Author Archives: Sportsman's Lodges

Lake of the Woods & Rainy River Fishing Report May 3, 2016

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Few more weeks of sturgeon fishing, 10th annual tournament is this weekend!
Water temperature continues to warm up. We are currently at 49 degrees today and the week’s forecast looks beautiful and much warmer!

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Sturgeon Fishing
It was a breezy weekend and the bite dipped this past weekend.  Some anglers say that your bait must stay in the same spot without any movement to entice these bottom feeders to go to the smell. Some movement by the sway of the boat can confuse them.  That could have been the reason for the dip in the catch rate this weekend.  Anglers still caught some nice 40”+ sturgeon.  The successful anglers also noted they used 2 anchors, set up in or near a hole in the river bottom in current, added a shiner to their gob of worms for some added smell hooked into their 3/0-4/0 circle hook and 3-4 ounce no roll weight and did not try a new spot until at least an hour had gone by.   There is a lot of fish moving around, give these tips a try and give it a shot.  When you reel in a 65 inch prehistoric dinosaur it will all be worth it!

Check out this video for more sturgeon fishing tips!

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The guys from The Simple Outdoorsman joined us last week. Check out a few of their pics. These guys got into some nice fish. Be sure to check them out on facebook and like their page.

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Check other their video below!

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Right now through May 7, you can keep one sturgeon within 45”-50” or over 75” with a Minnesota fishing license and $5 sturgeon tag. Sturgeon tags can be purchased at the lodge, online or anywhere that sells Minnesota fishing and hunting licenses.  May 8-15 is catch and release.  The season closes May 16-June 30. These fish are fun to catch and release or very tasty smoked.  Lodging, Guided Trips, Boat & Dock rentals available.

10th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Tournament is this weekend!
Fifty boats and over 100 contestants will battle it out over this two day event.  We usually see over 100 fish caught and released over the two days including winners in the 65”+ range.  The tournament runs Friday, May 6 8:30am-4pm and Saturday, May 7 8:30am-3pm. The bar is a great place to stop by after the tournament to hear about the action, grab a beer, food and listen to musical entertainment.  The tournament is full for 2016 but lodging is available starting at only $45* per person per night. If you have never fished for sturgeon or just would like to learn more, stop by the bar. Most anglers in this tournament have been doing it for 7+ years.  They have a lot of good tips and great stories to share. The weather is looking great and we are excited for our 10th year! Good luck anglers! It is going to be a fun weekend!

*plus tax and based on double occupancy

Northern Pike bite is heating up!
Tributaries and bays along the river are great spots.  Anchored and casting out a jig tipped with dead bait and bouncing off the bottom has been producing some huge pike.  Some anglers are having great success trolling with crankbaits too.  Lodging and guided trips are still available. Click here or give us a call 800-862-8602.

Walleye Opener is May 14
Up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages May 13-May 26 and lodging packages starting at only $40 per person per night now through May 26.  It’s fishing time!

Check out the fishing action on our Dock Cam!

Photo Contest!
Submit your summer photo from a trip to Sportsman’s, tell your friends to vote and you could win a free night lodging at Sportsman’s Lodge! Click here.

Lake of the Woods & Rainy River Fishing Report April 26, 2016

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Sturgeon and pike fishing is hot, hot, hot!

We are seeing big numbers of sturgeon and pike being caught this week. Now is the time to get into a great spring bite.  Lodging, Guided Trips and Boat Rentals available. Make plans to visit us today!

The current water temperature is 41 degrees down from 47 on Friday.  Forecast is calling for highs in the 50’s this week and warming up next week.  Water clarity is decent.

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Sturgeon
The sturgeon are moving around. Anglers have not just been finding them in the holes of the river bottom but also sitting along break lines along the bank.  We even had 10 caught right off our dock this weekend.  A 3-4 oz. no roll sinker, 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook tipped with a gob of night crawlers and a shiner works perfect.  Anglers are also finding the sucker and the eelpout bite has been crazy!

