Ok Lake of the Woods anglers, you have something to shoot for this year.  Northern Pike have just been added the the MN DNR catch and release record program.  This program gives anglers who catch a true monster fish the opportunity to get recognized without keeping the fish.  Monster Pike, Lake of the Woods

Currently the pike record is blank, thus it is anyone’s to claim.  Lake of the Woods is known as a trophy pike lake with many, many big pike over 40 inches caught each year.  Right now as the ice is going out and the pike are beginning to stage for the spawn is a popular time for anglers to catch pike in their pre-spawn areas as tLAKE OF THE WOODS PIKE, BEN BRETTIGENhe not only get congregated, but the feed bag is on.

Pike season on Lake of the Woods is open all year long.  As mentioned, right now during the pre-spawn, ice fishing for huge pike is happening with good results.  As the ice starts to move out, bays come into play.  Back bays of the Rainy River, 4 Mile Bay, Bostic Creek, Zippel Bay and shoreline areas with ditches along Muskeg Bay near the Rocky Point areas can be big pike magnets.

There is a tie for the sturgeon for the catch and release record program and not to anyone’s surprise, both fish came from the Rainy River.  The specs on these record fish (pictured below) are 70″ long x 29 inches around.

Sturgeon, Rainy River, Lake of the WoodsLake sturgeon, Rainy River, Lake of the Woods

It is good to know what measurements and images are needed to properly register your potential state record fish.  You are going to need a witness, measuring tape and camera.  After that, a simply entry form filled out and signed and you are on your way.

If you are looking for the official MN DNR form to register a catch and release fish, click here.  To view the current catch and release records for MN, click here.  MN DNR Catch and Release rules 2018

Catch and release state records are also kept for muskies and flathead catfish.  Lake of the Woods has a legitimate shot at 3/4 records.  No flatheads here that we know of!