The Northwest Angle & Islands unique four season paradise is waiting for you. Enjoy the natural splendor of Lake of the Woods and the Northwest Angle Provincial Forest. We have the nicest, friendliest people you will meet anywhere who are more than willing to help you, whether it be informative or service oriented.

Our region offers some of the hottest reef fishing around in both summer and for Ice Fishing in the winter. Fall duck hunting and fishing specials are offered by most resorts.

Come experience the Northern lights and brilliant autumn colors. Troll around this premier fishery for trophy Muskie or walleye during the fall. Explore the sandy beaches for that special piece of driftwood. For the birder, photographer, or artist this is an enchanted world of woods, water, and wildlife and is food for the soul.

Dec/Jan. Ice fishing and snowmobiling bustle in mid-December. Walleye, sauger and perch (known as the bottom huggers) are active along edges and tops of rock reefs. An occasional northern or burbot will add variety to your bucket. Marked snowmobile trails give endless adventures to the winter guest.

Feb/Mar. Fishing is in the pattern of phases with early and late bite of walleye and sauger. Perch are in schools 5 inches to 2 feet off the bottom – as the barometer drops, so should you drop the bait. Snowmobiling continues through these two months on miles of groomed trail. Evening fishing of spawning burbot start in the Oak Island Channel. Look for deep water crappies and tullibee action as winter fishing draws to a close. Most fish houses are removed by late March and the last snowmobile ride is taken.

April The transition period from winter to spring. Yellow perch will spawn in water temperatures of 44 degrees to 54 degrees. Walleye spawning is usually at water temperatures of 45 degrees to 50 degrees along the rocky shorelines of sand, gravel, and rocks. Sauger will spawn in similar areas as walleye at 47 degrees to 52 degrees. Channels are opening, the lake ice is moving and sights of gulls, bald eagles, and ducks are common. As the water warms, muskie spawners are active at 49 degrees to 59 degrees, in heavily weeded bays. Northerns are spawning along shallow, weedy shorelines as well.

May Late May fishing guests use slow presentation on post spawn aggressive male walleye in the cold spring waters. Boats follow the shorelines in search of limits, as fish are still relating to shoreline instead of swimming near the reefs. The greening of the islands, return of song birds, white pelicans, blue heron, and birds of prey add enjoyment of the natural splendor of the Northwest Angle & Islands.

June Small mouth bass, in its utmost northern range, start to spawn when the water is at 58 degrees to 60 degrees. They are active early AM and evenings near rocky shorelines; they also like cool currents and the lake bottom’s broken rocks. Large mouth bass are less common and are found in sandy, soft bottoms with lots of vegetation at the Inlet. Black crappies are spawning at water temperatures of 66 degrees to 68 degrees among the bull rushes in shallow bays that have fallen trees in the water. Crappies go deep in summer. June fishing boats continue to troll or drift near shorelines using live bait rigs, but try crank baits, spoons and spinner baits, as well. The heavily stained water of Lake of the Woods makes night fishing non-existent, but the long day light hours of summer and the premier fishery of Lake of the Woods gives you ample fishing adventures.

July/Aug. This is the most consistent period of weather. Schools of walleye seek water temperatures of 65 degrees to 70 degrees and move to deep rocky reefs. Saugers are found near by in deeper, murky waters and prefer temperatures of 62 degrees to 77 degrees. They will find lake bottoms of hard sand and gravel to hang out. Muskie lurk near drop offs of rock and sand bars in shady shores with overhanging trees. Look for large submerged weed beds of water lilies, coon tail and cabbage. They like temperatures to 78 degrees, feeding drops off at 80 degrees and are hindered by turbid water. Hot summer tackle over the reefs are bottom bouncers, spinner rigs and jig fishing. Specially designed lures are used for muskie.

Sept. Water temperatures may prolong the summer patterns, but rains, cool nights, and strong fall winds can quickly cause the drop of water temperatures. Walleye and sauger return to shorelines, crappies are schooling in depths of 30 feet, smallies will continue to be active til temperatures are in the 50 degree range. Muskie love the cool water to 33 degrees. Your spring time haunts should produce action. Enjoy the fall colors, ducks in flight, the gathering of bald eagles, and wildlife seeking fall feeding.

Oct. Deep drop offs around the islands and channels hold bait fish schools. Walleye, sauger, crappies, perch, and northern will be found in these locations. Jigs and minnows are most productive. Duck hunting in Ontario and Minnesota in combination with fishing will give you a well rounded vacation.

Nov. Resorts are closed for fishing and the area awaits snowfalls and thick ice for winter activities. Hunting on the mainland is an option for interested individuals.

Rather than hibernate, come join us for complete relaxation amidst the crisp white snow and pine scented air. Activities can include: Ice Fishing packages, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, or just getting away, will help keep you busy during Minnesota's longest season. The Northwest Angle and Islands and surrounding Lake of the Woods area are a maze of marked and groomed international snowmobile trails. Call in customs phones makes border crossings trouble free.

Snowmobile

Garden Island lies along the Ballard snowmobile trail about 35 miles from Baudette. This snowmobile trail continues up to Oak Island and the Angle Inlet. A ride across the open expanse of snow-covered ice will leave a lasting impression, with a feeling of crossing the Arctic tundra. A shelter is present on Garden Island near this trail as a place to take a break and escape the winter's wind. A snowmobile trail from Warroad to the Angle Inlet also runs past the island's western tip.

So come spend your winters with us.