Sportsman’s Lodge
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Fishing, Trail & Ice Report 12-28-2016

33.5 inch, 14 lb WALLEYE, 56 inch, 45lb STURGEON and lots in between!
It has been a great week of fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge.  The bite has been hot. Check out these pictures!  Ice fishing is in full swing and it’s time to book your winter trip!  We have openings now through late March. Weekends are starting to book up so don’t delay.

33.5 inch monster walleye! Dec 2016 Sportsman's Sleepers

33.5 inch monster walleye! Dec 2016 Sportsman’s Sleepers

 

56 inch sturgeon through the ice! Caught by Tom Olund

56 inch sturgeon through the ice! Caught by Tom Olund

The best bite this week has been between 18’-23’ using 1/8-3/8 oz. gold and pink jigs, rock and roll jigs and orange flashy spoons tipped with a minnow. Anglers using frozen shiners have been having good success with just a minnow head.  A mix of dead sticking and jigging is working well, the guides suggest trying one rod of each for best results.  A mix of walleyes and saugers big and small, few perch and sturgeon have been hungry this week.  Guide tip: Keep your hooks sharp!

Ice Conditions
We have 13-17 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish and making more every day. The forecast looks great!   We received 4-5 inches of snow over Christmas. We currently have 6-8 inches on the ground in the area, a few less on the lake due to blowing snow.   To access the lake, we use a private groomed trail.  If you are venturing out on your own, Adrian’s road is a great choice.  Check out the information below.

Adrian’s Road at Four Mile Bay by Wheeler’s Point
½ ton trucks not pulling wheel houses now allowed out.  14-15 inches of ice on the bay and 12-15 on the lake. Four wheelers and UTV’s can pull out wheel houses up to 17’ long.  For more information contact Adrian’s 218-634-1985.

Trail Conditions
The Rainy River and lake trails are marked with black stakes from Baudette to Oak Island and Baudette to Warroad.  Crews found 11-17 inches of ice on the trail. Packing of the trails is being done now and grooming will start as soon as we get 21-24 inches of ice. A nice 5-7 inches of snow is on the trail with some drifts. Conditions may vary off the trail. For your best ride stay on the trail and watch for caution areas.   Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge’s bar and restaurant is open. Gas available too.  The hour cruise is a great ride!

Join us for our New Year’s Eve Party!
We are featuring musical entertainment, a special one night only menu including many delicious appetizer, entrees, desserts and cocktails. Party favors and a champagne toast will round out the night of fun and holiday cheer. You won’t want to miss it! For reservations call 800-862-8602 or click here. Check out our menus here.

weather-12-28-2016