Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River

Catching Fish
We have had an active bite so far. Check out the pictures of the week!

The best bite has been in the mud this week, 18’-26’ using good old Lake of the Woods gold 3/8 oz jigs, glow and pink. Buckshots, Rippin Raps, and small spoons have also been working well tipped with a chub or shiner minnow. A wide variety of walleye and sauger sizes continue to be caught from throwbacks to trophies. You just never know what will be biting next. Fish finders such as vexilars always seem to help the catch rate and jigging one rod and dead sticking the other until you find your rhythm. If you are interested in trying out a Vexilar, give us a call to reserve one at 800-862-8602. The ice is coming along well, we have 12-18 inches in the areas we fish and travel. Sounds like the temperature is going to drop starting tomorrow for a stretch of days below the donut. This should help in the ice making. We received 5-7 inches of fresh snow yesterday. We didn’t have much more than an inch or so on the ice prior so this is a welcome amount to help pack the trails and fish houses. Still some bare spots here and there.

Trail Update
The trails from Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island, south shore to Warroad, and Warroad to Oak Island are all staked. For more information on the trails check out the Drifter’s Snowmobile Club and Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club pages.

Going out on your own? 
All of our rentals include transportation to and from the fish house. If you are looking to venture out on your own, there are several ice roads in the area you can choose from that other resorts and outfitters maintain and offer for a fee to use. We encourage you to check with them on their ice conditions before venturing out and stay on the marked areas only. The lake never freezes equally and they have the most up-to-date information on conditions in their area. 

Join us for our New Year’s Eve Party
Dec 31 Dinner and drink specials, party favors, live entertainment by the classic rock band, Cold Shot, and a champagne toast at midnight. Give us a call to make your dinner reservations at 800-862-8602 and check out our specials on our Facebook page.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Ice fishing at the island has begun. We started our season on Sunday. Guests have been catching some nice fish on the rocks and reefs in 19’-24’ so far. Acme Hyper Hammer purple and orange jigs, Slab Raps, and vertical jigs tipped with a chub or shiner have been good tackle. Be patient, watch your vexilar, and set the hook!

Where we fish we have 15-16 inches of ice, about 9 inches of snow on the lake, and 6 inches on land. We received a fresh 4 or so inches of snow yesterday.

Transportation The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service has started making runs from Sportsman’s Lodge to the islands and Lake Country Air is also taking reservations now for flights throughout the winter too. The ice road from Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle is plowed out to the lodge. Resort stays are $35, daily passes $20 and season passes are $225. Road passes can be purchased at Jerry’s Restarurant at Young’s Bay.

Driving to the Northwest Angle
Americans who are fully vaccinated and have a 72-hour negative covid test are welcome to come across the border now. Download and fill out the ArriveCAN app and fill out the information to cross. For more information click here.

Trail Update
The trails from Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island, south shore to Warroad, and Warroad to Oak Island are all staked. For more information on the trails check out the Drifter’s Snowmobile Club and Northwest Angle Edge Riders Club pages.

Join us for New Year’s Eve Dinner
We are planning food and drinks specials! Check out our Facebook page for our specials and menus. Give us a call to make your reservation at 800-772-8411.