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Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing, Trail & Ice Report 3/9/2017

March 9, 2017 by Sportsman's Lodges

The latest from Sportsman’s Lodge……
I saw a Facebook post today that said Mother Nature has gone bipolar. I believe that is correct! It has been quite the week. A few days of warm weather, a few days of gusts of wind up to 48 mph and now back to winter weather, below zero temps. What a week! The good news is we still have 27-30 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel and there is some good ice fishing going on. The guides check ice daily and we plan to keep fishing in our day houses until Mother Nature decides she is ready to warm up. Our sleepers last day will be Monday, March 13.. The ice has minimal snow cover right now so we suggest bringing ice cleats or traction shoes with you when you visit.

Ice Conditions
We have 27-30 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish. We do not maintain a public road. If you are looking to venture out on your own we strongly encourage you to check with local resorts or outfitters for current conditions and information on what they are allowing out on their road before going out. We suggest, Adrian’s Resort 218-634-1985 who maintains a road that goes out on Four Mile Bay. Always stay on marked roads or trails. The entire lake never freezes equally even in the coldest of winters. Stay safe and call ahead!

The Bite
The best bite has been found in 27’-33’ 6-10 miles out of Pine Island. Chubs and shiner minnows on a glow pink or gold jig or plain hook with a few split shots has been working well. We supply the chubs with our fish house rentals; local bait shops have shiners if you are interested in trying a few. Lots of suspended walleyes in varying depths showing up so electronics really help. Saugers are hugging closer to bottom. Try jigging and dead sticking for the best results to see what works for you. A few eelpouts, perch and pike have also been biting. 36 Days of walleye season left on Lake of the Woods!

Trail Report
Minimal snow cover on the ice right now.

25% off Ice Fishing March 19-31
Hook a hot deal! 25% off ice fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.
Book your trip today 800-862-8602

Spring River fishing is just around the corner!
Walleye season continues on Lake of the Woods until April 14, reopening May 13 and lake sturgeon and northern pike fishing heats up in April and May. Guided trips available, lodging starting at $42 per person per night and up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing trips available. Get your reservations in now. Click here for more information and make plans to reel in some monster fish!

Good bite yesterday!

February 21, 2017 by Sportsman's Lodges

The bite yesterday was great, but overall spotty this week. Nice buckets of fish came in with a variety of walleyes and saugers. Best depth has been in 23-31 feet of water. Gold and pink jigs, rattle spoons and macho minnows have been working well tipped with a minnow. Mix of jigging and dead sticking is the best approach. Electronics users tend to do the best.

Ice Conditions
We have lost snow but not much ice if any. Weather is cooling off starting tomorrow. Back to ice making!

Trail Report
We have lost most of our snow so the trails are rough. Groomers will start again as soon as we get another shot of snow.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to the Island
The ice road is in good shape. The landing is pretty muddy so trucks only. Cars will probably not make it out. Cooler weather is coming back tomorrow!

The guides are on the fish!

February 15, 2017 by Sportsman's Lodges

Walleye and sauger bite has been good! Houses are staggered off a nice quiet groomed trail about a 30 minute ride out on Big Traverse Bay. Anglers are reeling in a variety of sizes using gold, pink and orange macho minnows, plain hooks, buck shots, spoons and jigs. Tackle is tipped with a minnow or minnow head in 24’-33’ of water. Lots of suspended fish are being seen on electronics so if you have one, we encourage you to bring it along or call ahead to rent. We consistently see the catch rate of anglers who use them increase significantly.

Guests are reeling in some nice fish this week!

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 23-27 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We run a groomed trail to our houses. It looks like we are going to warm up during the day this week. Lows are still below freezing so we shouldn’t see any ice loss just some snow. If you are looking to venture out on your own, Adrian’s road at Wheeler’s Point is recommended.

Trail Report
Area lake and land trails are being groomed weekly. We have 16-24 inches of snow on the ground. Trails are in good shape! For more information about the trails click here for the Baudette area or here for the NW Angle & Islands. The NW Angle club will be hosting their annual Snowmobile Rally March 4 in the NW Angle area. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

25% off Ice Fishing trips March 19-31
Hook a hot deal! 25% off ice fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing, Trail & Ice Report 1-26-2017

January 26, 2017 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Time!
It has been a strong bite overall this week at Sportsman’s Lodge. Lots of nice walleyes and saugers coming through the ice holes as well as a few northern pike, jumbo perch and eelpout. Successful anglers have found that vexilars definitely increase your catch rate, jigging a small spoon, just a plain hook or a 3/8 oz. gold jig tipped with a minnow is working well. The best bite has been in varying depths between 19’-31’ in the mud.

