Open Water shore to shore west of Baudette now. We expect it to be open to the lodge by today or tomorrow.
Wheeler’s Point 4-2-2015 Open Holes!
Vidas Landing east of Baudette 4-1-2015
Clementson 4-1-2015 (east of Baudette)
South Shore view of Lake of the Woods 4-1-2015
3/30/2015
Sportsman’s Lodge Open Water & Fishing Report
Rainy River Report
Birchdale and Frontier landings are open. Boats are being pushed off Vidas landing (8 miles east of Baudette), still 10 feet shore ice. Ice should be gone in a day or two. Open water is reported west of Clementson now and we expect it to be to Baudette by the end of the week. The weather forecast looks much warmer this week. We should make some good progress opening the river up! Nice sturgeon and walleyes are being caught. Bite is picking up by the day and the warmer weather should help too! Best approach for walleyes right now is a 3/8-1/2 oz. gold or chartreuse jig tipped with a minnow. Sturgeon, #5 hook, 1-2 oz. weight and a gob of night crawlers has been working best in deep crevices of the river bottom. For pike, casting buck tails and assorted flashy spoons work well in weed beds and open bays.
For a map of the boat landings on the Rainy River, click here.
Season Open Dates: Walleye until April 14, re-opening May 9 Sturgeon now through April 23, catch & release. April 24-May 7 keep one within size limits. May 8-15 catch and release. May 16-June 30 closed. Northern Pike never closes.
Hot Deal! Spring Lodging Rates as low as $40* per person per night!
*plus tax and based on double occupancy. Click here.
Happy Easter!
The lodge will be closed Easter Sunday but lodging will remain open that day. Give us a call to book your stay 800-862-8602 or reserve online here. Guided Trips & Boat Rentals available! Check out our options and reserve yours today.
1/28/2015
Mild weather and a consistent bite
Weather has been highs in the twenties and thirties the past week. Forecast is calling for a few more days of the same and then a cool down starting Thursday. 70% sauger and 30% walleye bite right now anywhere from 21’-32’ of water on the reefs, about a 50 minute ride out. Average size has been 12’-19” in size. Jigging with a brightly colored jigging spoon right off bottom with some flash and noise to it has been working best. 9am-11am and 2pm-4pm have been the best times of day. It is a timid bite but once you get the feel for it, you can do very well. Vexilars help your success and watch for the suspended fish. We are seeing quite a few.
 |
 |
| Brooke Hanson 25 inch walleye released |
Bohnenkamp Group nice walleye |
 |
 |
| Drew Horton, St Peter, MN 29 inch walleye released |
Sherly Rotert and Drew Horton from St Peter MN. Great day |
Ice Conditions
Auger extensions have been on for a few weeks now. We have 34 inches of ice and making more daily. We should be set until the end of March!
Trail Conditions
Trail conditions are fair. Lake trails are better than the land trails. Warm temperatures and lack of snow fall has made the conditions tough this year. Grooming still continues when conditions permit. An inch of snow is forecasted for Wednesday and Friday. Bring on the snow!
Big Game Party
Feb 1
99 cent Coors Light Taps, Free apps 5pm-gone & Team Shots!
Watch the game with us on our 7 Flat Screen TV’s. Lodging and ice fishing packages available.
www.mysportsmans.com
Spend Valentine’s Day Week at Sportsman’s!
Cuddle up with your sweetheart at Sportsman’s Lodge. Lodging, fishing, live entertainment, dining, indoor pool and hot tub. Check out our packages and Valentine’s Day Specials. Make your reservations today.
Time to get fishing!
The season is half over! Don’t miss out! We still have availability. Give us a call! 800-862-8602 or contact us online www.sportsmanslodges.com
1/21/2015
Bobbers Down!
Walleye and sauger fishing has been good! Nice mix of quality sized saugers and walleyes have been coming up through the holes this week along with some nice big walleyes 24”-28” in length. Rattle spoons, gold jigs and anything with a flash tipped with a minnow have been working the best. Vexilar users tend to see better results. Jigging right on bottom or even 3-4 inches off has been working well. We have houses scattered in 26’-32’ of water in mud and structure. Most days the ride is about 45 minutes each way. This is not the same way every year, it just happens to be where the best fishing is this year. Weather forecast looks mild this week. Highs in the 20’s and lows in the single digits. Give us a call to reserve your trip 800-862-8602 or reserve online. We fish until March 31!
|
||||||||||
Ice Conditions
We have 26-32 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel at this time.
Trail Report
The lake trail from the south shore of Lake of the Woods to Oak Island was moved yesterday due to some pressure ridge issues. The new trail is in much better shape and will is being groomed today. The Baudette to Warroad trail will be re-routed later this week or next for the same reasons. Like always be sure to use caution especially when temperature changes fluctuate rapidly. Snow conditions are ok at this time. We could use more, however riders are finding some decent conditions on some of the trails. For more information on the land trails, click here for the Drifters Snowmobile Club Facebook page for the Baudette area and here for the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club for the northwest angle and oak island area.
Lodging and Ice Fishing packages available!
Starting at only $193 per person for 2 nights lodging and one full day of ice fishing. Check out this package and all of our options here. http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/rates/winter/winter-fishing-package-rates/
We fish until March 31!
Superbowl Party!
Feb 1
99 cent Coors Light Taps, Free apps 5pm-gone & Team Shots!
Watch the game with us on our 7 Flat Screen TV’s
www.mysportsmans.com
Spend Valentines Day Weekend at Sportsman’s!
Cuddle up with your sweetheart at Sportsman’s Lodge. Lodging, fishing, live entertainment, dining, indoor pool and hot tub. Check out our packages and Valentines Day Specials. Make your reservations today.
Sportsman’s Lodges on Lake of the Woods has many positions open throughout the year. Whether you are looking for part time, full time, seasonal or year round, work where you play! Sportsman’s Lodges are family run resorts offering competitive pay, discounts and housing at the top of the nation, Lake of the Woods, MN. Click here for the current openings and application. Click here.
STRONG and STEADY…
Fishing has remained strong and steady despite the water continuing to rise and fall. Weather looks to be improving as well with forecasts of sunny skies and decreased winds.
Fishing has been good up in the Little Traverse areas, west side of GardenIsland and around PineIsland as well. Hammered gold spinners are still the tackle of choice tipped with crawlers or leeches. Fish can still be found in the sand areas around the 12’-18’ depths but don’t forget to navigate towards the shallow rocks as well.
 |
| Balsdon, Anderson Group, July 3rd, 2014, guided by Captain Mike |
Typically, July and August are the best months of the summer to reel in that trophy walleye. We do have fishing packages available throughout the months; call our front desk at 800-862-8602 to book your reservation now so that you can land the big one.
Water levels at the lodge continue to remain high. We have put in a centralized loading/unloading system so that guests can get to the launch boats despite the high water. We do have some of our boat slips available for rent as well, if you would like to bring your own boat. They are on a reserved-basis only so give us a call to see what’s available. However, at this time because of the high water levels, we do not have electricity at the docks. The No Wake order is still in effect to help protect the river bank and docks so please pay close attention.
Stop in one of our 3 Dining Venues for great specials!
www.mysportsmans.com
Tag us in your pictures!
We love to see your pictures from your recent trip to Sportsman’s Lodges. Tag us onFacebook.
Fishing, Family Time and Fun! Stay at Sportsman’s and enjoy excellent fishing, lodging, food and entertainment. The Lake of the Woods County Fair is in Baudette from July 9-12. Be sure to check it out!
So many fish, only a few more days!
To sum up fishing; lot’s of eating-sized walleye. Fishermen have been reeling in a lot of fish throughout the last week. Some of the fish have flirted with with lengths near the slot limit, but most have been good eating fish.Sportsman’s Lodge guides have been helping guests find fish in water depths ranging from 18’ to 26’ about 5 miles from the lodge. Shallow water has been consistently producing fish in the early and late hours of the day, while deeper water has been successful during the afternoon hours.
Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in pink and gold have been the tackle of choice.
Trail Conditions
Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. The river trail from the resort area to Baudette had its last grooming on Saturday, and is in good condition. The trail from Wheelers to Warroad is in fair condition, and lake trail from Wheelers Point to Oak Island was recently groomed. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails. Local groomers and riders have reported excellent riding conditions throughout the area.
Ice Conditions
We are still sitting on plenty of ice. Guides are consistently reporting 46” to 48” of ice in areas we travel and fish.
Only 5 days left to rent fish houses!
Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location still has houses open until March 31! Give us a call to book your stay 800-862-8602!
End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is this Saturday, March 29!
Join us for the best party of the year!
Fishing, Beads, Entertainment, Contests and a whole lot of fun! Check out our Mardi Gras weekend stay and play packages.