Check out some of the action!
Check out these sturgeon! 67, 58, and 60 1/2 inch. Caught by Nick Emanuel, Aaron Garrelts, Brian Clusiau and Nick Emanuel. The bite is on!
www.sportsmanslodges.com

Clusiau 3 of 3 Clusiau 2 of 3 Clusiau 1 of 3
Pike
The pike bite really heated up this past weekend! Creeks and the river are hot spots. One group landed over 10 pike over 35 inches.  Dead smelt lying on the bottom has been working well. Make sure to hook all the way through the body of the bait to keep it nice and secure.  Long shaft jigs work well.

Cayla Bendel with a nice nothern pike photo courtesy of The Simple Outdoorsman

Cayla Bendel with a nice nothern pike photo courtesy of The Simple Outdoorsman

Drew Selvestra with a nice pike! Photo courtesy of The Simple Outdoorsman

Drew Selvestra with a nice pike! Photo courtesy of The Simple Outdoorsman

Our 10th Annual Sturgeon Tournament is May 6 & 7
The tournament is full but lodging is still available.  Join us to learn more about sturgeon fishing with some of the pros that have been doing it for years.  The tournament runs 8:30am-4pm Friday, May 6 and 8:30-3pm Saturday, May 7. All of the fishing takes place in front of the lodge so lots of excitement can be seen right from the lodge windows and dock.  Happy hour and dinner served in the Sandbar as well as nightly musical entertainment.  Join us!

Spring Specials!
Lodging starting at only $40* per person per night now through May 26 and up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages May 14-26
. *plus tax and based on double occupancy

Win a free night lodging with your photo!
Do you have a photo from a recent summer trip to Sportsman’s Lodge? Submit it here and tell your friends to vote. You could win a free night lodging this summer!

Lake of the Woods & Rainy River Fishing Report April 20, 2016

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Lake of the Woods & Rainy River
Fishing Report April 20, 2016

It’s Sturgeon & Pike time!

The sturgeon and pike fishing has been great!
The water temperature has warmed up 6 degrees this week.  Current temperature is at 46 degrees today and the weather is holding steady. Anglers are finding lots of sturgeon and pike to bite this week. Lodging and guided trips are still available. Click here or give us a call 800-862-8602.

Sturgeon Bite
Lots of nice 30”-65” sturgeon have been found in Four Mile Bay, areas within of the river near the lodge, Clementson and Birchdale. Size 3/0 or 4/0 circle hooks and a 3 ounce no roll sinker tipped with a gob of crawlers and a frozen shiner has been working well.  To keep the worms from sliding off a good tip is to use piece of a plastic grub at the end.  Anchored at deep river holes or crevices with a little current are best.  Catch and release is open now through April 23 and May 8-15. You can keep on within 45”-50” or over 75” April 24-May 7. They are a blast to reel in!

Northern Pike bite is heating up!
Tributaries along the river and Clementson Rapids are stacked with pike right now.  Anchored and casting out a jig tipped with a shiner and bouncing off the bottom and rocky areas has been producing some huge pike.

Ryan 48 inch sturgeon, released. Way to go Ryan!

Ryan 48 inch sturgeon, released. Way to go Ryan!

 

Mike reeled and released a 52 inch sturgeon! Nice one!

Mike reeled and released a 52 inch sturgeon! Nice one!

 

Now thats a whopper! 63 inch sturgeon caught and released by Michael Daly

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Forecast for the Week

Forecast 4-20-2016

Walleye Opener is May 14

Up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages May 13-May 26 and lodging packages starting at only $40 per person per night now through May 26.  It’s fishing time!

Check out the fishing action on our Dock Cam!

Photo Contest!
Submit your summer photo from a trip to Sportsman’s, tell your friends to vote and you could win a free night lodging at Sportsman’s Lodge! Click here.

Great family summer getaway idea on beautiful Lake of the Woods

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Great family summer getaway idea
on beautiful Lake of the Woods

These villas are great for a small group or a large family or group of friends.

You will love these luxury accommodations!

These villas feature:

  • Beautiful Log Furnishings
  • One, Two, Three, Four & Five Bedrooms
  • Great for groups of 1-17 per unit
  • Duplex Units
  • Full Kitchens with stove, side by side fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher
  • King Suites
  • Spa Showers (One Bedrooms)
  • Awesome Views
  • Efficient heating and air conditioning
  • One bathroom per every two bedrooms
  • Wifi
  • Outdoor Patio

Available Year Round

Click here for more information.

