As of January 10, 2025, ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is in full swing, with solid ice conditions reported across the south shore and the Northwest Angle. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties, making for ideal ice fishing conditions.

Sunrise today is at around 7:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving anglers a good window to be out on the ice.

Yesterday saw decent numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught, along with some nice-sized sturgeon. Most fishing activity is concentrated in 26 to 32 feet of water. Anglers are sorting through some smaller fish to catch their keepers, with occasional slot or trophy walleyes showing up in the buckets. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding to the excitement.

For effective fishing, anglers are using a combination of techniques. The one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole is proving successful. Popular lures include jigs paired with minnows or fatheads, and deadsticking with jigging spoons or rattle baits. For bait, minnows, fatheads, and even frozen emerald shiners are working well.

Hot spots include the points, reefs, and deep mud areas around the Northwest Angle, where resorts have placed fish houses. On the south shore, areas like the transition zones from rock to mud and mid-lake basin flats are holding good numbers of fish.

Remember to check with local resorts for specific ice road weight limits and to stay safe, especially on the Rainy River where ice conditions can vary due to the current. With the right gear and knowledge of the local conditions, you're set for a productive day on the ice at Lake of the Woods.

On Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of January 9, 2025, the fishing scene is vibrant, especially with the ice fishing season in full swing. Here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather is cold, ideal for ice fishing. The ice on the south shore is solid, with resorts and outfitters continuing to improve access daily.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 8:04 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:43 PM, giving you a good window for fishing.

### Fish Activity
Walleyes and saugers are the main targets this time of year. Anglers have been catching good numbers of both species. Yesterday, many reported catching walleyes in the 12-20 foot range over sand and mud basins, as well as in deeper waters around 28-32 feet.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes, drifting or trolling crawler harnesses with a two-ounce bottom bouncer and a two-snelled spinner in colors like gold, gold/pink, or orange/chartreuse have been effective. Trolling crankbaits over the mud basin, especially with lead core line or downriggers, has also yielded good results. Nightcrawlers and frozen emerald shiners are excellent baits, especially when soaking them for sturgeon and walleyes.

### Hot Spots
- The mud basins in mid-lake areas are holding big numbers of walleyes. Focus on depths of 30-36 feet.
- Reefs and transition areas from rock to mud are also productive. Use your electronics to locate fish on top of the reef, on the edges, or in the transition areas.
- For those fishing the Rainy River, target the edges of the main current where water is slower moving, such as points, bridges, and underwater structures.

### Additional Notes
While Lake of the Woods is a large lake without significant tidal influences, the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and river flow. However, this does not significantly impact ice fishing conditions.

Overall, the fishing on Lake of the Woods is excellent right now, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Make sure to check with local resorts and outfitters for the latest ice conditions and fishing tips.

As of January 5, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for another great day on the ice, given that the lake is now in its winter fishing season.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures ranging from the single digits to the mid-teens Fahrenheit, ideal for ice fishing. Ice conditions are solid, with many resorts and outfitters reporting good ice coverage along the south shore.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 8:04 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:34 PM, giving anglers a good window to get out on the ice.

### Fish Activity
Walleyes and saugers are the primary targets during this time. Fish activity has been excellent, with many anglers reporting steady catches. The fish are often found in various depths, but the sweet spots are typically around 18 to 29 feet, especially over deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas.

### Best Lures and Bait
For ice fishing, vertical jigging with jigs tipped with frozen emerald shiners or other minnows has been highly effective. Popular jig colors include gold, orange, chartreuse, and pink. Using a 3/8 oz jig is a good starting point.

### Hot Spots
- The south end of the lake, particularly around structures and transition areas from rock to mud, has been producing well.
- Areas like Four Mile Bay, Lighthouse Gap, and Morris Point Gap have historically been good spots, though during the winter, focus more on the deeper areas and structural elements.

### Additional Tips
Utilizing sonar technology can be very effective in locating schools of walleyes and saugers under the ice. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines for ice fishing, including using the buddy system and checking ice thickness regularly.

Overall, Lake of the Woods is offering excellent ice fishing conditions, and with the right gear and knowledge, anglers can expect a productive day on the ice.

As of January 4, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is quite different from the warmer months, given that we are in the midst of winter. Here’s a local’s perspective on what you can expect:

First off, there's no tidal report to consider since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, not influenced by tides. The weather is cold, with temperatures well below freezing, which means ice fishing is the primary method right now.

Sunrise today is around 8:04 AM, and sunset is at about 4:34 PM, giving you a relatively short window to get out on the ice.

Fish activity is good, especially for walleye and sauger. Anglers have been reporting steady catches, particularly in areas with structures like reefs and transition zones from rock to mud. The ice is solid, allowing for safe travel to various hot spots.

Yesterday, anglers caught a good number of walleyes and saugers, with some northern pike mixed in. The best depths have been around 18 to 29 feet, where fish are congregating near structures and in deep muddy areas.

