Author Archives: Sportsman's Lodges

Oak Island Fishing Report 6-12-13

June 12, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The summer begins on Oak Island!

It seems like it took longer than normal but things are in full summer mode on the islands. The nice warm weather has greened up the islands and the water is slowly warming, allowing some of the late spawning fish like musky’s and smallmouth to seize their moment. Walleyes continue to bite well and are beginning to spread out more.

Shallow reefs close to shore have been good, jigging with minnows. The shallow bays are just now getting some weed growth in them and would b good places to find norhterns right now. As the weed beds grow the small baitfish will seek out shelter and the big predators will move in too. Cast weed less spoons and spinner baits thru the weeds and hold on!

Bob Ibberson Jr. of Denver, NC caught and released this 30″ walleye.
His son Ben netted this beautiful fish.
They boated 57 fish in one afternoon just north of Oak Island!!

25″ 6 lb. Walleye caught by John Gambrino from Stafford, VA
off Oak Island near buoy 2 using a night crawler.

Lee Ibberson. Catch and release 28 ½”

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 6-10-13

June 12, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Nice week of walleyes and weather!

Some rain has found its way back into the area by the end of the week but the last week has beautiful and fishing has been steady. The stable weather pattern has prompted many fish to continue on into early summer patterns. Many walleyes are being found scattered on rock piles and sand and gravel flats. The mud continues to hold fish too, anchoring and jigging.

Jigging with minnows and leeches around rock piles with ¼ to 3/8 ounce jigs. 20 to 25 feet of water has been productive but they change depths rapidly. Pulling #7 shads along gravel and rocky shorelines has still been effective. Pulling bottom bouncers and spinners around the rock reefs is a good option too, and is a good way to find where they are concentrated on a piece of structure. Look to gold and orange to start with for spinners, and “baby bass” for shad raps. Gold and anything glow or with a rattle for jig options.

Celebrate Dad this June at Sportsman’s Lodges!
Father’s Day is June 16.
Fishing Packages and Gift Certificates available.
100% Walleye Guarantee!

Book a 2 day charter with us. Click here for more about our charter fishing trips and our 100% walleye guarantee!


Brian Mason catches this 28 ½” monster fishing with Captain Troy
Steve Melcher reels in a 30” with Captain Dave on 6/8/13!

Captain Darrel’s double

Sweet Summertime ~ Lake of the Woods, MN

June 12, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

6/12/2013

Aaaahhhh! The warmth of summer is finally upon us. The sparkling waters of the lake are dancing with delight today. Hope you can come visit us soon!

We have lots of activity going on at the lodge today. The painters just finished painting the entire outside of the lodge. It looks great with a fresh coat of new paint. We also added a brick accent along the dockside and roadside of the lodge along the lodge rooms. Fishing has been great! Lots of nice walleyes are being found this week. The guides are hot on the walleye trail. Check out more information in our fishing report section.

Our entertainment line-up is in full swing in the Sandbar. Thunderfoot is entertaining now followed by musical entertainment, mostly live bands every weekend through September. The bands play 9pm-1am. We also have pull tabs, daily drink and food specials and a great view of the Rainy River to watch the boats come in. Guests have been enjoying the pool and hot tub this week too. The pool depth ranges from 3 feet to 9 feet. Lots of room to swim and relax. The gals in the gift shop just stocked some more souvenirs and clothing this morning. Stop on by for a hot piece of tackle, a walleye whistle, sunglasses, souvenirs and our new summer wear.

When you are in the area, be sure to check out Willie the Walleye, our two ton walleye statue along Hwy 11 in the middle of Baudette. Also enjoy in Baudette, souvenir shops, county museum, the views from the Baudette Bay, the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market, a movie at the Grand Theater, a coffee at the Smiling Moon coffee shop and Timbermill Park. Venture east six miles along Hwy 11 and check out the Clementson Rapids and then venture north on Hwy 172 12 miles and 5 miles west on County Rd 8 to Zippel Bay State Park. Zippel Bay Park has a vast swimming beach and nature trails to enjoy. Our area also has an 18 hole golf course, thousands of acres of water for boating, fishing and relaxing and much more. Check out all the fun things to do at Lake of the Woods here.

Celebrate Dad at Sportsman’s Lodges in June

June 6, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Celebrate Dad in June at Sportsman’s Lodges

Looking for a gift for Dad? How about a Fishing Package, Gift Certificate or a New Sportsman’s Hat!

Spend the weekend with dad at Sportsman’s Lodge!

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River Location Lodging & Fishing Package
Book a 3 nights lodging, 2 days charter fishing and 8 meals package for only $530* per person. Or come midweek for $508* per person.

Bring the whole family – kids 16 & under stay for $376*!

