Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Lake of the Woods Fishing Reports & Info


Recommended Posts

We fished the river and gap on Friday. In the river all we were catching were 2 to 4 pound Northerns. We moved to the gap protetcting ourselves from the 30 mph winds and ended up putting 8 keepers in the bucket. Saturday we had a 3/4 inch of ice stuck to our vehicles so we called it a season. The walleyes are out in the gap waiting for first ice!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Was up by the lake this weekend. The Rainy river was open yesterday and froze up last night. 4 mile bay is frozen as far as you can see. Some rough ice in front of Wigwam from the wind the past few days. Drove out to the point in Warroad and the lake is frozen as far as I could see but with it snowing out it was hard to tell how much was frozen as I could not make out Springsteel. Again there was rough ice but could not tell how far out it went.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice report jkb!

As the weather starts to turn, our anxious LOTW ice dreams start turning into reality. Sooner than later we'll all be enjoying successful days on the ice.

Please use this topic for ice, snow and road conditions on LOTW throughout the hard water season.

Good luck to all this winter! Be safe.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the recent cold snap, I got out today with a goal of spearing somewhere on a LOTW tributary. Since ice reports were few and far between I decided to make the drive and check things out for myself.

My firt stop was at Zipple Bay. From the State Park marina, I found 5" of ice. The entire bay is frozen except for the channel right at the inlet to the lake. Solid 5" everywhere I checked. Ice was clear and smooth. Since this was my first stop, I decided not to set up so I could check on the usual suspects to the East.

Zipple Bay ice block:

IMG_2482-1.jpg

Stopped at Morris Point next. They had staged a few spear houses on shore in their bay but didn't have any on the ice. Sounded like they had some spearing clients coming in this week. While the bay was frozen, the lake was wide open. Normal 100 yard frazil ice band out from shore. The rocks and picnic tables tell the tale of the recent NW winds. The resort mentioned that if we get some calm nights there could POTENTIALLY be walk-out fishing in a week.

Morris Point:

IMG_2494b.jpg

Headed over to Wheeler's Point. As jkb mentioned, the entire river and 4 mile bay is iced over.

Rainy River:

IMG_2498b.jpg

IMG_2504.jpg

4 Mile Bay:

IMG_2501b.jpg

Temps look favorable for the next week - let's just hope the wind quiets down enough to lock it up. Crossing my fingers for walkable walleye ice next weekend!

Please remember that these are only MY first hand accounts from today - a lot can change in a short time. The resorts are the experts and will communicate when it is time for the masses to start fishing. I had an ice itch that needed to be scratched, and hopefully this sheds some light on what the conditions are today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cool great effort Vman thank, how do ya all thing the churned up lake is gonna effect clarity this winter? silt settles alot slower in fridged temps, just would hate to have another year like we did about 7 years ago when te lake got chrned up so bad your jig dissapeered 3 feet below the ice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

how do ya all thing the churned up lake is gonna effect clarity this winter? silt settles alot slower in fridged temps, just would hate to have another year like we did about 7 years ago when te lake got chrned up so bad your jig dissapeered 3 feet below the ice.

Hard to say at this point. I was on the open water for the last time 11/4 and it was pretty churned up, but the bite was still good. It was pretty dirty the weekend before that at Long Point as well.

I could see the bottom in 5' of water in Zipple Bay while spearing yesterday, but I'd have to guess that is quite a bit different than what the South shore of the lake looks like.

Any first hand reports from the 11/18 weekend? Had to be guys out in boats last Sunday with the unseasonably warm weather.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On Friday afternoon, Rocky Pt to the west was ice as far as you could see. To the north, couple miles out was open water with small corn flakes moving up and down with the rollers.

Saturday morning, ice in all directions. By mid-day, a crack had opened up a couple miles out across the point in all directions.

We need calm winds and low temps to get her locked up!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

funny I didn't see this and just posted the URL sat pic in that forum. LOTW looks mostly open to me except the 3 main bays at least I hope so cause that looks like it would be some rough ice on the main lake. Love to hear some new local reports. It's looking like a great season start. Hopefully the snow will stay away like most of last year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Hopefully the snow will stay away like most of last year"

Hey there, be careful what you wish for. If it gets really cold for an extended period of time with no snow, that could be bad news! I appreciate the ice and the snow as well, but last years winter in general did no good for most people, in fact, many people depend on the snow for their livlihood. We were fortunate it didnt get too cold and freeze up peoples water and sewer systems. I'll take the snow, just give me some good ice first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never though about that. One of my buddies had busted pipes last year for that reason. He also live in a mobile home and had bad insulation though. Ok so I wish for no snow on the ice, maybe just enough to give you some traction, and a good 3-4 feet inland.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not an expert by any means, but I would assume if there was open water, the lake would look black or dark blue (similar to lakes down south). Too me, the 3 bays had ice when it snowed, so that's why they appear white, and the main body doesnt have as much snow.

