Rainy River
Fishing, Ice & Trail Report
2/28/2019

Heading into the last month of Ice Fishing
Here we are sliding into March, the last month of the ice fishing season already. It has once again been a fun winter with lots of good fishing, laughs, memories made and of course a few rounds of crazy weather. Speaking of the crazy weather, yes the wind sure kicked up here on Sunday, upwards of 40 mph gusts at times. The guides headed out for the day, as always keeping a close eye on the weather. They quickly decided the wind was not going to let up and it was just going to get to harder to navigate safely as the day went on. So we made the decision to call off fishing for that day.  Not too often this happens, we have lots of equipment for many different weather conditions, but Mother Nature was hollering and it was time to listen.

Now we are back to normal; guests have been fishing all week. We have a few slush spots here and there but nothing real crazy where we travel. That being said, if you get off the trails or roads with all of this snow we have this year, it is another story.  So, if you are thinking about coming up, come with us and let us do the navigating. You deserve to relax anyways. We have lots of ice in the area we travel, up to 40 inches. The guides have been working hard to keep our fishing area groomed and houses moved often to avoid any issues. So yes, we are open and fishing away. If you are itching to go fishing, give us a call. Unlike many Minnesota lakes, walleye season is open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods, pike season never closes and in little over a month the sturgeon will be lurking. Lots of fishing opportunities abound here year round.

Back to Fishing

Plain hooks, glow, green gold and pink jigs or spoons, charmers, chubby darters or tackle with some flash and noise tipped with a minnow have been the tackle and bait of choice this week.  To get into the most action, anglers are reporting, to watch electronics, try a few techniques; dead sticking, jigging and when you see some fish that just don’t nibble, let them know you are there! Dance your tackle in front of them. Some anglers have been having success with a half a minnow vs a whole minnow. We have a variety of houses out in 22’-30’ of water just a 15 minute ride out.

Ice Conditions
We have 30”-40” of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Roads
We use a private groomed trail but there are local ice roads open in the area at this time.  Contact the resort or outfitter maintaining the ice road for the latest conditions.

Ice Fishing available until March 31
Lake of the Woods has an extended walleye season through April 14 and fish houses can be out until March 31.  Click here to sign up to receive information about our  late season hot deals!

Trails
Lake and land trails continue to be groomed and maintained. The trail reports are good but it is important this year more than ever to stay on the trails.  We have 1-3 feet of snow and more in drifted areas so getting off a groomed trail can get you stuck. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Couple of Reminders:
March 1~ Don’t forget to get your new fishing license for the 2019 license year.

New Regulations on Lake of the Woods go in effect starting March 1. March 1 – April 14 the limit is combination of six walleye and sauger, with no more than four walleye. The same slot limit remains in effect. All walleye 19.5”-28” must be immediately released. Only one walleye over 28” may be in possession. On the Rainy River & Four Mile Bay March 1-April 14, walleye and sauger is now catch and release only.

Oak Island
Fishing, Ice & Trail Report
2/28/2019

Late Season Fishing Continues into March
Shallow has been better this week, 24’-26’ and afternoons have been favored over mornings. A mix of jigging, bottom slapping and dead sticking has had the most success. Walleyes, saugers, several pike and a few perch have been coming up the holes. We didn’t see too many perch the past few weeks but now seeing more again. Guests have been catching a few big walleyes 22”-26” but mostly fish for the pan or throw backs. Electronics are key as well as tackle with some shimmer, flutter and noise to get their attention. We have a few more openings for trips through late March, come enjoy one last blast. Give us a shout. 800-772-8411. Walleye season is open on Lake of the Wood’s through April 14, re-opening May 11.

Ice Conditions
We have anywhere from 24-36 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is open and in great shape.

Trail Conditions
After the wind on Sunday the trail got pretty rough but it sounds like the groomers are out today getting it shaped up for the weekend. The Northwest Angle Edge Riders Snowmobile Rally is this weekend. Come and enjoy a ride! Be sure to stay on the packed trails to avoid any deep snow. Trail report has been good but off the trail can get you into slush spots. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.