This is Artificial Lure with your Lake of the Woods fishing report for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Sunrise is around 6:22 AM and sunset will be at 8:15 PM. With April bringing average daytime highs near the low 40s and overnight temps dipping into the upper 20s, expect fresh, crisp mornings and brisk winds off the lake. No tides here, but water levels and runoff are up, filling ditches and starting to open up the bays, especially along the south shore and near the mouth of the Rainy River[1][6][9].

The ice season is officially wrapped for most, and spring walleye fishing just closed as of April 14, so now the main target is northern pike. There are still some pockets of ice in back bays, but most anglers are watching closely for open water appearing each day[1]. Rainy River is open and flowing strong, making it a hot destination for catch-and-release sturgeon, and the Wheeler’s Point boat ramp is now accessible[1][3][5].

Pike are on the move, heading toward spawning areas, and early spring is a fantastic time to find trophies in the warmer, shallow back bays. Recommended baits right now are big dead baits set under a float or on a bottom rig, much like you would with a tip-up. If you want to cast, large spoons and flashy crankbaits are working well—think red and white Daredevls or gold and chartreuse Rapalas. Some folks are having luck trolling crankbaits just outside the warming shallows[1][5].

For sturgeon in the river, set up in deep holes or just on the edge of them. Anchor down with a no-roll sinker and sturgeon rig—a heavy leader, 3/0 to 4/0 circle hook loaded with nightcrawlers and a couple emerald shiners for scent. Reports say the river is producing good numbers right now, with healthy fish caught and released every day[1][5].

Recent catches have included a mix of eater-sized pike, the occasional jumbo perch, and plenty of sturgeon. With walleye season closed beginning yesterday, remember all walleye and sauger must be released until the opener in May[1][8].

Best hot spots this week are the secluded back bays east of Morris Point for early season pike, and the Rainy River holes near the Baudette airport or just above Wheeler’s Point for sturgeon[1][5]. If you want action and easy access, Four Mile Bay and Zippel Bay are reliable bets, especially as these areas open up.

In summary, bring dead bait for pike, big spoons or flashy crankbaits, and don’t forget heavy rigs with crawlers for sturgeon. Watch for ice, stay safe, and check in with local resorts for the latest on open water access.

Tight lines out there—spring is just getting started and the big fish are on the move[1][3][5].

Fishing on Lake of the Woods today, April 14, 2025, offers some exciting opportunities despite cooler, overcast weather and a mix of snow and rain. Temperatures are expected to hover between 31°F and 42°F with winds around 13 mph. Sunrise is at 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at 8:10 PM, so anglers have a solid window to hit the water.

The walleye and sauger season officially ends today, making it the last chance to target these species before the closure. Many anglers have reported success with walleyes in deeper waters between 22 and 28 feet, possibly due to spring pre-spawn behaviors. Pike fishing remains open year-round, with larger fish moving into 9-15 feet of water near spawning areas. Big northern pike over 40 inches have been caught using smelt, frozen alewives, or live suckers set near the bottom or just below the ice in these zones. Mixed bags of jumbo perch and crappies are also being caught regularly, especially near Pine Island and the Rainy River.

For lures, jigs tipped with minnows are still the go-to for walleyes and saugers. For pike, larger presentations like dead bait rigs are favored. The "Dirty Bomb" jig, a consistent producer with its flashing color and ability to attract aggressive strikes, continues to be highly effective. For sound and vibration, anglers using the Rapala Rippin’ Rap and jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads have also reported great results in stained waters.

Hot spots to consider include the southern shore near Pine Island, where walleyes and saugers are feeding near the Rainy River outlet, and the Northwest Angle for evening walleye action. The deep mud flats and reefs in the lake remain strong options for anglers willing to adapt presentations based on fish activity observed on electronics.

While weather conditions today may be challenging, the fish are active, and with the right lures and techniques, anglers have a strong chance of ending the season with success.

