As of January 26, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is buzzing with activity. First, let's address the environment: since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, tidal reports are not applicable here. However, the weather is crisp and cold, perfect for ice fishing.

Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:00 PM, giving anglers a good window to be out on the ice. The ice conditions are stable, with day houses located 3.5 to 4 miles north of Pine Island being hot spots.

Anglers are reporting excellent success, particularly with walleye and sauger. Yesterday saw a steady catch of these species, with many fish being pulled in from depths ranging from 26 to 29 feet. The combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing the chances of attracting fish.

Flashing and rattling lures are getting the most attention from the fish, with gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns being the best colors to use. These lures are effective in getting the fish to bite, especially when paired with the right bait.

For bait, traditional choices like minnows and jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or tails are working well. The key is to keep your presentation active and enticing, as the fish are quite responsive to movement and noise.

If you're looking for specific hot spots, the area around Pine Island and the deeper waters from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border are holding a significant number of big walleyes and sauger. Additionally, the shorelines in 12-18 feet of water from Pine Island to Long Point are also teeming with active fish.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Woods, so grab your gear and enjoy the ice fishing Just remember to check the local regulations for size and catch limits to ensure a sustainable fishing experience. Happy angling