Joe Hraban 27.25 inch walleye caught 1-24-2017. Sportsman’s Sleepers

Michael Cline one of our guides was out fishing on his day off and reeled in a nice 25 inch walleye on a charmer.

Michael Cline tackle 25 inch walleye

Poor Man’s Lobster! Krista Kappes,Thunder Seed group reeled in this huge eelpout on a bright green and yellow chartreuse lure

Kaylee Bjorklund reeled in this nice 29.5 inch walleye this week on a gold jig. Nice fish Kaylee!

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 20-24 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We run a groomed trail to get to our houses. We received 4-5 days of highs in the mid to upper thirties last week but the weather has since cooled down and we are back to making more ice. Over the warm days we experienced a lot of slush but we did not lose any ice. If you are looking to go out on your own, Adrian’s road is a good choice located at the Wheeler’s Point/Four Mile Bay area off Hwy 172. They are allowing up to 1 ton trucks and wheel houses up to 28’.

Trail Report
Area lake and land trails are being groomed weekly. For more information click here for the Baudette area or here for the NW Angle & Islands.

Need a Vexilar?
They are available for rent at the lodge. Call ahead to reserve 800-862-8602.

Join us for the Big Game Feb 5!
12 Big screens, free apps, giveaways and great drink specials. Specials start at 3!

Ice Fishing trips available through the end of March
On Lake of the Woods we can have our fish houses out until March 31. Fishing and lodging packages still available starting at $191* per person. We have midweek stays open in February and weekend and midweek stays open in March. Book your trip today! *plus tax and based on double occupancy

Spring, Summer, Fall
It is never too early to start planning your spring, summer or fall trip. Get the gang together and contact us today. Click here to learn more about our packages.

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing, Trail & Ice Report 1-11-2017

January 11, 2017 by Sportsman's Lodges

Bouncing off Bottom
Guides report it has been a good bite for the 11”-17” walleyes and saugers this week. A few big walleyes and another large eelpout were reeled in too. Varying depths between 19’-26’ jigging Rapala slab raps, gold and pink jigs, silver blade spoons and flutter spoons have been working well. Dead sticking a rock and roll jig or a red has also proved to be successful. Anglers found that bouncing off the bottom to churn up some lake bottom to get the attention of the fish at least 4-6 inches and sometimes even up to 2’ was a successful approach. Chub or shiner minnows are the live bait of choice.

Another big eelpout! The Albiston Group a group of 4 gals reeled in this 12lb and 30 inch eelpout while fishing in the Sportsman’s Sleepers. What a fish!

Doug Loos caught this 25.5 in walleye just over 7lb on a Gold Rapala Slab Rap guided by Troy. Doug and his son Dan caught over 90 fish on their recent trip to Sportsman’s!

What a nice walleye!

Ice Depth
17-20 inches of ice on the lake in the areas we fish and travel right now. The bombardiers are ready to bring you out fishing!

Adrian’s Ice Road
If you are planning to go out on your own, Adrian’s ice road out of Four Mile Bay near Wheeler’s Point 12 miles north of Baudette is a good option. As of Jan 1, they were allowing ½ ton trucks pulling up to 17’ wheel house and smaller vehicles pulling up to 21’ houses. ¾ ton and 1 ton trucks can drive out not pulling houses.

Trail Conditions
We have 15”-20” of really nice snow in the area. The lake trails are in good shape and being maintained weekly. As soon as we get more ice the heavier groomers will be out. The trails are staked across the lake with black stakes from Baudette to Oak Island and Wheeler’s Point to Warroad. Come enjoy our over 100 miles of lake trails and 500 miles of land trails! For area land trail information click here to contact the Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club.

Ice fish with us until March 31!
Ice fishing packages available through March 31. Click here to learn more and book your trip today.

Short on time? Take a quick trip!
One night/one day trips available including lodging, ready to go fish house, transportation to and from the fish house, use of jig sticks, jigs bait and fish cleaning starting at only $144* per person. One day fishing only trips $115* per person. Available: Jan 12, 18, 19, 22, 26, 29, Feb 1, 8,12,16,19 & 22.
*plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Ice Condition Report 12/7/2016

December 7, 2016 by Sportsman's Lodges

Here it comes!
The thermometer is dropping and the landscape is about to change! Ice making is happening now! Stay tuned, we should have lots to report next week! For now, get your reservations in and put that new line on your favorite rod you have been thinking about doing for the last two months! Lodging and ice fishing openings available through late March. Get your gang together and make plans! It’s almost fishing time!

It’s getting colder!

