Today's Feature Fishing Reports Minnesota Article: Lake of the Woods Ice Report February 10, 2026

"Lake of the Woods ice fishing continues to deliver with excellent conditions across the South Shore, Rainy River, and Northwest Angle.

Ice conditions this winter have been very good, and recent cold weather keeps building quality ice across the lake. Resort ice roads are well-maintained and provide safe access to productive fishing areas. As always, it's important to work through a reputable resort or outfitter who understands current ice conditions and weight limits. They'll ensure you have safe access and put you in the right spots to catch fish.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season, giving anglers more time on the ice than most Minnesota lakes. Fish houses can remain out overnight through March 31, 2026 and the walleye-sauger fishing season runs through April 14, 2026. The northern pike season is open year-round. There's still plenty of season ahead!

Resorts continue to extend and adapt, keeping anglers positioned on active fish throughout the season. South shore ice fishing reports indicate that key depths range from 28 to 32 feet of water where the bite has been consistent. Most groups are finishing the day with a mix of nice keeper walleyes and saugers.

Lake of the Woods is full of multiple year classes of fish. You'll sort through some smaller fish, but you'll also connect with quality keepers, slot fish between 19.5 to 28.0 inches that must be released and maybe even a trophy or two.

The mixed bag is alive and well. Along with walleyes and saugers, anglers are bringing in plenty of big jumbo perch, some eelpout, tullibees, a few pike, and even the occasional sturgeon. It's Lake of the Woods—you never know what's coming up the hole next.

The walleye and sauger possession limit on Lake of the Woods is a combined total of 6 fish. Of the 6 fish total, no more than 4 of them may be walleyes. All walleyes must measure less than 19.5 inches, except that one walleye over 28 inches may be possessed. All walleyes measuring 19.5 inches to 28.0 inches must be released immediately.

The classic one-two punch continues to produce: run an active jigging rod to draw fish in and trigger strikes, paired with a deadstick and live minnow set 6 inches to a foot off bottom for fish in a more neutral mood.

Rainy River Ice Fishing Report. River ice requires extra caution due to current. Always fish through a resort or outfitter who knows the river and can provide safe access.

Focus on the Golden Hours. While most ice fishing activity is on the main lake, the Rainy River continues to reward anglers who target it strategically. The best walleye action happens during the "golden hours", the first couple hours of daylight and the last couple hours before dark. Sturgeon are being caught for those pursuing catch-and-release opportunities. The sturgeon catch-and-release season runs through April 23, 2026 when the harvest season reopens.

The Northwest Angle is producing some excellent fishing right now. Outfitters report good action occurring in 24 to 32 feet of water.
The ice road from Young's Bay to the island resorts is in great condition, and fish cleaning houses are busy with quality catches.

Most productive fishing is happening in 24 to 32 feet of water. The one-two punch of an active jigging line and a deadstick continues to work well. Anglers are consistently catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and tullibees—a true Lake of the Woods mixed bag.

Ice conditions remain very good across the lake, ice road systems are well-maintained, and fishing overall has been good. Whether you're planning your first ice fishing trip or your tenth trip of the season, Lake of the Woods has the resorts, fish houses, guides, and fishery to deliver a memorable experience." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

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