Author Archives: Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 12/7/19

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We are happy to report that we have gained ice since our last report and we are excited for the below zero temps coming at us tomorrow!
The guides have been checking and monitoring the ice daily.  Today in the areas we travel and will start fishing this season we found anywhere from 7-10 inches on the bay and 4-9 inches on the lake.
We are monitoring some cracks and thinner spots north of us but with the cold blast moving in and no snow insulating the ice, we expect these areas to heal up and build ice pretty quick.  The guides are working on smoothing out the trail and island crossing this weekend. We are optimistic for a Wednesday start date for our day houses if all goes well in the next few days. Stay tuned!
Heading out on your own?
All of our rentals include transportation to and from the fishing house. If you are heading out on your own, we suggest Adrian’s road out of Four Mile Bay. Conditions change and vary on all parts of the lake so be sure to check in with them

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 12/5/19

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We continue to make ice, but it is not time yet. Gregg went up in a plane yesterday to check it out. He found open water pockets and channels in several areas.
The good news is the forecast is looking promising and we should be able to seal these areas up and build more ice soon if the forecast holds true.
Hang tight and stay tuned for more updates!

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 12/3/19

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First Ice Check of the Year

The ice is coming along and we happily dodged the snowstorm over the holiday weekend!  The guides went out and did the first ice check of the year yesterday. We have made some progress! They found anywhere from 5-9 inches on Four Mile Bay and 1-6 inches on the lake in the areas we fish and travel. Gregg is heading up in a plane on Wednesday to check things out from the sky. At this point, we are looking at the middle of next week for a possible start date with our day houses but we will continue to monitor conditions.

Once we get going, sleepers will start a week or so after and our Oak Island location just after Christmas.  If you have a reservation that needs to get rescheduled we will be reaching out to you within the next 24 hours or please give us a call anytime.  We are looking forward to kicking off ice fishing season 2019-2020 soon! Stay tuned!

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 11/21/19

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Bring on the cold! We have a thin layer of ice in many areas of the lake and bays right now and open water spots too.

The stage is set and we are just waiting on some colder temps. It shouldn’t take too long to start making some good ice once cold temps set in.

Right now we have our sights set on Dec 4-8 for an approximate season start date for our day houses at the main lodge near Baudette with Sleepers a week or so later and our Oak Island locations just after Christmas.  At this time we do not advise any travel as the ice is still thin & varies greatly. As soon as we are comfortable with the ice, we will get our guides out there & be checking the ice closely. Stay tuned and get your reservations in! Weekends are booking up.

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 11/15/19

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Ice Making Update from Sportsman’s Lodges

Gregg took a plane ride today to check out the lake and see how the ice was forming up today. We are certainly ahead of schedule this year but not sealed up yet. Cracks and holes still open at this point.

If the wind doesn’t kick up too much and temps stay cool, we should start to see some sizable ice build soon!

We will keep you posted. Stay tuned and stay safe!

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 11/12/19

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Below the donut temps last night on the big pond!
We have our first layer of ice, almost, folks. The question is, will it stay or will it go?
Nonetheless, it is an early start to the ice making progress and it is possible our season could start early this year.  Keep doing your ice dancing for cold temps, light winds and stay tuned!
Don’t miss out! Book your ice fishing trip now for available dates through late March.
3 Lake of the Woods Locations www.sportsmanslodges.com/winter 800-862-8602

Sportsman’s Ice Conditions Update – 11/11/19

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Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River
11/11/2019
Ice Update ~ Making progress! A little more ice has formed in 4 mile bay the past few days.  The river water has definitely cooled and some shore ice has already formed on some areas of the lake. Once we get calm winds and low temps, we should start seeing the first layer of ice start to form. Due to the wet fall, we do have a stronger than normal current in the river, gap and 4 mile bay right now.
We will need to give Mother Nature some extra time to work on the bay we use to access the lake but with temps like we have been having, ice fishing season could come early this year! Stay tuned and stay safe, it will be here soon. Good luck to all the hunters! 🦌 and THANK YOU VETERANS for protecting our freedom!! We salute you! Without you, we know life would be very different.  Thank you for your service!!
 
Oak Island
We are starting to see some ice form. Stay tuned for updates!
Don’t miss out! Make your winter reservations now!
Call 800-862-8602 or contact us online www.sportsmanslodges.com

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report – 10/30/19

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It is beginning to feel like FREEZING SEASON!

It has been a cool week so far, the change of the season is in the air. Yesterday we already had ice on some of the small bays!

