Épisodes

  • Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, Minnesota Promising Conditions and Hot Spots for Walleye, Sauger, and More (140 characters)

    Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, Minnesota Promising Conditions and Hot Spots for Walleye, Sauger, and More (140 characters)
    Feb 15 2025
    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 15, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a moderate snowfall with overcast skies, temperatures ranging from 4 to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, and a wind speed of about 11 mph. It's chilly, but that's what makes ice fishing so exciting this time of year[2].

    Sunrise is at 7:26 AM, and sunset will be at 5:41 PM, giving us a good long day to get out on the ice. Now, let's dive into the fishing conditions.

    Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is still going strong, especially on the south shore of Big Traverse Bay. The ice is solid, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas, and some ice roads extending more than 16 miles out. This is perfect for those who want to venture further out to find the best spots[1].

    Recently, anglers have been having consistent action, targeting both deep mud and structural areas. The hot spots are typically in 26 to 32 feet of water, where you can find a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers. These fish are the stars of the show here, and you can expect to catch some nice-sized ones. Jumbo perch, pike, and even tullibees are also being caught in good numbers, especially up at the Northwest Angle[1].

    For your tackle, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been very effective. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures are also doing well. If you're using a deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off the bottom is the way to go. Don't forget to keep an eye on your electronics; they're a big help in locating these fish[1].

    On the Rainy River, the morning and evening hours are the best times to catch walleyes. A jig and minnow combination or a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head are good presentations here. And if you're into catch-and-release sturgeon fishing, you'll be pleased to know that it's still producing some big fish through the ice[1].

    For those looking for specific hot spots, the Morris Point Gap, out by the red buoy, and by Lamertson's Rock are always good bets. These areas tend to have a lot of fish activity, especially over rock bottom in about 10 to 11 feet of water[4].

    In summary, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities right now. With the right gear, patience, and knowledge of the best spots, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day on the ice. So bundle up, grab your gear, and get out there – the fish are waiting
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, MN - Feb 14, 2025

    Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, MN - Feb 14, 2025
    Feb 14 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, as of February 14, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a chilly day out there, with temperatures ranging from -4 to -28 degrees Fahrenheit. The sky is mostly cloudy, and there's a light wind of about 3 mph. Make sure to bundle up and secure your gear, as the conditions can be quite harsh.

    Sunrise today is at 7:28 AM, and sunset will be at 5:39 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice. There's no tidal report to worry about here, since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake.

    The ice fishing on Lake of the Woods has been fantastic lately. Anglers have been reporting good success, particularly in areas 3.5 to 4 miles north of Pine Island. The fishing depth has been ranging from 26 to 29 feet, which is ideal for catching a variety of species like walleye, sauger, and yellow perch.

    For lures, flashing and rattling lures have been particularly effective. Colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are getting a lot of attention from the fish. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing your chances of attracting fish. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head, lipless crankbaits, and jigging rap style lures are also doing well.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, the area from Pine Island to Long Point has been teeming with active fish, especially in the 12-18 foot depth range. For deeper waters, the triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border, and up to Garden Island, is holding a significant number of big walleyes and saugers.

    Recently, the harvest numbers have shown that walleye and sauger catches have been below the six-year average, but there's still plenty of fish to go around. Last winter saw approximately 75,000 pounds of walleye and 100,000 pounds of sauger harvested, along with 12,000 pounds of yellow perch.

    In terms of bait, while artificial lures are doing well, live bait presentations can also be very effective. Jigs, minnowbaits, and even suspending jerkbaits are all good options to consider. On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off the bottom can be very productive.

    So, grab your gear, dress warmly, and head out to Lake of the Woods. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you're bound to have a successful and enjoyable day on the ice. Happy angling
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report for Lake of the Woods, MN - Excellent Conditions and Bountiful Catches

    Ice Fishing Report for Lake of the Woods, MN - Excellent Conditions and Bountiful Catches
    Feb 12 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of February 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. The weather has been quite favorable for ice fishing, with temperatures cold enough to maintain a solid ice cover. As of now, the ice conditions are excellent, with many areas reporting over two feet of ice, allowing for the use of 1-ton vehicles on the ice roads[4].

    For those planning to head out, sunrise today is at around 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:22 PM. This gives you a good window to get out on the ice and catch some fish.

    Fish activity has been very good across the lake. Anglers have been reporting consistent action, particularly in the 26-32 feet depth range on the South Shore. This area has been a hotspot, with many resorts moving their fish houses to stay on top of the schools of walleyes and saugers[4].

