Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism December 25, 2024
"Ice fishing is in full swing across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. With resorts and outfitters reporting thickening ice, and increasing weight limits on their ice roads, many have already pulled out their sleeper rental houses. Now providing anglers with the opportunity to stay right on the ice for an extended fishing experience.
Fishing is happening primarily in 22 to 28 feet of water, and reports indicate lots of fish being caught. While most anglers are sorting through a number of smaller fish to find their keepers, they are consistently filling their buckets with quality walleyes and saugers.
This year has also brought a notable number of big eelpout being caught, along with jumbo perch, northern pike, and even some sturgeon adding excitement to the mix. With heated fish houses, marked ice trails, and helpful guides, anglers are enjoying a productive and comfortable ice fishing season.
The Rainy River continues to produce a variety of fish for those venturing out. Anglers are reporting good numbers of walleyes and saugers, along with some nice-sized sturgeon. While the fishing has been solid, extra caution is necessary when traveling on the river, as ice thickness and conditions can vary significantly due to current.
For those targeting sturgeon, the catch-and-release fishing has been excellent, providing anglers with an opportunity to battle these prehistoric giants. As always, working with a resort or outfitter is the best way to ensure a safe and successful trip on the river.
Ice fishing has started up at the Northwest Angle as well. Many resorts begin their season this week on December 26, 2024. Initial fishing reports from the area are very positive, with anglers already experiencing excellent success on the ice. The Northwest Angle is known for its consistent fishing, and early reports are showing a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike being caught. The area's resorts and outfitters are busy preparing for the season, with marked trails and ready-to-go fish houses ensuring anglers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The snowmobile trail from the south end of the lake across the ice to the NW Angle is staked and open!" — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
More Recent Fishing Reports
Sundin 12-24 • Ely MN 12-18 • Lake of the Woods 12-17 • Upper Red Lake 12-8 • Sundin 12-2 • Barotrauma Study 1-25-24 • Fis Consumption • Forward Sonar • Panfish Workgroup • Follow on Facebook
December 24, 2024 "Ice Fishing Updates"
Today’s report isn’t really meant to provide a whole lot of breaking news. But because it’s almost Christmas, I wanted to say a few words, and to be sure that you all know that I’m thinking about you!
If you didn’t notice already, I haven’t been around a lot these past few weeks. I’d been working with my doctor, putting off a needed surgery until there was a clear runway for recovery that wouldn’t interfere with my busy open water fishing season. Well, that date arrived 3 weeks ago, and because they have restricted my activities, the ice fishing season started without me. Now halfway through the recovery process, I’m beginning to feel like getting back out into circulation, but I still have a few weeks to wait.
I’m sure you know by now that anybody who wants to, has already been ice fishing. The walleye season started off strong on Upper Red Lake. As usual, the “hot bite” ends when the crowds grow large. If you’re headed that way, search for areas away from the largest crowds. You don’t need me to tell you, but the key depths range from 12 to 14 feet of water.
Across the northland, small lakes are coughing up panfish, crappies and northern pike. Now, many of the larger lakes are open for business as well.
Last weekend, friends ventured out onto Lake Winnibigoshish using ATVs and found great ice conditions, up to 12 inches over the lake’s deepest main basin areas. What they didn’t find, at least not yet, were the fish. They reported very slow fishing on mid lake bars. Just this morning, I received another update from Winnie, where the ice thickness is now about 14 inches. Travel on the south end is becoming sketchy because of a growing ice ridge. Denny’s Resort has a marked trail, and are allowing some light vehicle traffic, so I’d suggest checking with them about where travel conditions are good, and where they are not.
On Lake of the Woods, rental operators on the south end are offering travel by ATVs, snow machines, and side-by-sides. Some of the lodges are on the verge of allowing small, ½ ton pickups, but I haven’t seen confirmation of any “go dates” for that. All of the resorts nd rental operators have rental shelters on the ice, and by next weekend, most of them will be occupied.
Our friend Candyce Sindelir and friends granted permission to share the accompanying photo (top left) of their recent trip to lake of the Woods, out of Adrian’s Resort. As you can see, walleye fishing for her party was very good. Other folks fishing out of resorts in that region of the lake are also reporting good to great early ice walleye action. So, if you’re looking for something to do after Christmas, I think it would be a good time to call and check for availability.
Further south, folks are finding “fishable” ice, ranging in thickness from 4 to 8 inches. Bluegills and crappies are the primary target species and as usual, the early action is reportedly strong.
After 3 weeks in “recliner heaven”, I’m ready to get out of the house and do something. Unfortunately for me, there’s still a few weeks of down time before I can gather my own gear and take to the ice. That is if, in my wife Susan’s words, I’m “un-supervised”.
But let’s say for instance that one of you up-and-coming big-time pro fishing guides wanted to get a little extra exposure for your ice-guiding business, and offered to let me tag along with you? You do the fishing, I take a few pictures, write a little story and we all have a few laughs. Sounds like a plan that could work, let me know if you think so too.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Season’s Greetings to All! I and the Hippie Chick wish you a safe, warm and soulful celebration with your family! 
— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email 
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Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report December 18, 2024
"Much needed arctic blast rolled through the Ely area last week quickly improving ice conditions on area lakes. Ice reports on many of the area lakes are now 3 to 11 inches. As another cold snap is forecasted later this week, expect ice thickness to even out more by next week. Before you start testing with vehicles, be aware much of the new ice is frozen slush or cloudy ice. This means it will only support half the weight of clear ice.
Walleye anglers have been reporting a good steady bite on area lakes, during the evening hours. Anglers have mainly been fishing 18 to 23 feet of water. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or deadsticking a lively minnow near the bottom has accounted for many of the walleyes caught.
Northern pike anglers tip up fishing for pike have been reporting catching good numbers of 25 to 35 inch pike at many of the popular bays for pike, this last week. Handful of 40+ inch pike were also reported. Anglers continue to focus on weedbeds for pike. Medium to large size suckers produced the best results for anglers.
Panfish anglers have been reporting some good fishing for sunfish on a handful of those lakes. Anglers have mainly been finding them in shallow weedbeds with small jigs tipped with wax worms. Pink, wonderbread and purple were popular colors this last week for sunfish. Crappie anglers have been finding some crappies out in the deeper basins. Crappies have been scattered so drilling holes and covering ground has been the key to catching them." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism December 17, 2024
"Ice fishing is in full swing on the south end of Lake of the Woods, the ice is progressing nicely. Many resorts have day houses out and are fishing, some have been fishing for a week already. There are some sleeper fish houses out in some areas. This is all good news.
Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next. It is best to work through your favorite resort or outfitter for current ice conditions and weight limits on their specific ice road.
In Minnesota waters, you can use two lines through the ice. Most anglers are using the one - two punch, basically jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second. The jigging line will catch more active fish as well as attract fish to where you are fishing. The deadstick with a live minnow sitting under a bobber will often catch the more neutral fish.
On the jigging line, use a jigging spoon or lure tipped with a minnow head or tail. In the second hole, a live minnow set about 6" off of the bottom on a plain hook or some type of ice fishing jig under a bobber will work well.
Colors to consider, gold, glow red, Wonder Bread, pink and orange, or a combo of these colors. Rippin Raps, jigging rap style baits and more aggressive presentations work well some days. Pay attention to your electronics and adapt.
Fishing reports have been very good. Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well.
Most resorts are transporting guests to the heated fish houses this time of year. If you have a snowmobile, ATV or side by side, please stay on marked trails for safety.
Some spearing and angling is taking place on Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay. Good numbers of pike along with some big pike showing up.
On the Rainy River, the river continues to gain ice. Some local resorts are fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and very good reports on sturgeon. Work through a resort for safety. In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river.
Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing has started up at the Angle. Initial fishing reports are good which is no surprise in these parts.
Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th. Ice is thickening by the day and things are shaping up nicely. Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort, or outfitter for specifics.
There is availability both on the south end, Rainy River resorts and NW Angle portions of Lake of the Woods. Lots of openings now, get that bonus fishing trip in. Remember, Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season through March 31st, with walleye and sauger season open through April 14, 2025 and a pike season that never closes." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
Wired2Fish December 17, 2024 "How Kenta Kimura Works Big Squarebills for Monster Bass"
"Elite Series pro Kenta Kimura knows that fish feeding on big forage demand big baits to fool them. Whether the largemouths are chasing bluegills on Lake Biwa in his native Japan or gizzard shad throughout the American South, oversized lures are no longer taboo; they’re in demand and widely used. But sometimes, a big glide bait doesn’t have the triggering power to get big bass to bite.
Borrowing a page from the likes of monster deep diving crankbaits, Kimura worked with his sponsor, Deps, to build the Evoke 4.0 Squarebill Crankbait, the largest of that series of crankbaits. “I caught so many big ones on the (Strike King) 10XD,” he said. “I thought it was because it goes deeper than others, but then I realized that it was the big profile.”
Indeed, this monster squarebill dwarfs even the ..." Read Article and Learn More >> How Kenta Kimura Works Big Squarebills for Monster Bass
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism December 10, 2024
"There is certainly good news regarding ice progression in Baudette and surrounding communities. The satellite imagery shows Big Traverse Bay, which is the main body of the lake, locked up. The formation of ice is progressing nicely, and ice fishing has begun in some select areas along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Elsewhere, others are grooming trails and openings will be announced before long. There were concerns voiced by some about the big blow we received this week. Thankfully, it did not mess things up, the ice stayed intact and continued to thicken.
Please remember, ice conditions can vary significantly from one area of the lake to the next. That is why it is difficult to provide an answer to the question, "How thick is the ice?" The thickness and condition of the ice is best told by those working on each ice road every day.
So far, some resorts have begun by allowing snowmobiles and ATVs with collapsible fish houses to access their ice roads. In addition, some resorts are pulling day houses out this week and they are available to rent. It is best to check with your favorite resort for additional info. Resorts will provide transportation to and from the front door of their heated fish houses. Early ice provides some excellent ice fishing opportunities.
