Fishing at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota
950,000-acre natural lake · Lake of the Woods County · 1,056 ft elevation · 4 species stocked
Lake of the Woods sits at 1,056 feet in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, covering 950,000 acres of natural lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on March 06, 2026, with 403 muskellunge averaging 11.6 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1985, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Lake of the Woods:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 6, 2026 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 403 | 11.6″ |
| Mar 2, 2026 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 11,893 | 3.1″ |
| Jun 13, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 9,499 | 6.9″ |
| Dec 27, 2024 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 1,202 | 2.8″ |
| Dec 8, 2024 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 960 | 6.8″ |
| Dec 7, 2024 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 1,942 | 10.3″ |
| Aug 17, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 6,466 | 12.1″ |
| Aug 3, 2024 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 3,240 | 12.0″ |
| Jun 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 730,166 | 10.7″ |
| May 18, 2024 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 234 | 4.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐉 Muskellunge — best in fall
- 🐉 Northern Pike — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Yellow Perch — best in winter, spring
Where to Catch Muskellunge in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Lake of the Woods, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Muskellunge lakes in Minnesota
- Top Northern Pike lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Lake of the Woods
For muskellunge, the best fishing on Lake of the Woods is typically in fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 60–72°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with natural lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Lake of the Woods. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Heavy 8'6" musky rod
- reel: Heavy baitcasting reel
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' rod
- lure: Daredevil spoons
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- rod: Light spinning rod 6'
- rig: Perch spreader rigs
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Lake of the Woods. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Lake of the Woods?
Lake of the Woods has been stocked with Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch.
When was Lake of the Woods last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Mar 6, 2026, when 403 muskellunge were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Lake of the Woods?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.