"Transitioning to Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods: Fall Fishing Recap and Early Ice Conditions"

As of December 7, 2024, the fishing scene on Lake of the Woods is transitioning into the ice fishing season, but here’s a summary of the recent fall fishing and what you can expect as the ice forms.

**Weather and Ice Conditions:**
The recent cold wave has started to form ice on the lake, though it's still early in the season. Expect the ice to be thin and not yet safe for all types of ice fishing. Temperatures are in the mid to low 20s Fahrenheit, with some colder nights.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is around 7:45 AM, and sunset is about 4:30 PM, giving you a good window for early morning and late afternoon fishing.

**Fish Activity:**
Walleye and sauger fishing have been excellent in the fall, and as the water cools, these fish remain active. In the fall, anglers were finding them in depths of 20 to 27 feet, particularly on the south shore[1][3][4].

**Recent Catches:**
Before the ice set in, anglers were catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers. The fish were often found in various depths, but the sweet spot was consistently around 18 to 29 feet. Expect to catch a mix of sizes, including keepers and some bigger walleyes[1][3].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For jigging, live or frozen emerald shiners are highly effective. Use jigs in colors like gold, glow white, glow red, chartreuse, orange, or pink. A gold jig paired with any of these colors is a winning combination[1][3].

**Hot Spots:**
- The south end of Lake of the Woods, particularly around the areas near River Bend Resort, has been a hotspot for walleye and sauger fishing.
- Deep muddy and sand to mud transition areas have also been productive, especially when using sonar technology to locate schools of fish[1][3].

As the ice forms, be cautious and wait for official safety reports before venturing out. For now, if you're ice fishing, stick to the shallower, safer areas and use extreme caution.