As of January 4, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is quite different from the warmer months, given that we are in the midst of winter. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect:

First off, there's no tidal report to consider since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, not influenced by tides. The weather is cold, with temperatures well below freezing, which means ice fishing is the primary method right now.

Sunrise today is around 8:04 AM, and sunset is at about 4:34 PM, giving you a relatively short window to get out on the ice.

Fish activity is good, especially for walleye and sauger. Anglers have been reporting steady catches, particularly in areas with structures like reefs and transition zones from rock to mud. The ice is solid, allowing for safe travel to various hot spots.

Yesterday, anglers caught a good number of walleyes and saugers, with some northern pike mixed in. The best depths have been around 18 to 29 feet, where fish are congregating near structures and in deep muddy areas.

For lures, vertical jigging with jigs tipped with frozen emerald shiners or fathead minnows has been highly effective. Colors like gold, pink, and chartreuse are popular choices. Some anglers are also using two or three hook crawler harnesses with flashy spinner blades in similar colors.

Hot spots include the south end of the lake, particularly around Four Mile Bay, Lighthouse Gap, and Morris Point Gap. The deep water triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border and up to Garden Island is also holding a significant number of big walleyes and saugers.

Remember to stay safe on the ice, and enjoy the winter fishing experience at Lake of the Woods.