Here’s the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, focusing on April 13, 2025:

Today’s weather is shaping up with rain showers and overcast skies dominating the area. Temperatures will peak around 50°F, with a low near 39°F. Winds are expected to gust gently at about 8 mph, while humidity stands at 70%. Sunrise was at 6:32 AM, and sunset will be at 8:08 PM, offering plenty of daylight for anglers to get out on the water.

The Rainy River is fully open, and spring fishing is in full swing. Walleye action has been excellent, with reports of healthy slot-sized fish (19.5-28 inches) and some trophy specimens exceeding 28 inches. While the season for walleyes and saugers remains catch-and-release until April 14th, the fishing has been frenetic. If you're targeting walleyes, use jigs tipped with a minnow or plastics in brighter colors to attract attention in the murky water.

Sturgeon fishing is also hitting its prime this spring, with many anglers hooking into large specimens in the Rainy River. The catch-and-release season for sturgeon continues until April 23rd. Use heavy rigs with nightcrawlers or shiners fished on the river bottom for your best chance of landing one of these prehistoric giants.

Northern pike and yellow perch have also been active. Northern pike, especially trophy-sized ones over 40 inches, are being caught in shallower areas like Four Mile Bay and Zippel Bay. Bright spinnerbaits or large jerkbaits work well to entice these aggressive predators.

For hot spots, the Rainy River is your go-to location right now, particularly the stretches near Frontier Landing, Vidas Landing, and Wheeler’s Point. These areas are producing outstanding numbers of walleyes and sturgeon. For those venturing out toward the lake, focus efforts around the south shore near Zippel Bay, where northern pike are patrolling closer to shore.

As for the best lures, jigs paired with minnows or bright plastics are excelling for walleye. For northern pike, large crankbaits and silver or chartreuse spoons have been go-to options. Bottom rigs with nightcrawlers are your ticket for sturgeon.

Fishing on Lake of the Woods this spring has been fantastic, and today promises another great outing for anglers. Whether you’re after trophy walleyes, monster sturgeon, or aggressive northern pike, the opportunities are abundant. Grab your gear and get out there!

Fishing Report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota – April 12, 2025

Good morning anglers! It’s shaping up to be a great day of fishing on Lake of the Woods. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and reel in some big ones.

**Weather:** The day starts off chilly but warms up into the mid-40s by afternoon, with partly cloudy skies and light winds. Perfect for spring fishing conditions.

**Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise will be at 6:50 AM, and sunset at 7:55 PM, giving you over 13 hours of daylight to get on the bite.

**Water and Ice Conditions:** Many landings are now open, including Timbermill Landing and others upstream of Wheeler’s Point. Open water is stretching further along the Rainy River, and ice is breaking up at the mouth of the lake. For safe access, stick to boat ramps and paved roads.

**Fish Activity:** Walleyes are on the move, heading into pre-spawn feeding. You’ll find them in deeper waters, around 22-28 feet, where they’re staging before heading shallow to spawn. Northern pike are also aggressive, and sturgeon are beginning to stir.

**Recent Catches:** Anglers have been hooking into a mixed bag this week—walleyes in the 15-20 inch range, jumbo perch, and 2-to-3-pound northern pike have been common. Guides near the islands and along the Rainy River have reported a healthy number of fish over the past few days.

**Hotspots:**
1. Around Wheeler’s Point – Both Rainy River and the mouth of the lake have seen solid action for walleyes and sturgeon.
2. The island area – Deeper waters of 24-28 feet between Garden Island and the US/Canada border are producing good sizes and numbers.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
- Bright, noisy lures like the Rapala Rippin’ Rap or jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head are excellent for walleyes. Pink, gold, and blue are standout colors right now.
- For northern pike, flashy spinners and live minnows should do the trick.
- If targeting sturgeon, a heavy rig with nightcrawlers or cut bait works best.

