Category Archives: Weekly Oak Island Fishing Report

Weekly Oak Island Fishing Report

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 8/20/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

End of the 90’s?
Looks like we might get a break from the heat starting tomorrow.

70’s sound good to me! A good walleye and sauger bite continues. A wide mix of eaters size, throwbacks, and nice trophies are being reeled in. Pulling spinners with a minnow or crawler and pulling crankbaits on a slow drift or troll continue to be the go-to methods in the deep mud 27’-34’ and around and on top of reefs in various depths. Gold, glow, and anything shiny is popular tackle colors.

Fall is just around the corner
Lodging starting at only $95* per night in lodge rooms and lodging/charter packages starting at only $232* per person Sept 7-late October. Check out our packages and make plans to visit us 800-862-8602. *plus tax and based on 2 adults

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Spinners, Cranks and & Jigs
Rock reefs and points 19’-27’ using gold 3/8 oz. jigs tipped with a minnow or a spinner with a nightcrawler have been successful methods for reeling in the walleyes. Pulling crankbaits in the deep mud is also producing some nice fish 28’-34’.

Muskies and Pike
Working point to point in weedy bays with structure using topwater and jerk baits are luring in the muskie and pike.

Fall is just around the corner
Give us a call at 800-772-8411 or contact us online here for availability.

Border Crossing Update
Going pretty well so far. Click here for more information and many answers to FAQs.
Also, COVID PCR Test machines have arrived at the angle. We are expecting them to be running soon.


Bait in Canada

Something new has come up with the border opening. No live or dead bait is allowed to cross the border at this time. Artificial only.

Other Ways to get to the Angle
Lake of the Woods Passenger Service and Lake Country Air Service to the Northwest Angle and Islands. These routes stay in the U.S. the entire time with no border crossing required. To schedule, a trip go to www.lowpassenger.com or www.beaverairtours.com The area has an abundance of fishing and sightseeing spots on the Minnesota side to enjoy if you choose not to venture to the Canadian side.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 8/11/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River

Catching Some Nice Fish

Late summer techniques continue to work the best. Drifting or trolling with spinners tipped with a minnow or crawler and trolling with crankbaits. Orange, silver, hammered gold and white continue to do well for colors in the deep mud 28’-34’ and 18’-30’ off and around reefs. Lots of variety of sizes of walleyes are being caught from throwbacks to good eaters to slot fish and beyond. The protected slot on Lake of the Woods is 19.5”-28” for walleyes. All of the fish caught in those sizes must be immediately released and only one over 28” may be kept per angler. Along with the walleyes, anglers also are reeling in several saugers to fill their day.

Get your Labor Day Weekend Reservations In
www.sportsmanslodges.com

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

The Border is open!
Anglers have started to now drive up to the angle and get to us by the 9 mile boat ride. Fishing is also open on the Canadian side. Click here for the latest information and requirements.

Anglers are finding the walleye and saugers using crankbaits, jigs, and spinners. Trolling or drifting with jigs and spinners and trolling is the way to go with crankbaits. Jigs and spinners are being tipped with minnows or worms. 17’-23’ for jigging and spinners and 30’-34’ for crankbaits have been best in the mud and rocky areas. You can’t go wrong with gold, silver, and orange right now.

Pike, Bass & Muskies
Weedy bays and rock points are the places to go. Bucktails for pike and bass and jerk baits for muskies.

For more ways to get to the island….
Check out Lake of the Woods Passenger Service & Lake Country Air Service.

Catch a great deal in October
The walleye, muskie, bass, sauger, perch, crappie, and pike bite can be absolutely phenomenal and we have some great fall discounts too.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 8/4/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Rolling into August
A good bite has been going on this week for walleye and sauger.

Drifting or trolling with spinners tipped with a crawler or minnow and trolling with crankbaits in the mud 28’-34’ and 17’-23’ off the south shore. Silver, pink, hammered gold, white and red have all been good colors.

Get your Labor Day Weekend Reservations In
www.sportsmanslodges.com

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Warm Weather Continues On
Another warm week is ahead of us this week. Water temperature is sitting in the mid-’70s. Drop a line with a spinner, ounce or two of weight, and a minnow in 17’ – 23’ in the rubble rock and mud to find the walleyes and saugers. There is a lot of baitfish getting out offshore so look for those clouds of baitfish on your electronics. Pull spinners through these areas and you should find some fish.

