| April 14, 2020
Hello from Sportsman’s! We hope this message finds everyone safe and healthy. We just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and are still here. Last week we decided to extend our closure to May 4 at this time and awaiting information to move forward. We have also rescheduled our May sturgeon tournament to October 30 & 31. If you had a reservation during this time, our staff is working on contacting you or please contact us when it works for you to make alternative arrangements. Due to the change, we now have some openings for this popular tournament. If you are interested in signing up or learning more, click here or give us a call.
We are welcoming the open water, more by the day. Water has been flowing in front of the lodge for over a week now. At Oak Island we still have an “ice view” but getting softer by the day.
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Tag Archives: sportsmans lodge
Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Update – 2/29/20
Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River
A little Over A Month Left Of Ice Fishing Season
The best bite this week continues to be 29’-34’. A notable more aggressive noon – 2 pm bite has been going on the last few days. A mix of 3/4 sauger, 1/4 walleye, and a few tullibee.Stop sign lures or jigs with glitter, pink/gold or chartreuse/white tipped a minnow has been working. For the best catch rate, a little work can go a long way. It doesn’t hurt to switch up tackle, try one-rod dead sticking and jigging the other, use electronics and test right on bottom vs a few inches off the bottom to grab the attention of the fish as they are swimming by.Ice Conditions and Rally Weekend
We have over 3’ of ice and the snowmobile trails are in good shape. Trails are freshly groomed. The Annual Northwest Angle Edge Riders snowmobile rally is planned for this weekend hosted at our sister resort, Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge on Oak Island at the Northwest Angle 40 miles north of Baudette. This event is always a great time! For more information about the event, click here.Visit us in March for a fun getaway. Click here to learn more
Trail Report
Trails are groomed and staked. For more information check out these links.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Trails are groomed and staked. For more information check out these links.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
The Bite
20’-27’ on reefs and edges of reefs using pink, gold, red and white jigs tipped with a minnow has been working well. Anglers have been reeling in a nice bag of walleyes and saugers for supper along with an occasional trophy. We have 30 – 32 inches of ice where we fish and travel. Last chance openings available March 1-4, 15-22 and one 3 bedroom cabin 8-22.
20’-27’ on reefs and edges of reefs using pink, gold, red and white jigs tipped with a minnow has been working well. Anglers have been reeling in a nice bag of walleyes and saugers for supper along with an occasional trophy. We have 30 – 32 inches of ice where we fish and travel. Last chance openings available March 1-4, 15-22 and one 3 bedroom cabin 8-22.
Hosting the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Snowmobile Rally this weekend!
We are excited to be hosting the annual snowmobile rally Feb 29. Click here for all the info and make plans to head out on the trails or take a cruise on the ice road to join in the fun. The trails are in great shape. Click the links for the latest reports.
We are excited to be hosting the annual snowmobile rally Feb 29. Click here for all the info and make plans to head out on the trails or take a cruise on the ice road to join in the fun. The trails are in great shape. Click the links for the latest reports.
Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Update – 2/5/20
Sportsman’s Lodge
2/5/2020
The latest bite
Fishing has picked up! 1/4 oz green and orange jigs and spoons have been hot in 26’-32’ of water. As well as glow in the dark and good old gold. A mix of walleye and sauger have been the average catch. Plenty of good eaters, throwbacks and a few lunkers, 20”-30” mixed in. We have 2-3 feet of ice and 6-15 inches of snow in the areas we fish and travel right now.
Our houses are scattered anywhere from a 15-45 minute bombardier ride out. The guides are working hard to get you on the best bite.
Snowmobile Trail Report
The Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders take care of the trails in our area. Click the links for the most up to date information.
Lake of the Woods has an extended season.
Walleye season continues through April 14 here unlike most of the state.
Ice fishing trips are available through late March and Rainy River soft water fishing kicks off in early April.
Treat your sweetie to a midweek February trip to Sportsman’s.
2 nights lodging and 2 days ice fishing packages available starting at only $309* per person! Contact us today to plan your trip 800-862-8602.
*plus tax
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
2/5/2020
Island Time
Island life is good! We are loving the longer days. A mix of walleye, saugers, and some jumbo perch are being reeled in. Red, pink, glow and gold jigs or spoons have been working tipped with a minnow head or full minnow in 26’-30’off the edges of the reefs. The best technique can vary day by day so try some light vertical jigging, hard jigging, and dead sticking and make sure your hooks are sharp.
