Lake of the Woods Fishing
Lake of the Woods County, 725,583 acres, 210 feet deep.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo: Lorne Sunley, CC BY 3.0
First look at Lake of the Woods
The DNR lists Lake of the Woods as a lake covering 725,583 acres in Lake of the Woods County. Soundings put the deepest water at 210 feet. About 11% of the lake, 79,253 acres, is under 15 feet deep. About 39 miles separate the lake from Williams. Surveys come from the Baudette area fisheries office. The DNR muskie layer tags it native.
DNR surveys have recorded walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, smallmouth bass and muskellunge. Anglers launch from 6 public water accesses, 5 of them trailer launches. The newest catch data come from a large lake survey on April 1, 2025. Walleye numbers, 15.5 per gill net, landed above the range the DNR expects (3.3-14.8). The DNR ice-out median is May 3 (49 records).
For the walleye herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 Fish counts from the last Lake of the Woods survey
These rows come from the large lake survey on April 1, 2025; the normal range is the DNR range for lakes of the same class.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 992 | 15.5 | 3.3-14.8 | 1.19 | 0.9-1.5 |
| Walleye | Special gill nets | 3 | 0.08 | 10.54 | ||
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 114 | 1.78 | 0.9-4.3 | 4.72 | 2.4-4.3 |
| Northern pike | Special seining | 2 | 0.04 | |||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 1,092 | 17.06 | 9.9-57.1 | 0.46 | 0.2-0.3 |
| Yellow perch | Special seining | 12,854 | 267.79 | |||
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 12 | 0.19 | 0.1-0.7 | 0.46 | 0.2-0.5 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 27 | 13.5 | 0.78 | ||
| Smallmouth bass | Standard gill nets | 13 | 0.2 | 0.0-0.2 | 1.33 | 0.8-1.5 |
| Smallmouth bass | Special seining | 12 | 0.25 | |||
| Muskellunge | Special gill nets | 3 | 0.08 | 29.45 | ||
| Tullibee (cisco) | Standard gill nets | 843 | 13.17 | 4.9-17.6 | 0.63 | 0.4-0.5 |
Gill net totals, Lake of the Woods
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
The Lake of the Woods fishery in the DNR report
“Lake of the Woods straddles the Canada-United States border and is shared between the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, and the U.S.”
“Water level is directly controlled through three hydroelectric dams located at the head of the Winnipeg River in Kenora, Ontario.”
“The Rainy River provides 75% of the inflow to the lake.”
“The Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods (just over 300,000 acres) lies within Muskeg Bay, Big Traverse Bay and Little Traverse Bay.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Lake of the Woods (report). Checked October 2026.
Where trailers back down on Lake of the Woods
- Lake of the Woods, Warroad Point Access3 ramps, 85 trailer stalls, 3 docks, toilet, City of Warroad
- Lake of the Woods, Springsteel Resort & Marina Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, Springsteel Resort and Marina
- Lake of the Woods, Swift Ditch Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lake of the Woods, Zippel Bay Access (DNR WAS01449)1 ramp, 30 trailer stalls, 10 docks, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Warroad River, Ka Ka Geesik Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, 1 dock, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lake of the Woods, Zippel Bay Access (DNR WAS03139)1 ramp, 5 trailer stalls, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Fishing Lake of the Woods from shore
- Lake of the Woods Fishing Pierfishing pier, DNR Division of Parks and Trails, Zippel Bay State Park, Lake of the Woods, Zippel Bay Public Water Access Site
Lake of the Woods sub-basins
- Lake of the Woods (Fourmile Bay)DNR 39000202
- Lake of the Woods (Main)DNR 39000201
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
Depth and shape of Lake of the Woods
Since 1992, 239 Secchi readings have been recorded on Lake of the Woods.
The earliest ice-out on record for Lake of the Woods came April 8, 2012; the latest, May 21, 2014.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Lake of the Woods elevation
The Lake of the Woods level history is a DNR volunteer gauge series, not a live feed.
DNR lake level record (datum NGVD 29).