Make it a New Year’s Eve to remember.
What a better place to ring in the new year than at Sportsman’s Lodges on beautiful Lake of the Woods. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, indoor pool, 3 restaurants, bar with entertainment, game room and more! Sportsman’s Lodge will be featuring many dinner specials, musical entertainment, party favors, champagne and lots of holiday cheer. Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge will be featuring dinner specials, party favors, a midnight wine toast and lots of fun island style. Reservations required. Space is limited. Book your trip today!
Check us out on Facebook
For ice condition updates, fishing pictures, hot deals and contests like us on Facebook.

The bite is on in the Rainy River!

October 20, 2016 by Sportsman's Lodges

The best action for nice 15+ inch walleye is around Wheeler’s Point, Wabanica Church, and Clementson as well as areas on the lake just outside Pine Island and around the Morris Point Washout area. Water temperature is 51 degrees. The best depth is approximately 13-18 feet, but fish are being caught anywhere from 12 – 24 feet of water. Jigging with a 1 oz. jig tipped with a shiner minnow using colors gold, pink, white and glow in the dark. Guides available!

Pike a plenty!
Check out these whoppers caught by a group this week guided by Captain Travis Madrazo. Crankbait and large dead bait is working well.

Aggressive Sturgeon action
24 Sturgeon in two days including a double, 41 inch and 55 inch! That was the report from a group that was here and fished with Captain Travis Madrazo this week. Deep pockets in the river are holding the sturgeon. (This group also caught 42 walleyes and 26 northerns!   ) Fall fishing is hot! Book your guided fall trip today! 800-862-8602

Dock Cam
Our dock cam is back up and working! Check it out!

Winter Specials
Get in on the early bird deals! 25% off Ice Fishing & Double Reward Points. These specials won’t last long!
Click here for more information.

Openings available this weekend! Kids 17 and under stay free!
Kids 17 and under stay free with 2 adults in lodge rooms. Indoor pool, live entertainment, restaurant, game room and incredible fishing! Escape to the lake! 800-862-8602

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report October 12, 2016

October 12, 2016 by Sportsman's Lodges

Reeling in fish
The bite in the islands this week has been great! Lots of nice walleyes, saugers, crappies, pike, bass and muskies have been reeled in. Jigging with a minnow in 10’-15’ and 22’-26’ has been good for walleyes and saugers around shore lines. Soldier’s Point and McPherson Island have been notable hot spots. Crappies have been found in 24’-30’ using smaller jigs with a minnow in areas with structure but we have also seen plenty caught were the walleyes are targeted too. Bass, pike and muskie fishing has been best trolling using spinner or jerk baits around points and areas with current. Casting around rocks has been successful too.

Few days left
Just a few more days left of our fall season. Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Eagle Ridge’s season is winding down. The last day for lodging reservations is Saturday, Oct 15 and the restaurant and bar’s last day will be Oct 16. Thanks for another great season! We are taking reservations for winter and next summer. We look forward to starting our winter season mid-December. Book your stay today for an ice fishing adventure! Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location remains open year round so if you are looking for a great place to visit after this weekend and get into more fall fishing action, give them a call 800-862-8602 or click here.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report August 23, 2016

August 23, 2016 by Sportsman's Lodges

Walleyes….
We have seen nice eater size walleye between 14”-18” caught lately in 20’-26’ jigging with minnows along points and reefs. The best presentation has been gold or orange 3/8 oz jigs tipped with a minnow. The reefs around Tug Channel, Skeet and French Portage have good fishing holes. Water temperature is 73 degrees.

Muskies…Pike…and Smallmouth Bass
Top water baits like cow girls, jerk baits and mud puppies have been working well. Weedy bays 7’-15’ with some rock structure has been best.

Best Equipment for walleyes?
The guides favor St Croix, Fenwick, Gloomis or 13 Fishing rods combos, medium fast action 6’-7’. They like a 10lb braid line, 3/8 ounce jig or 1-1.5 ounce sinker/spinner combination.

Fall is just around the corner
Fall foliage, hunting seasons, and excellent walleye, crappie fishing will soon be upon us too. Make your reservations now and fall into walleyes with our great fall rates!

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report August 10, 2016

August 10, 2016 by Sportsman's Lodges

Structure & Mud
Areas with structure or mud have been hot spots this week. Little Oak Island and the southwest side of Falcon Island have been good in 25’-28’ and 17’-22’ of water using a 3/8 ounce gold, red or pink jig tipped with a minnow or leech. Water temperature is currently a warm 76 degrees.

Muskies, Pike & Bass
The muskies and pike have been real active. Top water baits, buck tails in bays of 7’-15’ with a fast tapering bottom. Working point to point.