Lake of the Woods is vast, abundant, and productive. The fishing season is open year-round and you can enjoy some first-class ice fishing in winter. Local anglers have spent their lives on this beautiful watershed, always looking for a new hotspot to prowl. A word to the wise: let a Lake of the Woods fishing guide show you where the bite is best!
Whether you're after Walleye (the super-catch of the lake), Northern Pike, Muskellunge, or Bass, Lake of the Woods will provide. Walleye here come in great numbers and sizes. Pike and Musky follow close behind, including lunkers that weigh over 20 pounds. Speaking of giants, the lake is also home to Lake Sturgeon, which enters the lake from the Rainy River.
There's a wide variety of fishing charters and resorts that can organize your angling adventure for you. From easy-going half day and full day trips to expeditions that last for several days, there's something for every fishing appetite.
A lot of Lake of the Woods fishing guides run their charters out of little towns right on the water. If you're looking for an experienced guide to take you out, Kenora, Morson, and Nestor Falls are your best options. They'll gladly help you discover new levels of freshwater fishing, and what's more, you'll have a blast doing it!
Rules & Regulations
Lake of the Woods is located right on the border of Minnesota, Ontario, and in small part, Manitoba, which makes fishing regulations complicated. If you're a US resident fishing from the Minnesota side, all you'll need is a valid Minnesota fishing license.
However, if you decide to venture to the Ontario side of the lake, you'll need an Ontario non-resident fishing license, along with the Remote Area Border Crossing Permit and Outdoor Card. Your guide will inform you of all the limits and rules you should follow, and after that, you're ready to rumble.