Fish on record for Lake of the Woods
Species for Lake of the Woods come from DNR survey nets, so small or rare fish may be missing.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Bag and size limits on Lake of the Woods
Special and experimental regulations on Lake of the Woods:
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Pike | All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40". | |
| Walleye and Sauger | March 1 – April 14 and May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" to 28" must be immediately released). | Lake of the Woods (excluding Four-Mile Bay and Rainy River) |
| Walleye and Sauger | March 1 – April 14, each year: catch and release. May 10, 2025 – February 28, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" to 28" must be immediately released). | Four-Mile Bay (Southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) including the Rainy River from the mouth upstream to the dam in Inter |
Canada-Minnesota border limits on Lake of the Woods
| Species | Area | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 6 combined total (only 1 over 20" in possession) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Lake of the Woods and tributaries from mouth to upstream boundaries listed on p. 67 | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Four Mile Bay (southeast bay of Lake of the Woods) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Namakan, Sand Point and Little Vermilion lakes | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy Lake | 8 (not more than 4 can be walleye; walleye from 18-26" must be immediately released; only 1 walleye over 26") | May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026; May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and all tributaries from the mouth to the upstream boundaries liste | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – April 14 each year |
| Walleye and sauger | Rainy River (mouth to the dam at International Falls and tributaries) | 6 (not more than 4 can be walleye; only 1 walleye over 28"; walleye 19.5-28" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Walleye and sauger | Saganaga Lake | 3 (only 1 walleye over 20") | May 9, 2026 – April 14, 2027 |
| Northern pike | All Canada-Minnesota border waters except exceptions below | 3 (only 1 over 30" in possession) | Continuous |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Map position places Lake of the Woods in the North-central Zone for pike and bass.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
State record fish from Lake of the Woods
| Species | Weight | Date | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Whitefish | 13 lb 9 oz | 2019-04-06 | certified weight |
Minnesota DNR state records; angler names left out. All records.
Competition on Lake of the Woods
Open the Lake of the Woods tournament page for dates and results.
Lake of the Woods compared with its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake of the Woods | 725,583 | 210 | 6 | 15.5 | |
| Hayes Lake | 61 miles southwest | 182 | 28 | 1 | |
| Red Lake (Upper Red) | 81 miles south | 119,294 | 15 | 0 | 50.85 |
| Rat Root Lake | 84 miles southeast | 734 | 8 | 0 | 0.86 |
| Moose Lake, Koochiching County | 85 miles southeast | 54 | 7 | 1 | |
| Rainy Lake, St. Louis County | 92 miles southeast | 210,200 | 161 | 4 | 7.17 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Close by Lake of the Woods
Lakes a short haul from Lake of the Woods
- Hayes Lake61 miles southwest
- Red Lake (Upper Red)81 miles south
- Rat Root Lake84 miles southeast
- Moose Lake, Koochiching County85 miles southeast
- Rainy Lake, St. Louis County92 miles southeast
Bait counters serving Lake of the Woods
- Jake's Northwest Anglebait and tackle shop, Lake of the Woods, 18 miles
Outfitters working Lake of the Woods
- Lake of the Woods Lodgingfishing guide (season not stated), Lake of the Woods, Warroad, (800) 363-6492
- Adrian's Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (218) 634-1985
- Angle Outpost Resort and Conference Centerice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 441-5014
- Arnesen's Rocky Pointice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 535-7585
- Ballard's Resortice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 776-2675
- Bayview Lodgeice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 652-2194
- Border View Lodgeice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (800) 776-3474
- Bostic Bay Luxury Ice Cabinsice and open water guide / outfitter, Lake of the Woods, (701) 371-4370
Places to bunk near Lake of the Woods
- Angle Inlet18 miles
- Williams39 miles
- Roosevelt39 miles
Minnesota counties sharing Lake of the Woods
- Lake of the Woods Countyseat: Baudette
Spinning and baitcasting picks for Lake of the Woods
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Species in the nets at Lake of the Woods
Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: Georg Mittenecker, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Fizzishin, CC BY 4.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
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Answers before you launch on Lake of the Woods
Where does Lake of the Woods sit on a Minnesota map?
The lake point falls in Lake of the Woods County, managed from the Baudette fisheries office, about 39 miles from Williams.
What acreage does LakeFinder give Lake of the Woods?
725,583 surface acres, 210 feet at the deepest.
Where is the public access on Lake of the Woods?
The DNR layer lists 6 public accesses; Lake of the Woods, Warroad Point Access is a good start.
Is Lake of the Woods a good panfish lake?
walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and cisco, per DNR surveys.
Is Lake of the Woods above normal for walleye?
A large lake survey on April 1, 2025; walleye ran 15.5 per gill net.
Is Lake of the Woods under experimental regulations?
Northern Pike: All from 30-40" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 40".; Walleye and Sauger: March 1 – April 14 and May 10, 2025 – April 14, 2026: Possession limit six (not more than four can be walleye; only one walleye over 28"; walleye 19 1/2" t.
Do I need a Minnesota license for Lake of the Woods?
On border water a Minnesota license ($25 resident, $51 nonresident) works under the shared rules; on Canadian water the Canadian portion needs a Canadian license.
When does Lake of the Woods freeze and thaw?
Around May 3 in most years; May 15, 2026 last time.
Where can I buy minnows near Lake of the Woods?
Closest on our list: Jake's Northwest Angle, 18 miles.
Hook up the trailer for Lake of the Woods
The license page lists every Minnesota limit.