Pike and Sturgeon Abundant

[LakeofthewoodsMN]

On the south end...   The big open water, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  The bays and tributaries of LOW such as Zippel Bay, Bostic Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  The lake is in good shape for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.

The many bays and backwaters of the lake have been receiving attention from spring pike anglers.  Some pike have already entered the bays, spawned and gone back out to the lake, but there are still a pile of fish to be had.  

The pike season on LOW is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one fish allowed more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released.

On the Rainy River...  Another great week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  The bite has been very good and lots of fish of all sizes are being boated.    

Sturgeon are being caught from Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River all the way to Birchdale, about 42 miles.  There are many boat ramps along the river to make life easy.  Starting from the east going west...

 

-Nelson Park at Birchdale (About 30 miles east of Baudette)

-Frontier (9 miles west of Birchdale)

-Vidas (Near Clementson Rapids)

-Timbermill Park (East Baudette)

-Peace Park (International Drive, Baudette)

-Wheeler's Point (mouth of Rainy River) 

The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.  

Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release
April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season
May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release
May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed
July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season

If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75").

Up at the NW Angle...  The Angle is ice free.  Resorts are gearing up for the fishing opener which is expected to be excellent.  The late ice bite was very good and the walleyes are in good numbers amongst the islands area of the NW Angle.