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  1. going to be heading up that way the 20th of aug and its been pretty quiet here in the deer river forum. my intent is to fish bowstring, maybe sand and some other lakes in the area. can anyone give me a little heads up on how fishing is?? thinkin even of dragging my 2 teenage granddaughters along can anyone tell me about dora lake. been there once, would like to maybe try it again. bugs still bad????
  2. On the south end... Ice fishing continues strong for some resorts and the bite is excellent. Other resorts decided to pull fish houses off for the year. There is still ice fishing happening and available. Fish houses are available at some resorts. At other resorts, they are allowing guests to bring collapsible fish houses only. Check social media or call ahead to your favorite resort for specifics. Daytime temps this week in the 40's with overnight temps in the high 20's. Next week's forecast shows thirties during the day and teens at night. That will hold ice on many areas of the lake for those who don't want to be finished ice fishing quite yet. The bite this past week was excellent. Great reports across the south shore. Walleyes and saugers in good numbers with mixed in jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and an occasional crappie, tullibee or sturgeon in the mix. The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is still taking place in 20 - 28 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go. Green, glow red, pink and gold were good colors this week. Small jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow or a small lipless crankbait such as a Rippin Rap are working well for walleyes and saugers. On the deadstick, a small jig head or a plain hook with the minnow hooked in the dorsal fin have both been effective. The big pike have the feedbag on! Great reports of pike up to the mid 40 inch variety being caught using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring in 8 - 14' of water. Work through a resort or outfitter for ice road conditions. Safety first always. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. The outlook for the May 11th MN Fishing Opener along the south shore looks very optimistic. On the Rainy River... The river has opened up along the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale. As of Monday, some anglers were pushing small boats over shore ice. It is anticipated that in the next day or so the boat ramp will be cleared of ice and ready for trailers with boats. Watch the Lake of the Woods Tourism Facebook page for updates. There is also a good stretch of open water already down the middle of the river in front of the Frontier boat ramp, which is about 8 miles downstream from Birchdale. The river is opening up quickly. The Rainy River opens up from the east moving west. The order in which boat ramps open up... 1. Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN, 26.4 miles east of Baudette 2. Frontier Boat Ramp, 18.9 miles east of Baudette, MN 3. Vidas Boat Ramp, 9.8 miles east of Baudette, MN 4. Timber Mill Park in Baudette, MN 5. Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp, 12 miles north of Baudette Up at the NW Angle... Another good week of ice fishing up at the Angle. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix again this week. Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. The general theme is picking away at them during the day and normally a very productive evening bite. Check with Angle resorts on transport options from Young's Bay. Truck traffic is winding down in favor of smaller vehicles, side by sides, snowmobiles, etc. Call ahead for ice road guidelines.
  3. Hookmaster

    Ice fishing??

    Tonka Thursday afternoon. The earliest I’ve ever been out in a boat on that lake. Most of the lake still had ice so that’s why I’m putting this in the ice fishing thread. Didn’t find anything shallow. They were still where I caught them last October. Water temp was 41.2 in the bay and 42.4 in the shallow channel in the cattails. I think ice out will be Monday or Tuesday. Many would come up to the 1/16 oz jig but few would take it. Did best with a 4 mm tungsten jig. Showing pics of the school on the Helix and the LiveScope to show the difference. I was fishing the top of the school. None of the fish showed signs of barotrauma.
  4. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Ice Still Strong-Still Fishing

