Whether you’re an expert angler or a first-time fisherman, you can’t beat Minnesota ice fishing!
Minnesota ice fishing is the best in the world. If you’re after prize Northern Pike or Walleye, though, you’ll want to seriously consider Lake of the Woods ice fishing.
Lake of the Woods is located at the top of northern Minnesota, in what many people consider “God’s country.” The lake itself is huge, about 80 miles long and 60 miles wide, and straddles the United States and Canada border. It’s home to many large fish, including Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike and Sturgeon. You might say this lake is an angler’s paradise.
Most Lake of the Woods resorts offer ice fishing as well as traditional warm weather fishing. However, many anglers swear that by far, ice fishing for Walleye is the most exhilarating and satisfying fishing experience.
What can you expect when you go ice fishing for Walleye? Many people envision sitting on a bucket over a frozen lake, chilled by frigid winter snow and winds, trying to reel in a rod with frost-bitten fingers.
This picture couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Today’s ice fisherman can take advantage of many comfortable innovations, including a nice, warm ice fishing house. Imagine fishing in a small cabin, complete with heat, toilet facilities, even a cooking stove and bunks for a nap when desired. There are several small holes drilled in the floor so that you can drop your hook and line and ice fish for Walleye, all in the comfort of your snug ice fishing house. Some people like to stay overnight on the ice in their sleeper fish house.
And the best part is that anyone, young or old, can ice fish.
If you can bait your hook with a minnow and drop your line through a hole in the ice, then you can ice fish! Just jiggle your line every so often to help the passing Walleye or Northern Pike notice your bait and before you know it, you’ll be pulling in a prize fish. Of course, a Minnesota fishing report can provide you with some of the best Walleye fishing techniques.
If you need more help, any Lake of the Woods resort can suggest additional ice fishing tips.
Okay, now you’re ready to try ice fishing. How do you know when the fish are biting? One way is to look at the Lake of the Woods fishing report. Minnesota fishing reports are available online and from most resorts, and you’ll want to be prepared for your Lake of the Woods ice fishing expedition.
What’s included in a Minnesota fishing report? Generally other anglers will note where they’re finding fish, for example, the depth of the water, weather conditions, whether the fish are found near the shore or out farther, and so on. You’ll want to check a Lake of the Woods fishing report before you head out on the lake, because this will be one of your Walleye fishing techniques – you want to go where the fish are!
Why do anglers like to fish for Walleye and Northern Pike? Walleye are a delicious fish, with firm white flesh and very little, if any, -fishy- taste or odor. Northern Pike are a fighting fish, and provide the fisherman with a battle that can be thrilling!
Really, Lake of the Woods ice fishing is unparalleled.
So you’ve decided that Minnesota ice fishing is for you. How do you determine which Minnesota fishing resort is best? One way is to check on reviews for local Lake of the Woods resorts. You’ll want to see what other people have said about each resort. For example, do previous anglers say good things about their stay? Were they pleased with their hosts and their fishing experience? And most important, did they catch fish?
Of course, it’s always a good idea to contact a few Minnesota fishing resorts personally. You can tell a lot from a telephone conversation! A Lake of the Woods resort rep who answers your questions helpfully and politely will provide a good indication of what your ice fishing holiday will be like.
Many Lake of the Woods resorts offer ice fishing tips and the Lake of the Woods fishing report. One of the best Minnesota fishing resorts is Wheelers Point Resort. They’ve been around a long time, and you can benefit from their many years of angling experience. Wheelers Point offers ice fishing houses for large and small groups and can custom tailor your ice fishing experience.