Sturgeon Anglers Finding Great Numbers

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The majority of the lake is still ice covered with glimpses of open water from incoming rivers, streams and various holes in the ice.

In addition to fishing the river, sturgeon anglers are fishing near the ice pack edge on the lake outside of the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods.

Most pike are staging adjacent to spawning areas and will be swimming back into shallow, muddy areas soon.  Back bays with open water will be the go to spot for anglers wanting to catch a giant pike.  

Pike season is open year round.  Walleye and sauger season is closed and opens again on the MN fishing opener May 14th.

On the Rainy River...   The Rainy River is open.  This week, some feeder rivers broke loose sending ice and some debris into the Rainy.  Luckily, sturgeon aren't very affected by dirty water and will still be active and feed during periods of dirty water conditions.  

Again, 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...  Most of the Angle is still ice covered with open water in current areas.  

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)