As of January 5, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for another great day on the ice, given that the lake is now in its winter fishing season.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures ranging from the single digits to the mid-teens Fahrenheit, ideal for ice fishing. Ice conditions are solid, with many resorts and outfitters reporting good ice coverage along the south shore.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 8:04 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:34 PM, giving anglers a good window to get out on the ice.

### Fish Activity
Walleyes and saugers are the primary targets during this time. Fish activity has been excellent, with many anglers reporting steady catches. The fish are often found in various depths, but the sweet spots are typically around 18 to 29 feet, especially over deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas.

### Best Lures and Bait
For ice fishing, vertical jigging with jigs tipped with frozen emerald shiners or other minnows has been highly effective. Popular jig colors include gold, orange, chartreuse, and pink. Using a 3/8 oz jig is a good starting point.

### Hot Spots
- The south end of the lake, particularly around structures and transition areas from rock to mud, has been producing well.
- Areas like Four Mile Bay, Lighthouse Gap, and Morris Point Gap have historically been good spots, though during the winter, focus more on the deeper areas and structural elements.

### Additional Tips
Utilizing sonar technology can be very effective in locating schools of walleyes and saugers under the ice. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines for ice fishing, including using the buddy system and checking ice thickness regularly.

Overall, Lake of the Woods is offering excellent ice fishing conditions, and with the right gear and knowledge, anglers can expect a productive day on the ice.