Ice Fishing Pushing to Deeper Depths

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Ice fishing is going strong.  As the season progresses, much of the ice fishing is pushing to deeper depths, now fishing 25 - 30 feet of water.  

Temps from -20 to +20 from day to day causing some havoc with the bite, but overall anglers are catching fish, sorting through small fish to catch their keepers, some slots and a few trophy walleyes.  Jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibee, a few crappies and occasional sturgeon in the mix.

Lake of the Woods has a combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers.  Up to 4 can be walleyes.  Walleyes between 19.5 - 28.0 inches must be released.  One fish over 28 inches is allowed per day.  

Jig one line, deadstick the second line.  Gold, glow, pink, glow red, glow green and yellow effective colors this week.  Using electronics is very helpful.

On the Rainy River...  Rainy River anglers reporting walleyes primarily morning and evening.  Gold and glow with one jigging line and one deadstick working well.  

Sturgeon are still being caught.  Having patience is key to hook into one of these monsters.  Small sturgeon and a few walleyes can be expected while waiting for the big bite.

With the current of the river, knowing where and where not to travel and working through resorts / outfitters who know ice conditions is key.  The snowmobile trail is marked from Baudette to Wheeler's Point up to the Angle.

Up at the NW Angle...  Great walleye fishing this week.  Reports have been very good.  Lodging and fish houses are available at Angle resorts.

Glow colors and bright colors such as chartreuse, yellow, pink and orange.  have been effective much like the south shore. Making noise with the jigging line combined with a bobber line working well.

Travel to the Angle.  The NW Angle Guest Ice Road is scheduled to open this week.  Drive on the 30 mile ice road to the Angle without crossing the border.  The snowmobile trails, LOW Passenger Service and Lake Country Air are also great ways to travel to the Angle and stay in MN.

Driving via land to and from the Angle through Canada is open.  Must be vaccinated and have a negative PCR COVID Test less than 72 hours from when the test was taken. Rapid tests are available in Baudette and in Warroad.  Once at the Angle, no additional COVID testing is necessary for traveling back south from the Angle through Canada.