Ice Conditions
We have over 2’ of ice in the areas we fish and travel.
Snowmobile Trail Report
The Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders take care of the trails in our area. Click the links for the most up to date information.
Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is in good shape. Follow the signs and take a ride. It is about 10 miles out.
Spring is just around the corner.
It is never too early to start planning your spring trip! Come visit the islands this spring and get into some hot soft water action. Spring lodging specials May 8-25. Contact us today.
Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Update – 1/2/20
Happy New Year from the Sportsman’s Lodge Family
We have been having fun over the holidays!
Nice eating size walleyes have been coming through the ice as well as several throwback size saugers, few nice size tullibee, sturgeon and pike this week. Guests have been having the best luck in 18’-28’ using pink, gold, green glo jigs, and lures tipped with a minnow or shiner. Some guests have had luck the best luck using a full minnow and others just a minnow head. Dead sticking one pole and jigging the other is working well. Electronics such as Vexilars help too. We have a few to rent at the lodge if you want to try one out. Be sure to call ahead to reserve, they go fast.
Ice & Snow
We have 18-20 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel right now. The forecast is calling for single digits and below zero temps next week. We received some snow last week but still just have 0-10 inches on the ice. Not nearly as much as the rest of the state. With cooler temps in the forecast, we should have 2 feet of ice in no time.
Snowmobile Trails
Snowmobile trails are being groomed. The lake trails from Four Mile Bay on the south side of the lake to Oak Island and Graceton Beach (south side of the lake) to Warroad are groomed. Conditions are improving after the recent snowfall but important not to veer off the trail as the ice is quite rough and ice chunks are sticking up off the trail. No travel is advised on the Rainy River yet until conditions in the current areas improve.Check out the Lake of the Woods Drifters and Northwest Angle Edge Riders for more trail reports.
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
Guide Wack says the action has been good in the islands. A mix of saugers, walleyes and a few pike, perch and muskies have been caught this week. Yes! Muskie! In the islands, we have fantastic muskie fishing in the summer but we usually don’t see too many caught in the winter. A big surprise to a few anglers this week. The best fishing has been in 23’-24’ on the rocks for walleyes and off the rocks for other species. Watermelon color, gold, and glo jigs especially those with some rattle and noise to them have been working the best this week. Some anglers are swearing by just the minnow head instead of the full minnow especially on lures with a treble hook.
Ice & Snow
We have 16-18 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. 3-10 inches of snow.
Snowmobile Trails
The trail from Four Mile Bay to Oak Island is in decent shape, getting better but it is important to stay on the trail. With not too much snow base yet, there are ice chunks off the trail.Check out the Lake of the Woods Drifters and Northwest Angle Edge Riders for more trail reports.
Ice Road from Young’s Bay to the Lodge
Plowing and maintenance are in progress. It should be ready to go next week. Our signs will be up as soon as it is. For now, please give us a call and we will lead you out.
Lake of the Woods Fishing Report
Lake of the Woods South Shore & Rainy River Fishing Report
6/4/2019
It’s Heating Up!
Fishing has been crazy this past week! As the air and water temperature warms up, the walleyes have started moving out to 26-28 feet water. Water temps are ranging from 56 to 62 degrees and the forecast looks great this week! Our guides have been successful in the rocks, mud, and sand using 3/8 oz. jigs. The walleyes have been biting on gold jigs tipped with a shiner. Many guests are catching fish that are 17” to 19” along with many walleyes 27” or bigger! Pro tip of the week – make sure you are setting your hook, practice makes perfect! Guided trips available, come have some fun this summer.
Celebrate Dad in June!
Lodging & Guided Charter Packages starting at only $233*per person, gift cards available too! Purchase yours online or call 800-862-8602.
*Plus tax and based on double occupancy
Lake of the Woods Oak Island & the Northwest Angle Fishing Report
Great Walleye Bite
Depths 18’-20’ in the mud jigging a jig and minnow has been hot. Gold and orange have been good jig colors. Captain Steve and his crew boated over 100 fish along with some nice slot fish this week. Lots of sun in the forecast. Water temp currently 57 degrees.
Depths 18’-20’ in the mud jigging a jig and minnow has been hot. Gold and orange have been good jig colors. Captain Steve and his crew boated over 100 fish along with some nice slot fish this week. Lots of sun in the forecast. Water temp currently 57 degrees.
