Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods, ON, Canada
49.0963308° N, -94.3164613° W
Lake of the Woods, ON, Canada

Lake of the Woods, Minnesota—crowned the “Walleye Capital of the World”—offers an unmatched angling experience with its 317,000 acres of fish-rich waters, over 14,000 islands, and more than 65,000 miles of shoreline. The lake’s top industry is tourism, and it’s easy to see why: fishing derbies, top-tier marinas, and a vibrant network of businesses make this a year-round destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable fishing events include the Oak Island Bass Classic in August, where anglers compete in the scenic waters surrounding Oak Island, and the Kenora Walleye Open held each July, attracting seasoned pros and enthusiastic locals alike. For marinas and launches, Border View Lodge and Cyrus Resort in Baudette are trusted hubs for guided fishing trips, offering boat rentals and lodging. Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort, situated along the southern shore, is another favorite with its full-service marina and proximity to Zippel Bay State Park.

Popular fishing spots include Four Mile Bay, Rainy River, and the Northwest Angle—the only part of the contiguous U.S. that lies north of the 49th parallel. Garden Island and Long Point are revered by walleye and muskie hunters. Whether you’re ice fishing from heated houses provided by Lake of the Woods Ice Company or casting off from the docks at Ballard’s Resort, the lake delivers world-class fishing in a wild, unforgettable setting.

Surface area (km)
2.35
Max depth (m)
4.27
Elevation (m)
2576
Shoreline length (km)
0.75
Best time to go
Visit Lake of the Woods from late June to early September. Experience long sun-kissed days perfect for paddle boarding and fishing, as shimmering waters reflect the azure sky. Embrace tranquility while the crowds dissipate, allowing you to savor the untouched beauty.
Water Quality
The water at Lake of the Woods is generally clear to slightly stained, varying with location, depth, and season. In shallower bays like Four Mile Bay or near the Rainy River mouth, the water can appear tannin-stained or slightly murky due to runoff and organic material. However, out among the deeper, open waters and island channels—especially near the Northwest Angle and Oak Island—the water tends to be much clearer, revealing sandy bottoms and submerged rock formations. The shoreline is richly wooded, framed by dense stands of birch, spruce, and pine, with rocky outcrops and occasional sandy coves. During summer, the water takes on a deep blue-green hue under sunny skies, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greens of the boreal forest. In winter, the frozen expanse turns into a shimmering white sheet dotted with ice fishing houses. Unlike more arid lake regions, Lake of the Woods is surrounded by lush, pristine wilderness, giving it a wild and remote character.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Bay Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Jet Skiing

Islands

Among the most popular and largest islands on Lake of the Woods, Oak Island and Garden Island stand out as essential stops for travelers and anglers alike. Oak Island, located near the Northwest Angle, offers a perfect blend of rugged beauty and creature comforts. It’s home to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge, a storied fishing lodge that has hosted generations of walleye chasers. With modern cabins and direct lake access, it’s a hub for both summer and ice fishing adventures.

Garden Island, located 19 miles from the southern shore, is uninhabited but historically significant. Once home to a bustling resort and Native American fishing camps, the island now falls within Garden Island State Recreation Area. It’s a prized destination for day-trippers and boaters, who come to explore its hiking trails, sheltered coves, and sandy beaches.

Nearby Flag Island also draws visitors with its namesake Flag Island Resort, a popular base for those fishing the U.S.-Canada border waters. These islands offer not just scenic beauty, but a deep-rooted connection to the lake’s heritage.

Nearby amenities

A trip to Lake of the Woods for a couple of days of walleye fishing promises not only legendary angling, but a full experience steeped in rugged beauty and Northern hospitality. With over 317,000 acres of water and thousands of islands to explore, the lake delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure, comfort, and small-town charm.

Start your journey in Baudette, the gateway to Lake of the Woods, where you can stock up on bait, gear, and local knowledge at Lake of the Woods Sports Headquarters or Log Cabin Bait. For accommodations that cater specifically to anglers, consider checking into Ballard’s Resort or Border View Lodge. Both offer all-inclusive fishing packages that cover lodging, meals, boats, and even licensed guides who know the hot spots and seasonal patterns of walleye movement. If you’re visiting in winter, these resorts also provide heated ice fishing houses, transportation onto the frozen lake, and hot meals delivered to your door—or ice hole.

Once on the water, focus your efforts around the Rainy River during spring and fall, or head to the mid-lake reefs, like Knight and Bridges Islands, in summer. Zippel Bay and Long Point also offer excellent structure and consistent action. For an adventurous twist, hire a charter from Angle Outpost Resort or Sportsman’s Lodge and head to the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the contiguous United States. The maze of islands and channels there provides some of the most scenic and productive fishing anywhere on the lake.

Back on shore, enjoy hearty meals and a cold beer at local favorites like The Wigwam Resort or The View in Baudette. If you’ve still got energy after a full day on the water, visit Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in nearby Kenora, Ontario, for a cross-border taste of local craft beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake of the Woods has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Lake of the Woods is internationally renowned as the “Walleye Capital of the World”, attracting anglers from across North America for its world-class fishing year-round. The lake spans over 1,700 square miles, features more than 14,000 islands, and shares shoreline across Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. Beyond fishing, Lake of the Woods is celebrated for its rugged natural beauty, wildlife viewing (think bald eagles and moose), and unique destinations like the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the contiguous United States.

  • Some of the top fishing spots on Lake of the Woods include:

    • Rainy River (especially in spring and fall for spawning walleye)
    • Zippel Bay and Long Point (ideal in midsummer for walleye and sauger)
    • Knight and Bridges Islands (noted for reef fishing in deeper water)
    • Northwest Angle (legendary multi-species angling among a maze of islands)

    For guided trips and boat rentals, top-rated lodges like Ballard’s Resort, Sportsman’s Lodge, and Border View Lodge offer everything needed for a successful fishing adventure.

  • As of the current Minnesota fishing regulations:

    • Walleye and Sauger combined limit: 6 fish
    • Maximum of 4 can be Walleye
    • Protected slot: All Walleye 19.5 to 28 inches must be released
    • One Walleye over 28 inches may be kept as part of the daily limit

    Limits and slot sizes can change seasonally, so always check the Minnesota DNR website before your trip for the latest updates.

  • While Lake of the Woods spans three regions—Minnesota (USA), Ontario, and Manitoba (Canada)—only about 307,000 of its 950,400 total acres lie within Minnesota’s jurisdiction, primarily in the lake’s southern portion and the Northwest Angle. Most of the lake is in Canada, but the Minnesota side offers abundant access points, marinas, and full-service resorts catering to U.S. anglers.

  • Several charming towns and villages surround Lake of the Woods, including:

    • Baudette, Minnesota – The main gateway to the U.S. side, offering resorts, bait shops, dining, and lodging.
    • Williams, MN – A quiet stop west of Baudette, near Zippel Bay State Park.
    • Angle Inlet, MN – Located in the remote Northwest Angle, accessible via Canada or boat.
    • Kenora, Ontario – A vibrant Canadian town with waterfront dining, marinas, and cultural attractions.
    • Sioux Narrows, Ontario – Known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and arts festivals.

    These towns provide excellent access to the lake’s diverse recreational offerings, from guided fishing trips to lakeside dining and cabin getaways.