Every Boat Ramp on Lake of the Woods

About Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America, straddling the US-Canada border with nearly a million acres of water and an astonishing 14,552 islands. The Minnesota portion of this massive lake is world-renowned for its walleye and sauger fishing, drawing anglers year-round to what many consider the walleye capital of the world. The lake's enormous size and diverse structure — from shallow southern bays to the deep northern basin — support staggering fish populations.

Walleye and sauger are the headline species, with daily limits commonly reached and fish averaging 15 to 22 inches. Northern pike and musky offer trophy-hunting opportunities, while smallmouth bass fishing around the lake's thousands of islands is exceptional. Lake of the Woods is also home to a recovering population of lake sturgeon, one of Minnesota's most ancient and impressive fish species. Ice fishing season transforms the lake into a small city of fish houses, with guided trips available from Baudette, Warroad, and the remote Northwest Angle.

Angle Inlet, accessible only through Canada or by boat and ice road, is the northernmost point in the contiguous United States. Baudette and Warroad serve as the primary gateway communities, offering full-service marinas, bait and tackle shops, lodging, and charter operations.

Nearest towns: Baudette, Warroad, Angle Inlet