On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods.  The ice is progressing nicely.  Many resorts have day houses out and are fishing, some have been fishing for a week already.  There are some sleeper fish houses out in some areas.  This is all good news.

Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next.  It is best to work through your favorite resort or outfitter for current ice conditions and weight limits on their specific ice road.

In Minnesota waters, you can use two lines through the ice.  Most anglers are using the one – two punch, basically jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second.  The jigging line will catch more active fish as well as attract fish to where you are fishing.  The deadstick with a live minnow sitting under a bobber will often catch the more neutral fish.

On the jigging line, use a jigging spoon or lure tipped with a minnow head or tail.  In the second hole, a live minnow set about 6″ off of the bottom on a plain hook or some type of ice fishing jig under a bobber will work well.

Colors to consider, gold, glow red, Wonder Bread, pink and orange, or a combo of these colors.  Rippin Raps, jigging rap style baits and more aggressive presentations work well some days.  Pay attention to your electronics and adapt.

Fishing reports have been very good.  Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well.

Most resorts are transporting guests to the heated fish houses this time of year.  If you have a snowmobile, ATV or side by side, please stay on marked trails for safety.

Some spearing and angling is taking place on Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay.  Good numbers of pike along with some big pike showing up.

On the Rainy River…  The river continues to gain ice.  Some local resorts are fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and very good reports on sturgeon.  Work through a resort for safety.

In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river.

Up at the NW Angle…   Ice fishing has started up at the Angle.  Initial fishing reports are good which is no surprise in these parts.

Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th.   Ice is thickening by the day and things are shaping up nicely.  Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort / outfitter for specifics.

There is availability both on the south end, Rainy River resorts and NW Angle portions of Lake of the Woods.  Lots of openings now, get that bonus fishing trip in.

Remember, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st, with walleye and sauger season open through April 14th and a pike season that never closes.

For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.