...the bays as the ice retreats. April 26 and 27th will find the 12th Annual Zippel Bay Ice Out Pike Tournament. The northern gather in the bays during the spring and the Ice Out Tournament is a thrill as many trophies are found. Prizes will be awarded and fun will be had by all. For more information, contact Zippel Bay Resort at 800-222-2537.

Lake sturgeon have lived in these waters for hundreds of years and can be seen in the Rainy River breaching the surface, what an experience to see one of these monsters jump out of the water. The 2nd Annual Sturgeon Tournament will be held May 2nd and 3rd. For more information contact Sportsman’s Lodge at 800-862-8602.

Walleye Season reopens on May 10th, 2008 and May 16th and 17th will find the 4th Annual North Star Spring Classic on Lake of the Woods. Contact Wigwam Resort at 800-448-9260 for more information on this tournament.

The Oak Harbor Golf Club is now open for business. The new back nine has been finished and is ready for golfers of all skill levels.

Start planning your trip to the Lake of the Woods by ordering your brochures and maps HERE.

... in the northland. Waters are shimmering and blue in the Rainy River as it heads to Lake of the Woods. Sea gulls are flying, white swans have arrived, and the pelicans are dancing in the waters. These sights all preclude the arrival of a new season of Walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods. The 2008 season kicks of on Saturday, May, 10th. The possession limit this year is 6 with only 1 walleye over 28" to be kept.

Four walleye may be kept with the rest of the limit to be filled with sauger. If you haven’t eaten sauger, it’s time to treat yourself to a delicacy. Mmmmh good! Avid anglers from across the nation plan for months to come and fish on these waters. Remember Lake of the Woods is the biggest fresh water lake in the United States after the Great Lakes. Its waters are clear and blue and the catch is always fresh. Guides await their clientele in 27 foot launches and downriggers to produce the best catch possible. Lake of the Woods, the Walleye Capital of the World!!!

... will come alive on June 7th with the celebration of Willie Walleye Day. Willie Walleye himself is a giant cement walleye overseeing the town on International Drive. He is probably the most photographed walleye in the world. His frame spans 40 feet long and he weighs in at 2.5 tons.

The 17th Annual Willie Walleye event features a 5K Run/Walk. Last year’s run saw many participants as they made their way through the city. While this is happening, vendors line the streets with their wares. Food booths, crafters and flea market merchandise, as well as, live entertainment and fun for the kids fill the main street with festivity. The festivities don’t stop with the day coming to an end because that night there is the annual street dance with live music. Everyone turns out for conversation and fun to herald the beautiful summer months.