Snow, trails, fishing reported good on Lake of the Woods

Fish houses as far out as 25 miles, in search of walleyes

February 14, 2013 at 4:32PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
In winter on giant Lake of the Woods, ice and cold prevail. But anglers and their guides prevail. Here, at day's end, a couple of ice fisherment prepare to head back to Oak Island, on the American side of the lake about 30 miles from Baudette, Minn.
(Dennis Anderson/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Fish houses are being moved farther out from Baudette on Lake of the Woods, reports Sportsman's Lodge, in an effort to find more walleyes.

Here's the report filed by Sportsman's on Thursday:

"We now have fish houses scattered from 5-7 miles outside of Pine Island all the way up to 20-25 miles away near Garden Island and Bridges. The ride is a bit longer and we can no longer provide hot lunches due to the distance, but we feel having the capability to find the best bite is worth it.

"Some of the best fishing has been found in 24 to 28 feet of water in the southern houses and 23 to 26 feet and 28 to 32 feet in the houses on the reefs. A mix of jigging and dead sticking is suggested. One rod of each is best at this time.

"Vexilars/fish finders are helpful. At times anglers are saying it can be a timid bite, so you want to really get the feel for the nibble and set the hook at just the right time. The good old reliable gold jig and minnow or plain hook with a minnow head has been doing best for tackle.

"Other notable tackle lately has been the Macho Minnow #29 and buck shots with a shine or shimmer to them. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more and that usually gets the fish more active. We can have our fish houses out on the lake until March 31."

Ice Conditions
"Currently there are 3 feet of ice in areas Sportsman's travels and fishes and a few feet or better of snow cover."

Trail Conditions
"The trails are in great shape! Nice snow cover and they are being groomed regularly. For more detailed trail conditions go to Lake of the Woods Drifter's Snowmobile Club or Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club . Lake of the Woods has over 500 miles of groomed trails"

about the writer

about the writer

Dennis Anderson

Columnist

Outdoors columnist Dennis Anderson joined the Star Tribune in 1993 after serving in the same position at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for 13 years. His column topics vary widely, and include canoeing, fishing, hunting, adventure travel and conservation of the environment.

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