Winniebigoshish to LOTW

We have a trip planned for winnie next week and one in the group made the comment he would like to go to lake of the woods for the day. Anyone got any tips as far as where to put in at or anything helpful. None of us have ever been there.

Also, none of us have passports, not sure it matters, but don’t want to wander into Canadian waters and get in trouble. Is that possible if you put the boat in the water on the states side?

I think the largest part of the lake is in US waters. Stay out of the river and I don’t think you will end up in Canadian waters.

Looks like on the map wheelers point is the closest ramp. We might just have to try it out. Its not too far of a drive from winnie

Note the weather, not a place you want to be with a big wind unless you have a BIG boat.

Have fun!

Here’s the Navionics web app; shows the border if you zoom in:
https://webapp.navionics.com/#boating@7&key=%7DusjHtahcQ

Watch the weather, because the Minnesota side is wide open to the wind.

Wheelers Point is good or you could put in at Zipple Bay State Park. They have a very nice protected ramp and marina. My experience is spring and fall so I can’t say how far you will have to run to find the fish.

I really enjoy the lake but, as said above, wind can be a factor. North or northwest winds over 7-8mph will make you wonder what the heck you were thinking. A 3-5 mile run out to the fish is very common.

I have been all over the river and never brought my passport. Don’t be fishing on the wrong side of the line though!

Also worth mentioning… If you decide to put in at Wheelers Point, you will have to run out to the lake through Four Mile Bay. There is a marked channel through there with bouys. FOLLOW THE CHANNEL.
It looks like wide open water, but there are trees and stumps off the channel that you don’t want to hit.