At this point in the season, anything goes for ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. The only pattern is: there is no pattern. The bite is in different depths, and anglers are finding success with different colors from day to day. The only constant seems to be that the bite is extraordinarily light, except for the big fish, which are hitting hard and fast. Even with the warm weather recently, the ice is holding solid with at least 18 inches, with 22-25 inches being reported in a few select spots. Area resorts are set up anywhere from 2-10 miles north of Pine Island in 19-32 feet of water. Some days bring limits, while others are filled with the excitement of catch and release, and a few even provide ample time for getting to know your fellow fishermen. Red colored hooks and rattles are being reported as providing success more frequently than others, and the lighter bite has inspired many anglers to use jigs of 1/4- to 1/8-ounce. Chubs are the bait of choice, with shiners being used to the west, where anglers are using gold and glow jigs in 16-25 feet of water. After a bit of a slowdown, the Northwest Angle is once again experiencing some of the best winter fishing it has seen in years. With a little attention to jigging, plenty of walleye and sauger are being pulled up. Resorts are focused on the area south of Pine Island in 24-26 feet of water on 20-22 inches of ice. The perch run continues with several fish in the 17- to 19-inch range being reported. No specific tackle color has been reported, and anglers are simply using minnows as bait.

Area Tourism Bureau, Jane, near junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 172 in Baudette (1-800-382-FISH)