Fishing Lake of the Woods

Popular Fish Species
Lake of the Woods Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake of the Woods, MN

Popular Fish Species Lake of the Woods, MN

Lake of the Woods Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake of the Woods. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Lake of the Woods Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Lake of the Woods is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lake of the Woods Popular Fish - Saugeye

Saugeye Fishing

When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Lake of the Woods has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and sauger at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota.

Lake of the Woods Fishing Video

A walleye fishing mecca, Lake of the Woods is the place to catch both quantity and quality year round. In addition to excellent walleye fishing, the lake also has good populations of bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, muskie and pike.

Lake of the Woods, situated in northern Minnesota, is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities and scenic beauty. With its vast expanse and diverse fish populations, it has become a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of species and memorable fishing experiences.

Smallmouth bass are one of the most sought-after species in Lake of the Woods. Anglers can find these feisty fish near rocky structures, weed beds, and drop-offs. Whether you're casting with artificial lures or using live bait, Lake of the Woods offers excellent opportunities to land trophy-sized smallmouth bass.

Walleye fishing is a major draw on Lake of the Woods. This lake is known for its abundant walleye population and is considered one of the premier walleye fisheries in the region. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling, jigging, or rigging with live bait. Lake of the Woods provides excellent year-round walleye fishing, with peak seasons occurring in spring and fall.

Sauger, a close relative of walleye, can also be found in Lake of the Woods. Anglers can target sauger using similar techniques and habitats as walleye, particularly in areas with current or deeper water. These fish provide an additional angling opportunity and often provide steady action for anglers.

Yellow perch are abundant in Lake of the Woods and offer a fun and rewarding fishing experience. These schooling fish can be found near weed beds, rock structures, or drop-offs. Anglers can target perch using small jigs or live bait presentations. Catching a mess of yellow perch is a great way to enjoy a day on the water and take home a delicious meal.

Bluegill and black crappie are also popular panfish species in Lake of the Woods. Anglers can target these species near submerged vegetation, brush piles, or along the lake's edges. Whether you're fishing from a boat or casting from shore, bluegill and crappie fishing in Lake of the Woods is sure to keep you entertained.

With its variety of popular fish species, breathtaking scenery, and recreational amenities, Lake of the Woods stands as one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're after smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake of the Woods offers an unforgettable fishing experience in a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Ice fishing in winter can deliver nice stringers from this 950,000-acre lake on the northern border of the state. During the warm seasons, fishing enthusiasts are treated to about 65,000 miles of shoreline to explore. Fishing from the bank is often very productive, but boats allow anglers to reach considerably more water and find schools of fish. A couple marinas, several boat launch ramps, plenty of camping, lodging and shopping are all convenient to the lake. Lake Of The Woods is partially in Minnesota, and the balance is in Canada. There is plenty of water to fish within Minnesota, where all you are required to have is a MN fishing license. However, if you intend to fish Canada portion, you’ll need a Manitoba and/or Ontario license. Local fishing guides offer a variety of boating and ice fishing packages throughout the year.

Primary fish species residing in Lake of the Woods

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake of the Woods Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake of the Woods, with numerous access points and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The lake's vast size and scenic shoreline allow for leisurely cruises and exploration. Camping facilities near the lake provide opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats
218 442-7215

Cyrus Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats
218 634-2548

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake of Woods Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, in Rainy River, off Marina Drive NW, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Wheeler's Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off State Route 172, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Marinas

Springsteel Resort & Marina
38004 Beach Street
Warroad, MN 56763
218 386-1000

Young's Bay Resort Marina
7600 Youngs Bay Dr NW
Angle Inlet, MN 56711
218 223-8031