Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau Lake of the Woods MN is famous for it's great fishing. More at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com
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Resorts and outfitters across the south shore, Rainy River and NW Angle provide lodging, guided fishing, fish cleaning and meal pkgs.

05/08/2026

Discover how to trigger walleye strikes on Lake of the Woods! Learn the power of bumping the bottom, holding your jig in the strike zone, and the subtle art of shaking or swimming your bait. See how dropping your jig can lead to instant action. It's all about technique to get those bites!

05/07/2026

It's open water on Lake of the Woods for the MN Fishing Opener this weekend.

New 80 inch state record sturgeon confirmed caught at the mouth of the Rainy River in Lake of the Woods County!The Minne...
05/05/2026

New 80 inch state record sturgeon confirmed caught at the mouth of the Rainy River in Lake of the Woods County!

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has certified a new catch-and-release state record lake sturgeon, an 80-inch fish caught by Travis Keating April 18 on the Rainy River in Lake of the Woods County.

Keating called the sturgeon “the biggest fish of my life.” He caught the fish on an annual lake sturgeon fishing trip with a group of close friends.

The fish measured 80 inches long with a 38-inch girth. While it is not recommended to weigh fish for catch-and-release records, using a chart of lake sturgeon length-girth-weight estimates would put the fish around 165 pounds.

MN DNR press release in comments.

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report...Spring has arrived in full force at Lake of the Woods, and the ice-to...
04/29/2026

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report...

Spring has arrived in full force at Lake of the Woods, and the ice-to-open-water transition is happening fast. Signs of big cracks, some open water, and quickly deteriorating ice conditions are showing across the lake. In the meantime, the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, Zippel Bay, and many areas with current up at the Angle are open.

The focus is squarely on three outstanding fishing opportunities happening right now: world-class sturgeon fishing, pike fishing and preparation for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 9th.

Sturgeon Harvest Season is Here!
The sturgeon harvest season begins April 24th and runs through May 7th. This is the spring window for anglers pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime legal harvest sturgeon.

Great sturgeon fishing is happening right now on the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay. A variety of sizes are being caught, including fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric giants are aggressive, feeding heavily, and accessible throughout the open water areas.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

Catch and release through April 23rd (season has passed)
Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (OPEN - 1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)
Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026
Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026
Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required for registration if you harvest a legal fish or catch a potential state record.

Minnesota Fishing Opener - May 9th
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 9th—and the prediction for walleye fishing is very optimistic.

Healthy numbers of fish combined with a late spring means walleyes will be in the river, in Four Mile Bay, and in a variety of close-to-shore areas across the lake. The cold spring kept fish closer to their spawning grounds, and as walleyes spawn at different times across this big lake, good numbers will remain staged in accessible locations.

It will be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and in classic spring staging areas. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will be the go-to presentation across the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, and shoreline areas on the main lake.

Resorts are taking final reservations, guides are booking up, and the excitement is building. If you haven't locked in your opener trip yet, now is the time.

Open Water Access Expanding
Boat accesses on the Rainy River are open:

Wheeler's Point
Timbermill Park
Vidas
Frontier
Birchdale (Nelson Park)
With ice deteriorating quickly across the main lake and more bays opening daily, anglers have expanding options for targeting sturgeon, pike, and preparing for the walleye opener.

Pike Fishing - Year-Round Opportunities
Big pike are in the shallows right now, staging near spawning areas and feeding aggressively. The pike season is open year-round, and a small boat is all it takes to access opening bays and shoreline structure.

Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

Fishing Guides Available
Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available for sturgeon and pike trips, and for walleye trips starting May 9th. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and local knowledge. Guides put you on fish and maximize your time on the water.

Book Your Trip Now
Whether you're targeting trophy sturgeon or pike this week or planning your opener walleye trip, resorts have lodging, guide services, and boat rentals available. Don't miss out on some of the best fishing of the year.

For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/

Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/

Season Reminders:

Walleye opener: May 9th
Sturgeon harvest: April 24 - May 7
Pike: Open year-round
2026 MN fishing license required
Stay connected on social media for daily updates as we count down to opener!

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River continues to he...
04/21/2026

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report

Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River continues to heat up with expanding open water access and multiple species opportunities. The Rainy River is open, as is the majority of Four Mile Bay to the lake, giving anglers significantly more water to explore and fish.

