Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report: Solid Ice, Abundant Walleyes, and Comfortable Conditions

As of January 19, 2025, ice fishing on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is in full swing, with solid ice conditions reported across the south shore and the Northwest Angle. The recent colder weather pattern has strengthened the ice, allowing for safe and productive fishing. ### Weather and Ice Conditions The 10-day forecast shows temperatures staying below freezing, often dipping into single digits, which is ideal for building and maintaining ice thickness. Currently, many ice roads are allowing mid-sized vehicles, but it's crucial to check with each resort or outfitter for specific weight limits and conditions before traveling. ### Fish Activity Fishing activity has been robust, particularly in depths of 24 to 30 feet, where anglers are reporting steady action. Walleyes and saugers are the primary targets, with anglers needing to sort through some smaller fish to find keepers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, eelpout (burbot), and the occasional sturgeon are also being caught. ### Best Lures and Bait The most effective method involves using a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in one hole and deadsticking with a lively minnow in the second hole. Effective color combinations for jigging spoons include gold and pink, gold and glow red, glow white and pink, and the "Wonder Bread" color pattern. Rippin' raps and jigging spoons with rattles are also successful, especially in deeper water. ### Hot Spots - **South Shore**: Resorts have set up fish houses on various pieces of structure and in deep mud. Shallow structure is best during morning and late afternoon hours. - **Northwest Angle**: Fishing here continues to be very good, with fish houses set up on and adjacent to structure in deep mud. A consistent mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees are being caught. ### Sunrise and Sunset For January 19, sunrise is at approximately 7:53 AM, and sunset is at around 4:53 PM. ### Tidal Report Since Lake of the Woods is a freshwater lake, it does not have tides. However, ice conditions and fishing spots can be influenced by wind and weather patterns, so it's always a good idea to check with local resorts and outfitters for the latest information. Overall, this is a great time to hit the ice on Lake of the Woods, with plenty of fish to be caught and comfortable fishing conditions provided by the many sleeper fish houses available. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.