    On the south end... Ice fishing continues strong. With some -15 temps this past week and single digit temps this week, it is still winter on the border. Resorts are monitoring ice conditions multiple times per day and fishing continues to be excellent. Although every ice road makes their own decisions based on ice conditions in their area, pickup trucks with wheelhouses are still able to drive out and fish on most ice roads. Check with each individual ice road for specific limits. This has been a different year with temps up and down. This year, and every year, it is important to stay on the resort ice roads. It is tempting to go off on your own as there isn't much snow, but that is a risky move as some areas have less ice, cracks or ice upheavals. Resorts and outfitters keep their roads marked on the best ice and monitor it numerous times per day. The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is still taking place in 24 - 32 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go. Gold, glow red, glow white, and pink are still good colors. Small jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow and a lipless crankbait such as a Rippin Rap are working well for walleyes and saugers. Pike activity has been increasing. Fish the shoreline breaks near spawning grounds in 8 - 14' of water. Setting tip ups in various depths until you figure out where most of the pike are traveling is a good strategy. Once you figure out a pattern, you can set tip ups accordingly. Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well. Reminder, a new MN fishing license for 2024 is required as of March 1st. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. On the Rainy River... The river has small patches of open water opening up near the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale. The river opened up a bit last week but froze over again with cold temps. Once it goes with the thinner ice conditions on the river, it should open up quickly. Watch social media for updates. Up at the NW Angle... Another good week of ice fishing up at the Angle. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix again this week. Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. The morning and evening bites have been very productive as water clarity is better than most years. Anglers are still picking up fish during the day as well. Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods and it has been excellent. Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages are available this week. Go to www.fishingminnesota.com/Lodging for more info.
  5. 2020 St Cloud Area Fishing Reports - Click Here. Please post only fishing reports for the St. Cloud area here. evryone jump in!!!
  6. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Still Good Ice and Now Snow

    On the south end... Ice fishing continues strong and it is still winter on the border. Resorts are monitoring ice conditions multiple times per day and fishing continues to be excellent. Resort fish houses and sleeper fish houses are available. Some ice roads are allowing pickup trucks pulling wheelhouses as well. Check with each individual ice road for specific limits. As always, and certainly this year, it is important to stay on the resort ice roads. It is tempting to go off on your own as there isn't much snow, but that is a risky move any time of the year. Resorts and outfitters keep their roads on the best ice and monitor it numerous times per day. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season each year. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is still taking place in 24 - 34 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go. Gold, glow red, glow white, and pink are good colors. Pike anglers are reporting increased activity. Most fishing the shoreline breaks near spawning grounds. Pike activity will only increase as we roll into March. Arming your spread with a mixture of live and dead baits will allow you to quickly figure out what the pike wants that day. Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well. On the Rainy River... Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake. There are a couple of resorts that ice fish on the Rainy River. Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety. The river is open east of Birchdale. We expect some open water to start creeping in a bit near Birchdale, but not yet. We will keep you posted. Up at the NW Angle... A good week of ice fishing up at the Angle. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. The morning and evening bites have been the most productive, with anglers picking at fish during the day. There may not be snow or good ice where you live, but ice fishing is still happening on Lake of the Woods and has been excellent. Sti
  7. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Ice Fishing Continues Strong

    On the south end... Ice fishing continues strong and it is still winter on the border. Overnight temps in the teens and twenties are maintaining ice nicely. Fishing continues to be excellent. It has been an incredible year for walleyes and saugers with both numbers and size. Resort fish houses and sleeper fish houses are available. Some ice roads are allowing pickup trucks pulling wheelhouses as well. Check with each individual ice road for specific limits. As always, and certainly this year, it is important to stay on the resort ice roads. It is tempting to go off on your own as there isn't much snow, but that is a risky move any time of the year. Resorts and outfitters keep their roads on the best ice and monitor it numerous times per day. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season each year. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is taking place in 24 - 34 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go. Pike anglers fishing shallower shoreline breaks and reporting good activity and big fish. Pike activity will only increase as we approach the month of March. Arming your spread with a mixture of live and dead baits will allow you to quickly figure out what the pike wants that day. Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well. On the Rainy River... Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake. There are a couple of resorts that ice fish on the Rainy River. Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety. The river is open east of Birchdale. Those who enjoy the spring open water season on the river are optimistic the river will open early. Is your boat and fishing gear ready when it does? Up at the NW Angle... Another very good week of ice fishing up at the Angle. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. Water conditions are clearer this winter compared to most. For that reason, the morning and evening bites have been stronger than midday overall. Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. Electronics help in determining what the fish want that given day and will up your catch of fish. Ice fishing has been excellent, come on up. It's still winter on the border!
  8. didnt know where to put this, so this thread seems most visited. anyone else get emails from the DNR??? Rick usually posts these but i couldnt find it. anyway i got an email that said there are around 114 Minnesota lakes that they are looking for input from fisherpeople to update management plans. its on the DNR website. one lake of interest to me was up in Itasca cty so i emailed the guy in grand rapids, gave him my opinion on the lake in question. his reply was they had no real agenda to change anything with that lake but simply looking for input from people who fish it.
  9. I know someone has to have checked or fished over there.
  10. Hit the ice for the first time today about 6 inches of ice and lots of slush 3-5 inches deep. The snitch handled the work load with amazing results. The busy end was the smallest pug bug with a maki mino the crappies were racing up am crushing it. The gills would come up slowly but would eat it. Had a 3 to 4 pound walleye break me off in the top of the hole.
  11. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Nice Size Walleyes and Saugers

