Sturgeon Still Active

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...  The majority of the lake is still ice covered with more and more open water each week.  This week, sun, wind, rain, strong outflow from the Rainy River and other rivers and streams along with higher water levels are all wreaking havoc with the lake 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.

Some of the bays are open or partially open for those who want to start targeting pike.  Not many reports yet as things are just starting to open up.  As the water warms, the big fish will start sliding in even with partial ice.

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 running very fast as of Monday, April 25th.  The Big Fork and Little Fork Rivers that feed the Rainy both opened up, sending water, logs, debris and mud into the Rainy River.  

Sturgeon will still feed in dirty water conditions but between all of the debris and very strong current, a few days of flushing through will be safer and advantageous to anglers.  The Rainy River went up about 5 feet in just a few days over the weekend near Birchdale.

It is a good idea to follow local fishing reports and social media pages for current info if you are coming up.  A common question amongst river anglers is, "did the forks break loose yet?"  Yes they did!

Some big sturgeon were caught this week before the big influx of water.  Lake levels look good as of now as it was low to begin with.  Reports are that water will also be released on the Canadian side of the lake at the dam in Kenora.

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 more 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)