Pike Season Open Year-Round - Activity Good

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The vast majority of ice fishing is done.  A few hardcore ice anglers were still venturing out on the ice with ATV's or snowmobiles mostly in search of big pike this past week.  

Pike activity was good as fish are staging to head into spawning areas soon.  Back bays with open water will soon be the target of those wanting to catch a giant in open water.  

Walleye and sauger season open through April 14th.  Pike season open year round.  MN fishing opener is May 14th.

On the Rainy River...   As of Monday, April 11th, the Rainy River is open all the way to the Wheeler's Point area.  That boat access is predicted to be open very soon.  Other boat ramps upstream on the river are open.  

Fishing is good with both walleyes and sturgeon being caught.  Earlier in the week, anglers were welcomed by snow and wind but still caught fish despite the water temps getting colder.

As the week progressed, so did the weather and many reports of huge walleyes caught and released.  All walleye fishing is catch and release only on the river and Four Mile Bay through April 14th.

Most anglers are jigging with a jig and frozen shiner, live minnow or a plastic.  Trolling crankbaits was also a successful method with gold the hot crankbait color.

Many big sturgeon were caught this week.  Using a glob of crawlers or crawlers with frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, an 18 inch leader material of 60lb test, 3/0 - 5/0 circle hook and a 3-4 ounce no roll sinker.  Sturgeon rigs available at local bait shops.  Heavier rods and reels recommended.

Most sturgeon anglers are targeting holes throughout the river where sturgeon are living and are waiting for their next meal.

Sturgeon season dates...

Oct 1 - April 23, 2022...   Catch and Release only, no tag needed

April 24 - May 7, 2022...    1 per calendar year. Fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75". Fish must be immediately tagged and registered within 48 hours.  No tag needed for catch and release

May 8 - May 15, 2022...   Catch and Release only, no tag needed

May 16 - June 30... Sturgeon fishing closed

Up at the NW Angle...  Resorts have pulled fish houses off for the year.  Some residents are still ice fishing with collapsible houses.  

Based on strong ice fishing, walleyes are in good numbers and should be active come the May 14th fishing opener.  There are various ways to travel to the Angle this summer.

1.  Drive through Canada to the Angle  (must be vaccinated, no covid test required)

2.  LOW Passenger Service (charter boat service across the lake avoiding customs) 

3.  Lake Country Air.(fly from various Midwest locations to LOW and NW Angle)

4.  Take your own boat.  (Safety first, this is a 40 mile ride over big water)