**Tips of the Day:** Jigging with a steady rhythm is effective for walleyes. If the bite slows, switch to a deadstick setup to entice more cautious fish. For those after trophy sturgeon, anchor up near deep holes in the Rainy River and be patient—it’s worth the wait.

Enjoy the beautiful day on the water! Tight lines and happy fishing from Lake of the Woods.

Fishing Report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Today’s report focuses on the exciting spring fishing opportunities at Lake of the Woods—Minnesota’s walleye capital.

The weather is overcast, with a high of 51°F and a low of 29°F. A light breeze of around 5 mph keeps the air crisp, and snow earlier this morning has transitioned to drier conditions throughout the day. Sunrise was at 6:36 a.m., and sunset will be at 8:05 p.m., giving you ample daylight to enjoy your time on the water.

Fishing conditions have been promising, with ice receding steadily and open water becoming more accessible. Key areas like Nelson Landing, Frontier Landing, and Vitus Landing are now fully open for boats. Timbermill Landing still has thin shore ice, but this is expected to clear soon.

Recent catches have been excellent. Anglers are reporting significant numbers of walleye, sauger, and northern pike, with good action in depths of 22-28 feet. Big trophy catches, including 62-inch sturgeon near Wheeler’s Point, have highlighted just how productive this spring season can be. Walleye, in particular, are plentiful, with sizes ranging from 12 to 28 inches, though larger specimens have been pulled in.

Pro tips for lure selection include jigging rods paired with live or frozen minnows. Flashing and rattling lures, in colors like gold, pink, and white, have been particularly effective. The "Dirty Bomb" jig, a local favorite, continues to outperform other options. If you’re targeting northern pike, try spinnerbaits or shallow-diving crankbaits near weedy areas. For sturgeon, consider heavy setups with nightcrawlers or minnows.

Hot spots to consider today are:
1. The Rainy River near Baudette: Open water is drawing walleye, sturgeon, and pike as they migrate upstream for spawning. The International Bridge area is a prime zone for these species.
2. Wheeler’s Point: A mix of open water and ice here is a hub of activity for large sturgeon and aggressive pike.

Remember, current regulations require catch-and-release for walleye through April 14, but sturgeon keep season starts soon, from April 24 to May 7, for specified sizes.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day to cast a line at Lake of the Woods. Tight lines, and may your nets be heavy!

Today, April 9, 2025, it’s a promising day for anglers at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, despite some chilly spring temperatures. The weather is overcast with temperatures hovering around 40°F, accompanied by light winds of approximately 5 mph. This stable weather provides favorable fishing conditions, as the calmer waters help with both boat stability and lure presentation. Sunrise was at 6:40 a.m., and sunset is expected at 8:02 p.m., giving anglers plenty of daylight to make the most of their outings.

The walleye and sauger bite continues to be strong as the April 14 season closure approaches. Anglers are reporting great success fishing in deeper water, ranging from 22 to 28 feet, as walleye schools remain active in these depths. Shiners are starting to spawn, which has also encouraged some shallow water activity, particularly in areas with warmer water along the southern shoreline. Northern pike, yellow perch, and even lake sturgeon are also being caught, showcasing the diversity of the lake's offerings.

When it comes to tackle, the go-to presentation remains a jig and live minnow, which has been highly effective for walleyes and saugers. Jigging gold, pink, or wonderbread-colored lures offers great visibility in Lake of the Woods’ stained waters. The Dirty Bomb lure, which has been a standout this year, continues to attract attention with its blinking multi-color feature and effectiveness when paired with live minnows. For those looking to cover more ground, trolling crankbaits with firetiger, chrome/blue, or pink UV patterns has also been successful.

Hot spots to check out today include Pine Island and Long Point, where fish are patrolling both deep waters and the transitions to sandy shallows. Big Traverse Bay's southern edge is another productive area, with schools of walleye and sauger actively feeding. For anglers targeting northern pike, the weedy shallows near Zippel Bay and the Rainy River mouth are delivering consistent action.