    On the south end... A great week of ice fishing for most. Good reports from a number of areas for some nice sized walleyes and saugers. Resorts with day houses and sleeper fish houses will either transport you to the fish house or offer an ice road you can drive yourself. Make sure you communicate with the resort or outfitter you are fishing with to understand weight restrictions of their ice road. Each ice road can be different and have varying restrictions. Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 28 - 34 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective. On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles and lighted lures tipped with a full minnow or piece of a minnow have been catching good fish. Colors such as gold, glow red, glow white, pink, and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, have been good. On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook, colored hook or a small ice jig six inches - one foot off of the bottom is effective. Jig the deadstick on occasion to keep the minnow moving and to attract fish. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, crappies, eelpout, tullibees and sturgeon in the mix. On the Rainy River... Most ice fishing is taking place on the lake. There are a couple of resorts that have fish houses out for rent on the Rainy River. Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety. The best bite is still morning and evening with a jig and emerald shiner for walleyes and saugers. Sturgeon fishing is a unique twist through the ice. Larger holes, heavier tackle and the thrill of catching a fish of that size through the ice is unique. Sturgeon seasons... -Oct 1 - April 23, catch and release only, no tag needed -April 24 - May 7, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75") -May 8 - 15, catch and release only -May 16 - June 30, closed July 1 - Sep 30, 1 per calendar year (fish must be 45-50" inclusive, or over 75") Up at the NW Angle... The walleyes were snappin up at the Angle this week. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. Resorts are targeting structure in some areas and deeper mud flats in others. One day the structure is better, the next day, deep mud. Again, jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. The fish are down there and some days, if they are finicky, they really want the deadstick still. Electronics will help see what their mood is each day. The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked. Please stay on the trail for safety.
  12. - Subscribe to this fishing report. Enjoy the metro area Minnesota fishing reports below. The more current ones can be found by clicking a higher number just to the upper right of this post. Feel free to post and share your fishing report. Others share theirs when you share yours. Have fun
  13. LakeofthewoodsMN

    A Mixed Bag Through the Ice

    On the south end... Subzero temps have ice thickening and ice roads progressing. Ice conditions vary based on what ice road. Some ice roads are now allowing trucks and wheelhouses. One ice road was up to 1 ton, another 3/4 ton with no wheelhouse or 1/2 ton pulling a wheelhouse. Check with each resort for outfitter for their weight restrictions on their specific ice road. If you are driving out on an ice road, stay on the road and don't venture past the end of the road. There are still areas of ice, cracks, etc., away from the roads not fit for vehicles. Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 28 - 32 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective. On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a full minnow or the head or tail section of a minnow is a good choice. Colors such as gold, glow red, glow white, pink, orange and chartreuse, or a combo of these colors, are effective in the stained water. On the deadstick, a live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook or a small ice jig six inches - one foot off of the bottom is great for the deadstick. Jig the deadstick on occasion. If fish are passing it by, change something. Set it 2 feet off of the bottom. Try a different kind of minnow. Hook your minnow differently. Electronics are helpful to see how the fish are reacting. Many resorts and bait shops rent them by the day if you don't own your own and want to give them a try. As is the case on LOW, a mixed bag, but saugers and walleyes are the most common catch. Jumbo perch, pike, crappies, eelpout, tullibees with some sturgeon also in the mix. On the Rainy River... Most anglers fish the lake during the winter months. There are a couple of resorts that have fish houses out for rent on the Rainy River. Know ice conditions or work through a resort or outfitter for safety. The best bite is still morning and evening. Using a jig and emerald shiner has been the most consistent presentation walleyes and saugers. Sturgeon fishing is a unique twist through the ice. Larger holes, heavier tackle and the thrill of catching a fish of that size through the ice is unique. Many walleye anglers on the lake and river will randomly catch sturgeon as well. Up at the NW Angle... Some nice walleyes caught up at the Angle this week. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. Resorts are spreading out over a variety of good fishing areas. Some resort fish houses are targeting structure whereas others are targeting the deep mud adjacent to structure. Both can be good. Again, jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go. The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked. Please stay on the trail for safety.
  14. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Below Zero Temps Thicken Ice

