Lake of the Woods MN Fishing Report April 20, 2023.
The walleye season wrapped up on April 14th. Prior to the close of the season many trophies were landed on the Rainy River. All in all a very good spring walleye season – regardless of its short time – was reported by all. Walleye will open back up on May 13th, 2023.
By now it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that the Rainy River is fully open. She has pushed her way through Fourmile Bay and has reached the Lighthouse Gap where the Rainy River enters Lake of the Woods.
Little Fork and Big Fork River, both tributaries to the Rainy, broke loose this past week sending ice and some debris into her flowage. Luckily, sturgeon aren’t affected by dirty water and will still be active and feed during periods of dirty water conditions.
Many big sturgeon were caught this week. Using a glob of crawlers or crawlers with frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, an 18-inch leader material of 60lb test, 3/0 – 5/0 circle hook and a 3-4 ounce no roll sinker. Most sturgeon anglers are targeting holes throughout the river where sturgeon are awaiting their next meal.
The sturgeon harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. Harvest tags are $5 and allows you to take one sturgeon per year 45” to 50” or over 75”. If you do decide to tag a dinosaur – you have to register it within 48 hours.
The catch and release season for sturgeon runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd.
Some anglers have been reported fishing the late ice on Lake of The Woods in search of monster northern pike. To all of their enjoyment, they did very well landing many trophies over this past week.
However, the warmer weather patterns continue to chip away at the remining ice on the lake. Please practice extreme safety this time of year if you do decide to venture out.
Also keep in mind that pike will begin staging adjacent to spawning areas and will be swimming back into shallow, muddy areas soon. Back bays with open water will be the go-to spot for anglers wanting to catch a giant pike. Therefore you can target these beauties from your boat and will not have to worry about unsafe ice. Pike season is open year-round.
Mark your calendar May 13th is the 2023 walleye opener. Most anglers in the “know” are betting and predicting that there will be a good bounty of walleye in the river on the opener.
We look forward to helping you enjoy this tremendous time of the year. Trophy season is here. You certainly don’t want to miss out on all the action.
We are running a spring sale on our nightly cabin rate – in addition to a 3-night special – if you purchase 2-nights, you will get the 3rd night FREE! Starting right now and running until May 12th, 2023. Don’t just sit around and watch the ice melt. Give us a call and book your trophy season trip today.
In addition, we do offer online booking for those who wish to do so. We are a simple 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))~{
