Ice Conditions Vary – Check with Resorts

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On the south end…   Ice fishing continues to be good for most anglers fishing through resorts and outfitters on Lake of the Woods.  The bite has slowed down a bit from its hot start, but nice fish are still coming in.

With the unseasonably warm temperatures so far this winter, ice conditions are not where they would normally be the first week of January.  Consequently, more than ever, it is very important to work through a resort or outfitter.  There are still areas of ice that are not ready, some cracks that are moving and generally areas to stay away from.

Pay close attention to the guidelines and weight limits of each individual ice road.  Most resorts offer round trip heated shuttle service to their heated fish houses that are set up and ready to fish.

Some resorts are allowing travel using your own ice transportation (snowmobile, ATV, side by side) with collapsible fish houses on their staked trails.  Again, it is very important to adhere to weight restrictions, stay on the marked trails and do not venture off course.  Do not travel past the end of the trail as there is still some very sketchy ice in areas.

Most ice fishing on the south end of the lake is in 17 – 23 feet of water.  Jig with one line and use a deadstick in the second hole, basically a live minnow 6 inches – a foot off of the bottom.  Some days, the walleyes and saugers want it moving (jigging line).  Other days, the walleyes and saugers prefer the deadstick (bobber line) works best.

Jigging spoons with gold and bright colors tipped with a piece of minnow head or tail is the goto for the jigging rod.  On the deadstick, an ice fishing jig or plain hook with an emerald shiner / minnow is the ticket.

On the Rainy River…  A couple of local resorts offer ice fishing on the river, marking and closely monitoring ice conditions on their trails.  Walleyes, saugers and sturgeon are the targeted species.

Ice conditions vary greatly.  Again, work through a resort for safety and do not venture out on your own.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing is going well for resorts up at the NW Angle.  Good reports of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and pike in the mix.

The one – two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go.

Ice fishing electronics are very helpful in not only detecting fish, but also seeing how they are reacting to your offerings and presentation.  If they are not reacting positively, change something.

Lodging, fish house rentals, ice fishing, and meal packages at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.

Need spur of the moment lodging or fish house rentals?  Try our Lodging Availability Finder.  https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging-availability-request/

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