Nice Pike
Casting out flashy spoons and shad raps have been the hot ticket 6’-20’.Smallmouth Bass
Anglers are having the most success finding the bass casting using mallet spinners and shad raps deep 20’-30’.Muskie season opens June 15.
Casting out flashy spoons and shad raps have been the hot ticket 6’-20’.Smallmouth Bass
Anglers are having the most success finding the bass casting using mallet spinners and shad raps deep 20’-30’.Muskie season opens June 15.
Experience the Northwest Angle and Islands. Join us this summer!
Openings available late June and throughout the summer. Check out our summer packages and make plans today.
Lake of the Woods Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge January 17, 2019
1/17/2019
Mix of Walleyes, Saugers and Sizes
Lots of different size fish coming up through the holes. Depths between 22’-30’ have been good. A mix of dead sticking and jigging with a minnow and using vexilars is a good approach. Gold, glow and red tackle colors have been popular. Jigs, buckshots, forage minnows and chubby darters have been working good this week as well as a plain hook, a few split shots, and a bobber. Check out the pictures of the week.
Ice Conditions
We have 20-24 inches of ice right now in the areas we fish and travel. We have been experiencing a cool down this week. We are making ice! Did you know? Unlike many lakes in Minnesota, our ice fishing is extended until March 31 and our winter walleye season runs until April 14. Also due to our far north location, we typically have great ice right through March and many years into April.Trail Conditions
Trails are freshly groomed and regularly scheduled grooming is in progress. We have a good base of snow anywhere from 5”-14”, more in drifts. Black stakes mark the trails from the south shore of Lake of the Woods to Oak Island and NW Angle, south shore to Warroad and Warroad to Oak Island/NW Angle are all marked. For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.
We have 20-24 inches of ice right now in the areas we fish and travel. We have been experiencing a cool down this week. We are making ice! Did you know? Unlike many lakes in Minnesota, our ice fishing is extended until March 31 and our winter walleye season runs until April 14. Also due to our far north location, we typically have great ice right through March and many years into April.Trail Conditions
Trails are freshly groomed and regularly scheduled grooming is in progress. We have a good base of snow anywhere from 5”-14”, more in drifts. Black stakes mark the trails from the south shore of Lake of the Woods to Oak Island and NW Angle, south shore to Warroad and Warroad to Oak Island/NW Angle are all marked. For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.
Plowed Roads
We do not maintain a plowed road ourselves as we supply the transportation for all of our trips to our houses via a groomed trail, but if you are interested in venturing out on your own, there are several roads in the area you can venture out on nearby the lodge. Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay and Morris Point’s road out of Morris point are a few. Last report, this week roads are in good condition. For your safety, be sure to always check with the outfitter for current conditions before heading out and always be sure to stay on marked trails.Football & Fishing
Join us for a good time Feb 3 & 4. Fishing and lodging packages 2 nights/1 day $229-$267 per person or 2 nights/2 days $299-$337 per person. We will be having our annual Big Game Party Feb 3, during the Super Bowl featuring some great food and drink specials including our ½ price apps 3pm-6pm and door prizes. Come watch the game on our 12 TV’s. Lodging and fishing available, give us a call to reserve 800-862-8602.
(plus tax and based on double occupancy)
We do not maintain a plowed road ourselves as we supply the transportation for all of our trips to our houses via a groomed trail, but if you are interested in venturing out on your own, there are several roads in the area you can venture out on nearby the lodge. Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay and Morris Point’s road out of Morris point are a few. Last report, this week roads are in good condition. For your safety, be sure to always check with the outfitter for current conditions before heading out and always be sure to stay on marked trails.Football & Fishing
Join us for a good time Feb 3 & 4. Fishing and lodging packages 2 nights/1 day $229-$267 per person or 2 nights/2 days $299-$337 per person. We will be having our annual Big Game Party Feb 3, during the Super Bowl featuring some great food and drink specials including our ½ price apps 3pm-6pm and door prizes. Come watch the game on our 12 TV’s. Lodging and fishing available, give us a call to reserve 800-862-8602.
(plus tax and based on double occupancy)
Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!
Ice Report 11-24-2018
Ice Fishing starts at Sportsman’s Friday, Nov 30!