Recent catches have shown a mixed bag of species. Walleyes in the 15 to 23-inch range have been common, with a few trophy fish over 28 inches reported. Saugers, jumbo perch, and northern pike around 2 to 4 pounds are also making regular appearances. For sturgeon anglers, the Rainy River continues to offer exciting opportunities, with some truly large fish being landed during this pre-spawn period.

Whether you’re an avid angler or a casual fisherman, Lake of the Woods is delivering excellent action as we move into spring. Bundle up, grab your gear, and enjoy all this world-class fishery has to offer today!

Lake of the Woods anglers are in for a rewarding time on April 4, 2025, with the spring transition bringing fish closer to spawning grounds. The weather is mild with daytime highs near 50°F, calm winds, and clear skies, perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM, with sunset at 7:44 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to work the lake.

The walleye and sauger season remains open until April 14, with catch-and-release regulations on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. Reports from around the lake this week highlight excellent action in 22 to 28 feet of water, particularly near Pine Island and deeper mud areas in Big Traverse Bay. Jigging with a frozen emerald shiner is a recommended approach, as it consistently draws bites. Anglers using spinners tipped with minnows or crawlers have also found success, especially when covering ground along shoreline breaks or deeper flats.

Pike activity has ramped up significantly, with big fish pushing the 40-inch mark being caught in 9 to 15 feet of water. Dead bait setups with suckers, frozen alewives, or smelt positioned near the bottom are favored for targeting these aggressive spawners. Jumbo perch and crappie are also being caught in good numbers across the lake.

Hot spots include the south shore near Pine Island, which is seeing great walleye feeding activity, and the Northwest Angle, where evening bites remain particularly fruitful for a mixed bag of species including walleyes, jumbo perch, and pike.

For lures, gold, pink, and glow patterns are top performers right now. Flashing, rattling lures such as the Dirty Bomb or jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head are excellent for enticing fish in stained waters. Anglers targeting walleye on crankbaits should stick to natural or UV colors, with firetiger and chartreuse proving effective at covering deeper waters.

Be sure to keep an eye on water conditions and fish throughout the water column with electronics. Both jigging and deadsticking techniques are working well. Whether anchoring up or trolling slowly, the bite is active if you're in the right areas. Tight lines and happy angling!

The fishing scene today, April 4, 2025, at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, is shaping up to be fantastic for anglers braving the cool temperatures. The weather forecast indicates a high of 36°F and a low of 19°F, so bundle up and be prepared for chillier conditions. Sunrise is at 7:13 AM, with sunset at 7:39 PM, giving you over 12 hours of daylight to enjoy out on the water.

The walleye and sauger bite remains strong as their season continues through April 14. Recent reports highlight excellent fishing results, especially in depths of 22-28 feet, where these species are transitioning closer to spawning areas. Pike fishing is also in full swing, with many large specimens reaching up to 40 inches. Jigging with a minnow or frozen emerald shiners remains an effective method for walleyes, while pike anglers are finding success with frozen smelt, alewife, or suckers suspended just under the ice.

Other species in abundance include jumbo perch, crappies, and even sturgeon, which can be fished for through May 15. Anglers targeting these giants in the Rainy River have reported thrilling catches. The Rainy River’s strong current is creating ideal conditions for catching a variety of fish species, particularly in areas with slight current breaks.

For lures, flashing and rattling options like the Dirty Bomb or Rapala Rippin’ Rap are excellent choices for attracting walleyes, especially when tipped with a minnow head. Gold, pink, and chartreuse are the go-to colors. Jigging spoons with rattles are equally effective in the stained waters of Lake of the Woods. For pike, larger, aggressive lures and dead baits are yielding impressive results.

Two hotspots to consider are Pine Island, where walleyes are staging as they head into the Rainy River, and the Northwest Angle, which continues to deliver solid evening bites for walleyes, along with consistent action for pike and jumbo perch. Both areas offer opportunities for mixed bags of fish and plenty of excitement.