Ice is starting to form!

If this keeps up it could be an early start again to ice fishing season. Last year we started on November 30 with plenty of safe ice for our rigs and fish houses.


Soft Water Fishing
A few anglers are still out in boats chasing down the walleyes this week. The water remains high and current strong so a 1 oz jig has been key. Gold, pink or orange tipped with a chub or shiner has been hot just near the resort, Wheeler’s Point, Four Mile Bay, and the Lighthouse Gap in varying depths of 8’-22’ of water. Our boats are all put away and crews are busy working on fall projects and getting the fish houses ready but if you are looking to get in one last trip, we do have lodging available through the fall if you would like to bring your own boat.

Check out what this Father and Son reeled in! Lots of fun with Captain Ralph

Ice Fishing season starts soon!

Do you have your reservations in? Weekend dates are filling up.
Check out all the options and our 3 locations here.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 10/22/19

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Sportsman’s Lodge

Thump the Bottom!

Water temps have dropped to the mid 40’s in the past week, which has helped keep the fish hungry! Guides have reported having the most success in 17 to 27 feet of water, fishing the mud and sand. They are fishing from Zippel Bay to Babe Island using half ounce jigs (gold/pink/white), tipped with frozen shiners. Quite a few big fish have been caught and released this past weekend including 26”, 27”, 27 ½”, and 29” walleyes. The guests are even catching perch, sturgeon and a few eel pout. Fishing in the river continues to be a challenge with the high water. Our guides suggest spending at least half the day on the water to catch your limit of fish. Pro Tip of the week – Thump the bottom with your jig and stir it up!

Guided trips available through October 26. Lodging available throughout the fall. Come wet a line!

Our Annual Halloween Party is this Saturday!
Come for the fishing and stay for the party! Saturday, Oct 26 we will kick off our the festivities with 1/2 price select apps and $1 off domestic beers from 3pm-6pm. Then enjoy FREE witch’s brew from 7pm-8pm, entertainment starts at 9 along with more great specials throughout the night and don’t forget your costume! We will be giving away $200 cash for the best one! Book your lodging now $96 lodge rooms!! (Per night, plus tax and based on 2 adults)

Ice fishing on your mind? Make your winter reservations now.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
That’s a Wrap

Thanks, everyone for a great season! We had so much fun catching up with so many of you and meeting new friends.  We look forward to seeing you this winter!  Fall projects and cleaning are in full swing.  Give us a call to make your winter reservations 800-772-8411 or click here to book on line.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 10/16/19

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Sportsman’s Lodge

Book While You Can!

The weather is shaping up for this upcoming weekend! A good bite out by Bridges Island at about 29 feet of water in the sand. Using pink, green, gold or blue 3/8 oz jigs tipped with frozen shiners (or even worms) has been successful. One guide reported catching a few 12” – 15” perch out by the islands and even a few eelpouts by the Gap. Water clarity in the lake is about 2 feet with the water temp around 50 degrees. Most guests are venturing out to Four Mile Bay, the Gap and just past Pine Island to fish, as the river continues to have a strong current and is a bit murky. The water level is high! Pro Tip of the week – You can’t catch fish if your line isn’t wet!

Guided trips available through October 26. Lodging available throughout the fall. Come wet a line!

Our Annual Halloween Party is Oct 26!
Come for the fishing and stay for the party! Saturday, Oct 26 we will kick off our the festivities with 1/2 price select apps and $1 off domestic beers from 3pm-6pm. Then enjoy FREE witch’s brew from 7pm-8pm, entertainment starts at 9 along with more great specials throughout the night and don’t forget your costume! We will be giving away $200 cash for the best one! Book your lodging now $96 lodge rooms!! (Per night, plus tax and based on 2 adults)

Ice fishing on your mind? Make your winter reservations now.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Last weekend until December
We have some openings available for our last fall weekend, this weekend. Give us a call if you would like to get in one last trip before ice fishing.

Water temp continues to be in the lower 50’s and upper 40’s. We are looking for the sunshine this weekend! A jig and minnow along shorelines, gaps, and areas with current have been a good approach for catching walleye. Crappies are hungry 20’-25’ in areas with structure with a small jig and minnow. Muskies continue to be active too in rocky weedy bays using spinnerbaits. We have some monster pike, nice looking jumbo perch and smallmouth bass nibbling too. The lodge will close after this weekend and re-open December 26. The office will continue to be open through the fall so you can make your winter and next summer reservations.

Ice fishing season is not too far away. Click here to book your winter getaway.