Walleyes, Saugers, Muskie, Pike, Crappie, Perch, and Bass have been the catch of the day. Lots of species in the islands to go after. Check out some of the variety in the pictures of the week. You can find the pike, bass, and muskie in the weedy bays and rock points. Go deep for the best bass fishing. Spinnerbaits spoons and bucktails work well for pike and bass. Muskies are hot after topwater and jerk baits. Good luck fishing!

Canadian Border Opens to American Travelers August 9
Progress is being made. Travelers must have a negative PCR COVID test less than 72 hours old and be fully vaccinated. At this time, we believe fishing in Canadian waters may not be allowed until a later date but traveling to the Northwest Angle to get to us will be. Please keep in mind, we do not have any COVID tests available at the Northwest Angle or Island. For more information about the current guidelines click here.

For more ways to get to the island….
Check out Lake of the Woods Passenger Service & Lake Country Air Service.

Catch a great deal in October
The walleye, muskie, bass, sauger, perch, crappie, and pike bite can be absolutely phenomenal and we have some great fall discounts too.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 7/30/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Up & Down
The MN walleyes must be wondering if they swam too far and aren’t in MN anymore with all of this heat. Uffda!

The action has been up and down this week. Some days are better than others but still getting some good action overall. Drifting with using spinners and worms and a bit of trolling with crankbaits have been the go-to methods. Variety of depths 16’- 21’ and deeper 27’-33’ in the mud and reefs. Gold, pink, silver, and red have been good colors.

Get your Labor Day Weekend Reservations In!
www.sportsmanslodges.com

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge & Eagle Ridge

Muskies!
Late July through October is an excellent time to wrestle with a muskie here in the islands. Check out the nice one Bryan caught this week in the video. Bucktails, topwater baits and jerk baits all are good choices, take your pick and do some trolling around the rocky points and weedy bays.

Walleye/Sauger Bite
17’-19’ and 28’-33’ have been good using jigs, spinners/worms, and crankbaits drifting or slow troll. Gold, bright green, and red/white have been popular colors. The Water temp is in the mid-’70s.

Great fall deals in October
The walleye, muskie, bass, sauger, perch, crappie, and pike bite can be absolutely phenomenal and we have some great fall discounts too.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 7/21/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River

Walleyes & Saugers
A mix of trolling or drifting with spinners and a little bit of trolling with crankbaits have been the way to find the walleyes and saugers this week. Varied depths 17’-34’ in mud and areas with structure using gold, pink, silver, and yellow tackle. Crawlers and leeches have been tipping the spinners. The Water temp is mid 70’s. The days with a little wind always help the bite. We had a shot of rain Monday, not much but it was nice to see it come down and a little bit cooler temps the last few days.

The bite has picked a bit. A monster sturgeon was caught this week on a charter boat too. You never know what you might reel in on Lake of the Woods!

Join us this Fall
Right after Labor Day through late October. Lodging starting at just $95 per night for 2 and lodging/charter packages starting at $232 per person.
*plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Great News!
The Canadian government announced this week, they are opening up the border on August 9 to vaccinated Americans. Although we know there are bugs to be worked out in this process we are excited to see things moving in the right direction so guests have another way to get to the island. As for now at this time, a vaccination card and a negative molecular covid test result (done within 72 hours of arrival) must be brought along to pass through. We will continue to communicate information as we know more.

As far as the bite. 19’-21’ and 27’-34’ has been a good bite this week using jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. Jigs are working well with minnows and spinners with crawlers or minnows. Gold, silver, red, and bright orange are the favored colors. The Water temp is about 76 degrees.

Muskies & Northern Pike
Hundreds of bays to explore. Check out the 47 1/4 incher caught in the video. Trolling deep bays and rocky points as well as weedy bays with bucktails, topwater and jerk baits are good bets.

October in the islands is excellent for all species.
The walleye, muskie, bass, sauger, perch, crappie, and pike bite can be absolutely phenomenal and we have some great fall discounts too.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 7/14/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge South End Fishing Report

Playing in the Mud
Drifting with spinners tipped with a crawler or minnow in the deep mud 28’-34’ as well as trolling with crankbaits have been getting fish. The weather has been hot and the forecast continues to show 80’s+.

The water temp is in the mid-’70s. Orange, yellow, gold, and red/white have been good colors for the tackle. A mix of slot+ size walleyes along with the eaters and throwbacks have been the catch of the day.