Whether you are jigging in deeper waters or trying your luck near shallow spawning zones, Lake of the Woods is ready to reward anglers with memorable catches. Stay safe, dress warmly, and happy fishing!

Good morning from Lake of the Woods, Minnesota! Today, April 4, 2025, fishing is shaping up to be promising as we transition into early spring. This iconic angling destination is buzzing with activity, with catch-and-release walleye and sturgeon seasons underway.

The weather today is overcast with highs around 43°F and lows dropping to 15°F later in the evening. Light snow is expected by tonight, with moderate winds making it feel cooler. Sunrise was at 6:50 AM, and sunset will be at 7:55 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to enjoy the waters.

Recent catches have been solid. Anglers are pulling in a mix of walleyes, saugers, perch, jumbo crappies, and northern pike. Reports from Rainy River and the south shore show good activity, with many walleyes moving through in 21 to 32 feet of water. The Rainy River’s current breaks are attracting fish due to stronger flows, offering great opportunities for jigging with frozen emerald shiners or minnows.

The best-performing lures right now include gold, pink, chartreuse, and glow red jigs, as well as jigging spoons and lipless crankbaits tipped with minnow heads. Deadsticking with small jigs and live minnows is another excellent tactic, especially at lower depths. Keep your sonar handy to locate schools of fish, as their patterns are still transitioning from the winter season.

Hotspots include the area around Pine Island and the Zippel Bay region, where walleye and sauger action remains consistent. Another prime area is the Northwest Angle, where anglers targeting shallow mud flats and structures are enjoying success. Rainy River’s Birchdale and Frontier Landings are seeing good activity, mainly during the morning and evening hours.

Looking forward to the coming weeks, sturgeon fishing will become a focal point, with the keep season beginning on April 24. Until then, you can enjoy catch-and-release action for these river giants.

If you’re heading out, bundle up against the cold wind, and don’t forget to check your gear. It’s a great time to hit the water and make the most of the spring migration. Tight lines and good luck!

Good morning anglers! Here’s today’s fishing report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of April 4, 2025.

The weather today is chilly, with a high of 43°F and a low of 15°F. Light snow showers are expected later in the day, and the skies remain overcast, with an 8 mph breeze making it feel colder. Sunrise is at 6:50 am, with sunset at 7:55 pm. Dress warmly and be prepared for the elements if you’re heading out on the ice or river.

Fishing activity is transitioning as ice conditions on the south shore continue to weaken. Most resorts have pulled their fish houses, but there are still pockets of ice-fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, the Rainy River is opening up, with boat ramps at Birchdale and Frontier Access ice-free and ready for early spring anglers. Be cautious of ice conditions and stay updated with local guides or resorts for safety.

Walleyes and saugers remain the stars of the show as the walleye season stays open until April 14th. On the Rainy River, walleye fishing is currently catch-and-release, but the action has been strong with live minnows, plastics, and jigging setups. Anchoring near deeper holes or transitions from mud to sand has been fruitful. Jigging with bright colors such as gold, chartreuse, pink, and orange remains effective. Some anglers are also reporting incidental sturgeon catches while targeting walleyes in the river using the same setups.

For those ice fishing, depths of 26 to 29 feet on the south shore have been producing mixed bags of walleyes, saugers, and the occasional perch. Flashing and rattling lures like the "dirty bomb" or jigs in gold, pink, or white work well when tipped with a minnow head or tail. Jigging combined with deadstick rods continues to be an effective strategy. Perch and crappie fishing is also ongoing, and northern pike remains an exciting option for those geared up for larger predators.

Hotspots to try include Four Mile Bay near the Rainy River and the southern stretches of Big Traverse Bay. For open waters, the Rainy River near Birchdale is starting to heat up as fish move upriver for spawning.

Whether you’re jigging on the ice or casting into the open river, now is a great time to hit Lake of the Woods. Remember to use proper safety precautions, especially with changing ice and weather conditions. Tight lines and good luck!