What You'll Find at Grassy Point

Grassy Point is a shallow bay on the north shore of Lake of the Woods, accessible from Minnesota's Baudette area. The water here runs 8 to 15 feet deep across most of the bay, with extensive weed beds and a soft bottom that holds walleye and northern pike year-round. The point itself — a gradual shoal that extends into the lake — creates the structure that concentrates fish, especially in spring and fall when they move between deeper water and the shallows to feed.

The bay is sheltered from the worst of Lake of the Woods' wind and waves, making it fishable on days when the main lake is rough. This protection also means the water warms faster in spring and cools slower in fall, extending the productive seasons on either end of summer. Anglers working Grassy Point typically catch walleye between 15 and 22 inches, with occasional fish pushing 25 inches or better. Northern pike here average 24 to 28 inches, with enough larger fish to make pike fishing worthwhile if that's your target.

Key Takeaways

  • Grassy Point holds walleye and northern pike in shallow water 8 to 15 feet deep, with weed beds that concentrate fish in spring and fall.
  • Access is from Baudette via boat launch at Baudette Marina or other nearby public ramps; no shore fishing access exists at the point itself.
  • Minnesota fishing license and Lake of the Woods special stamp are required; walleye and pike have separate daily limits and size rules that vary by season.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive; summer can be slow in the shallows as fish move to deeper, cooler water.
  • Weed beds make heavy cover necessary — use snag-resistant presentations and expect to lose some tackle to vegetation.

When to Fish Grassy Point

Spring walleye fishing at Grassy Point peaks in late April and May, when fish move shallow to spawn and feed after winter. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish on simple presentations — jigs tipped with minnows, live shiners, or soft plastics work consistently. Early morning and late evening are most productive, though overcast days often fish well throughout daylight.

Fall (September and October) is the second strong season. As water cools back into the 50s and 60s, walleye return to the shallows to feed before winter, and pike are equally active. The weed beds are still thick but beginning to die back, making them slightly easier to fish than in mid-summer. By November, water temperature drops below 50 degrees and fish become less predictable; winter fishing requires different tactics and is less productive for most anglers.

Summer (June through August) can be slow at Grassy Point because the shallow water warms to 70 degrees or higher, pushing walleye to deeper, cooler structure. Pike remain more active in the weeds, but overall catch rates drop. If you fish summer, focus on early morning and dusk, and consider moving to deeper areas of Lake of the Woods or other Minnesota lakes during the heat of the day.

How to Reach Grassy Point

Baudette Marina, located on the Baudette waterfront along Highway 72, is the closest public boat launch to Grassy Point. The ramp is maintained year-round and has parking for trailers. From the marina, Grassy Point lies roughly 3 to 4 miles northeast across open water — a 10 to 15 minute run depending on your boat speed and lake conditions. On calm days the run is straightforward; in wind, the fetch across the main lake can build rough water, so check conditions before leaving the dock.

Alternative launches exist at other points around Lake of the Woods, but they are farther from Grassy Point and add travel time. Baudette Marina is the practical choice for most anglers targeting this specific bay. The marina also has fuel, tackle, and rental boats if you don't have your own. Launching fees vary; call ahead to confirm current rates and whether the ramp is open (winter ice-out can close it temporarily in spring).

No shore access exists at Grassy Point itself — the bay is surrounded by private land and shallow water that makes beaching difficult. You must fish from a boat. If you don't own one, rental boats are available in Baudette through several outfitters, though availability is highest in spring and fall.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish Grassy Point. In addition, Lake of the Woods requires a special stamp (the Lake of the Woods Stamp) on top of your base license. Both are sold at tackle shops in Baudette and online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

Walleye regulations on Lake of the Woods allow a daily limit of 4 fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily limit of 3 fish with a 24-inch minimum size. These rules apply year-round, though the lake is closed to fishing during certain periods — check current Minnesota DNR regulations before your trip, as rules can change. Possession limits (the number of fish you can have in your possession at home) are typically twice the daily limit, but confirm this before you leave the lake.

