Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing around Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. As of today, February 3, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a chilly winter morning, with temperatures hovering around 10°F (-12°C) and a light breeze. The sunrise was at 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:07 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice.

Lake of the Woods is a vast and dynamic fishery, and right now, the ice fishing is world-class. The ice conditions are excellent, with many areas having over 2 feet of solid ice, making it safe for both day houses and snowmobiles. If you're planning to venture out, especially in the more remote areas, a snowmobile is highly recommended due to the limited plowed roads.

### Fish Activity and Recent Catches

The walleye and sauger bite has been excellent, with anglers reporting steady action. Recently, fish have been found at depths ranging from 26 to 29 feet, particularly in areas like the day houses located 3.5-4 miles north of Pine Island[1].

In terms of recent catches, walleyes and saugers have been the main targets. The Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods saw a significant harvest last winter, though it was below the six-year average. Walleye harvest was around 75,000 pounds, and sauger harvest was about 100,000 pounds[4].

### Best Lures and Bait

For ice fishing, flashing and rattling lures are particularly effective. Colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns have been attracting a lot of fish. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups is the most productive method right now. Jigging with frozen emerald shiners has also yielded impressive catches[1].

If you prefer natural bait, minnows and leeches are excellent choices. Minnows should be stored in a bucket with plenty of cool water to keep them alive, and leeches should be hooked through the sucker in the tail[3].

### Hot Spots

One of the hot spots right now is the area around Pine Island, where day houses are set up 3.5-4 miles north. This area has been producing good results for walleyes and saugers at depths of 26 to 29 feet[1].

Another great spot is Monument Bay in the southwest section of the lake. This area is known for its deep basins, which are home to a lot of crappies and other species. Look for areas that are 25 to 35 feet deep and fairly close to shore[2].

### Additional Tips

When fishing on Lake of the Woods, it's crucial to use sonar technology to locate schools of fish, especially over deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas. Adjust your weights and speeds according to the depth and speed you're fishing at[1].

Remember to check the local regulations, as there are specific rules for the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods, including catch limits and size restrictions for walleyes and saugers[4].

In conclusion, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities right now. With the right lures, bait, and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. Stay warm, and happy angling