Sturgeon! Pike! Walleye! Make plans for April & May soft water fishing!
Excellent sturgeon, walleye and pike fishing is on its way!
Walleye season is open until April 14, reopening May 10
Pike season never closes
Sturgeon season is catch and release through April 23. Keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7, catch and release again May 8-15.
11/26/2012
Good Morning Ice Fishing Fans!
We have the first signs of ice on the lake! Last night we dipped down to -4 with a wind chill of -15. The week ahead is calling for lows in the single digits and highs in the teens and twenties. We are making ice! At this point based on what we know we could be out fishing with 12 inches of safe ice by as early as Dec 8. Stay tuned for our next update at the end of the week! If you are planning on venturing out on your own, we are in no way advising anyone to go out yet. This is our first signs of some decent ice, which is probably merely an inch or less. This time of year the conditions can change quickly. No sense it rushing it, it will be here before we know it! Stay safe and start polishing off your fishing rods ice time is soon here!
Fire
In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day some of our vehicles and trailer we use for early ice were lost in a fire. The cause is yet to be determined at this point. This of course was very disheartening to us but we were thankful no one was hurt. We want all of our guests to know that this WILL NOT delay our ice fishing season. Our phenomenal staff, friends and neighbors have pulled together and we plan to start the year as planned as soon as we have safe ice.
Check out some of the pictures of the start of the ice formations taken this morning. We hope to get a satellite picture this afternoon of the lake. So be sure to log on to our Facebook page or website later today.
 |
 |
| Front of Lodge | Four Mile Bay (place where we access the lake early in the year) |
 |
 |
| Four Mile Bay (place where we access the lake early in the year) |
Graceton Beach A south shore view of Lake of the Woods |
11/26/2012
Good Morning from Oak Island!
We dipped down to zero last night and the bay in front of the lodge closed up and we have a layer of ice as far as we can see. The weather forecast looks cool in the week ahead. We are looking forward to some good ice making weather! We usually start about a week later than the Sportsman’s Lodge location, so around the 15th is in our sights at this point. Stay tuned for more updates to come!
| Fishing Report 10/1/2012 South Shore The Bite NW Angle & Islands Walleyes, Muskies, Crappies, Pike, take your pick!
You’re Invited to Sportsman’s Halloween Party! The annual “Nightmare on Bur Oak Rd” Halloween party at Sportsman’s is always a frightfully good time! Come on out for the party, wear your best costume for a chance to win spooktacular prizes – including $200 cash for the best costume, enter contests and take part in other fun and competitions! Drink specials all night! Spooktacular Prizes! Contests! Fun & Competitions! What would a party be without great entertainment? $5 Cover Charge – FREE if you arrive before 8pm! Halloween Stay & Play Packages – Limited supply! Only 50 available! One Night Package Includes one night lodging, cover charge, drink coupons, Party gear, breakfast, dinner, gift shop coupon and a Stay 2 nights get the 3rd night free coupon for our Mardi Gras Party Weekend March ’13. One Night Package with a day of Charter Fishing Includes everything from the package above plus an all day trip 8am-5pm, guide, use of poles, bait, tackle and fish cleaning. Two Night Package Includes two nights lodging, cover charge for the party,drink coupons for Friday & Saturday, party gear, dinner on Friday & Saturday, lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, gift shop coupon and a Stay 2 nights get the 3rd night free coupon for our Mardi Gras Party Weekend March ’13. Two Night Package including a full day of Charter Fishing Includes everything in the package above plus an all day trip 8am-5pm, guide, use of poles, bait, tackle and fish cleaning.
Call 866-998-7280 to book your Halloween Stay & Play Package today or visit www.sportsmanslodges.com! Limited Supply! *All packages rates are plus applicable state and local tax.
