What are the best early fishing spots on Lake of the Woods?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

When it comes to fishing on **Lake of the Woods** in the early spring, the lake offers an abundance of opportunities to reel in some fantastic catches. This vast lake spans across the U.S.-Canada border, providing a diverse range of fishing grounds. Early spring is a great time to target species like **walleye**, **northern pike**, and **crappie** as they begin to emerge from their winter haunts.

### Prime Spots to Consider

1. **The South Basin**: As the ice starts to break, the South Basin is a hotspot for walleye. Fish tend to move into the shallower waters to feed, making it a perfect spot for early spring action. A video that discusses fishing techniques in this area is ["How to Find Walleyes on Lake of the Woods"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5eXxxGqHlA). It's packed with useful insights.

2. **The Northwest Angle**: This area is famous for its pike fishing. The bays and coves here are perfect for catching large pike that are beginning to move into shallower waters. If you want to see what it's like, check out ["Lake of the Woods Pike Fishing (Sunset Country)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I3vrYnACkE).

3. **Rainy River**: Known for its spring walleye run, Rainy River is a must-visit. As the ice breaks, walleye move into the river to spawn, providing great opportunities for anglers.

4. **Garden Island**: Located in the northern part of the lake, this area is surrounded by deeper waters but has plenty of structure that attracts fish during the early season.

### Fishing Tips

- **Use the Right Gear**: Early spring fishing can be unpredictable. Make sure you have a reliable rod and reel combo. The [Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G8RH4U2?tag=tacklenet-20) are a great choice for both beginners and seasoned anglers.

- **Maps are Your Friends**: Navigating Lake of the Woods can be tricky. Consider investing in a good map, such as the [Lake of The Woods-SE Fishing Map](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWUIZQA?tag=tacklenet-20), to ensure you find the best spots and avoid getting lost.

### Quick Tip

*Try using live bait like minnows, especially for walleye, as they are particularly effective in colder water temperatures. Also, experimenting with jigs can yield great results.*

Remember, patience is key. Early spring fishing can be challenging due to the changing conditions, but those who persevere are often rewarded with great catches. So grab your gear, head out to Lake of the Woods, and enjoy the thrill of the catch!

Happy fishing! 🎣

![Early Ice Lake Of the Woods Spots to try](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/324zmVo5_LY/default.jpg)

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