Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Resorts

Lake of the Woods, located at the intersection of Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba, is a frozen paradise for ice anglers during the winter months. With over 1,000,000 acres of water and 14,500+ islands, the lake offers some of the best ice fishing in North America. Resorts around the lake capitalize on this natural bounty by offering world-class ice fishing experiences tailored to both novice and seasoned anglers. From cozy cabins and heated fish houses to gourmet meals and guided expeditions, Lake of the Woods ice fishing resorts blend rugged wilderness with comfort and convenience.

Why Stay at an Ice Fishing Resort?

Choosing a resort on Lake of the Woods during the winter offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Proximity to top fishing spots: Resorts are typically located near high-producing areas, especially on the south shore (Baudette, Wheeler’s Point) and the Northwest Angle.

2. Comprehensive packages: Most resorts offer “turnkey” ice fishing experiences that include lodging, meals, gear, bait, guides, and transportation on the ice.

3. Access to heated fish houses: Guests can fish in comfort, protected from harsh winter winds and subzero temperatures.

4. Safety and expertise: Resorts monitor ice thickness, maintain plowed roads, and ensure their guests' safety and success.

5. Community and relaxation: Many resorts include bar/restaurants, saunas, and social spaces, making them ideal for families, friends, and corporate retreats.

What’s Included in a Typical Ice Fishing Resort Package?

While amenities vary, here’s what a standard resort package might include:

1. Lodging: Cabins, motel-style rooms, or luxury lodges with modern amenities.

2. Heated Day Houses or Sleeper Houses: Fish houses placed in high-producing areas, equipped with rattle reels, lights, and chairs.

3. Ice Transportation: Bombardiers, snowmobiles, or tracked vehicles transport guests safely to and from the fishing houses.

4. Meal Plans: Some resorts offer American Plan meals, including hearty breakfasts and dinners.

5. Fish Cleaning: Most resorts clean and package your catch at the end of the day.

6. Equipment Rental: Rods, reels, tackle, sonar units, and portable heaters may be included or available for rent.

Top Ice Fishing Resorts on Lake of the Woods

1. Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette, MN)

Located near the mouth of the Rainy River, Sportsman’s Lodge is one of the largest operations on the lake. It offers guided day house and sleeper house packages, full-service lodging, and a riverside restaurant.

Highlights: Bombardier transport, large fishing fleet, bar with live music.

Best for: Group trips, family outings, and social experiences.

2. Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort (Roosevelt, MN)

Located between Warroad and Baudette, Arnesen’s offers beautiful lakefront cabins, day house rentals, and guided services. Their fishing spots are closer to reefs and rock piles, ideal for midwinter walleye and sauger.

Highlights: Year-round lodging, gourmet dining, long-standing reputation.

Best for: Multi-day stays with flexible fishing options.

3. Ballard’s Resort (Baudette, MN)

A historic fishing resort offering all-inclusive winter fishing packages. Their ice fishing experience is well-coordinated, with fish houses set up on proven hot spots.

Highlights: Lodging, meals, heated houses, fish cleaning—all in one package.

Best for: Turnkey vacation experiences and return anglers.

4. Angle Outpost Resort (Northwest Angle, MN)

Perfect for anglers looking to explore the remote and scenic Northwest Angle. Angle Outpost provides lodging and access to both day and sleeper fish houses.

Highlights: Access to Canadian waters, scenic views, small crowds.

Best for: Trophy walleye, crappie, and pike fishing.

5. River Bend Resort (Baudette, MN)

Located right on the Rainy River, River Bend Resort offers both guided and unguided ice fishing options. They maintain their own fleet of heated fish houses and provide meals, lodging, and transportation.

Highlights: Flexible packages, sleeper and day houses, fish house rentals.

Best for: Customizable trips and budget-friendly options.

6. Sunset Lodge (Oak Island, Northwest Angle, MN)

A remote resort accessible via snowmobile, plane, or boat during ice season, Sunset Lodge offers guided and self-guided ice fishing near Oak and Flag Islands.

Highlights: Crappie hotspots, small-group trips, Canadian water access.

Best for: Remote, scenic ice fishing getaways.

Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Resorts Comparison Chart

Resort Name	Location	Lodging Type	Fish House Type	Meals Included	Guided Services	Best For
Sportsman’s Lodge	Baudette, MN	Cabins, hotel rooms	Heated day houses, sleepers	Optional	Yes (Bombardier transport)	Beginners, groups, full-service experiences
Ballard’s Resort	Baudette, MN	Cabins, lodge rooms	Heated day houses	Yes (with package)	Yes	Turnkey packages, walleye fishing
Arnesen’s Rocky Point	Roosevelt, MN	Lakefront cabins	Day houses	Optional	Yes	Midwinter reef fishing, family trips
River Bend Resort	Baudette, MN	Cabins, lodge rooms	Sleeper & day houses	Optional	Yes	Flexible, budget-friendly fishing trips
Sunset Lodge	Oak Island, MN (NW Angle)	Remote cabins, lodge rooms	Day & sleeper houses	Optional	Yes	Trophy crappie, remote adventures
Angle Outpost Resort	Northwest Angle, MN	Lake cabins, lodge rooms	Sleeper & day houses	No	Available	Access to Canada waters, off-the-grid trips

Target Fish Species

Lake of the Woods is home to a variety of gamefish, and resorts help anglers pursue them based on the season:

• Walleye and Sauger: The prime targets for most winter anglers; active all season.
• Northern Pike: Best in late February and March when they move shallow.
• Perch and Crappie: More common near the Northwest Angle and in Canadian waters.
• Burbot (Eelpout): Excellent for night fishing during late ice.

Planning Your Stay

To make the most of your resort ice fishing trip:

1. Book early: Winter is peak season, especially around holidays and weekends.
2. Pack warm clothing: Even with heated houses, you'll need insulated boots, gloves, and outerwear.
3. Check regulations: Bring a valid Minnesota fishing license and understand slot limits and possession rules.
4. Ask about add-ons: Many resorts offer rental gear, fish fry dinners, or snowmobile access to backcountry areas.

Final Thoughts

Staying at a Lake of the Woods ice fishing resort offers anglers a mix of rugged outdoor adventure and warm, cozy comfort. Whether you're fishing in a heated day house, staying overnight in a sleeper shack, or enjoying dinner by the fireplace after a long day on the ice, these resorts take the stress out of planning and maximize your time catching fish.

From seasoned walleye chasers to first-time ice anglers, Lake of the Woods resorts deliver a winter fishing experience unlike any other in North America.