Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods in Minnesota as of January 31, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, you can expect cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from 20 to -2 degrees Fahrenheit, and a gentle wind of about 7 mph. It's cold, but that's perfect for ice fishing, which is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods[2].

For those planning their day, sunrise is at 8:12 AM, and sunset will be at 4:46 PM. While there's no tidal report to consider for this freshwater lake, the ice conditions are stable, making it ideal for venturing out.

Fishing activity has been excellent, with anglers reporting good success in various depths. The most productive areas are currently between 26 to 32 feet of water, where mixed schools of walleyes and saugers are abundant. Resorts are continuously moving their fish houses to stay on top of these schools[5].

The fishery is healthy, with a wide range of sizes of walleyes and saugers being caught. Anglers are sorting through fish, releasing those in the protected slot between 19.5 to 28.0 inches, and some are even bringing home walleyes larger than 28 inches. Jumbo perch are also plentiful, and you might catch some eelpout, pike, tullibees, and the occasional sturgeon[5].

For the best results, use a combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups. Flashing and rattling lures in colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are particularly effective. A jigging spoon or lipless crankbait in one hole and a live minnow on a hook or small jig in the other hole can maximize your chances of attracting fish[1][5].

If you're targeting walleyes specifically, the evening hours are your best bet, especially with a lively minnow deadsticked. Some anglers have also reported success with rattle reels overnight. Focus on large mud flats in the 12 to 20 feet depth range for walleyes[5].

For hot spots, consider the areas around Pine Island, where day houses are located 3.5 to 4 miles north. This region has been producing consistent results. Another good area is the deep water triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border, and up to Garden Island, although this is more relevant for open water fishing[1].

In summary, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities right now. With the right gear, lures, and knowledge of the best spots, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day on the ice. Stay warm, and happy angling