Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of February 7, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a chilly winter morning with temperatures hovering around 15°F (-9°C), which is perfect for ice fishing. The skies are clear, and the wind is light, making it an ideal day to be out on the ice.
Sunrise was at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 5:15 PM, giving us a good window of daylight to get some serious fishing done. Since Lake of the Woods is a large, inland lake, we don't have to worry about tidal reports, but the ice conditions are excellent this time of year.
Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, the walleye and sauger are very active, especially during the day and into the early evening. These fish are congregating in deeper basins and near structure like rocks and weed beds. Recently, anglers have been catching a lot of walleyes in the 14- to 18-inch range, with some bigger ones tipping the scales over 2 pounds.
Northern pike are also on the move, and their aggressive nature makes them a joy to catch. They're often found in shallower areas with plenty of cover like reeds and lily pads. If you're targeting pike, expect to catch them in the 2- to 5-pound range, with some larger trophies lurking beneath the ice.
For those after yellow perch, they're plentiful but often smaller, ranging from 6 to 10 inches. However, there are some jumbo perch to be found, especially in areas like White Partridge Bay and Snake Bay.
When it comes to lures and bait, here are some recommendations:
- For walleye and sauger, a jig-and-leech combo or a small jig with a minnow is hard to beat. Depths of 22-35 feet are where you'll find these fish.
- Northern pike love aggressive presentations, so try using suspending jerkbaits or deep diving crankbaits. Live bait like suckers or minnows also works well.
- For yellow perch, small jigs tipped with worms or tiny minnows are effective.
As for hot spots, here are a couple of places you should check out:
- The Northwest Angle & Islands area is a hotspot for walleye and northern pike. The waters here are rich with structure, making it a perfect spot for both species.
- Monument Bay in the southwest section is another great spot, especially for crappies and walleyes. Look for deep basins and areas close to shore where these fish tend to congregate.
In summary, today is a great day to be out on Lake of the Woods. The clear skies, light wind, and excellent ice conditions make it perfect for a day of ice fishing. With the right lures and bait, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day on the ice. So grab your gear, bundle up, and get out there – the fish are waiting