    On the south end... Some below zero and single digit temps this past week have ice thickening. In areas where ice is making progress, so are the weight limits and ability on some ice roads to use light vehicles and wheelhouses. Every ice road has their own rules and restrictions based on ice conditions, follow resort / outfitter updates on social media or contact them directly. If you are fishing with a resort, they will either allow you to drive out or they will transport you out to the fish house depending upon ice conditions and how they operate their business. Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 24 - 32 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective. On the jigging line, aggressive lures such as a rippin rap with rattles and vibration can be good at times. Otherwise, a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow is a staple for the jigging rod. Vary presentation until you figure out what they want. Some days, if the fish are in a negative mood, go small. Small jigging spoon with a small piece of minnow or even a wax worm. A live minnow on a #4 or #6 plain hook or ice jig six inches - a foot off of the bottom is great for the deadstick. When fish are more active, the aggressive baits, larger jigging spoon and larger minnow may be helpful. Let the fish tell you what they want by watching electronics. Saugers and walleyes are the most common catch. As a bonus, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, tullibees with some sturgeon in the mix. On the Rainy River... Although most anglers fish the lake, some anglers fish through resorts who ice fish the river and locals fish it as well. The best bite has been morning and evening. Using a jig and emerald shiner has been the goto for walleyes and saugers. Sturgeon anglers using crawlers if available or emerald shiners with heavier tackle and larger holes. Ice conditions vary greatly, especially with the current of the river. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own unless you are certain of ice conditions. Up at the NW Angle... Some good fishing up at the Angle this week. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. Resorts are fishing a variety of structure and non structure. Some fish houses are set targeting goto areas either on top, on the slope or at the base of structure such as reefs, underwater points, etc. Other fish houses are placed in the deep mud adjacent to the structure. Where you are fishing often dictates what kind of fish you catch and when the best bite takes place. Both areas are having success, but in different ways. On both ends of the lake, the one - two punch of a jigging line and deadstick combined with ice fishing electronics is the way to go. Electronics can be rented by many resorts and local bait shops. The snowmobile trail from Four Mile Bay and Pine Island near the mouth of the Rainy River up to the NW Angle resorts is staked. Please stay on the trail for safety.
  15. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Colder Temps Thickening Ice