For lures, vertical jigging with jigs tipped with frozen emerald shiners or fathead minnows has been highly effective. Colors like gold, pink, and chartreuse are popular choices. Some anglers are also using two or three hook crawler harnesses with flashy spinner blades in similar colors.

Hot spots include the south end of the lake, particularly around Four Mile Bay, Lighthouse Gap, and Morris Point Gap. The deep water triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border and up to Garden Island is also holding a significant number of big walleyes and saugers.

Remember to stay safe on the ice, and enjoy the winter fishing experience at Lake of the Woods.

As of January 3, 2025, the fishing scene on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for another productive ice fishing season. Here’s what you need to know:

**Weather and Ice Conditions:**
The weather has been cold, which is ideal for ice fishing. Ice conditions along the south shore of Lake of the Woods are solid, with resorts and outfitters reporting good ice coverage. This is a great time to get out on the ice.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise today is at around 8:04 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:34 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially since evenings have been the best time for catching certain species.

**Fish Activity:**
Walleye fishing has been excellent, with anglers catching a variety of sizes, from small fish to trophy walleyes. The protected slot for walleyes on Lake of the Woods is 19.5 to 28 inches, and you can keep one trophy walleye over 28 inches. Yesterday, anglers reported catching walleyes in various depths, but the mud basins and mid-lake structures like bars, humps, and hard-bottom areas of the flats have been particularly productive.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For walleyes, drifting or trolling crawler harnesses with a two-ounce bottom bouncer and a two-snelled spinner in colors like gold, gold/pink, or orange/chartreuse have been effective. Trolling crankbaits over the mud basin, especially in the 28-32 foot range, has also yielded good results. Use lead core line, snap weights, or downriggers to get your crankbaits down to the schools of fish.

**Northern Pike:**
Northern pike anglers have been successful using live suckers or dead bait like smelt and herring suspended below large floats in 8 to 14 feet of water. As the water warms up, casting spoons, jerkbaits, and large soft plastic swim baits will become more effective.

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on the mid-lake structures such as bars, humps, and the transition areas from rock to mud. The mud basins are also holding big numbers of fish. For northern pike, target the main lake breaklines adjacent to shallow water spawning creeks and shallow bays.

**Tidal Report:**
Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, so there are no tidal changes to consider.

Overall, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities right now. Make sure to check the ice conditions before heading out and use the right gear and techniques to maximize your catch.

As of January 2, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for a productive winter season, although the primary focus now is on ice fishing given the time of year.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The weather has been cold, with surface water temperatures well below freezing, which has allowed the ice to form and thicken. Currently, the ice conditions are favorable for ice fishing, with many resorts having day houses set up and anglers reporting good ice thickness.

### Sunrise and Sunset
For January 2, sunrise is around 8:04 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:34 PM. These shorter days mean anglers need to make the most of the daylight hours.

### Fish Activity
Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and northern pike are the main targets during this time. Fish activity remains strong, especially in the deeper areas and transition zones from rock to mud.

### Catch Reports
Yesterday, anglers reported catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers, along with some jumbo perch and northern pike. The fish are often found in depths ranging from 24 to 35 feet, particularly in the mid-lake basin flats and around structural elements like reefs and weed edges.

### Best Lures and Bait
For ice fishing, vertical jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners is highly effective. Jig colors such as gold, gold-glow white, gold-chartreuse, gold-orange, and gold-pink are recommended. Using Lindy rigs with lively minnows (4-6 inches) is also productive.

### Hot Spots
- The south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the mid-lake basin flats, is a hot spot for walleyes and saugers.
- Areas like Four Mile Bay, Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point Gap, and around Pine Island are known for their consistent fish activity.
- The deep water triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border and up to Garden Island is another promising area.

### Additional Tips
Using sonar technology to locate schools of fish in the deeper muddy and sand to mud transition areas can be very effective. Be flexible with your fishing techniques, as conditions can change quickly, and adjust your presentation accordingly.

Overall, Lake of the Woods is offering excellent ice fishing opportunities, and with the right gear and knowledge, anglers can expect a successful day on the ice.

For those venturing out to Lake of the Woods on this chilly December 29th, here’s what you can expect:

First, let's address the ice conditions, as there's no tidal report relevant for this freshwater lake. Ice fishing is in full swing, with many resorts at the Northwest Angle kicking off their season around December 26th. The ice is solid enough to support heated fish houses and marked trails, making it a comfortable and safe experience.

Yesterday's reports indicated good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught, along with some impressive sturgeon. Anglers are finding success in depths of 22-28 feet of water. The fishing has been consistent, with many smaller fish to sort through, but there are plenty of quality keepers to be found.

For bait, frozen emerald shiners and fathead minnows are working exceptionally well. When it comes to lures, gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, and pink jigs are highly recommended. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is often a winning combination.

