Great Week for Pike Fishing

[lakeofthewoodsmn]

On the South Shore...  There is still some good ice fishing taking place in a few areas of the lake along the south shore but many resorts and outfitters have pulled their fish houses and called it a year.  Make sure to call ahead or check social media pages for current conditions. 

For those still fishing, some are still targeting walleyes.  There has been a good morning / evening bite along the south shore just prior to sunset.  Some very quality fish are being caught.  Some good walleye fishing along Pine Island as they make their way into the Rainy River and various spots along the south shore for those who spawn in the lake.

It was another great week of pike fishing for most.  Fish are starting to transition closer to spawning areas as the days get longer.  A number of big fish tipping that 40 inch mark coming topside.  Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt set about a foot under the ice or just off of the bottom have proven effective.  Most pike anglers are fishing in depths, 9 - 15 feet.

On the Rainy River...  The Rain River is still frozen from Nelson Park at Birchdale, MN (30 miles east of Baudette), which is the first full sized boat ramp that opens up, but there is open water appearing and progress has been made.  Things are happening, stay tuned as with the warmer weather, the river should open quickly.

A good reminder, as of March 1st, walleyes and saugers are catch and release only on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River. 

Sturgeon fishing.  Once the open water appears, sturgeon are active.  Here are the seasons...
 
-Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
-Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
-Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle...  There is a bit of ice fishing still happening at the Angle, but most resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year.  Call ahead if you plan on getting on that last ice fishing trip as some areas with current are opening up and ice guides will keep you safe. 

Fishing remains very good up at the Angle.  The evening bite for walleyes has been super solid.  The pike are active and big, ready to spawn.  Still big numbers of jumbo perch throughout the area.  Very good fishing reports for late ice.  Safety first, please work through a resort or outfitter if you plan on getting out.

Plan for the MN Fishing Opener which is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well.  You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th.  For more information, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.