Four boat accesses remain open:

Wheeler's Point - at the mouth of the Rainy River, heart of the resort area
Vidas - excellent access to mid-river stretches
Frontier - productive water both upstream and downstream
Birchdale (Nelson Park) - upstream access with consistent action

With the Rainy River flowing freely and Four Mile Bay opening up, anglers now have access to prime sturgeon water, trophy pike habitat, and staging areas that will be loaded with walleyes come the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th.

Four Mile Bay - Expanded Sturgeon Opportunities
Four Mile Bay provides another fantastic area to sturgeon fish. This area, at this time of year, holds good numbers of lake sturgeon, giving anglers an alternative to the traditional Rainy River stretches.

Most anglers continue using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from these prehistoric giants.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

Catch and Release through April 23rd
Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)
Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026
Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026
Harvest season: July 1 - Sep 30, 2026
Catch and release: Oct 1, 2026 - April 23, 2027
Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record or harvest fish.

Bays Opening Up - Big Pike Moving Shallow
Bays are starting to show open water, which naturally gets the attention of anglers who like huge pike. This time of year, big pike start shifting towards their spawning areas, and with a pike season that is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River, it offers great opportunities.

A small boat is all it takes to put yourself on some fun spring fishing. You don't need a massive rig or specialized equipment. A 14-16 foot aluminum boat with a small outboard gets you into the bays, along shorelines, and into the back corners where big pike are staging and feeding.

Target shallow bays with emerging vegetation, wood structure, rocky transitions, and current breaks near spawning habitat. Pike will hit spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and live bait presentations. If they seem lethargic or neutral, try a deadbait under a bobber.

These are trophy fish—30, 35, 40+ inch northerns with attitude. The fight is explosive, and this is some of the most exciting fishing of the entire year.

Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

Looking Ahead to Opener - May 9th
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is less than two weeks away, and conditions are setting up beautifully.

Given the current ice-out progression, good numbers of walleyes remain in the river, Four Mile Bay, and along shorelines across the south shore and up at the Northwest Angle. As water temperatures slowly climb and fish continue their post-spawn patterns, they'll be accessible and aggressive come opener.

It will continue to be a great jig bite! The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination that worked so well during the spring catch-and-release season will remain the go-to presentation. Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The water will be cold and the walleyes will be plentiful.

Four Mile Bay, the Rainy River, and shoreline areas across Lake of the Woods will all be in play. You'll have options—lots of water, lots of fish, and multiple techniques that work.

Current Fishing Focus
Right now, anglers have three outstanding opportunities:

Trophy pike in opening bays and shallow spawning areas (year-round season)
Lake sturgeon in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay
Preparing for the Minnesota Fishing Opener walleye season on May 9th
All three areas—the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay and the NW Angle—will offer some fun opportunities when the season opens.

Fishing Guides Available
Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for pike, sturgeon, and walleyes (starting May 9th). Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish.

Guides know where pike are staging, which sturgeon holes are producing, and where walleyes will be positioned come opener. Whether you're new to the area or looking to maximize your time on the water, a guide trip delivers results.

Lodging and Good Food Available
The area is full of resorts and a variety of eating and drinking options to enjoy after your day of fishing. From comfortable cabins to full-service lodges, there's something for every budget and preference.

Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and amenities. After a long day chasing pike or battling sturgeon, there's nothing better than a great meal and comfortable bed.

Season and Regulation Reminders
2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later.

Walleye and Sauger:

Season closed until May 9th Minnesota Fishing Opener
After May 9th: Combined limit of 6 walleyes and saugers per day, with up to 4 being walleyes
All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately
One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day
Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released.

Sturgeon: Catch and release now. Harvest season: April 24 through May 7; catch and release: May 8-15; closed: May 16 - June 30.

Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open.

Book Your Trip Now
For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/

Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/

Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and real-time updates as we count down to opener!

Lake of the Woods MN and Rainy River Fishing Report...Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is in full...
04/14/2026

Lake of the Woods MN and Rainy River Fishing Report...

Spring fishing at Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is in full swing with excellent access and multiple fisheries firing on all cylinders. Great news—four boat accesses are now open, with the Wheeler's Point access at the mouth of the Rainy River opening on April 14th right in the heart of the resorts.

Currently open boat ramps:

Wheeler's Point - at the mouth of the Rainy River, heart of the resort area (just opened April 14th!)