The Northwest Angle is a hot spot right now, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike being caught. Another area to consider is the Rainy River, where anglers are reporting good numbers of walleyes and saugers, along with some nice-sized sturgeon. However, be cautious on the river due to varying ice thickness and current.

Today's weather is cold, typical for late December, with sunrise at around 7:57 AM and sunset at 4:26 PM. The resorts and outfitters are well-prepared, offering ready-to-go fish houses and marked trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

So, bundle up, grab your gear, and head out to Lake of the Woods for what promises to be a productive and exciting day of ice fishing. Happy fishing

As of December 28, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is buzzing with activity. Given that Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, there is no tidal report to consider, but the ice conditions and weather are crucial.

The weather has been cold, ideal for ice fishing, with the sun rising around 8:00 AM and setting around 4:30 PM. This time of year, the ice is solid enough to support heated fish houses and marked ice trails, making it a comfortable and safe experience for anglers.

Yesterday saw excellent catches of walleyes, saugers, and even some sturgeon on the Rainy River. Anglers are primarily fishing in depths of 22-28 feet of water, where the mud basins are holding big numbers of fish. Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners has been highly effective for catching walleyes and saugers. Drifting or trolling crawler harnesses with a two-ounce bottom bouncer and a spinner, especially in gold, gold/pink, orange/chartreuse colors, is also yielding good results.

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing has just begun, and initial reports are very positive. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike. Jigging, trolling spinners, and trolling crankbaits are the preferred methods here.

For those targeting sturgeon on the Rainy River, catch-and-release fishing has been excellent. Anchoring up on a hole or adjacent to a hole and using nightcrawlers with flat no roll sinkers and sturgeon rigs is the way to go.

Hot spots include the south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly over the mud basins in 22-28 feet of water. The Rainy River, especially the edges of the main current where water is slower moving, is also a great spot. At the Northwest Angle, focus on areas around rocky points, bays, and sunken islands.

Remember to work with a resort or outfitter to ensure safe and successful trips, especially on the Rainy River where ice conditions can vary. Happy fishing

As of December 27, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is gearing up for some excellent ice fishing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

First, there are no tides to worry about on Lake of the Woods, so you can fish at your convenience. The weather is cold, which is typical for this time of year, with sunrise at around 8:00 AM and sunset at about 4:30 PM.

Yesterday's fishing reports indicated good numbers of walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch staged across the south shore. These fish are primarily being caught through vertical jigging, with frozen emerald shiners being the go-to bait. Live or frozen emerald shiners are catching most of the walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch.

For the best results, focus on depths of 10-25 feet of water. Areas such as the south side of the lake, particularly from the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods, west to the Morris Point area, and the Zippel Bay area to Long Point, are hot spots. These areas often have fish over mud with no specific structure, but plenty of forage to attract them.

Jig colors that are working well include gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, and orange. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is a winning combination.

On the Rainy River, fishing reports have been very good, with many anglers catching their limits of walleyes. Muskie fishing has also been strong, especially amongst the islands, which is typical for late fall.

If you're looking for specific spots, consider the deep mud east and northeast of Little Oak Island, and the areas around Pine Island and from Zippel Bay to Long Point. These locations have been consistent in producing good catches of walleyes and saugers.

Get out there, anchor up, and start jigging – it’s looking like a great day to catch some fish on Lake of the Woods.

As of December 26, 2024, ice fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is in full swing, especially on the south end and the Northwest Angle. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the ice.

### Weather and Ice Conditions
The recent cold wave has set the ice nicely, with temperatures expected to stay below freezing, often hitting single digits. This has led to significant ice formation, with many areas now having several inches of ice. However, it's crucial to remember that ice conditions can vary greatly from one area to another, so it's best to work through your favorite resort or outfitter for the latest updates and safe ice roads[1].

### Sunrise and Sunset
For December 26, sunrise is around 8:04 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:34 PM.

### Fish Activity
Fishing reports have been very good, with anglers catching good numbers of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, and northern pike. The Rainy River, which is gaining ice, has also seen decent reports of walleyes and sturgeon[1][2].

### Best Lures and Bait
Most anglers are using the one-two punch technique: jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second. The jigging line, often with a lure like a jig or a spoon, catches more active fish and attracts others to the area. The deadstick line, typically with a live minnow under a bobber, catches the more neutral fish. For pike, spearing and angling with lures or bait in back bays off the river have been successful[1].

### Hot Spots
- The south end of Lake of the Woods is a hot spot, with many resorts having day houses out and fishing already underway.
- The Northwest Angle is also promising, with most bays locked up with ice and resorts marking trails for safe access.
- The Rainy River, particularly in back bays, is good for pike and sturgeon[1].

Overall, it's shaping up to be a great ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and safe ice conditions improving daily. Always remember to follow local guidelines and stay on marked trails for your safety.