Author Archives: Sportsman's Lodges

Oak Island Ice-Out Update

May 18, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

The ice is slowly shrinking away around the lake and its islands. Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge is closed at this time, but with warmer temperatures starting tomorrow and rain early next week, we are hoping to be open within a week. Travel around the south side of the island is not possible due to ice surrounding the island and in Young’s Bay.*

Watch Facebook and our weekly fishing report for updates on the ice and opening of Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge!

Now is the perfect time to plan your Sportsman’s Oak Island adventure! For more information, or to book your trip, visit us at
www.sportsmanslodges.com/oakisland or give us a call at 800-772-8411.

*Lake access and fishing is possible (and great) on the south side of Lake of the Woods. Check out the latest report from the south side here!

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 15, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge Fishing Report

For the first time in years, fishermen enjoyed beautiful weather for last weekend’s fishing opener! Oh yeah, the fish were biting too! Boats packed the river and 4-Mile Bay in search of walleye, sturgeon and northern. One outdoorsman estimated seeing over 300 boats in the bay alone.

No one in search of walleye has left the lake empty handed since the opener. Fishermen reeled in walleyes of all sizes throughout the day with frozen shiners topping gold and bright colored tackle. You won’t have to go far to find good fishing. Our guides have had the most luck just a few miles from the lodge.

Sturgeon season has now moved on to catch-and-release, but fishermen have still managed to boat a number of sizeable sturgeon along the river.

If you’re planning a trip for the weekend, you’ll want to make sure your tackle box is filled with bright tackle and some weights. The current in the river remains strong, which makes for some murky water.

Check out some pictures from this weekend’s spectacular opening!

Sam Scalzo, 31” Walleye	Captain Keith’s guests caught and released lots of nice walleyes!
Doug Herold from Omaha, NE caught and released this 28.5” walleye with the help of Captain Dave!	Captain Dave wrangled this sturgeon with the sharp netting skills of Chuck!

New docks!

We have added 9 additional dock slips including a day/short term parking slip. All of the new slips have electricity and now reach the entire waterfront length of our property. To rent a nightly slip give us a call 800-862-8602 for availability or email us at [email protected]

New Villas are great for family vacations

Beautiful new lodging units are ready for you!

Deals! Deals! Deals!

Take advantage of our spring rates through May 22.

Lodging starting at $40 per person per night at Sportsman’s Lodge and $58 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge.

We have great rates on lodging and charter fishing packages too! Give us a call 800-862-8602

The biggest day of the year in Minnesota is this weekend (May 10)!

May 9, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Walleye season opens for the summer bright and early Saturday morning, and we can’t wait! Fishermen have reported a strong walleye bite ahead of the season opener, and we expect that to carry into the weekend. Finding walleye hasn’t been difficult, and you certainly don’t have to go far. Most of the largest fish have been reeled in along the Rainy River and in 4-Mile Bay (ice still remains on parts of the lake, but there are plenty of areas to find fish now).

Sturgeon season has now switched over to catch and release from now through May 15. Guests have been boating quality sturgeon at all times of the day and along a majority of the river. However, the best sturgeon have been found lingering in deep crevices. Pack your shiners and crawlers to help land you a monster!

If pike are more your style, you’re in luck, because they’re biting too! Test your fishing skills in either the 4-Mile Bay or Zippel Bay areas. Find a weed bed and drop a line and spoon and get ready! Don’t forget, pike season never closes!

Sturgeon Tournament Recap This year was our best one yet. We started out with a record number of fish boated, and ended with one of the largest daily winners ever. The weather may have been cold, dark and rainy, but spirits were high throughout both days. Here’s a look at the final leaderboard.

For more pictures from the weekend, check out our Facebook page!

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 8, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

The biggest day of the year in Minnesota is this weekend (May 10)! Walleye season opens for the summer bright and early Saturday morning, and we can’t wait! Fishermen have reported a strong walleye bite ahead of the season opener, and we expect that to carry into the weekend. Finding walleye hasn’t been difficult, and you certainly don’t have to go far. Most of the largest fish have been reeled in along the Rainy River and in 4-Mile Bay (ice still remains on parts of the lake, but there are plenty of areas to find fish now).

For more pictures from the weekend, check out our Facebook page!

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.