Vidas - excellent access to mid-river stretches

Frontier - productive water both upstream and downstream

Birchdale (Nelson Park) - the original ramp that kicked off the season

A big thank you to all who participate in opening ramps, keeping anglers safe, and enabling this wonderful spring fishing to take place each year. The work that goes into maintaining these accesses and ensuring safe conditions doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate everyone who makes spring fishing possible!

Spring Walleye Season Recap - Solid Results Despite Some Chilly Conditions
The spring walleye season finished up April 14th, and it was a great season with good numbers of walleyes caught. Anglers who made the trip enjoyed good action throughout the catch-and-release period.

The spring was cold, and water temps stayed in the 36 degree range with a high point earlier in the week of 38 degrees. Overall, a pretty chilly spring season, but the fish were there and cooperative for those who worked for them.

Looking Ahead to Opener - May 9th
The walleye season opens up again for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th. This is when things get really exciting.

With the cold spring, there will be good numbers of walleyes left over in the river, in Four Mile Bay, and across shorelines on the south shore and up at the Northwest Angle. Typically, warmer springs see fish move through the system faster. This year's extended cold means more fish will be holding in these prime areas come opener.

It will continue to be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be accessible along shorelines, in river current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will remain the go-to presentation.

Now is the time to finalize your opener plans. Resorts are taking reservations, guides are booking up, and prime dates fill quickly. Don't wait—secure your spot for one of the best fishing weekends of the year.

Current Fishing Focus - Pike and Sturgeon
Moving forward, many anglers are focused on three outstanding opportunities:

The never-ending pike season and those big fish making their way into the shallows
The ongoing sturgeon season that goes through May 15th
The upcoming Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9th
Let's break down what's happening right now with pike and sturgeon.

Pike Season - Year-Round Trophy Opportunities
The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, and spring is prime time. Big pike move into the shallows as they stage for and complete their spawning cycles. These apex predators are aggressive, feed heavily, and accessible in shallow water.

Target bays, w**d edges, current breaks, and shoreline structure. Use spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, and live or dead bait presentations. Pike are opportunistic feeders, if you put a bait in front of them, they'll often eat it.

Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

This is trophy pike time. If you've been wanting to tangle with a big northern, the next few weeks when back bays open up offer some of the best opportunities of the entire year.

Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong
Some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat.

These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

Catch and Release through April 23rd
Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)
Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026
Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026
Harvest season: July 1 - Sep 30, 2026
Catch and release: Oct 1, 2026 - April 23, 2027
We're currently in the catch and release window and beginning April 24th is the "keep season" for those pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime sturgeon of legal size. After May 7th, the season shifts back to catch-and-release through May 15th before closing for the summer.

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or extra long bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Fishing Guides Available
Fishing guides who must be licensed charter captains from the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for pike, sturgeon, and walleyes (starting May 9th). Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish.

Guides know the river and lake, understand current conditions, network with other guides and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.

Lodging and Good Food Available
The area is full of resorts and a variety of eating and drinking options to enjoy after your day of fishing. Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and amenities.

From classic fish fry dinners to craft cocktails, the Lake of the Woods area offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge between days on the water.

Season and Regulation Reminders
2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later.

Walleye and Sauger:

Season closed until May 9th Minnesota Fishing Opener
After May 9th: Combined limit of 6 walleyes / saugers per day, with up to 4 being walleyes
All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately
One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day
Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released.

Sturgeon: Harvest season April 24 through May 7; catch and release May 8-15; closed May 16 - June 30.

Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open.

Book Your Opener Trip Now
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is just weeks away, and Lake of the Woods will be at its absolute best. With a good number of walleyes in the system, opening weekend should be excellent walleye fishing.

Resorts offer lodging, guide services, boat rentals, dock slips and everything you need for a successful fishing adventure. Don't miss out—book your trip today.

For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/

Complete open water fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/open-water-fishing/

Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and updates as we count down to opener!

Sturgeon season goes through May 15th and the guys from FM Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. are dialed in! Nice job guys!Sturge...
04/11/2026

Sturgeon season goes through May 15th and the guys from FM Walleyes Unlimited, Inc. are dialed in! Nice job guys!

Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong

Some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat.

These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

Catch and release through April 23rd (current season - all fish must be released)

Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)

Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026

Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Fishing Guides Available

Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish.

Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.

Lodging and Good Food Available

The area is full of resorts and a variety of eating and drinking options to enjoy after your day of fishing. Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list.

04/10/2026

The walleye season is open through April 14th and the fish are biting! It will only get better as water warms in coming days. Make it happen!