Click here to reserve your villa today, call us at (866) 533-8998!

 

Click here for more information and our summer packages.

Few days left of walleye season, bring on the dinosaurs & pike!

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April 14 is the last day for walleye season until it re-opens May 14. The weather is warming up and the walleye bite is heating up. Lodging only $40* per person per night in our lodge rooms and cabins midweek.  Guided trips, boat rental and dock slips available too!  Give us a call!
*based on double occupancy and plus tax

Bring on the sunshine!

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Walleye Bite
The past week has been tough, the weather was cool. The weather is warming up and we expect the last few days of the season to be much better.  Jigging with long shank bright colored jig tipped with a shiner minnow or rainbow has been working the best in 14’-18’ and 22’-26’ of water around points and gaps with current.  The current water temperature is 35 degrees but should warm up quite quickly with the forecast ahead.

24 inch Walleye Rich Chacich released24 inch Walleye Rich Chacich released

 

Its Sturgeon’s Time
Now through May 15 is one of the best times of year to reel in these prehistoric dinosaurs.  The Rainy River is home to thousands of the shovel nosed species whom can live for over 100 years and have been recognized dating back to 136 million years ago.  The largest sturgeon caught on record in Minnesota measured in at 180 inches in 1903 (MN DNR).  The bite has been good!  Many anglers have had great success finding several in the river bottom in deep holes and crevices.  Some prefer areas with a little current.  Anchor and set up your rig with a 2-4 ounce no roll sinker, 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook tipped with a gob of night crawlers and even a minnow or two. Sturgeon catch and release season is now through April 23 and May 8-15. You can keep one April 24-May 7 between 45”-50” or over 75”. Remember to purchase a sturgeon tag if you plan on harvesting a sturgeon. They are $5 and can be purchased at the lodge, online or anywhere that sells Minnesota fishing licenses.

Charlie Borak 66 inch sturgeon! (released)

Charlie Borak 66 inch sturgeon! (released)

50 and 63 inch sturgeon Daly Group pic 2

50 and 63 inch sturgeon Daly Group

One of the Best Lakes in the State for Trophy Pike
Lake of the Woods has an incredible habitat for northern pike and is one of the top five lakes in Minnesota to reel in a trophy.  Spring is one of the best times of year to reel in these fish.  Just when the weed growth starts in the bays, they are great spots.  Throw a dare devil or shiny shad rap in their direction and get ready for the action.  The weather is getting warmer, we expect in a week the bite should really get going.  There are several bays along the river to try; along with Four Mile Bay and Zippel Bay.

Experience a great day of fishing!
Guided trips available! No hassles with the boat, motor, no fish to clean, poles to buy or bait to pick up. Your biggest worry of the day is what snacks to bring.  We offer spring guided outfitter trips aboard an 18 or 20 foot boat, guide, bait, use of poles and fish cleaning provided through late May.  We offer charter trips aboard our 27’ charter boats equipped with an onboard restroom, use of poles, bait, tackle and fish cleaning starting May 14 through late October. It’s the way to go!

Who’s Hungry?
The Sandbar is open daily at 11am and breakfast is available by reservation the night prior Monday through Friday and anytime 6:30am-10:30am Saturday & Sunday. For more information and our current specials, click here.

Dock Cam

The Dock Cam is back up! Check out the view!

LET US GUIDE YOU TO THE BIG CATCH WITH OUR GUIDED OUTFITTER FISHING TRIPS IN MINNESOTA

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LET US GUIDE YOU TO THE BIG CATCH WITH OUR
GUIDED OUTFITTER FISHING TRIPS IN MINNESOTA

outfitter1.jpgSpring & Fall is a great time to get in on some great river walleye, northern or lake sturgeon action. Our 20′ Guided Lund Alaskan trips are a great way to navigate the river and inlet waters. The boat holds up to 4 passenger plus the guide.

$450 per day includes the guide, boat, poles, bait & fish cleaning.

Choose a day that includes one or two species. Trips available to reserve by early April through May 31 & September 1 – October 31.

