It's a mixed bag on LOW as anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, tullibee and even a few crappies.  Electronics are a big help as they show suspended fish, how fish are reacting to your offerings and simply when there are fish below you.

If fish are in a neutral mood, downsize your presentation.  A small jigging spoon with a minnow head or small piece of tail section, a smaller live minnow on a plain hook, etc. 

Ice fishing for walleyes is taking place in various depths from 18 - 33 feet of water.  Gold combined with glow colors, glow red and lures with rattles have been helpful.

Pike activity is picking up.  Using a tip up with a quick strike rig, live sucker or frozen bait has been the most successful in 10 - 20'.  Set tip ups in varying depths until you figure out the best depth and duplicate it. 

Have pike release tools (needle nose, jaw spreaders, camera) ready to roll so pike get back into the water quickly and safely.  Pike limit is 3 fish per day, 30 - 40 inches must be released, one can be kept over 40".

On the Rainy River...   Some walleyes being caught during the morning and evening.  Gold, glow and glow colors working the best tipped with a minnow. Always use extra caution on the river. 

The snowmobile trail is groomed and staked from Baudette up to the NW Angle.

Up at the NW Angle...  Some great walleye fishing this week.  Most fishing is taking place in 22-33 feet.  Gold, glow colors, chartreuse or a combo of these colors productive.  Keep lines active.  Jig one line, live minnow on the second line.

There are various ways to travel to the Angle. 

1.  Drive through Canada  (vaccination and COVID test currently required). 

2.  Groomed and staked snowmobile trails (stays in MN)

3.  LOW Passenger Service (bombardier service across the lake staying in MN)

4.  Lake Country Air.(stays in MN)

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