Ice Still Strong-Still Fishing

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...   Ice fishing continues strong.  With some -15 temps this past week and single digit temps this week, it is still winter on the border.    Resorts are monitoring ice conditions multiple times per day and fishing continues to be excellent.  

Although every ice road makes their own decisions based on ice conditions in their area, pickup trucks with wheelhouses are still able to drive out and fish on most ice roads.  Check with each individual ice road for specific limits.

This has been a different year with temps up and down.  This year, and every year, it is important to stay on the resort ice roads.  It is tempting to go off on your own as there isn't much snow, but that is a risky move as some areas have less ice, cracks or ice upheavals. Resorts and outfitters keep their roads marked on the best ice and monitor it numerous times per day.

 

The majority of ice fishing for walleyes and saugers is still taking place in 24 - 32 feet of water.  Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.  Gold, glow red, glow white, and pink are still good colors.  

 

Small jigging spoons tipped with a piece of minnow and a lipless crankbait such as a Rippin Rap are working well for walleyes and saugers.

Pike activity has been increasing. Fish the shoreline breaks near spawning grounds in 8 - 14' of water.  

Setting tip ups in various depths until you figure out where most of the pike are traveling is a good strategy.  Once you figure out a pattern, you can set tip ups accordingly.  Alewife, smelt, herring, numerous sizes of live suckers, or even large shiners work well.

Reminder, a new MN fishing license for 2024 is required as of March 1st.  Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends.

On the Rainy River...  The river has small patches of open water opening up near the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale.  The river opened up a bit last week but froze over again with cold temps.  Once it goes with the thinner ice conditions on the river, it should open up quickly. Watch social media for updates.

Up at the NW Angle...  Another good week of ice fishing up at the Angle.  Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike and some big crappies in the mix again this week.  

Jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is the way to go.  The morning and evening bites have been very productive as water clarity is better than most years.  Anglers are still picking up fish during the day as well.

Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods and it has been excellent.  Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages are available this week.  Go to www.fishingminnesota.com/Lodging for more info.