Ice Fishing Keeping Anglers Happy

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  Ice fishing is in full swing, fish are being caught and most anglers are happy.  As previous reports state, lots of small fish to work through to find keepers along with slot fish (walleyes 19.5 - 28.0 inches that must be released) and that occasional trophy over 28 inches.  Most ice fishing is taking place in 25 - 32 feet of water.  

A combination of a jigging line and a deadstick.  Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head the most common for the jigging line and a plain colored hook, glow, orange or pink with a live minnow 3 - 6" off the bottom has been effective.  Jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and once in a while a crappie or sturgeon in the mix.

With stained water, most walleye / sauger activity during daylight hours.  Anglers in sleeper houses report occasional walleyes and certainly eelpout when the sun is down.

Using electronics to spot suspended fish and to work each individual fish is very helpful.

On the Rainy River...  Walleye fishing is best in the mornings and evenings.  Gold, glow or gold combined with glow colors working well.  A jig and minnow close to the bottom has been effective.

Sturgeon anglers are still pulling in dinosaurs (sturgeon).  Patience is key.

The snowmobile trail is groomed and staked from Baudette to Wheeler's Point up to the Angle.

Up at the NW Angle...  Some great walleye fishing up at the Angle this week.  Resorts have fish houses in a variety of areas, everything from shallow structure taking advantage of the morning / evening bite to more daytime spots in deeper water both over structure and mud.

Gold, pink and bright glow green have been producing nice fish. Jigging close to the bottom with a second line using a live minnow working well.

Travel to the Angle.  The NW Angle Guest Ice Road is open.  Drive on the 37 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.