*plus tax based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing

Prefer to let us find the fish and bring the gear? Our guided outfitter trips are great for spring and fall fishing. Enjoy great river fishing in one of our 18′ or 20′ boats equipped with poles, bait, tackle, experienced guide, assortment of pop and water and fish cleaning. $450 for an all day trip for the boat. Boat holds up to 4 passengers plus the guide.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Have you checked out our beautiful new villas yet? They are brand new and spacious 1-5 bedroom lodging units great for groups of 1-17. Log furniture, fireplaces, beautiful river views, open floor plans and more. Check them out today and make plans to book your summer vacation at Sportsman’s.

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more.Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Sportsman’s Sturgeon Classic: Day 2

May 3, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

That’s a wrap! We’ve officially closed the books on the 8th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Classic! This year has been our best one yet. We started out with a record number of fish boated and ended with one of the largest daily winners ever. The weather may not have cooperated (it snowed most of the day today), but we had a great weekend. Thanks to all of the participants for a fun weekend! Mark your calendars for next year’s tournament, May 1 & 2!

Here they are, the results of day 2!

1st Place, winning $1,880: Greg Merschan reeled in a sturgeon measuring in at 68” with a 29” girth, weighing 90 pounds!

2nd Place: Dave Clement, 56” sturgeon with a 23” girth, weighing in at 47 pounds.
3rd Place: Tony Z, 56” sturgeon with a 20” girth, weighing 38 pounds

Here’s a look at the overall leader-board!

Visit our Facebook to see all the pictures from this weekend!

Sturgeon Classic 2014 – Day 1

May 2, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Today was INCREDIBLE! Here’s a breakdown:

Anglers boated over 100 fish throughout the day! That’s more than we’ve ever seen on a single day during the Sturgeon Classic!

The Minnesota DNR spent the day tagging sturgeon near the lodge, and tagged over 50 sturgeon that measured over 40” throughout the day!

The weather may have been cold, dark and rainy, but spirits were high throughout the day. Tomorrow certainly looks to be better with a high temperature expected to hit the 50 degree mark under partly cloudy skies.

Interested in how the tournament works? Here are the basics.

–This year marks the 8th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Classic.
-The tournament is hosting a field of 50 boats and over 140 participants.
-The tournament consists of two days of catch-and-release fishing.
-The three longest sturgeon of each day receive prices. First two receive cash & the third a custom built rod.
-The tournament is held on the Rainy River in front of Sportsman’s Lodge.
-Live Entertainment, food and drinks will close out the day.

Official Day 1 Results: Sportsman’s 8th Annual Sturgeon Classic
Prizes awarded to the 3 longest fish of each day

1st Place: Doug Decker measuring in with a 65.5” length and 26” girth. Doug ‘s winning fish snagged him $1,880 cash!

2nd Place: Courtney Dobmeier (pictured left) measuring in at 65.5” length with a 28” girth.

3rd Place

Looking forward to tomorrow
We will kick off tomorrow (Saturday) at 8:30 a.m. and close the tournament at 3 p.m. A prime rib dinner banquet with a prize presentation begins at 6 p.m. Live entertainment in the Sandbar will close out the weekend!

Book your sturgeon adventure now!
The sturgeon season is open now (keep one within size limits) through May 7 and May 8-15 is catch and release season before closing for about a 6 week period of time. A number of nice sturgeon have been caught this spring, and there is still plenty of time to get in on the action. Give us a call to make a quick trip and reel in one of these monsters! 800-862-8602

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 1, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/30

Sportsman’s Lodge

It’s sturgeon season, and it’s already been one for the record books! Two 100”+ sturgeon have already been caught and released along the Rainy River in the last few weeks! The sturgeon have been on the move, but remain easy to find, which is perfect for our annual sturgeon tournament this weekend. Most of the biggest sturgeon have been found lingering around the deeper depths along the river, and are biting on circle hooks tipped with crawlers and frozen shiners.

Sturgeon Tournament This Weekend

Our 8th annual sturgeon tournament takes place right in front of the lodge this weekend! Stay up to date with the happenings and photos on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages! If you’re fishing in the tournament, be sure to tag us in your photos using #SportsmansSturgeon14.

Make a Date

Don’t forget when each season opens and closes! Here’s a little list for your reference!

Sturgeon: Keep one (within size limits) from now through May 7, and then catch and release again May 8 – 15.
Walleye: Opens for the season on May 10
Northern Pike: Open year round

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.

*Plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 29, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge
It’s sturgeon season, and it’s already been one for the record books! Two 100”+ sturgeon have already been caught and released along the Rainy River in the last few weeks! The sturgeon have been on the move, but remain easy to find, which is perfect for our annual sturgeon tournament this weekend. Most of the biggest sturgeon have been found lingering around the deeper depths along the river, and are biting on circle hooks tipped with crawlers and frozen shiners.

