Merry Christmas!

First off, we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday. It has certainly been a different and trying year for everyone as we all know but as we reflect, we here at Sportsman’s are grateful for all of the great employees, supportive guests, and fans that have stuck by us this year and continue to allow us to provide a place for guests to visit and enjoy the great outdoors. Thank you for your continued patronage! We really appreciate it and are looking forward to 2021.

An update from the lake at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River

Our season started a little over a week ago. We now have 10-13 inches of ice and 1-5 inches of snow in the areas we fish and travel.  The temperature gauge is dipping today. Sounds like it is going to be lows below zero for a while along with some fresh snow.

The best fishing depth has been in 23’-27’ in the mud. We have seen a strong run of saugers this week along with some walleye, and occasional sturgeon and eelpout. The best tackle has been a plain hook and a minnow or gold or pink jig tipped with a shiner. The average ride out to the houses is 15-25 minutes. Masks are required during the ride out so please remember to bring one. We have reduced load sizes, increased ventilation in the bombardiers, and doing everything we can to keep you safe.

Venturing out on your own?
Check out Adrian’s or Morris Point for public road access. As always please remember, ice conditions vary throughout the lake. Check with the road maintainer for the current conditions and stay safe.  As of 12/22, Adrian’s reported they have 10 1/2 to 13 inches of ice. Their access is closed today due to blizzard conditions but will open sometime on 12/24.  After Christmas, allowing small to mid-size vehicles not pulling anything. No half-ton trucks. Plan to let four wheelers and side by sides pulling out wheel houses up to 18′.

Trail Update:
We once again helped out the local snowmobile club and assisted in the marking of the snowmobile trail from Baudette to Oak Island this week. The trail is marked and ready for snowmobile travel. Grooming will begin as soon as ice conditions will allow the equipment to safely be on the ice. Snowmobile travel only is advised until we can gain some more ice. The trail had 7-15 inches as of yesterday. Ice conditions vary off the trail.  For your safety stay on the trail and follow the black stakes.

An update from the lake at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge on Oak Island

We open on December 26!

The ice is progressing nicely. We now have between 9-13 inches of ice and 4-5” of snow in the areas we fish and travel. Some snow and cold temperatures are blowing in today.
The weatherman says it is going to be pretty cold for a while.  We aren’t complaining. Bring on the ice! 

The staff has been busy getting everything ready. We are excited to kick off another season.

Options to get to the island this winter

Bombardier Transportation from Baudette
Will begin soon, the forecast is looking favorable. More ice checks will be done this weekend. Stay tuned for more information or contact Lake of the Woods Passenger service or us anytime at 800-772-8411.
Have a reservation arriving soon? Please give us a call if you have any questions, we have options for you at 800-772-8411.  

Snowmobile to Oak Island

Trail Updates:
Baudette to Oak Island
We once again helped out the local snowmobile club and assisted in the marking of the snowmobile trail from Baudette to Oak Island this week. The trail is marked and ready for snowmobile travel. Grooming will begin as soon as ice conditions will allow. Snowmobile travel only is advised until we can gain some more ice. The forecast is looking favorable. The trail had 7-15 inches as of yesterday. Ice conditions vary off the trail.  For your safety, stay on the trail and follow the black stakes.

Warroad to Oak Island and NW Angle Trails
Waiting on a few spots to gain more ice until the club can get it staked from Warroad to Oak Island. Hoping by sometime this weekend. For more information on the trails and updates click here.

New Ice Road from Warroad to the Northwest Angle

Set to open in January as another way to get to us. Click on the link for more information.