Satellite photos shows Lake of the Woods ice breaking up

The latest satellite photo of Lake of the Woods, taken this week, shows ice on the big lake breaking up.

Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake near International Falls are among the last lakes in the state to have ice.

Meanwhile, walleye fishing continues hot on the Rainy River, and sturgeon fishing is picking up.

Here's the report issued Tuesday by Sportsman's Lodge near Baudette:

On Monday, the walleye bite was very good, a two man crew were out with one of our guides for just for two hours and caught and released 30 nice walleyes. They reeled in 5 over 24 inches and the balance in 16-18 inch fish. The best bite was in the river anchored in about 13 feet of water. Three-eighths ounce jigs tipped with a frozen shiner or rainbow minnow have been doing equally well. Water clarity is good, the current remains slower than normal and the water temperature continues to hover around 40 degrees.

Many points of the river, including Wheeler's Point, in front of the lodge, up river a few miles along with areas near Baudette and Clementson have all had good action as well as a good lake bite outside of Pine Island and in Lighthouse Gap. Walleye season continues to be open through April 15. Be sure to check regulations before going out as the limits are different in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay compared Lake of the Woods during the spring season.
As for sturgeon, the average size has been between 40-60 inches. Anchored in 20 feet of water in the river using a plain hook, a gob of worms and 1-2 ounces of weight has been working the best. Sturgeon catch and release season is open through April 23. Anglers can keep one (within size limits) April 24 – May 7. Catch and release is in effect again May 8-15, closed May 16- June 30.