Initial actual fishing reports have been very good. Good numbers of walleyes and saugers being caught with some nice jumbo perch, eelpout and pike as well. When you decide to come up, please stay on the resorts/outfitter’s marked trails. They are marked for a reason and veering off of the trail could put you on ice conditions unsuitably.
The 10-day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting below zero and single digits many days. Good news for eager ice anglers and resorts who provide ice fishing services.
The Rainy River is gaining ice too and some local resorts and guides have been out checking ice conditions and fishing with some decent reports of walleyes and some sturgeon. River ice doesn't form as quickly as there is current. Work through a resort for safety. In addition to angling, some spearing and angling for pike is taking place in back bays off of the river.
Up at the Northwest Angle most bays are locked up with ice. Resorts and outfitters are continuing to check ice conditions and mark trails. Ice fishing will be coming soon to this part of the lake as ice conditions are also progressing nicely up at the Angle.
Traditionally, most Angle resorts will get houses out and begin fishing December 26th. Some resorts may take advantage of good ice conditions and get out earlier in the month. Watch messaging from your favorite NW Angle resort or outfitter for specifics." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
News Release December 10, 2024: "First-come, first-served seats to be offered for 2025 DNR Roundtable"
"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Roundtable — an annual gathering of conservation partners to discuss fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource topics and encourage partnership — will again include a no-cost, open registration opportunity.
The 2025 DNR Roundtable will be held Friday, Jan. 10. The opportunity to register for one of a limited number of first-come, first-served slots will open at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 10. At that time, a registration link will go live on the DNR’s Roundtable webpage.
The 2025 Roundtable will include a mix of important topics over the course of the day and an informal early evening reception. Program details will be available closer to the event."
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism December 5, 2024
"The focus for most outfitters along the south shore of Lake of the Woods this past week is checking ice conditions, and things are progressing nicely. As we remind anglers each and every year, ice conditions can vary significantly. Consequently, we typically will not make blanket statements about ice conditions or thickness of ice. It is best to work through a resort or outfitter who knows the ice conditions on the part of the lake they are working.
The 10 day forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days. Depending upon the wind, this should continue to build up the ice and get things started.
Some spearing and angling for pike has started in areas of back bays. Work through an outfitter and stay on marked trails as ice conditions still vary, even on the bays. Naturally, with Lake of the Woods having a robust population of big pike, some nice fish are coming in.
As the days go on, resorts and outfitters are continuing to mark their ice roads and venture out further checking ice conditions daily. Initial reports are showing good ice formation on many parts of the lake off of the south shore. From many parts of the south shore, there is ice as far as the eye can see. With cloudy conditions, a satellite image of the entire lake has not been available for a number of days.
The Rainy River is iced over, which is encouraging but it certainly is not ready for any traffic as of yet but. Some spearing and angling for pike happening in back bays off of the river. Once ice thickens, a couple of resorts who fish the river will mark ice trails in their particulate fishing area. The river has current, it is best to work through a resort or outfitter.
The Northwest Angle is locked up with ice for the most part. Fishing isn't happening yet, but resorts and outfitters have started checking ice conditions and the ice is progressing nicely. Things are on track for a good ice fishing season." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
December 2, 2024 "First Ice Arrives, Fishing Season Set To Begin"
It didn’t take long for the recent cold wave to set the ice on dozens of lakes in Minnesota’s north country. Going into the weekend, small, shallow lakes everywhere already had a couple of inches of ice. Since then, it’s been colder, and the ice is gaining thickness, about an inch every day is estimated.
This week, bait and tackle shops, like Fred’s Bait in Deer River are re-opening, and ramping up for the ice fishing season. Today, there are already folks fishing on the ice, and by the weekend, some will be experimenting with ice on smaller, shallower waters in the north central region. It goes without saying that in a few days, there will be crowds forming along the edges of the ever-popular Upper Red Lake. I’ve already seen images of some folks showing off their walleye catches from Red.
Now that the lakes are freezing, we can only hope that Mother Nature holds back on delivering any major snowfall. I checked the NOAA forecast for Bemidji, and apparently, little snow is expected this week. The longer it takes to arrive, the better as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather be forced to use an auger extension later this winter in return for some time on slush-free lakes during early winter. Of course, that’s just my opinion, yours may vary. No matter how the conditions shape up, the season is here and folks will deal with whatever comes along.
For me, the next couple of weeks won't be spent outside. I have a "procedure" scheduled for tomorrow, and my recovery time is uncertain. The connection between me and the ice, will be you. So, I'd love it if you'll share any tidbits of news that comes your way. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email
News Release December 1, 2024 "DNR rulemaking notice: Electronic Licensing System (ELS) rules update"
"The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing technical changes to administrative rules that support a modernized electronic licensing system. You have been included in this e-mail notification as a potential user of the new license system.
The proposed rule changes are needed to align administrative rule with recent changes in Minnesota statute. Comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26.
The new system will ..." Learn More >> DNR rulemaking notice Electronic Licensing System For 2025
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