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Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report 2-22-16

 Feb 22nd, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Feb 22nd, 2016 at 12:00 AM

Rain and light snow made ice roads a little messy this weekend but it didn’t stop anglers from putting some fish in the bucket. Ice fishing was up and down this week a lot of fish on the electronics, but tough to get bites. Continually changing bait and presentation is important. Rattle bait on jigging rod and plain hook with minnow on dead stick best.  Patience is needed as the fish

follow jigs up and down half a dozen times before biting or disappearing. Ice averages 15-22 inches. Prime fishing in 7-10 miles off of Pine Island. Fishing in 27-35′. Mainly saugers with a walleyes mixed in. Some 16+” saugers being caught along with a few slot walleyes. Pike, tulibee, and perch mixed in as well. Ice roads are letting out most trucks but contact your resort for exact information.

The Rainy River is iced over and being fishing by locals who know the ice. Fishing the river has produced a few fish but is overall unpredictable. Walleyes, pike, and ellpout in the mix in the 16-18′ range. For safety, work through resorts. Safety first. Most anglers fishing the lake.

Up at the NW Angle, fishing was hot then cold again this week on the Minnesota side. 22″ of ice is the average. Many species are being caught. Fishing around 30-33′ in the mud. Reefs around 26′ are producing fish too. Pike, jumbo perch, and eelpout mixed in. Solid numbers of crappies are being caught around the 33′ mark with guides on the Ontario side. Ice fishing through March (depending upon weather), walleyes open to April 14.  Resort listings at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging