Baudette, Minn. — Picture this: you're out on the frozen expanse of Lake of the Woods, an ice-fishing paradise. As you cast your line, anticipation fills the air. What will you reel in? That's the beauty of this extraordinary lake; you never quite know what you'll catch.
A Surprising Encounter: Muskies
Just ask Leah Saffert, a 10-year-old angler from Rice Lake, Wis. She recently embarked on an ice-fishing adventure with her father and brother in the Zippel Bay area on Lake of the Woods' south side. Little did she know that her fishing experience would take an unexpected turn.
Leah's father set up tip-ups during the day, hoping to catch her a trophy pike. When a flag went up on one of the tip-ups and the reel began spinning, Leah wasted no time setting the hook. What followed was an exhilarating battle with a fish that proved to be more than they bargained for.
To everyone's astonishment, when they finally pulled the fish through the hole, it turned out to be a massive muskie measuring over 50 inches in length. This incredible catch exceeded their wildest dreams.
Lakers Making a Splash
A lake trout caught on Lake of the Woods this winter. (Photo courtesy of Zippel Bay Resort)
While lake trout are typically found in the north and east regions of Lake of the Woods, in places like Whitefish Bay in Ontario, they occasionally venture southward. Known for their preference for cold water, lake trout find their ideal habitat in the deep waters of the lake, where temperatures remain consistently low.
However, during the winter months, the cold water permeates throughout the entire lake, allowing lake trout to explore the southern end, including the Zippel Bay area. Keith Mills and his ice-fishing group recently had the pleasure of catching a beautiful lake trout, proving that this species can surprise even the most seasoned anglers.
Sturgeon: The Ultimate Winter Challenge
A big sturgeon caught through the ice on Lake of the Woods. (Photo courtesy of Fred's Beds)
Sturgeon, majestic creatures known to reside in the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, present a formidable challenge to walleye anglers. Hooking a big sturgeon through the ice can turn an ordinary fishing trip into an epic battle, with landing this mighty fish often taking up to an hour.
For many ice anglers, catching a sturgeon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sheer power and size of these creatures leave an indelible impression, making it a fishing tale for the ages.
A Variety of Fish for Every Angler
Apart from these extraordinary catches, Lake of the Woods provides a haven for other fish such as big pike, eelpout, and crappies. While pike can be found throughout the lake, landing one measuring over 40 inches while targeting walleye is an exhilarating surprise.
Eelpout, also known as burbot, add a touch of uniqueness to the fishing experience. These fascinating creatures are not commonly found in most Minnesota lakes, so encountering one while ice fishing is a delightful surprise.
An assortment of fish caught by ice anglers on Lake of the Woods. (Photo courtesy of Lake of the Woods Tourism)
In conclusion, Lake of the Woods offers a myriad of surprises for ice-fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're battling a massive muskie, reeling in a lake trout, or engaging in an epic encounter with a sturgeon, this winter wonderland never fails to impress. With its abundant variety of fish and thrilling experiences, Lake of the Woods is a dream destination for every angler seeking a remarkable ice-fishing adventure.
So, why wait? Plan your trip to Lake of the Woods and create memories that will last a lifetime.
