We made a thin layer of ice on the lake as far as we can see from the shore and in front of the lodge last night on the river. Still some pockets of open water but we made some ice. Will it stay? Looks like the wind is going to kick up tomorrow and a few days of highs in the 30’s but then the weatherman is saying back to cold and low winds after that again. Stay tuned! Winter is rolling in.

The weather has been a cold this week here in the north land. Several mornings we have woken up to the single digits. Many of the small bays are iced over and some of the larger ones have formed some decent shore ice already along the south shore of Lake of the Woods and up at the Northwest Angle by Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge. If this keeps up, ice fishing season will start early this year! We still have water on the river and main lake at this point. It is pretty windy today so we don’t anticipate too much happening until that calms down but it is does looking promising! The water temp is hovering just above freezing right now so once the wind calms down and if the temperatures stay cold we should start making some decent ice! Stay tuned here for more updates coming soon!

Reeling in nice Walleyes
Soft water season is winding down but anglers still having great luck bringing in nice 16”-30” walleyes. Water temp is hovering in the upper 30’s and clarity is improving by the day.  If you are up for one last dash in the boat, come for a visit.  We have lodging and dock slips available.  Fishing this time of year is pretty darn good; just don’t forget to bundle up!

The best technique is to anchor and vertical jig a shiner minnow in areas with a little current. Water depth between 12’-20’ has been a sweet spot lately.  The Rainy River, Lighthouse Gap or just outside the Gap are excellent spots to wet a line.

Check out these pics!

We had lots of fun at the Halloween Party this year. Thanks to everyone who joined us! Join us for our next party, on New Year’s Eve.

Lodging available through Freezing Season
Thanks to everyone who visited us and tuned into our reports this season.  The bar, dining rooms, lodge rooms and pool are closed until December, but we have lodging available in our cabins and villas.   If you are looking for a hunting headquarters or just a place to enjoy some peace and quiet, contact us.  We have great rates starting at only $79* per night! (*plus tax)

Ice fishing season starts in just a little over a month
Sportsman’s has something for everyone. Check it out.
Sportsman’s Lodge ~ Sportsman’s Sleepers ~ Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge ~ Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge

Walleye, it’s what’s for dinner!
Many anglers are finding a great walleye bite. Check out these pictures! Good old Lake of the Wood’s gold, glow and pink/white combo have been hot jig colors.

What’s working
Not too many changes in the approach this week. Anchored and vertical jigging a 3/8 oz.-1/2 oz. jig tipped with a shiner has been working well in 12’-20’ of water. Some of the best fishing spots have been areas where bait is schooled up like deep holes and creek mouths.  We have a few charter trip openings now through Saturday, Oct 27 and some guided outfitter trips in our 20’ boat available for another week or so after. The water temperature continues to fall. We are hovering between 38-40 degrees. It won’t be long and it will be prime time freezing time. We start our ice fishing season when we have 8-12 inches of safe ice usually within the first couple of weeks of December.

It’s Winter Trip Planning Time
Give us a call to make your winter plans! Book and pay in full for your winter trip by Nov 1 and receive DOUBLE Sportsman’s Rewards Points. Rewards certificates can be used for free trips, food, beverages and gift shop items. Not a member yet? Click here to sign up.

Our villas make great hunting and fishing headquarters in November.
Relax and enjoy spacious kitchen and living rooms, multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, cozy fireplaces great views of the Rainy River.  Check us out for a place to go this November. Some resort amenities are not available.

Nightly Rates
Cabins
1 bedroom $79
2 bedroom $150
3 bedroom $225

Villas

1 bedroom $115
2 bedroom $225
3 bedroom $300
4 bedroom $375
5 bedroom $425

Click here to learn more about our villas.  Book your stay by calling us at 800-862-8602 or click here.

More sun this week!
Last week we wondered if it was December or October? Wind, snow and rain showed up in our neck of the woods. The good news is the forecast is calling for a lot more sun this week! Woohoo!

Looks like we are going to get a few warm days and then hold on to the cool temps the rest of the week but more sun is great!

Water temp has fallen 7 degrees this week. We are sitting at 40 degrees, a great sweet spot for a good fall bite.

Anglers are reeling in some nice walleyes. Anchored and jigging a jig and a shiner as well as trolling with crankbaits are working well in 12’-25’ in the river, bays and areas with current. Gold, glow and pink have been notable colors.  Guided trips are available for a few more weeks, lodging available through the fall. Come have some fun!

Annual Halloween Party is next weekend
$200 CASH for best costume, entertainment, $2 beer special, FREE Witch’s Brew, $96 lodging special great fall fishing and more. Click here or call 800-862-8602.