    The catch has been a healthy mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, northern pike, tullibees, and even the occasional eelpout and sturgeon. The combined limit for walleyes and saugers is six fish, with up to four being walleyes, and all walleyes between 19.5 and 28 inches must be released. You can keep one walleye over 28 inches per day if you're lucky enough to catch one[4].

    When it comes to lures and bait, gold, glow red, glow white, Wonder bread, pink, chartreuse, and orange have been performing well. For walleyes and saugers, using leeches and crawlers with a hammered gold spinner is a great combination. If you're targeting northern pike, tip-ups and spearing houses with bait like suckers or shiners can be very effective[3][4].

    Some of the best spots to try your luck include the Morris Point Gap, out by the red buoy, and by Lamertson's Rock on the South Shore. These areas have rock bottoms and are known for producing good catches in 10-11 feet of water. Up at the Northwest Angle, resorts have spread out their fish houses across various areas, targeting both structure and deeper mud flats[3].

    In summary, Lake of the Woods is offering some fantastic ice fishing opportunities right now. With the right gear, bait, and knowledge of the hotspots, you're set for a great day on the ice. So pack up your gear, check the latest ice road conditions, and get ready to reel in some big ones.

    Tight lines, and see you on the ice
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report: Walleye, Sauger, and Pike Bite Heats Up at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

    Ice Fishing Report: Walleye, Sauger, and Pike Bite Heats Up at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
    Feb 10 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of February 10, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, it's looking quite chilly with a high of around 6°F and a low of -12°F. We're expecting light snow and mostly cloudy conditions, so make sure to bundle up if you're heading out on the ice. The wind is blowing at about 10 mph out of the WNW, which might make things a bit more uncomfortable, but it's nothing a good angler can't handle[2][5].

    Sunrise is at 7:35 AM, and sunset will be at 5:33 PM, giving us a decent window to get some fishing done.

    Now, onto the fishing conditions. Lake of the Woods is in the midst of a fantastic ice fishing season. Anglers are reporting good success, particularly in the areas around 3.5 to 4 miles north of Pine Island. The fishing depth has been ranging from 26 to 29 feet, which is ideal for catching a variety of species including walleye, sauger, and northern pike[1].

    For lures, flashing and rattling ones have been particularly effective. Colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are getting a lot of attention from the fish. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing your chances of attracting fish[1].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the South Shore, especially around Morris Point Gap, the red buoy, and Lamertson's Rock. These areas are known for holding a lot of walleye in about 10-11 feet of water over rock bottom[3].

    In the deeper waters, the area from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border and up to Garden Island is also worth checking out. This region is known for its thriving deep-water bite, holding big walleyes and sauger in 34-36 feet of water[1].

    For bait, leeches and crawlers are always a good choice, especially when paired with a hammered gold spinner. If you're targeting northern pike, tip-up and spearing houses in the northern parts of the lake can be very productive[3].

    In summary, despite the cold weather, Lake of the Woods is offering some excellent ice fishing opportunities right now. Make sure to dress warmly, use the right lures and bait, and head to those hot spots for a chance to reel in some impressive catches. Happy angling
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, Minnesota - February 9, 2025

    Ice Fishing Report: Lake of the Woods, Minnesota - February 9, 2025
    Feb 9 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, as of February 9, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, it's a chilly day out there with temperatures ranging from -12 to -22 degrees Celsius. We're expecting light snow late in the day, along with mostly cloudy conditions. The wind is moderate, at about 12 km/h, so make sure to bundle up and secure your gear.

    Sunrise today is at 7:36 AM, and sunset will be at 5:31 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice. 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 right now.

    The ice fishing on Lake of the Woods has been fantastic lately. Anglers have been reporting good success, particularly in areas 3.5 to 4 miles north of Pine Island. The fishing depth has been ranging from 26 to 29 feet, which is ideal for catching a variety of species like walleye, sauger, and yellow perch.

    For lures, flashing and rattling lures have been particularly effective. Colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are getting a lot of attention from the fish. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing your chances of attracting fish. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head, as well as lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures, are also doing well.

    If you're looking for hot spots, I recommend checking out the areas around Pine Island and the northern parts of the lake. These regions have been producing consistent catches of walleye and sauger. Another good spot is near the Canadian border, where the structure of the lake bed can attract a variety of fish species.

    In terms of fish activity, walleyes and saugers have been the main targets, with many anglers catching fish in the 14-inch range, weighing slightly over a pound. Yellow perch are also plentiful and can be caught using worms or small jigs. Northern pike, though less common in these depths, can still be encountered, especially if you're using live bait or suspending jerkbaits.

