River Bend Resort Lake of The Woods MN Fishing Report February 9, 2023. Lake of The Woods ice fishing packages are available for any size group to fit any budget.
We have finally hit the second half of our ice season. Have you read the news?! The fishing is still phenomenal! Sure, there have been a day here or there where the bite slowed a little, but if you follow your electronics and listen to your guides, you will continue to catch fish in good numbers, nice quality, and size.
As of a couple days ago, the bite warmed up with the weather after a week of subzero temperatures.
What is Being Caught
Fishing over the past week has continued to be steady and very good. Mixed bag catch continues to abound to the delight of our guests. Anglers are reporting walleye, sauger, jumbo perch, eelpout, tullibee, and even some crappie in the mix. There continues to be a lot of sorting. Good numbers of fish are being caught throughout the spectrum including slot fish (19.5” – 28”) and several trip topper trophy walleyes.
Where to Fish
River Bend Resort’s fleet is perched 7.5 miles offshore in front of Pine Island. Resting over 29 – 33 feet of water. The action is staying strong all over the water column within those depths. Larger fish are cruising over the top of the schools. Sometimes as high as 19 feet off the bottom. The lesson here is to trust your electronics and watch those marks. Most all fleets fishing Lake of The Woods are in these areas and water depths. If using two ice rods, keep one on the bottom and the other higher in the water column and allow your electronics to determine that for you based on where you are seeing them cruising.
How to Fish
The tried and true “1-2 punch” continues to be the starting approach to each day out on the ice. That is one fishing rod set up with a rattle jig of various colors (jigging rod) tipped with a live minnow or a piece of a live minnow, and the second fishing rod set up with just a plane (red) hook and full live minnow (dead stick). And it’s called a “dead stick” because you leave it alone – no touchy – let the minnow do what it does, and Mother Nature will determine your karma. And as of recently Mother Nature has given lots of anglers very good karma on the dead stick. This technique continues to be the ticket to landing more fish daily.
Jigging/Dead Sticking
Here’s another tip regarding the use of two lines. Let’s face it, we are using two lines because Minnesota allows us to. And we naturally have a better chance especially when we can give the fish two kinds of presentation. When or if you are fishing in a larger group like 5 to 6 anglers in the same icehouse, use only line each. Alternate who is using the dead stick and who is jigging. The more lines you have down in such a concentrated area the more fish you will scare away. Less is more in this situation. And of course, be sure to switch up who uses what presentation to share the wealth and fun of the day.
Lure Choice
Speaking of lure choice and color. The color of lure you should be using, all the go-to colors remain active and catching fish. Gold, hammered gold, green, orange and anything that glows. Plus, orange, and brown. When the fish get tight lipped and stop biting, downsize the presentation.
At The Resort
River Bend Resort currently is offering several savings:
#1) A very generous mid-week sale. When you book a mid-week ice package (Sunday – Thursday) at either the Walleye Inn or River Bend Resort, you will receive 10% off fishing only packages and 15% off all-inclusive packages.
#2) Sleeper sale on our sleeper ice houses 1 – 4. Fishing is on fire right now. What a better way to experience Lake of The Woods ice fishing while saving some money! As low as $93.50 per person per day.
#3) Mid – Week Cabin ONLY rentals available!! For the DIY’rs we provide the lodging and point you in the right direction … you do the rest. We will even clean your fish for you!
Book your ice fishing trip now! Don’t wait! River Bend Resort can set you up easily with just one call to our booking agents. We offer a variety of ice fishing packages that will suit any level of ice fishing experience and will fit any budget.
You can find our offerings as well as pricing by clicking this link. In addition, we do offer online booking for those who wish to do so. We are a simple phone call or “click” away from getting you set up and fishing with us on beautiful Lake of The Woods.
Until next week … Keep a Tight Line! Bugs & Fishes ≤º))~{
