What a great time of the year.  On Lake of the Woods, people are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, world class pike and monster eelpout through the ice. Most of the roads have different restrictions going on right now so it is best to call ahead. Anglers are not having to go very far to find walleyes on the main lake. Pike fishing is in full swing in the shallows and in bays. Live suckers, frozen ciscos, and hot dogs working well.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Rainy River is open and people are fishing in boats.  As of right now on March 28 only Birchdale and further east landings are open to all boats. Whether you have a 12′ boat or a 21′ walleye tournament boat, the Rainy River can work for you.  This is the time of the year that big numbers of walleyes from Lake of the Woods slide up the Rainy River on their annual spawning run.  This is also the time of year an angler can catch a walleye of a lifetime, not to mention big numbers of fish. Initial reports are very good.

Most anglers will be using jigs and minnows for walleyes.  More popular are jigs and plastics.  The brighter colors of chartreuse, orange, pink and white are all popular colors depending upon many factors, the color of the water being one.

The walleye season on Lake of the Woods continues through April 14th.  The regulations on the Rainy River for March through April 14th is different than the lake.   Anglers are allowed two fish under 19.5″.  Just enough for the fry pan but most anglers aren’t here for the filets, they are here to have the chance at a monster.