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"Icy Walleye Wonderland: A Guide to Winter Fishing on Lake of the Woods"
As of January 17, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the ice.
First, let's talk about the ice conditions. According to Captain Ben at Border View Lodge, the ice on the south shore of Lake of the Woods is in great shape, with heavy traffic from anglers and resorts. The ice is solid enough to support both ATVs and larger vehicles, making it easier to get to your favorite spots.
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day with cold temperatures, which is perfect for ice fishing. Sunrise today is at 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window to get out and catch some fish.
Fish activity has been excellent, particularly for walleyes. Anglers are reporting nice catches of walleyes while using nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners. For walleye fishing, pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream or using a jig and minnow in isolated spots have been highly effective. The protected slot for walleyes here is 19.5 to 28 inches, and you can keep one trophy walleye over 28 inches[1][3].
Sturgeon anglers are also having a good time, and it's not uncommon to catch some nice walleyes while targeting sturgeon. Smallmouth bass anglers are finding success in areas with rock and bridges using tube jigs, small crankbaits, and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer[1].
For hot spots, focus on the south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay areas. These regions have numerous islands and reefs that are known to hold good numbers of fish. The deep mud flats in these areas are also holding big schools of walleyes[1][3].
In terms of lures and bait, crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and jigs are your best bets. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits have been very effective, especially in depths of 24 to 35 feet. For jigging, use a jig and minnow combination in shallower waters or transition areas from rock to mud[1].
While Lake of the Woods does not have tides like coastal areas, the water levels can be influenced by the hydroelectric dam on the Rainy River. However, this does not significantly impact ice fishing conditions at this time of year[2].
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful winter scenery to enjoy. Just remember to check the local regulations and respect the protected slot limits to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
First, let's talk about the ice conditions. According to Captain Ben at Border View Lodge, the ice on the south shore of Lake of the Woods is in great shape, with heavy traffic from anglers and resorts. The ice is solid enough to support both ATVs and larger vehicles, making it easier to get to your favorite spots.
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day with cold temperatures, which is perfect for ice fishing. Sunrise today is at 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window to get out and catch some fish.
Fish activity has been excellent, particularly for walleyes. Anglers are reporting nice catches of walleyes while using nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners. For walleye fishing, pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream or using a jig and minnow in isolated spots have been highly effective. The protected slot for walleyes here is 19.5 to 28 inches, and you can keep one trophy walleye over 28 inches[1][3].
Sturgeon anglers are also having a good time, and it's not uncommon to catch some nice walleyes while targeting sturgeon. Smallmouth bass anglers are finding success in areas with rock and bridges using tube jigs, small crankbaits, and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer[1].
For hot spots, focus on the south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay areas. These regions have numerous islands and reefs that are known to hold good numbers of fish. The deep mud flats in these areas are also holding big schools of walleyes[1][3].
In terms of lures and bait, crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and jigs are your best bets. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits have been very effective, especially in depths of 24 to 35 feet. For jigging, use a jig and minnow combination in shallower waters or transition areas from rock to mud[1].
While Lake of the Woods does not have tides like coastal areas, the water levels can be influenced by the hydroelectric dam on the Rainy River. However, this does not significantly impact ice fishing conditions at this time of year[2].
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful winter scenery to enjoy. Just remember to check the local regulations and respect the protected slot limits to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
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By Quiet. PleaseAs of January 17, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the ice.
First, let's talk about the ice conditions. According to Captain Ben at Border View Lodge, the ice on the south shore of Lake of the Woods is in great shape, with heavy traffic from anglers and resorts. The ice is solid enough to support both ATVs and larger vehicles, making it easier to get to your favorite spots.
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day with cold temperatures, which is perfect for ice fishing. Sunrise today is at 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window to get out and catch some fish.
Fish activity has been excellent, particularly for walleyes. Anglers are reporting nice catches of walleyes while using nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners. For walleye fishing, pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream or using a jig and minnow in isolated spots have been highly effective. The protected slot for walleyes here is 19.5 to 28 inches, and you can keep one trophy walleye over 28 inches[1][3].
Sturgeon anglers are also having a good time, and it's not uncommon to catch some nice walleyes while targeting sturgeon. Smallmouth bass anglers are finding success in areas with rock and bridges using tube jigs, small crankbaits, and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer[1].
For hot spots, focus on the south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay areas. These regions have numerous islands and reefs that are known to hold good numbers of fish. The deep mud flats in these areas are also holding big schools of walleyes[1][3].
In terms of lures and bait, crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and jigs are your best bets. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits have been very effective, especially in depths of 24 to 35 feet. For jigging, use a jig and minnow combination in shallower waters or transition areas from rock to mud[1].
While Lake of the Woods does not have tides like coastal areas, the water levels can be influenced by the hydroelectric dam on the Rainy River. However, this does not significantly impact ice fishing conditions at this time of year[2].
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful winter scenery to enjoy. Just remember to check the local regulations and respect the protected slot limits to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
First, let's talk about the ice conditions. According to Captain Ben at Border View Lodge, the ice on the south shore of Lake of the Woods is in great shape, with heavy traffic from anglers and resorts. The ice is solid enough to support both ATVs and larger vehicles, making it easier to get to your favorite spots.
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day with cold temperatures, which is perfect for ice fishing. Sunrise today is at 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving you a good window to get out and catch some fish.
Fish activity has been excellent, particularly for walleyes. Anglers are reporting nice catches of walleyes while using nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners. For walleye fishing, pulling spinners or crankbaits upstream or using a jig and minnow in isolated spots have been highly effective. The protected slot for walleyes here is 19.5 to 28 inches, and you can keep one trophy walleye over 28 inches[1][3].
Sturgeon anglers are also having a good time, and it's not uncommon to catch some nice walleyes while targeting sturgeon. Smallmouth bass anglers are finding success in areas with rock and bridges using tube jigs, small crankbaits, and bladed jigs with a plastic trailer[1].
For hot spots, focus on the south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay areas. These regions have numerous islands and reefs that are known to hold good numbers of fish. The deep mud flats in these areas are also holding big schools of walleyes[1][3].
In terms of lures and bait, crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and jigs are your best bets. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses and trolling crankbaits have been very effective, especially in depths of 24 to 35 feet. For jigging, use a jig and minnow combination in shallower waters or transition areas from rock to mud[1].
While Lake of the Woods does not have tides like coastal areas, the water levels can be influenced by the hydroelectric dam on the Rainy River. However, this does not significantly impact ice fishing conditions at this time of year[2].
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful winter scenery to enjoy. Just remember to check the local regulations and respect the protected slot limits to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.