Fall lodging starting at just $39 per night, click here! Now’s your opportunity to book our most popular fall packagewhile the best dates are still available! 3 nights lodging, 2 days charter fishing and 8 meals Only $424 per person* That’s three nights in your choice of a lodge room or cabin, two full days of guided walleye charter fishing including the use of poles, bait, tackle and fish cleaning and 8 meals! We have the best meal plan on the lake. Hands down. Dig in to hearty meals and several different selections. Enjoy three dinners choosing from many delicious Enjoy a hearty breakfast before each day of fishing and the day you depart. Indulge in your choice of egg dishes, pancakes, skillets and more. For lunch bring a group of 6 and choose our shore lunch where the guide will cook up your morning catch along with potatoes, beans, bread and dessert or if want to get the most fishing in you can, we will be happy to prepare a sack lunch for you to enjoy on the water. Enjoy some excellent fall fishing the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River have to offer along with the backdrop of the fall foliage. Lake of the Woods is great place to get away from it all! Sportsman’s has a lot to offer including: Lodge Rooms Cabins Villas Camping Bar with Weekend Entertainment Restaurant Indoor Pool Gift Shop Dock Rental Boat Rental Guided Year Round Fishing Trips Conference & Group Facilities Game Room And, don’t forget, we’re located in some of the best fishing in the world! Call us a call at 866-998-7280 to book your fall stay now orclick here for complete fall rates. *Plus tax based on double occupancy
Book & pay for your winter trip for dates between Dec. 1 – March 31 in full by Oct. 15 and receive Double Sportsman’s Loyalty Points. *Double reward points will be given for all services paid for at any of the Sportsman’s Lodge locations upon check out of your reservation. Excludes tax and gratuity.
Bur Oak Villa #426 is now for sale!
The first villa was built last year and has been an incredible addition to Sportsman’s! These beautiful villas will replace all of the exsisting cabins on our Rainy River property.
Click here for information about owning a Villa at Sportsman’s!
Lake of the Woods Legend, Kit Bickel Celebrates 50 YEARS of Guiding! What an accomplishment! Sportsman’s is proud to have Kit Beckel, a true veteran guide on our guide roster. Kit has grown up on Lake of the Woods and has enjoyed every bit of it, all 50 years. Kit loves his job and has devoted his life to the resort and fishing industry, and at this point has no plans on changing it! We think this accomplishment is worth cheering about. Have you fished with legendary guide Kit Beckel over the years? In celebration of his 50 years of guiding, we are putting together a book of stories, pictures and memories to commemorate his years on the lake and would like your help! Please help us bysubmitting to this site. We would love to hear from you! Please submit your information by Nov 1, 2012 by adding a story, picture and/or video. |
Is their anything better than waking up to the birds chirping and enjoying your morning coffee while looking out at lake beatutiful view of the lake? Simply relaxing! I just love Summers at the lake. We have had a nice warm start to our summer here on Lake of the Woods and the fish have been biting too. More families are starting to show up as the school year comes to a close for another year. Muskie season opens up this Saturday on the Minnesota and Ontario side of the a lake. Muskie enthusiasts are eager to get out and battle with one of these fighters. Our Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Eagle Ridge locations are situated in the heart of thousands of bays to find these fish.
The pool and hot tub are open. The campground and lodging are available. Entertainment, mostly live bands are scheduled for the summer in the Sandbar. The bar and dining rooms are featuring several specials for the summer. Check them out here for more information www.mysportsmans.com The guides are hot on the walleye trail. Our charter boats hold up to six passengers plus the guide. We welcome groups of all sizes. We can put small groups together to fill a boat or accommodate a large group with ease. You don’t have to even own a fishing rod to go. We supply the rods and reels, bait, tackle and clean your fish. If using your own boat is more your style, we have dock slips, gas and bait available too. Get your gang together and come relax at the lake this summer. The coffee is on!
Zippel Bay this week. Anglers have had good luck in 15′-24′ of water using chub and shiner minnows. Gold and bright orange jigs have been the hot tackle. Brenda Pickle joined the 10lb club this weekend. Brenda reeled in a real nice 10lb, 30 inch walleye while fishing with Captain Alan “Flip” Phillippe. Some real nice walleyes, a few northern pike and nice jumbo perch were also found. Check out the pictures! The current water temperature is in the mid 50’s right now. Cool weather is in the forecast so we should see this water temperature rapidly decrease in the week ahead and start heating up the river bite.
If you like to switch it up and fish for many different species, now is the time to get to the island. We have been seeing some nice varieties of fish caught right now. Walleyes have been found in 12′-20′ along structure near west side of Falcon Island, south side and northwest side of Oak Island using minnows and a gold or pink jig. Crappies have been found in deeper depths between 30′-40′ using minnows and bright colored jigs. Pike and muskies have been found deep in the bays using spoons and buck tails. Lots of good fishing going on!
selections off our Fall Menu – steaks, walleye, sandwiches, you name it!
Now is the time to own your slice of heaven!