A Quick Look At Lake Of The Woods Fishing

If you are looking to test your angling skills on one of North America's largest freshwater lakes, one that is considerably dotted with islands, that provides a peek into nesting areas for bald eaglets, and that is home to some of the finest tasting fish, then Lake of the Woods fishing is for you. A journey to the lake just might result in an experience that fishing venturers will be hard-pressed to match.

With more than 65,000 miles of shoreline and over 14,000 islands, the geography is one of many awesome features of Lake of the Woods. It sits in the state of Minnesota as well as the Canadian provinces of Ottawa and Manitoba. Being 65 miles long and wide, this lake would be the largest Canadian lake but the fact that part of it is in the United States takes away from it that title.

The international waters of this lake offer up some of the most preeminent fishing in the world. The two biggest prizes for fishermen are walleye and muskellunge (often referred to as muskie.) Walleyes are sought by anglers not just for how good it tastes but also for the challenge they bring in catching them. The muskie is the largest member in the pike family and is known for its strength, tenacity and eye-catching acrobatic leaps from the water.

Muskellunge and walleye are not the only fish species found swimming here. The vast waters are shared with many other fish including crappies, saugers, Lake Perch, lake trout, northern pike and largemouth and small bass.

In January and February, ice fishing is highly popular. Walleye, pike and perch make up the bulk of the fishes caught. The season for walleye peaks during the summer months, July and August, when the water temperature goes up. They become the most vulnerable when swimming in mid-lake mud flats and in shallow waters. The best month for catching smallmouth bass is typically September as during this time they tend to congregate into large schools. February and March are usually the bet months for bringing in northern pike.

As mentioned, ice fishing is a big draw to the heartier of fishermen. Sauger, walleye and northern pike make up the usual take. Modes of transportation to get out onto the lake are numerous, and most have some form of floatation capability for safety reasons, hovercrafts being a good example of such a vessel. Even though hundreds of ice fishing shacks may be spotted in one "hot spot" area, there really is no overcrowding. The lake is so large that ample opportunities for success exist for near everyone.

Lake of the Woods hosts many fishing tournaments. Most of these tourneys are for bass and walleye. Tourneys are also plentiful for fishers looking to reel in crappies, perch and others. Anglers come from far and wide to participate in the Rainy River Walleye Live Release Tournament. The prize pool is $45,000 which includes $15,000 for the big winner.

While fishing Lake of the Woods is a main attraction, there is plenty of other fun to be had as well. On both the United States side and the Canadian side of the lake and in any season there are activities to keep just about anyone happy. Cold weather visitors can enjoy snowmobiling and dog sledding while those who prefer the warmer weather can take part in sailing and kayaking.