Tag Archives: sturgeon

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing Report 5/3/2017

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With air temperatures dropping in the low 30s we all knew the water temperatures were not far behind. Water temperatures dipped all the way to 40 degrees.  And with cooling water almost always means fishing slows, especially in the spring time! This does not mean there are not fish to be caught! As far as sturgeon, get in high percentage areas and camp.  With the water cooling those big dinos will be lethargic but they will bite if they are there.  When targeting pike, if you are casting work those baits as slow as possible.  Although it may take some more patience, dead baits under a float or on the bottom may be the better bet.  As far as location, creek mouths and any areas of slack water are great areas to target! Good luck and we will see you out there!

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Walleye Opener is only 10 days away! Do you have your reservations in?
SPRING FISHING SPECIALS ~ Two nights lodging in your choice of a lodge room or cabin and one day charter fishing aboard a 27’ boat with onboard restroom, experienced guide, use of poles, bait, tackle, assortment of pop/water and fish cleaning package starting at only $210 per person. Two Night/Two Day starting at $323 and Three Night/Three Day starting at $369.  Lodging, boat rental and dock slips also available. Click here to learn more and book your stay today 800-862-8602. *plus tax and based on double occupancy

The man, the myth, the legend is on the board with his new personal best sturgeon… 59.5″.. It was even tagged.. Great job Blue Olson. Great battle.
Guide Bryan “Beef” Sathre

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Check out this nice 39.5 inch pike!

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Charter boats are ready for opener!

Take a Mom fishing
Mother’s Day is May 14.  Treat mom to some great fishing, relaxation and Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Sportsman’s next weekend.  She will love our cozy accommodations, indoor pool, hot tub, beautiful views, excellent fishing and delicious food.  Click here for our spring lodging and fishing packages and here to check out our Mother’s Day menu.
11th Annual Sturgeon Tournament is May 5 & 6. The tournament is full this year but everyone is welcome to stop in and check out the action from our docks or in the bar. The tournament takes place right out in front of the lodge over a 1 mile stretch. Annually we see over 100 sturgeon caught over the two day tournament. Stop by for great fishing stories, food, drinks and entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings. The tournament runs from 8:30 to 4pm Friday and 8:30 to 3pm Saturday.


Get on the fish with a Guided Trip
Whether you are looking for sturgeon, pike or walleye we have trips available this spring. Contact us for more information 800-862-8602.

A little snow and decent fishing

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We gained 3-4 inches of snow this week and below zero temps the past few days.  It looks like we are going to warm up tomorrow. Buck shots, flutter spoons, plain hooks and pink, gold and glow in the dark jigs have been good this week tipped with a minnow.  Vexilar users are almost doubling their catch rate. 23’-29’ of water around structure has been the best place to find some nice walleyes and saugers.

42 inch northern pike caught by Jim Kusilek on a medium action St Croix rod 8lb test and swedish pimple Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge

42 inch northern pike caught by Jim Kusilek on a medium action St Croix rod 8lb test and swedish pimple Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge

 

Nice 19 inch walleye caught by Chad Young Sportsman's Oak Island Lodge

Nice 19 inch walleye caught by Chad Young Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

 

13 inch perch caught by Chad Young Sportsman's Oak Island Lodge

13 inch perch caught by Chad Young Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

 

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 21-24 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

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

Ice Road
The ice road is open. Take the 9 mile drive out from Young’s Bay to the lodge. Signs are posted.

Sturgeon fishing is hot, Walleyes are starting to bite!

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Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys! 2Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys!

 

Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys!

It's a double! 48 inch and 57 inch by the Eklund's from Bemidji, MN

 

It’s a double! 48 inch and 57 inch by the Eklund’s from Bemidji, MN

The sturgeon bite has been hot this week. Circle 3/0 and 4/0 hooks, 2-4 ounces of weight and a gob of night crawlers works best. Anchor up in or just near a hole in the Rainy River. Once you get a bite, be ready for a fight! Some monsters take up to an hour to reel in! Sturgeon fishing is catch and release now through April 23. Keep one within size limits April 24-May 7 and catch and release again May 8-15. Don’t have a boat or haven’t taken it out yet? We have guides available!

Water is clearing up!
The water is clearing up we have gained about 6 more inches of clarity. Reports of 8-18 inches of clarity have been found, much better than last week. Keep in mind, Lake of the Woods and Rainy River always have stained look. It is never a clear lake by any means. Jigging with a gold 1 oz. jig tipped with a shiner has been working. The water temperature is 35.5, water level is low and the current has slowed some but is still moving pretty quick. Debris has cleared up considerably, we are not seeing much anymore. Walleye season is open through April 14.

Open Water
All boat ramps along the river are open to all boats. The entire river is open and Four Mile Bay. We have open water about 75 yards out of the Light House Gap on the lake right now.

Let us guide you to the catch!
We have guides available for spring walleye, sturgeon and pike fishing. $450 for the day aboard an 18’-20’ boat. The trip includes up to 4 passengers plus the guide, bait, use of poles, and fish cleaning. Book your spring trip today.

Still a few rooms, cabins and villas open for the weekend!
Lodging starting at only $40* per person per night midweek and $45 weekend! *plus tax and based on double occupancy. To reserve click here or call 800-862-8602.