Sub zero temps making great ice. In the Pine Island, Bostic Bay, and Morris Point area there is an average of 18 inches of ice and are letting out most all vehicles and houses. In other areas, ice thickness varies more so it is good to call ahead. Most resorts update Facebook pages as info changes. Overall for the south shore fish have spread out as is traditional this time of year yet with all the cold temperatures anglers are still managing to pick through different sized fish to find limits of keeper walleyes and saugers. The cold temperatures have made dead sticks the go to fishing tactic. Smaller presentations are working when compared to larger spoons. Gold, glow, and pink are good colors to start with. The bite is good in 15-18 feet during morning and evening while 24-30 feet is producing more in the afternoons.  If not fishing in a resort fish house, auger extension could be necessary in spots where ice is layered. 

The Rainy River is ice covered with a few local fish houses here and there, but overall, with current of the river, we suggest working through resorts for safety.  The majority of the resorts fish the lake.  

The NW Angle has good ice conditions where resorts have ice roads / trails and fishing has remained good. Reports of ice depth around the 18-24 inch mark in places where resorts are fishing. Good walleyes in 22-28′ with saugers and perch in water deeper than 26′. Jigging spoons working well in the mornings while dead sticks with a jig and minnow taking over in the afternoons.  Resorts are guiding anglers to 14″+ crappies on the Ontario side of lake. Snowmobile trail from Wheeler’s Point on south shore to NW Angle is marked.  A complete list of lodging, ice fishing packages and sleeper houses are available at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.