    To sum it up, Lake of the Woods is offering some of the best ice fishing conditions right now. With the right gear, lures, and knowledge of the hot spots, you're set for a successful day on the ice. Stay warm, and tight lines
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report February 2025

    Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report February 2025
    Feb 8 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure here to give you the latest fishing report for Lake of the Woods in Minnesota, as of February 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a chilly day out there, with temperatures ranging from -1 to -16 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for ice fishing. We have light snow and overcast conditions, along with a moderate wind of about 14 km/h, so make sure to bundle up and secure your gear.

    Sunrise today is at 7:47 AM, and sunset will be at 5:19 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice. Since Lake of the Woods is a large, inland lake, we don't have to worry about tidal reports, but the stable ice conditions are ideal for our winter fishing adventures.

    The ice fishing on Lake of the Woods has been fantastic lately. Anglers have been reporting good success, particularly in areas 3.5 to 4 miles north of Pine Island. The fishing depth has been ranging from 26 to 29 feet, which is ideal for catching a variety of species like walleye, sauger, and yellow perch.

    For lures, flashing and rattling lures have been particularly effective. Colors like gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns are getting a lot of attention from the fish. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing your chances of attracting fish.

    Recently, the harvest numbers have shown that walleye and sauger catches have been below the six-year average, but there's still plenty of fish to go around. Last winter saw approximately 75,000 pounds of walleye and 100,000 pounds of sauger harvested, along with 12,000 pounds of yellow perch.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, the area from Pine Island to Long Point has been teeming with active fish, especially in the 12-18 foot depth range. For deeper waters, the triangle from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border, and up to Garden Island, is holding a significant number of big walleyes and sauger. Another hotspot is Monument Bay in the southwest section, which is great for crappies, especially in the deep basins 25 to 35 feet deep and fairly close to shore.

    In terms of bait, while artificial lures are doing well, live bait presentations can also be very effective. Jigs, minnowbaits, crankbaits, and even suspending jerkbaits are all good options to consider.

    So, grab your gear, dress warmly, and head out to Lake of the Woods. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you're bound to have a successful and enjoyable day on the ice. Happy angling
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota - February 2025 Update

    Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota - February 2025 Update
    Feb 7 2025
    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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Ice Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Woods, MN - February 2025

    Ice Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Woods, MN - February 2025
    Feb 5 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the latest scoop on what's happening at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, as of February 5, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's a chilly winter morning, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The skies are clear, and the sun is shining bright, making it a perfect day to hit the ice. Sunrise was at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 5:00 PM, giving us a good 9 hours of daylight to get out there and catch some fish.

    Now, let's dive into the fishing conditions. Lake of the Woods is renowned for its exceptional ice fishing, and this season is no exception. The ice is solid, with reports of up to 2 feet of ice cover in many areas, making it safe for both day houses and snowmobiles.

    Fish activity has been excellent, particularly for walleye and sauger. Anglers have been reporting steady action, with fish being found at various depths. For ice fishing, the sweet spot right now is between 26 to 29 feet deep, especially around areas like Pine Island and Long Point[1][4].

    When it comes to lures, flashing and rattling lures are your best bet. Gold, pink, white, blue, and wonderbread patterns have been particularly effective in getting the attention of those walleyes and saugers. A combination of jigging rods paired with deadstick setups has been the most productive method, maximizing your chances of attracting fish[1].

    If you're targeting other species, northern pike are also active and can be found waiting at the edges of weedy areas. They're often caught using lures or bait, and their aggressive nature makes them a fun catch. For pike, look to areas with plenty of vegetation, as they like to ambush their prey there[2][5].

    Another hotspot worth mentioning is Monument Bay in the southwest section of the lake. This area is known for its deep basins, ranging from 25 to 35 feet deep, which are perfect for crappies and other species. Anglers have reported catching oversize black crappies here, with some reaching up to 16 inches[3].

    In terms of recent catches, the walleye and sauger harvest has been below the six-year average, but the fish are still plentiful. Last winter saw approximately 75,000 pounds of walleyes and 100,000 pounds of saugers harvested, which is a good sign for this season as well[4].

    For bait, traditional favorites like minnows and jigging spoons are always a good choice. However, the key to success right now is using those flashing and rattling lures to mimic the natural movement of baitfish.

    In conclusion, if you're planning to head out to Lake of the Woods today, make sure to bundle up, bring your jigging rods and deadsticks, and don't forget those flashing lures. The fish are biting, and with the right gear and a bit of luck, you'll be hauling in some impressive catches in no time.

    Happy angling, and see you on the ice
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min