Ice Fishing is Hot on LOW

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the South Shore... Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, with resorts and outfitters continuing to report solid ice conditions and some good fishing. Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse.  Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.   

Most fishing activity is happening in 26 - 32 feet of water.  Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye.   Most buckets have some good quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up as well.

Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, your favorite small to mid sized jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors tipped with a minnow head. Rattles can help as well in the stained water.

Some anglers are finding success on jigging raps and rippin raps as well.  More aggressive techniques at times are really getting it done.

On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom is working well.

Using electronics is very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.

On the Rainy River... The Rainy River is still producing some nice fish but the good walleye bite has slowed some.  Anglers are catching some decent numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good.  To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.

Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing is going very well up at the Northwest Angle. Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success.

The NW Angle is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to place fish houses on points, reefs and over deep mud. 

Ice fishing is in full swing and there are openings for lodging and fish house rentals on both ends of the lake. 

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates on ice conditions, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

[Rodwork]

Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye.

Just got back for LOW and we did well with 117 fish in the house. 95% of them went back because they were under 14”. This is how it has been for us at LOW with multiple different resorts every year for the last 10 years. I would think eventually the year class would grow up. But we always just get small fish. Why?

[Leech~~]

Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye.

Just got back for LOW and we did well with 117 fish in the house. 95% of them went back because they were under 14”. This is how it has been for us at LOW with multiple different resorts every year for the last 10 years. I would think eventually the year class would grow up. But we always just get small fish. Why?

Same reason there is so many small bucks.  Not given time to grow up! 

[Jerkbiat]

Exactly what Leech said. So many people take them little bucket fish

[Boar]

Cause anything caught over 25 ft is dead even if yu release it

[mike89]

Exactly what Leech said. So many people take them little bucket fish

so they have amish up there too!!!   

[Bobberineyes]

You nailed it Boar! Might as well keep them little guys cuz they won't make it.  Fishing deep has its consequences..

[Jerkbiat]

Exactly what Leech said. So many people take them little bucket fish

so they have amish up there too!!!

The official ruler of lake of the woods is the top of a 5 gallon bucket. I keep them at least 14" long myself.

[LPS]

I wonder if people actually know the difference between a sauger and a walleye.  14" is a real big sauger.  Resorts have signs in the houses saying those 11" ones may make you a good meal.