Lake of the Woods Tourism Fishing Report 1/3
Category: fishing reports
Jan 3rd, 2023 by sworrall
Modified Jan 3rd, 2023 at 12:46 PM
On the south end… A mixed bag of fish being caught on Lake of the Woods. Sorting through walleyes to pick away at the eaters is the norm with slot fish (19.5 – 28.0 inches) and trophy walleyes (over 28 inches) also being caught.
Saugers of all sizes are being caught. There are a nice number of eater sized fish in the lake providing nice action and good fish frys, but also sorting through the future keepers is part of the day.
Other fish being caught are big eelpout, jumbo perch, pike, tulibees and an occasional sturgeon. As the saying goes, “you never know what you will catch on Lake of the Woods”.
Most fishing is taking place in 25 – 32′ of water. As is common this time of year, fish are moving deeper.
Jig with your favorite jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail. In many cases, smaller presentations, such as 1/8 ounce lures are working the best.
On cloudy days, the glow colors have been working the best. On sunny or brighter days, the shinier colors such as gold and sliver have been working well. A combo of colors is also effective.
On the deadstick, a live minnow on a small jig or plain hook 1 – 2 feet off of the bottom has been effective. Fish will rise up off of the bottom typically to grab the minnow.
Ice conditions are very good overall. In many cases, larger pickups and wheelhouses are being allowed out. It is important to work through a resort / outfitter and adhere to their current weight limits, stay on the marked path and drive slow.
On the Rainy River… A mixed bag of walleyes and saugers on the river. A jig and a minnow still is the top producer in catching fish.
A few anglers targeting sturgeon with larger holes, heavier rods and equipment. It is a waiting game but some good fish being iced.
Ice conditions vary on the river as there is current, work through a resort or outfitter for safety.
Up at the NW Angle… Ice fishing is in full gear. The ice road from Angle Inlet at Young’s Bay to island resorts is open.
A nice mixed bag of fish with walleyes in good numbers. Saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike in the mix also.
Some resorts are fishing on structure, some just off of the edge. Depending upon the spot and depth of water typically determines when walleyes will be in good numbers. Some spots are more conducive to mornings / evenings, some daytime activity.
Most anglers reporting nice catches of fish with the occasional trophy mixed in jigging one line, deadsticking the second.
Driving through Canada to the Angle no longer requires COVID vaccinations or the use of the ArriveCan App.
For those looking to access the Angle while avoiding customs, there are few options.
1. The snowmobile trail across the lake is open from the south shore up to the Angle.
2. The Lake of the Woods Passenger service provides round trip bombardier service across the lake.
3. Lake Country Air provides air service to both the south end and NW Angle.
Ice fishing and fish houses available through March 31st. A complete list of lodging, fish house rentals and sleeper fish house rentals at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/
