The ice fishing season has come to an end for our area with the last couple resorts shutting it down because of deteriorating ice. Thank you everyone for making this ice season one for the ages. The lake is open just outside of Lighthouse Gap stretching to the 18-20 ft of water range.
Rainy River spring walleye fishing has been very good! With that being said, it is about timing. Last week, water clarity better than 3′, many 100 fish days and monsters. This past weekend, less than a foot and not as many fish, but still respectable. Where else can you still have the chance at boating a 30+” walleye right now? The Rainy River is open all the way into the main lake. Birchdale, Frontier, Vidas, Wheeler’s Point, and Timbermill landings are open to all boats. Walleye fishing so far the best seen in 20 years. The fish are still in river with more to arrive. The river should clear up sometime later this week. Right now a 3/4 – 1 ounce jig is enough to get to the bottom while tipped with 1 or 2 frozen shiners. Bright and gold are hot colors. Many sturgeon being boated as well. Pike will be hot as bays begin opening up.
Up at the NW Angle, ice conditions are unstable as current areas are opening up quickly. Travel not advised. Many resorts using airboats at this point. Waiting now for open water. Walleyes/saugers through April 14th. Pike and crappies open all year for LOW MN. Resorts and resort fishing guides at http://www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging.