For those venturing out to Lake of the Woods on this chilly December 29th, here’s what you can expect:

First, let's address the ice conditions, as there's no tidal report relevant for this freshwater lake. Ice fishing is in full swing, with many resorts at the Northwest Angle kicking off their season around December 26th. The ice is solid enough to support heated fish houses and marked trails, making it a comfortable and safe experience.

Yesterday's reports indicated good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught, along with some impressive sturgeon. Anglers are finding success in depths of 22-28 feet of water. The fishing has been consistent, with many smaller fish to sort through, but there are plenty of quality keepers to be found.

For bait, frozen emerald shiners and fathead minnows are working exceptionally well. When it comes to lures, gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, and pink jigs are highly recommended. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is often a winning combination.

The Northwest Angle is a hot spot right now, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike being caught. Another area to consider is the Rainy River, where anglers are reporting good numbers of walleyes and saugers, along with some nice-sized sturgeon. However, be cautious on the river due to varying ice thickness and current.

Today's weather is cold, typical for late December, with sunrise at around 7:57 AM and sunset at 4:26 PM. The resorts and outfitters are well-prepared, offering ready-to-go fish houses and marked trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

So, bundle up, grab your gear, and head out to Lake of the Woods for what promises to be a productive and exciting day of ice fishing. Happy fishing