    On the south end... Colder temps and thickening ice has allowed resorts and outfitters to access new areas and deeper water. Consequently, some excellent reports for walleyes, saugers and perch. It continues to be very important to work through a resort or outfitter. There are still areas of ice that are not ready, some cracks to be avoided and generally areas to stay away from. The bottom line, ice conditions vary. Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 17 - 28 feet of water. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second on a plain hook or an ice fishing jig has been effective. On the jigging line, try something aggressive such as a rippin rap with rattles and vibration. Gold, blue / chrome and pink uv firetiger are good colors. The most common jigging lure is a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or piece of minnow. Colors working well in the stained waters of LOW. Gold, gold / glow red, gold / pink, chartreuse, glow white or a combo of colors. On the deadstick, hook a live minnow just under the dorsal fin 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom. Some days, emerald shiners are helpful to catch walleyes, other days it isn't so crucial. It's a mixed bag of fish with walleyes and saugers the norm. In addition, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, sturgeon, tullibees and even a muskie in the mix. On the Rainy River... Some walleyes, saugers and a few sturgeon are still being caught on the river. A heavier jig to match the current tipped with an emerald shiner is a good choice. Ice conditions vary greatly, especially with the current of the river. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own. Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing continues to be good for resorts up at the NW Angle. Good reports of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix. A variety of depths are being fished. Some resorts are on shallower structure, which merits more action during the mornings and evenings. Other fish houses are set up deeper off of structure or in deeper mud which is more of a midday bite. On both ends of the lake, the one - two punch of a jigging line and deadstick combined with ice fishing electronics is the way to go. Electronics can be rented by many resorts and local bait shops.
  16. Found roughly four inches of clear hard ice....again. it's like our second first ice...lol.
  17. On the south end... Ice fishing continues to be good for most anglers fishing through resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods. The bite has slowed down a bit from its hot start, but nice fish are still coming in. With the unseasonably warm temperatures so far this winter, ice conditions are not where they would normally be the first week of January. Consequently, more than ever, it is very important to work through a resort or outfitter. There are still areas of ice that are not ready, some cracks that are moving and generally areas to stay away from. Pay close attention to the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road. Most resorts offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish. Some resorts are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails. Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course. Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas. Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 17 - 23 feet of water. Jig with one line and use a deadstick in the second hole, basically a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom. Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line). Other days, the walleyes and saugers prefer the deadstick (bobber line) works best. Jigging spoons with gold and bright colors tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for the jigging rod. On the deadstick, an ice fishing jig or plain hook with an emerald shiner / minnow is the ticket. On the Rainy River... A couple of local resorts offer ice fishing on the river, marking and closely monitoring ice conditions on their trails. Walleyes, saugers and sturgeon are the targeted species. Ice conditions vary greatly. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own. Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing is going well for resorts up at the NW Angle. Good reports of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike in the mix. The one - two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go. Ice fishing electronics are very helpful in not only detecting fish, but also seeing how they are reacting to your offerings and presentation. If they are not reacting positively, change something.
  18. Report from this morning on Edward lake web page. "Overnight a small skid house that was left on the lake went through the ice! The house was just south of public access, top corner is all that is showing."
  19. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Walleye Bite is Excellent

    On the south end... Ice fishing is in full swing for most resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods. Fish houses are out and the bite is excellent in most areas. Consistent limits of walleyes and saugers along with some perch, pike, eelpout, crappies and even some sturgeon in the mix. There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from. It is very important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail. Follow the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road. Most offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish. Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails. Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course. Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas. 17 - 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up. A combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom is working well. Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line). Other days, they are in a more neutral mood and the deadstick (bobber line) works best. Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota. Rippin Raps (a lipless crankbait with vibration and rattles) and other aggressive presentations work well at times, but also help to draw fish to your fishing area. Jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for consistency on a jigging rod. Jig it a few times and hold it in the strike zone. Try dropping it on the bottom of the lake to attract fish and raise it into the strike zone (about a foot off the bottom). Watching your ice fishing electronics will help you understand where the fish are and how they are reacting to your presentation. If they aren't taking your offering, change color, size, noise, bait or presentation. Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo. If you don't have electronics and want to give them a try, many local resorts and local bait shops rent them. Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six. Up to four of the six can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches is allowed. The MN possession limit is one limit of fish. On the Rainy River... The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing. Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon. Ice conditions can vary during the heart of the winter, let alone during the early part of the season, especially on a river with current. Ice conditions vary greatly. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own. Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing has begun for most resorts up at the NW Angle. Fishing has started well with reports of walleyes and saugers with some jumbo perch, eelpout and some nice pike mixed in. Jig one line with a jigging spoon tipped with a piece of minnow. Rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but a combo of gold, pink, chartreuse, orange, glow red and glow white is consistent. Use a live minnow on a plain hook or bright ice fishing jig on the deadstick line 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom. Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.fishingminnesota.com/Lodging. Need spur of the moment lodging or fish house rentals? Try our Lodging Availability Finder. https://fishingminnesota.com/lodging-availability-request/
  20. Here we are, Christmas day of 23...I walk outside to bring garbage out and what do I see on my sidewalk.... Went and got my flashlight, they are all over my yard
  21. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Ice Fishing Has Begun