Sturgeon Tournament This Weekend
Our 8th annual sturgeon tournament takes place right in front of the lodge this weekend! Stay up to date with the happenings and photos on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages! If you’re fishing in the tournament, be sure to tag us in your photos using #SportsmansSturgeon14.

Make a Date
Don’t forget when each season opens and closes! Here’s a little list for your reference!
Sturgeon: Keep one (within size limits) from now through May 7, and then catch and release again May 8 – 15.
Walleye: Opens for the season on May 10
Northern Pike: Open year round

Spring Lodging Special
Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.
*Plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing
Prefer to let us find the fish and bring the gear? Our guided outfitter trips are great for spring and fall fishing. Enjoy great river fishing in one of our 18′ or 20′ boats equipped with poles, bait, tackle, experienced guide, assortment of pop and water and fish cleaning. $450 for an all day trip for the boat. Boat holds up to 4 passengers plus the guide.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!
Have you checked out our beautiful new villas yet? They are brand new and spacious 1-5 bedroom lodging units great for groups of 1-17. Log furniture, fireplaces, beautiful river views, open floor plans and more. Check them out today and make plans to book your summer vacation at Sportsman’s.

Mom’s & Fishing
Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 23, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/22

Spring fishing is rockin’! Just over two weeks into the spring fishing season, and we’ve already seen some of the most impressive spring fish ever! The river has produced a number of 64”+ sturgeon, and at least one over 100 lbs! We’ve also seen more than the average amount of trophy walleyes being reeled in and released. Prior to walleye season closing on April 14, a 31”+ walleye, and a few more 27-30” were caught and released along the Rainy River. Fishermen have also been after the elusive pike on the open river. Remember, pike season doesn’t close, so you have lot’s of time to reel yours in!

The Rainy River has now opened up past our docks, into Four Mile Bay. All of the landings between Birchdale and the lodge are also open. This includes both Timber Mill landing (east side of Baudette) and the Wheelers Point landing. The water along the river is a little dirty, but it hasn’t seemed to have any kind of negative impact on fishing. The dam at Little Fork was released on Monday, and has certainly increased the current along the river.

Wheelers Point access is open and ready for the season!

The sun has been shining, and the river has been flowing in front of our docks!

Sturgeon season opens this Thursday, and fishing, river and weather conditions look to be great for the weekend! The keep 1 sturgeon season (within size limits) starts April 23 and goes through May 7, May 8-15 is catch and release. Don’t miss out the season closes May 16-June 30.

Click here for a live look from our docks on the Rainy River!

Lake of the Woods & Oak Island

There is still quite a bit of ice on the lake and around the islands. Fishermen have been heading out for ice fishing from Graceton Beach, and having some luck with tip ups. Ice conditions are changing daily, so before you make your ice fishing plans, make sure you have the most up-to-date ice conditions from the local tourism bureau (218-634-1174)

Weather

The weather this week will have a little bit of everything. From sunshine, to rain, snow and wind, every day will be a bit different. The only constant seems to be temps rising above freezing during the day and dipping down to the 20s in the evenings. Click here for a full 10-day forecast

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online. *plus tax based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 18, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/17

Walleye season may be closed (reopening May 10), but there are still plenty of fishing opportunities in the Lake of the Woods area! Pike season is open year-round, and has been presenting a steady bite of sizeable fish. If you’re looking to land a monster this season, start planning your trip NOW! Sturgeon season is now open for catch-and-release through April 23, and opens up for keeping one fish (within size limits) April 24 through May 7. Sturgeon catch and release continues May 8-15

We’ve been fishing on soft water for less than 10 days, and we’ve already seen more than the average amount of trophy-sized fish reeled in by our guides and guests.

River Conditions

TThe river has continued opening up, and has worked it’s way west every day. As of early this week, the river has opened to the Vidas landing, located approximately 6 miles east of Baudette. Watch our Facebook page for the latest on the river conditions.

Lake Conditions
Ice fishing enthusiasts have had quite the season. Fishermen are still accessing the frozen lake near Graceton Beach, and heading just a few miles out to find a good bite. This week’s cold weather has slowed the fast thawing that occurred last week. However, conditions change daily. For the most up-to-date lake ice and safety conditions, please contact the local tourism bureau.

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.

*plus tax based on double occupancy.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our deliciousMother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.