Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report
Category: destinations
Mar 20th, 2023 by sworrall
Modified Mar 20th, 2023 at 4:57 PM
On the south end… Lake of the Woods ice fishing is still going strong. Ice trails and ice roads are doing well. Some anglers report slush when going off of the roads and creating their own trails. Good idea to work through your favorite resort and outfitter this time of year. Ice fishing is still readily available if you want to get out.
Both day houses and sleeper houses are out and can be through March 31st. The forecast ahead has high 30’s during the day and teens at night. Work through a resort or outfitter as they monitor conditions closely on their ice roads.
The walleye and sauger season extends through April 14 and the pike season never closes. Perch, eelpout, tullibees and crappies are also in season.
A good week of fishing for some, mixed for others. Walleyes seem to be moving this time of year. If you are on them, it is normally good. The combo of the jigging line and deadstick is working well. One day they want it moving, the other, the deadstick is the ticket.
Huge pike continue to be active with good reports this week. Setting up in 5 – 15 feet of water is the depth most anglers are targeting.
On the Rainy River… The morning / evening bite has been best for walleye anglers. This time of year, extra caution is needed if fishing around moving water.
No open water fishing to report as of yet. On the Rainy River, ice can go out quickly, only Mother Nature knows. We will keep you posted.
Remember, on Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River, catch and release only for walleyes and saugers through April 14th. The big lake is still open for harvesting walleyes and saugers through April 14th.
Up at the NW Angle… Good walleye and pike reports by anglers this week up at the Angle.
Like the south end, a plain hook or small glow jig with a live minnow has been working well. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, big pike and eelpout in the mix.
Crappies continue being caught on the Ontario side of the lake amongst the islands. We recommend using a guide as ice conditions amongst the islands with current and neck down areas, etc.
For those looking to access the NW Angle while avoiding customs, snowmobiling across the lake on the marked trails are in good shape or utilizing the Lake of the Woods Passenger (bombardier) Service keeps you in Minnesota. During the open water months, boating across or charter boat service is available keeps you out of Canada.
A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/