    On the south end... Ice fishing has begun for a number of resorts and outfitters across the south end of the lake. The bite is excellent in most areas. Widespread reports of limits of fish and then some. There are still areas of thin ice and areas to stay away from. It is super important to work through a resort or outfitter who has marked, and is constantly maintaining, a trail. Follow their guidelines. Most offer heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish. Some are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails. Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course. Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas. 17 - 23 feet of water is where most fish houses are set up. Using the one-two punch, a combo of a jigging line in one hole and a deadstick in the second hole with a live minnow 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom. Two lines are allowed per person ice fishing in Minnesota. Multicolor jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow, emerald shiner or fathead, have been hot. Popular colors, gold, glow red, chartreuse, glow white, pink or a combo. Rippin Raps and other aggressive presentations working at times also. A mixed bag for walleye / sauger anglers with jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and even an occasional crappie or sturgeon in the mix. Anglers fishing LOW MN are allowed a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of six. Up to four of the six can be walleyes. All walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released. One walleye over 28 inches is allowed. The MN possession limit is one limit of fish. On the Rainy River... The Rainy River is ice covered with some local resorts offering ice fishing. Great reports for walleyes, saugers and sturgeon. Varying ice conditions on the river that can change quickly due to current. What ice conditions are in one area can be very different right next door. Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own. Up at the NW Angle... Ice fishing has begun for some resorts up at the NW Angle and initial reports are very good. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch and pike in the mix. Much like the south shore, use one jigging line, one deadstick and rotate colors until you figure out what they want, but certain colors mentioned in this report are great in stained water. Many resorts on both ends of the lake / river have immediate openings. The bite is definitely on! L
  22. On the south end... Ice continues to form and make progress on Lake of the Woods. A strong NW wind this week pushed ice up to the south shore, getting rid of some open water. The hopes are the colder temps will lock everything in. Resort ice guides are monitoring ice thickness, staking trails where there is ample ice and flying drones over the forming ice to stay on top of current conditions. Back bays are locked up and there is some spearing for pike taking place. Ice conditions even in back bays vary, so for safety, please work through resorts and outfitters. Lake of the Woods covers a big area. When a resort or outfitter gives the green light, that is for the specific area of ice they are traveling and fishing on. Conditions can vary greatly from one area to another, so it is important to work through resorts and outfitters in the area you plan on fishing and pay attention to weight restrictions. In many cases during early ice conditions, resorts will shuttle anglers back and forth to resort fish houses On the Rainy River... The Rainy River is ice covered. Local resorts and ice guides are monitoring ice conditions in areas of the river they offer ice fishing. Varying ice conditions, work through a resort for safety when access is allowed. Up at the NW Angle... Angle ice is coming along well. Outfitters and ice guides have been marking ice trails and some local traffic is taking place with ATV's, etc. The ice roads and trails are not open yet, but much of the ice has frozen smooth and is coming along very nicely. Some scouting to check spots for walleyes is taking place by ice guides with nice results. Resorts will communicate when fishing begins.
  23. tysonray_78

    ice conditions

    anyone know the ice conditions for lakes in itasca County
  24. LakeofthewoodsMN

    Ice Still Forming

    On the south end... Ice continues to form and make progress on Lake of the Woods. With that being said, it is going to take some time before it is safe and fish houses are out. Resort ice guides have been out checking ice thickness, flying drones over the ice and basically staying on top of current conditions. Back bays are locked up and there is some spearing for pike that has been happening. Ice conditions even in back bays vary, so for safety, please work through resorts and outfitters. Most of Big Traverse Bay is ice covered. There are still patches of open water, some cracks that have opened up, etc. This is typical for this time of year and it will be a bit yet before most can give the green light. Lake of the Woods is big and there are many areas of the lake resorts and outfitters go out on. Each business will be monitoring ice conditions in their area and make informed decisions when it is allowed to access the ice through their ice access and what weight limits will be allowed. Resorts and outfitters have started marking trails on the ice in bays and close to shore. When it is time to get out on the ice, we encourage working through resorts and outfitters and staying on marked trails for safety. On the Rainy River... The Rainy River is ice covered. Local resorts and ice guides are monitoring ice conditions in areas of the river they offer ice fishing. As you have read in this report previously, work through a resort or outfitter for safety reasons. Up at the NW Angle... The Angle is ice covered (as a whole). Outfitters and ice guides have been marking ice trails. The ice roads and trails are not open yet, but much of the ice has frozen smooth and is coming along very nicely. There are always areas throughout the winter where there is current up at the Angle so it is important to stay on the marked trails, both when they open up and throughout the ice fishing season, which goes through March, Mother Nature dependent on course.
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