Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the current fishing scene at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of January 30, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. It's been quite chilly, with temperatures well below freezing, but that's perfect for ice fishing. The winds have been a bit gusty, so make sure to bundle up and secure your gear.

Sunrise today was at around 7:45 AM, and sunset is expected at about 5:00 PM, giving us a good window for some evening fishing action.

Now, onto the fishing conditions. Ice fishing is in full swing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, and the reports have been nothing short of fantastic. Anglers are finding success in depths ranging from 26 to 32 feet, with many resorts moving their fish houses to stay on top of mixed schools of walleyes and saugers.

The fish activity has been robust, with a wide range of sizes of walleyes and saugers being caught. You'll need to sort through them, releasing the smaller ones and those in the protected slot between 19.5 and 28.0 inches. However, you can possess one walleye measuring 28.0 inches or larger if you're lucky enough to land one.

Jumbo perch are also plentiful, and you might even catch some eelpout (burbot), northern pike, tullibees, and the occasional sturgeon. Electronics are your friend here, helping you spot suspended fish and adjust your presentation accordingly.

For lures, flashing and rattling ones have been particularly effective. Gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are your best bets. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups is the way to go. Use a jigging spoon or lipless crankbait in one hole and a live minnow on a hook or small jig in the other.

If you're targeting walleyes specifically, the best time is during the evening hours with a lively minnow deadsticked. Some anglers have also reported catching walleyes overnight on rattle reels, especially in the 12 to 20 feet of water over large mud flats.

For hot spots, you can't go wrong with the South Shore, particularly around Morris Point Gap, out by the red buoy, and by Lamertson's Rock. These areas are known for their rock bottom and consistent walleye activity. Another great spot is the Northwest Angle and Islands, where reefs in 19-20 feet of water are prime hotspots.

In summary, Lake of the Woods is offering some incredible ice fishing opportunities right now. With the right gear, lures, and knowledge of the best spots, you're set for a memorable fishing trip. So grab your gear, head out, and enjoy the fishing!

Happy angling, and see you on the ice