Click for our spring & fall rates or available dates or call us at (866) 533-8998 for more information.

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Spring projects are in full swing and we are taking reservations for summer!

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Spring projects are in full swing and we are taking reservations for summer. We are eager to get the spring projects done and start our summer season in May.  We offer some great spring deals in May. Click here for more information and make plans to visit us this summer.

A reminder to guests visiting us this year. U. S. citizens and permanent residents crossing into Canada to travel to the Northwest Angle or fishing in Canada.  If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. For more information click here.

The warm summer breeze, the evening campfire, the views of the northern lights and days of catching fish are soon here.  Time to book your spring, summer and fall trip! www.oakislandlodge.com 800-772-8411.

Oak Island View

Walleye season open through April 14

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You still have time to reel in some walleyes before the season closes for 30 days.  The Rainy River and Lake of the Woods offers a unique season running through April 14.  What happens after walleye closes?  Monster sturgeon and aggressive northern pike cranks up!  Sturgeon catch and release is now through April 23. You can keep one within 45”-50” or over 75” April 24-May 7.  Many people catch and release but they are a very good smoked fish too.  May 8-15 is catch and release again. Northern Pike season never closes. We have guides and boats available and ready to give you a fun fishing experience.  Give us a call 800-862-8602 or click here to book online.

Walleye Bite
This week has been a cool one but the bite is picking up.  Water clarity is decent.  Anglers are catching some 14”-21” and a few 25”-32”.  Pitching long shank jigs tipped with a rainbow in varying depths has been working, the fish are scattered. Let the current do the work.  Half ounce or less gold or pink jigs in the bays and three quarter or one ounce in the river.  Four Mile Bay, outside Lighthouse Gap, areas in the Rainy River including Wabanica Bay and around the Baudette airport have been decent spots. Water temperature is currently 35 degrees.   Guided trips, lodging and dock slips available.

Thanks Guide Bryan Beef Sathre on the tip where to go Saturday evening. Finally got a few keepers in the livewell and this 29 inch fatty! Caught by Jake Neu

Thanks Guide Bryan Beef Sathre on the tip where to go Saturday evening. Finally got a few keepers in the livewell and this 29 inch fatty! Caught by Jake Neu

Oelrich Party guided by JP Tessier. Caught on a jig and a minnow

Oelrich Party guided by JP Tessier. Caught on a jig and a minnow

 

 

 

Sturgeon are active
Anglers are finding lots of sturgeon lately.  Sizes between 25-70 inches in length are common.  These prehistoric bottom feeders swim the bottom of the river and are usually found in deep holes and areas where there is current.   The best approach is to anchor and use a 2-4 ounce no roll weight, 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook tipped with a gob of night crawlers and even a minnow or two.

57 inch lake sturgeon caught by Guide, Mike Marquardt

57 inch lake sturgeon caught by Guide, Mike Marquardt

69 incher!!!!! What a catch Melissa Schibonski Denning!!

69 incher!!!!! What a catch Melissa Schibonski Denning!!

Spring Pike Bite is soon here
Did you know Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is one of the top 5 lakes in Minnesota to catch a trophy pike?  The nearly one million acres of border waters offers an enormous habitat for these fish.   The bite will really start to pick up in the next few weeks when the weed growth starts. Casting shiny and glittery dare devils and rapalas catch the eye of these aggressive fish in the bays of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods.

Tips for Lifting Big Fish
When lifting a big fish, try and grab the sturgeon by the tail and support the fish under its mid-section. Holding a large fish vertically can actually tear its internal organs and gill plates, eventually leading to mortality.

$40 Lodging & Guided Trips Available
Lodging starting at only $40* per person per night now through May 26.  Guided trips available aboard an 18’-20’ boat, bait, use of poles and fish cleaning provided $450 for a full day trip for up to 4 people. Charter trips available starting May 14. Up to 20% off lodging and charter fishing packages May 14-26.*plus tax and based on double occupancy. Book your trip online now or by calling 800-862-8602.

Open Water
The Rainy River is open from Birchdale to Lake of the Woods. All boat ramps are open.  Lake of the Woods is open a few hundred yards outside of Pine Island.