Detroit Lakes Ice and Fishing Report (3/26/26) Extended Edition

If you’re still trying to sneak in one more ice trip yet this season, Lake of the Woods might be your best shot. There still appears to be fishable ice in some areas, but access is getting more limited by the day and depends heavily on the resort. There have been reports of up to 1' of water on top of 3' feet of ice in some spots, so be sure to call your resort of choice before making the drive.

Closer to home, the warm stretch in the forecast for the Detroit Lakes area will likely put a fork in the local ice season. Be very careful and take proper precautions if you decide to check out some spots.

My take? Get the boat ready.

Local anglers have had 50+ fish days down in South Dakota, tournaments have begun on Pool 4 of the Mississippi, and the Birchdale access on Rainy River looks like it will be open this weekend for some catch and release walleye action. Check out the Facebook post from the Royal Dutchman Resort below to see open water! Gather your gear and get that boat out of storage. Open water fishing season is here!

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Start the season with me in the brand-new, fully loaded Baxstar DVX20S—rigged with top-of-the-line electronics, shallow water anchors, and a 300 hp engine (pictured below). Book an early-season panfish, bass, or walleye trip in the Detroit Lakes area—click button below to learn more, and book a trip this season! (Early season trips are the lowest priced of the year.)

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