It’s time! The cool fall has been great for ice making. The guides checked ice today and said based on what they found and the forecast ahead, Nov 30 will be our first day of the season for our day houses. Sleepers and Sportsman’s Oak Island will be another week or so after. They found 5”-7” of ice on the bay and 7-10” on the lake and nearly no snow cover in the areas we fish and travel. We should have no problems building a few more inches and starting with a safe 8-12” by Friday, especially with no snow cover. With no snow on the ice yet, which is great for ice making, it is slick so be sure to bring your cleats. As always, if you decide to venture out on your own, be sure to check with local resorts or outfitters before venturing out. Light jeeps, UTV’s, ATV’s only for awhile and keep the speed slow. The entire lake never freezes equally and the river is usually not ready for a few more weeks due to current. We only check and monitor the areas we fish and travel.
Public Ice Roads
We use a private access and do not maintain a public road. For ice road information, we suggest checking with Morris Point or Adrian’s.
Openings available!
Give us a call to make your reservations! 800-862-8602 or click here.
Oooooh baby! What a catch!
Oooooh baby!
You just never know what is going to nibble at your line when you are fishing for walleyes on Lake of the Woods! 
😳 Check out this awesome pike reeled in by Rich McGuire.
43 inch, 22lber caught on a white/pink/yellow jig and a shiner.
Guided by Captain Darryl. Nice catch Rich! Thanks for sharing your picture with us.
Sportsman’s Lodge Welcomes the Cabelas National Walleye Tour Championship Event
Sportsman’s Lodge welcomes the Cabelas National Walleye Tour Championship Event
to Lake of the Woods
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (August 22, 2018) – Competitive walleye anglers will converge on Lake of the Woods at Baudette, Minnesota, for the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour championship event on September 5-7. The championship will feature some of the country’s best walleye anglers in a pro-am style format and guarantees over 100 percent payback, including three fully rigged Ranger boats.
The championship event begins Tuesday, September 4, with tournament registration from 2-4 p.m.at Sportsman’s Lodge (3244 Bur Oak Rd. NW, Baudette, MN 56623) and a mandatory pre-tournament meeting set to start at 5:00 p.m. Pro- and co-angler pairings will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.Anglers will launch each morning at 7 a.m. from Wheeler’s Point with anglers returning to Sportsman’s Lodge for weigh-ins each day. After the first two days’ action, the field will be cut to the top 10 pro- and co-anglers. Weigh-ins will start at 3:00 p.m. each day.During each day of competition, Triton Boats and Mercury Marine are offering free demo rides in the acclaimed 216 Fishhunter. The demo rides will take off from the boat launch.The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) will also host a “Future Angler” program for children after Thursday’s weigh-in, approximately at 4:30 p.m., featuring an educational seminar and training for youth from top-notch NPAA members. The youth-orientated event will include a free rod/reel combo or “Future Pro” t-shirt for the first 150 children who attend the educational program. Smokey the Bear will also be on hand during this time.Anglers who have fished all three regular season events, in addition to the top points leaders, will qualify for the three-day, entry-fee championship. The championship event is a pro-am style format and guarantees over 100 percent payback, including two fully rigged Ranger boats for first and second place in the pro-angler category and a Ranger VS1682DC with 115 horsepower Mercury 4-stroke, valued at $27,295 for the first-place co-angler.The NWT Angler of the Year Awards is also up for grabs at the championship. The pro- and co-anglers with the most points earned after the championship will be awarded custom rings and paid entry fees for the 2018 season.The NWT would like to thank Lake of the Woods Tourism and the area for their support of this event.The Cabela’s National Walleye Tour includes unmatched television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event throughout the season. Airing on multiple networks, the NWT will be seen on the Pursuit Channel, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports Net North, Comcast Chicago SportsNet, WildTV Canada and the World Fishing Network.For more details, anglers are encouraged to call 612-424-0708 or 501-317-7548 or check out the new website at www.nationalwalleyetour.com. From here, site visitors can register for events, view the contingency programs and TV schedule and learn more about what’s in-store for2018. 2018 NWT scheduled events:Championship – September 5-7 – Lake of the Woods (Baudette, Minn
Lake of the Woods Satellite Picture Update 5-10-2018
Lake of the Woods Satellite Picture Update 5-10-2018
Check out the latest satellite picture from today compared to Mondays!
Big changes happening here the past few days! We have not been across the lake to check it out yet, so please use caution when venturing out. It sure looks like the ice is disappearing quickly.
Opener forecast is looking good! Woohoo! Let’s go fishing!