What appears as rough ice looks like it might be light cloud cover over the lake, but again, I'm no expert.

Word on the street is, Morris Point is possibly allowing foot traffic tomorrow. If that's the case, I'd assume the lake was completely froze up yesterday. Just my 2c

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Called morris point this morning, they have a 25 foot crack in front of the resort. They are open for spearing and tip ups so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sure don't need the problems we had last year with the big crack. Lets keep our fingers crossed for some low temps. going to be up near 40 here for a few days starting Friday, and then downward again......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BUTT-OLD weather? well that dosent sound very fun dose it now. As long as wen can get to the secrete spot bill alls fine.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oops! how 'bout Butt-cold. Darn c didn't work. Just hope I can find 'em when I come up at the end of December!

Good luck and be safe!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Boar I like that secret spot its where I am going!!it is on my gps I think. hope to be up dec 15th

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Above freezing temps & wind coming this weekend. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't have the lake bust up again like last year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sportsman's Lodge Report:

11/30/2012

Current Ice Conditions Lake of the Woods Four Mile Bay/Pine Island Area

The guides were out this morning checking ice. They found that Four Mile Bay (they bay we use to get out onto the lake to fish) had anywhere from 3-6 inches of ice. On the lake just on the north side of Pine Island they ventured a few hundred yards out and found 2-5 inches. The lesser amounts were found where the snow has drifted. It is coming along! If you are looking to venture out on the ice on your own, we are only advising foot traffic on Four Mile Bay and Morris Point’s Bay at this time until we get some colder temps. Know where you are going! Please keep in mind the entire lake and river is not treated equally and we only check the areas that we travel and fish. Stay safe and get your gear ready! Ice Fishing Season 2012-2013 will start soon!

Weather forecast says we are going to get a warm shot of weather Saturday & Sunday and then cool down again Monday. At this point we still have Dec 8 as a start date in our sights, but will know more next week after we venture out again and see how the weather shakes out. We will be checking ice again Monday or Tuesday so stay tuned for more information then.

Snow

We received a half inch of snow last night. We currently have 2-4 inches on the ground now. Snowmobile trails are closed at this time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A couple of us made it out on Saturday. Walked out and ended up fishing a few hours in the morning and evening on the Rainy, a ways South of the main strip of resorts. Got out to 14-16' of water and caught some fish - 3 over 20" and ended up with 6 eaters around the 16-18" range. A few perch and a few small walleyes as well. It wasn't on fire, but we were ice fishing.

Ice on the river ranged from 2"-6". All the reports of uneven ice under snow banks is definately spot on. A few places are still relatively sketchy. Sounds like there are a few people fishing the river around the Airport, around Baudette Bay and East of town a bit.

Ate lunch at Morris Point and observed a lot of groups pike fishing/spearing in their bay. Water sounded pretty dirty and pike reports were limited. Guys were running ATV's on the bay.

After lunch we ran over to Graceton to check the ice. There was a group out between Graceton and Morris Point, and another group out between Graceton and Zipple Bay. Chisseled out about 1/2 mile and found pretty good ice, around 6" give or take, where it was clear. Still uneven under the snow. Somebody had been out from the beach earlier in the morning as I found some chissled holes but we didn't fish.

Hoping the winds are light so we don't get any ice shifting and that the temps this week are cold enough to even out the ice for consistant travel. It was in the mid-30's here this weekend so we didn't get extreme warmth but it definately isn't helping. Even though we braved it, it's extremely at your own risk and travel of any type is still not advised. Hoping to hear some good news from the resort experts mid week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Suppose to drop in temps gradually thru the week an be a high of 22 by the weekend, but we all no how that gose. Good luck terry let me know how ya do on the secrete spot with the secrete cordinates. Ya have to bring lots of shinners. Good luck bud

Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 degrees this morning in the Roseau area.

What a nail biter, come on jack frost, help a guy out...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      Walked today and yesterday, flushed 9, shot at two and got two. Hopefully next year I'll have a dog to hunt with. Still warm up here, skim of ice on ponds. Weather has been nice. Hopefully walk a bit more the next few weeks. Been pretty cautious walking for birds to not interfere with deer hunters. There sure are not the deer hunters there used to be 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.