LIMITS & SPECIES
ON LAKE OF THE WOODS
WALLEYE
LIMITS
Early Spring Season Walleye Limit: None may be harvested.
Summer & Winter Walleye Limit: 4, all Walleye between 19.5 and 28 inches must be released, you may take one trophy over 28 inches.
ABOUT
There are many locals that would explain there are two different kinds of Walleye in Lake of the Woods, river Walleye and a lake Walleye. Although we know that a Walleye can travel further than an Indy car in its life span there are some people that believe a portion of the Walleye never leave the lake or never leave the river. Although we try to figure them out with all different thoughts and data there are a couple things we all can agree on. One is that you can find the Walleye when you find their food source, the other is gold is always a staple color for tackle on Lake of the Woods.
SAUGER
LIMITS
There is a combined with Walleye limit on Sauger for Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. You may not have more than 6 and you reduce this number per Walleye you have in possession. Therefore you may have 4 Walleyes and 2 Sauger, or you may have 6 Sauger and no Walleye. The total number is 6 and you may not have more than 4 Walleye.
ABOUT
Sauger are typically smaller than walleye and have round spots on their dorsal fin where Walleye do not. There are some other differences with the Walleye, like a solid black area at the back of their dorsal fin. We have always looked at them as a bonus fish and never really figured out a best way to target them. Generally while targeting Walleye there are plenty of Saugers around. Saugers do not seem to enter the river, and spawn on the lake about a week or two later than the Walleye. Feeding patterns seem to be the same as Walleye and generally there are more Sauger caught when we are fishing deeper on the lake in the winter.
NORTHERN PIKE
LIMITS
3 is the limit and the slot is from 30-40 inches
You may possess one trophy over 40 inches.
ABOUT
The best Northern Trophy Pike fishing occurs in February and March. The big females are concentrated in shallow water and feeding heavily during this time of year as they gear up to spawn.
YELLOW PERCH
LIMITS
20 fish per day with no more than 40 fish in possession.
ABOUT
Perch are typically not concentrated in great numbers. We perceive them as a bonus fish. However, when you hook into one it is worth it. In recent years an average Perch has been running in the 11-14″ range.
BURBOT (EEL POUT, LAWYER)
LIMITS
More commonly referred to as an Eel Pout or a Lawyer have a continuous season with no limit.
ABOUT
The majority of the Burbout caught are during the winter months. An average fish runs in the 3-6 pound range with many up to 10 pounds. The state record was caught on Lake of the Woods and weighed in at 19.16 pounds! They are a rough fish and there is not a limit on how many you can keep. However, it is illegal to leave them laying on the ice. They may not be the prettiest fish, but eating their “backstraps” has become extremely popular. We can clean them up and cook them for you back at the lodge.
LAKE STURGEON
LIMITS
You may only harvest 1 per license year
Must be from 45-50 inches or a trophy may be possessed if over 75 inches
You must have a Sturgeon Harvest Tag which can be purchased with your license for an additional $5.00.
There are certain times of the year that this season is closed although you may catch and release.
ABOUT
The most popular time of year to fish Sturgeon is in April and early May. This is during their annual spawning run in the Rainy River. Also, Walleye season is closed during this time. The early season runs from April 24th – May 7th and allows for one fish to be kept between 45-50″ or over 75″. A great day of Sturgeon fishing in the spring can mean boating 10-30 of these monstrous fish. Its just a matter of time before the state record comes out of the Rainy River/Lake of the Woods. The current state record is 94.4 lbs. A keeper fish over 75″ would surely break that mark. See the MN DNR’s projected age and weight chart for Sturgeon.
TULIBEE
LIMITS
No limit and a continuous season.
ABOUT
Another rough fish, that are extremely similar to a Whitefish. We typically see more caught in the winter months. An average Tulibee runs from 11-15 inches. As far as eating, they are best smoked.
SUCKERS
LIMITS
No limit and a continuous season.
ABOUT
SMALL MOUTH BASS
LIMITS
6 may be possessed and the season is continuous.
ABOUT
Smallmouth Bass can be found in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay, also around some of the shallower rock structure near Zipple Bay and on the north end of the lake.