With water temps on the Rainy River at 36.5 degrees, walleye fishing will continue to improve as water temps rise. The ...
04/08/2026

With water temps on the Rainy River at 36.5 degrees, walleye fishing will continue to improve as water temps rise. The walleye season is open through April 14th. Three boat ramps are open, Nelson Park in Birchdale, Frontier and Vidas. Make plans to get up and take advantage of this fun opportunity!

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report...Spring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shi...
04/06/2026

Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Fishing Report...

Spring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shifted to open water fishing on the Rainy River. Ice fishing for the most part is wrapped up for the year for most anglers, and it was a fantastic year overall—both with good ice conditions and a strong population of fish.

The Lake of the Woods area is very appreciative of everyone who had the chance to make it up this year. Thank you! Your support means everything to our local resorts, businesses, and community. We hope you made memories on the ice and we look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring and summer.

Rainy River Open Water Update - More Access Opening Up
The majority of anglers fishing are focused on the open waters of the Rainy River, and access continues to expand as ice clears downstream.

Currently open boat ramps:

Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN - fully operational
Frontier Boat Ramp - just downstream of Birchdale 8-9 miles, fully operational
Opening soon:

Vidas Boat Ramp (about 8 miles downstream from Frontier) has open water in front of it with just a bit of shoreline ice and should be ready to go very soon.
The open water is making its way downstream each day. As more ramps open, anglers gain access to additional stretches of productive water and can spread out along the river system.

Walleye Bite - Good and Getting Better
The walleye bite has been good. Not crazy good, just good. Much like last week, there are more numbers of walleyes being caught versus huge walleyes. But don't let that discourage you—this is the normal progression of the spring run. Some big girls are in the river, just not in the numbers that can happen this time of year.

As the water temps increase, the big females will be entering the river in larger numbers. We're on the front end of the run right now. The best fishing—both in terms of numbers and size—is still ahead of us.

Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14th. All walleyes must be released immediately. Take photos, enjoy the fight, but put them back to swim another day.

What's Working for Walleyes
Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River.

Two primary jigging methods are working well:

Method 1 - Stationary jigging: Anchored up or spot-locked and vertical jigging, or fan casting shoreline structure. This allows you to work a specific hole, current seam, or piece of structure thoroughly. When you find active fish, you can stay on them and pick them off one at a time.

Method 2 - Slip jigging: Trolling slowly and dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then slowly drifting back downstream. This covers water efficiently and helps you locate fish when they're scattered or moving.

Some days, fish want it one way over another. Other days, it doesn't matter—they'll bite either presentation. Pay attention to what's working and adjust accordingly. The river will tell you what it wants if you're willing to listen and adapt.

Sturgeon Bite Remains Strong
Again, some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat.

These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

Catch and release through April 23rd (current season - all fish must be released)

Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)

Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026

Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Fishing Guides Available
Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish.

Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.

Pike Season - Year-Round Opportunities
The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Pike are staging near spawning areas right now and feeding aggressively. As the river continues to open up, more anglers will target these apex predators.

Pike limit: 3 fish per day with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

Looking Ahead - Minnesota Fishing Opener May 9th
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9th, and now is the time to make your plans.

By opener, water temperatures will be warmer, the big female walleyes will be in the system in force, and the bite will be at its peak. The jig bite will be strong, and walleyes will be accessible along shorelines on the lake and current breaks throughout the river.

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during opener weekend and throughout May. Resorts are taking reservations now. Prime dates and guides book quickly—don't wait to secure your spot.

Season and Regulation Reminders
2026 Fishing License Required: Make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license dated March 1, 2026 or later.

Walleye and Sauger:

Rainy River and Four Mile Bay: Catch and release only through April 14th

Main Lake of the Woods: Open through April 14th with normal limits

Combined limit of 6 fish per day, with up to 4 being walleyes

All walleyes 19.5 to 28.0 inches must be released immediately

One walleye over 28.0 inches allowed per day

Pike: Open year-round. 3 fish per day, one over 40 inches allowed, all pike 30-40 inches must be released.

Sturgeon: Catch and release through April 23rd; harvest season April 24 - May 7.

Other Species: Perch, crappies, eelpout, and tullibees remain open.

For trip planning, resort information, and guide services, visit https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging/
Complete fishing information at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/

Stay connected on social media for daily fishing reports and real-time river updates!

Address

PO Box 518
Baudette, MN
56623

Telephone

+12186341174

Website

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