Lodging Package – 3 nights lodging in a two bedroom cabin $660* for the weekend for up to 6 people.

Musical Entertainment

Dining Specials Friday – Surf & Turf Special Saturday – Chef Special Sunday – Breakfast – Kids eat free! (12 and younger) Receive a free Kid’s entree with the purchase of an adult entree. Dinner – Buy one appetizer, get a 2nd of equal or lesser value 1/2 off

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Location

Lodging & Fishing Package – 3 nights lodging, 2 days guided outfitter fishing and 8 meals $652* per person based on 3 people.

Lodging Package – $63-$68 per person per night.

Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge
Book a 5 night stay – Pines $240*/pp based on 2 person min, Cedar $255*/pp based on 4 person min.

Let us do the work so you can sit back, relax and reel in the fish! Call to at 866-533-8998 book your Father’s Day Pacakge at the Sportsman’s! Celebrate Dad! Father’s Day Weekend or any weekend this summer.

We have gift certificates too! Always the right size, color and price! Click here now to order yours online today!

*All rates plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Oak Island Fishing Report 5-29-13

May 29, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Memorial weekend livings up the islands!

This was the first good weekend of fishing pressure in the islands and the results have been fantastic! A lot of nice walleyes are being caught in the 2-3 pound range and many that have been bigger. These fish have just spawned and are relating to shallow shoreline structure. Sandy bays have been key as the water will warm faster in the shallow sand covered bottom and all kinds of baitfish spring to life on the weed lines and back sand bays. Some fish are also using small gravel and rubble piles just off of shallow rock located not far from these sandy bays. Pulling spinners and drifting lindy rigs along shallow shorelines has been effective. Fish are scattered along the shore right now and are better found moving and covering water. 8’-14’ has been a good depth to search and don’t rule out using a jig and minnow and just drifting along shorelines slowly.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 5-29-13

May 29, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The water is on the rise!

This springs showers have helped raise the water levels in the rainy river and four mile bay area, which has been much needed due to last years dry conditions. Fishing is moving right along as well, walleyes are mostly done spawning and fish are scattering along shorelines and shallow rock reefs not far offshore. Most of the fishing action is taking place lakeside and little pressure on the river due to higher current levels and dirtier water.

Anglers have been successful at many different depths on the lake as of late.

Fish are being caught out in the mud in front of PineIsland anchored in 18’ to 30’ of water using jigs and minnows. Both frozen and live minnows, at times one will out fish another but try them both. Change up your jig colors to find the color they prefer gold and orange are good stand-by colors lately. Also shallow rock just off of shore is holding fish, pulling spinners with crawlers or minnows along the rock will work as well as crank baits.

Hungry? Thirsty? Check out our summer specials!
www.mysportsmans.com

Escape to Sportsman’s this summer!
Lodging, Camping, Guided Fishing Packages, Restaurant, Bar, Indoor Pool, Lake Tours, Conference Center, Dock Slips and much more! http://www.sportsmanslodges.com/

Bob Saunders Fargo, ND 29 1/2 inch Walleye caught while fishing with Capt. Flip on May 26.

Nathan Olsen. 3 yrs old-18 inches. Capt. Dave.

Oak Island Fishing Report 5/22/13

May 22, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The Islands are opening up!

This last week of warm weather helped to break some of the ice up in the islands! The lodge is busy getting docks and boats ready for the start of the summer season, and the fish are waiting for anglers to arrive back to the area. Due to late spring conditions we have not had a chance to fish the islands, but judging from the good start on the river the islands should be good! Plenty of walleyes, northerns, and bass line the shorelines of Oak island at this time of year and action can be fast with many differnt species being caught. We will have a report on the fishing action as soon as we are in the water.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 5-22-13

May 22, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Warm Weather Heats up the Walleye fishing!

The week started off with nice weather and great fishing. Captain Keith Ayers capitalized on the opportunity and caught some nice fish including this 28 inch walleye. Some of our guest enjoyed the great conditions including Bronson, who just turned 13, showing off one of his nice walleyes. Windy cool weather moved into the area by the weekend and made things a little more challenging, but fishing was still good for the conditions given. More eating size fish seems to be the theme later in the week, which would indicate that a lot of males are on the move down river.

Walleyes are still being found up shallow in 12’-16’ of water and some fish being caught in as little as 4’-5’. The water temps are still cool so the shallow warmer water is holding the baitfish and the walleyes. Jigs and minnows are still the preferred presentation, current levels are slowly going down so smaller jigs are being used. 3/8 and 1/2 size jigs in orange and gold worked well this week. Don’t rule out crank baits and spinners up shallow as aggressive walleyes will continue to seek out warm water and food. The river and bay continue to hold a bulk of the fish and fishing pressure, but the lake is receiving new batches of walleyes daily and will soon have a good bite.

