Icy Walleye Wonderland: A Chilly Day on Lake of the Woods

As of December 6, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Woods is quite lively despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

**Weather and Conditions:**
The weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from 17°F to 23°F, and it's mostly cloudy with light snow. The wind is blowing at about 18 mph from the north, making it feel even colder[3].

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise today is at 7:36 AM, and sunset will be at 4:33 PM, giving you a relatively short window of daylight[4].

**Fish Activity:**
Walleye and sauger are still the main targets here. Despite the cold, the fish are active, particularly in deeper waters. Look for them around 18 to 29 feet deep, where the structures and transitions from muddy to sandy bottoms are favorable[1].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
Jigging remains a highly effective method. Use gold, orange, chartreuse, and pink jigs, and consider using frozen emerald shiners as bait. These have been producing impressive catches lately[1].

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on the south end of the lake, particularly around the areas from Pine Island to Long Point. The deep-water bite from Long Point straight east to the US/Canadian Border and up to Garden Island is also promising. These areas have been holding a significant number of big walleyes and saugers[1].

**Regulations:**
Remember the new walleye regulation: a sport license allows for two fish daily and four in possession, with a protected slot starting at 43 centimeters (16.9 inches) to help increase the number of spawning-size fish[5].

While Lake of the Woods does not have significant tidal changes like coastal areas, the water levels can fluctuate slightly due to wind and other factors. However, this does not significantly impact the fishing conditions here.

Overall, it's a great time to bundle up and hit the ice or the open water for some excellent walleye and sauger fishing at Lake of the Woods.