Catch-and-release fishing is always allowed and counts toward your daily limit only if you keep the fish. If you practice catch-and-release, you can fish longer without hitting your limit, though you should handle fish carefully to maximize their survival.

What Tackle and Presentations Work

Walleye at Grassy Point respond well to live bait presentations. A 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jig tipped with a live minnow (shiners or fathead minnows, 2 to 3 inches long) is the most consistent approach. Cast toward the weed edges and work the jig slowly along the bottom, pausing frequently to let the minnow move naturally. In spring, when water is coldest, slow your retrieve even more — walleye in cold water are less aggressive and will ignore a fast-moving lure.

Soft plastic presentations also work, especially in fall when fish are more aggressive. 3 to 4 inch paddle-tail swimbaits or curly-tail grubs on a 1/4 ounce jig head mimic natural forage and can be worked faster than live bait. Crankbaits that dive to 6 to 10 feet can work in slightly deeper water at the edges of the bay, though they are less effective in the thickest weed beds.

Northern pike in the weed beds are less selective. Larger presentations — 4 to 6 inch swimbaits, spinnerbaits with willow-leaf blades, or topwater lures — draw strikes. Pike are attracted to flash and vibration, so don't hesitate to use bright colors or loud presentations. Expect to lose some lures to weeds; use a wire bite leader to prevent pike from cutting your line with their teeth.

Dealing with Weeds and Shallow Water

The weed beds at Grassy Point are both a blessing and a curse. They hold fish, but they also snag lures and make retrieves difficult. Use a weed guard on your jigs — a small wire or plastic guard that prevents grass from fouling the hook — or switch to soft plastics that are less likely to foul than bare hooks. When you do get snagged, try backing up slowly rather than pulling hard; often you can free the lure without breaking your line.

Fish the edges of weed beds rather than trying to power through the thickest growth. Cast parallel to weed lines, or work the transition zone between open water and dense vegetation. This is where walleye and pike hunt, and you'll catch more fish with fewer snags. In fall, when some weeds begin to die back, you can fish slightly thicker cover than in summer.

The shallow water means you need to be quiet. Avoid running your motor directly over the fishing area; cut the engine and drift or use a trolling motor to approach. Loud noises and vibrations spook fish in water this shallow, especially on calm, clear days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Grassy Point in winter?

Yes, Lake of the Woods is open to ice fishing, and Grassy Point can be productive under the ice. However, the shallow water freezes solid, and you'll need to drill through 2 to 3 feet of ice. Winter fishing requires different equipment (ice auger, tip-ups, jigging rods) and different tactics. Check current ice conditions and thickness before heading out, and never fish alone on unfamiliar ice.

What's the best time of day to fish Grassy Point?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive for walleye. Pike can bite throughout the day, but they are also more active in low-light conditions. Overcast days often fish well all day because the cloud cover reduces light penetration and keeps fish more active in the shallows.

Do I need a guide to fish Grassy Point?

No, the bay is straightforward to navigate and fish on your own. However, a guide can accelerate your learning curve, especially if you're unfamiliar with Lake of the Woods or walleye fishing. Several outfitters in Baudette offer guided trips; booking one for your first visit can help you understand the seasonal patterns and productive techniques specific to this water.

What should I do if the water is too rough to reach Grassy Point?

Lake of the Woods can develop large waves quickly, especially in spring and fall when storms are common. If conditions are rough, fish closer to Baudette or stay in the marina area. Alternatively, consider fishing a different Minnesota lake that day — many smaller lakes in the region offer similar walleye and pike fishing in more protected water.

Are there other fish species at Grassy Point?

Walleye and northern pike are the primary targets, but the bay also holds perch, sunfish, and occasional catfish. These species are less commonly pursued by visiting anglers but can provide action if walleye and pike are slow. Perch fishing can be productive in summer when they school in slightly deeper water at the bay's edges.