Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for March 21, 2025.
We're looking at a chilly start to the day with temperatures around 6°F, warming up to about 24°F by afternoon. Expect cloudy skies throughout the day with light winds from the northwest. Sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon at 7:33 PM.
Ice fishing is still going strong on Lake of the Woods, with ice thickness ranging from 24 to 30 inches in most areas. The bite has been steady, with anglers reporting good catches of walleye and sauger in 26 to 32 feet of water. Some bigger walleyes are coming through suspended, so keep an eye on your electronics.
Walleye and sauger have been the main targets, with some nice perch mixed in. Anglers are averaging 15 to 25 fish per day, with some real lunkers in the mix. Just last week, Jimmy from Baudette pulled in a 29-inch walleye that had everyone talking at the bait shop.
For lures, you can't go wrong with a classic gold or pink and white jig. The Lindy Rattlin' Flyer Spoon in gold/red glow or fire tiger has been hot lately. Tip it with a minnow head for extra attraction. On your dead stick, try a plain hook or small jig with a live minnow about 6 inches off the bottom.
If you're looking to switch it up, some folks have been having luck with lipless crankbaits like the Rapala Rippin' Rap. The rattle seems to be drawing in those bigger walleyes.
For you pike hunters out there, focus on depths of 9 to 15 feet near weed edges. Large spoons or big minnows under tip-ups are your best bet.
As for hot spots, the mud flats north of Pine Island have been producing consistently. Another area to check out is the deep basin east of Garden Island, where some bigger walleyes have been hanging out.
Remember, folks, the walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th, so we've still got some prime ice fishing ahead of us. Lake of the Woods Tourism reports that most resorts and outfitters are still running their ice road operations, but it's always a good idea to check with them for the latest conditions.
That's all for now, anglers. Stay safe out there, keep your lines tight, and don't forget to share your catch with us down at the bait shop. This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time!