Memorial Weekend Special!
Stay 3 nights get the 4th night free! Lodging and Camping at the Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.

Don’t forget Dad!
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Plan a trip to Sportsman’s with Dad in June. Lodging & Guided Packages starting at just $224 per person. http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/rates/summer/

We have gift certificates too! Always the right color, size and price! Purchase yours online today http://shop.sportsmanslodges.com/

28 inch walleye caught and released by Captain Keith Ayers on 5/14/13

: Bronson, age 13, nice walleye 5/12/13.

Walleye Opener Results Lake of the Woods 5/13/2013

May 13, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

5/13/2013

Walleye Opener Weekend 2013 Results are in! Walleye Opener 2013 was a cool and windy one, giving anglers a challenge, but some nice ones were found! Check out this nice 25 inch walleye Kelly Moore caught guided by Captain Alan “Flip” Phillippe! Sunday, the weather cleared with 5-15 mph winds and sunny. Still a cool 55 degrees but much nicer and boy did Captain Alan “Flip” Phillippe and his crew get into the walleyes! His group caught a 30”, 27”, and a 28” for big walleyes along with 18 other slot fish (19.5”-28”) and lots of good eater size. What a day! Check out the pictures! It is walleye time!


Jim Jorissen from Little Canada, MN pictured with his 28 inch walleye he caught and released 5-12-2013. Guided by Captain Flip.	James Jorissen from Little Canada, MN pictured with his 27 inch walleye he caught and released 5-12-2013. James also caught a 30 inch walleye too! Guided by Captain Flip.

Kelly Moore reeled in a nice 25 inch walleye opening day! Guided by Captain Flip	Lake Satellite picture 5-12-2013

Anglers are finding some nice walleyes in 12’-16’ of water right now along shorelines and areas with some current. The technique of choice has been anchoring and jigging with a 3/8 oz jig tipped with a minnow. The lake ice is starting to disappear more and more. More hot fishing spots are opening up daily. Check out the latest satellite picture.

Get in on the spring bite. We have a spring lodging special that runs through May 23. Lodging rates starting at only $39 per person per night. Don’t miss out on our Memorial Day Special too! Stay 3 nights and get the 4^th night FREE! This offer won’t last long. www.sportsmanslodges.com Give us a call today 800-862-8602!

Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodges

May 9, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Walleye Opener is in 2 days!
It is time to start reeling in the walleyes! Over 75 miles of open water is right out our front door. Are you ready for some action?

Spring_Walleye_2012_LakeStateFishing.com_1.jpg

Current water temperature has climbed to 45 degrees at our docks, water level is low, and water clarity has improved over the past week with the run off now gone and no precipitation. The current is slow –moderate in speed. The DNR reports the spawn has not occurred yet. We are looking forward to some good fishing this weekend! Guided Outfitter and Charter Trips are still available. We can accommodate groups of 1 or more. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or log on to our website.

The summer walleye limit is now in effect on Lake of the Woods is 4 or sauger/walleye combination of 6 no more than 4 walleyes. One walleye over 28 inches may be kept per angler. All walleyes between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released.


Four Mile Bay & Rainy River are wide open. This is a Picture of the Lighthouse Gap 5-8-2013	Satellite Image of Lake of the Woods 5-8-2013

Morris Point Gap 5-8-2013

Still catching some nice sturgeon Sturgeon “keep one” season is now closed but catch and release season still continues for another week through May 15. Some huge monsters over 70 inches have been reported this past week. A 5/0 octopus or circle hook tipped with night crawlers is working well in the deep holes of the river bottom. Guided Outfitter trips are available 800-862-8602.

The pike bite has been good the past week. This season is continuous on Lake of the Woods and never closes. Zippel Bay, Four Mile Bay and bays up river have been good.

Sportsman’s is your summer fun headquarters. Lodging, Camping, Indoor Pool, Entertainment, Restaurant, Bar, Charter Guide Service, Lake Tours, Conference Center and more! Catch the summer excitement! www.sportsmanslodges.com

Lake of the Woods NW Angle & Oak Island Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Greetings from Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge! Unfortunately we will not be able to open for walleye opener this year due to the ice conditions. We are starting to see some open pockets of water around points, bays and between the docks, but not enough water yet to navigate on a boat. We are hoping for some warmer weather and rain to move in this week and move out the ice soon! At this point we are looking at opening next weekend, May 17 but will know more next week. For sure we believe opening Memorial Weekend will not be a problem. Give us a call to make your summer plans! 800-772-8411.


5-8-2013 Docks	5-8-2013 Docks