Summer Deals
$109 Lodge Rooms and kids 17 and under stay free with 2 adults in lodge rooms too all summer long! Give us a call to book your stay. The poo and restaurants are open and we have entertainment in the Sandbar on weekends.
*Plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Variety – Sand, Mud & Rocks
Try one or try them all. 10’-19’ in the sand, 30’-33’ in the mud, and 24’-29’ on the edge of rock reefs have been the go-to spots using jigs, spinners, or crankbaits. Jigs tipped with minnow and spinners with worms or minnows. Red, gold, pink, and white have been good colors. Water temp is in the mid to upper 70’s.

Muskies & Northern Pike
Shallow weedy bays using crankbaits and bucktails are good spots.

Eagle Ridge Opening
July 14-23 Relax in our beautiful and spacious two-story 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath vacation home with full kitchen, living room, deck, dock, and just a short boat ride away from phenomenal fishing. $90 per person per night/$450 minimum or $2,595 for the week plus tax. Our 3 Bedroom Cedar vacation home is also available a few days next week and late August. Give us a call at 800-772-8411.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 7/7/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge Fishing Report

Warm Weekend and Cool Break – Walleyes are Responding

A break in the hot weather. Yesterday’s high in the 60’s and today’s in the lower 70’s with a forecasted dip to 50 tonight. This seems to be getting the “eater” size walleyes more active. Yesterday we saw a spike in the action. Water temp is currently 73 degrees. Anglers have been finding the bite in the mud 28’-34’ using  gold/orange, hammered gold or white/silver spinners along with a few ounces of weight tipped with a worm, leech or minnow as well as trolling with crankbaits. Over the weekend we continued to see several slot size+ walleyes with a mix of throwbacks and eater size walleye and saugers.

Summer Lodge Rooms only $109* per night for up to 2 adults and 4 kids. Enjoy the air conditioned rooms just footsteps away from the pool, hot tub, dock, restaurant, bar, game room and more. Summer Lodging and Charter fishing packages starting at $249 per person for 2 nights and 1 day. Click here to book your summer trip today or give us a call at 800-862-8602.
*plus tax, pkgs based on double occupancy

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Sand & Mud
3/8 oz gold jigs, red spinners with a 1-2 ounce sinker or red/white spoons tipped with a minnow or crawler in 26’-33’ have been working the best in the sand and mud bottom for walleyes. Water temp is in the lower 70’s.  The cold snap has turned up the catching rate.

Muskies & Northern Pike
Shallow weedy bays using crankbaits and bucktails are working well using a slow retrieval method.

Eagle Ridge Opening
July 14-23 Relax in our beautiful and spacious two story 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath vacation home with full kitchen, living room, deck, dock and just a short boat ride away from phenonmal fishing. $90 per person per night/$450 minimum or $2,595 for the week plus tax. Give us a call at 800-772-8411.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 6/23/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Jigs & Spinners
Not too many changes this week in the approach for walleyes and saugers. A 3/8 oz gold, pink/white/gold or orange/gold jig tipped with a chub or shiner or spinner tipped with crawler or leech have been working well in 26’-32’. A variety of walleye and sauger sizes are being caught. Several slots (19.5”-28”), a few 28”+, plenty of throwbacks, and fish for the pan.

The forecast looks nice for the week ahead. Mainly 70’s, minimal precip and light winds. Looks like it will be a great week to be out on the water.

It is not too early to start planning your fall and winter trips. Get your preferred dates locked in now by giving us a call or contacting us online.

4th of July Celebrations are Planned
Join us for fishing, boating, relaxing, swimming, and more then hop into nearby Baudette for parades, fireworks, 5K, games, and more. Click here for the full schedule. Book your lodging by calling us at 800-862-8602.

Oak Island & the Northwest Angle

The Bite

18’-25’ using a jig and frozen shiner in the morning and pulling lindy crawlers in the mud off structure in the afternoon/evening and as well as crankbaits in about 15’ is working the best. Gold, glow in the dark, anything shiny, and chartreuse have been good colors. The average size has been nice 17”-18” walleyes. The bite has been a little slow but steady. With the lunar phase now over we expect it to pick up. We have some openings Sun – Thurs next week if you are itching to get out. Give us a call at 800-772-8411.

Muskie season has now opened up for the season through November 30. Monster muskies have been hitting on large plugs and buck tails in shallow bays.

Need a ride to the Island?

We have options! Lake of the Woods Passenger Service has boat service from Sportsman’s Lodge on the Rainy River to us and Lake Country Air provides air service from Baudette or beyond to the island. Check out their websites and give them a call to book your spot.

Eagle Ridge

We had a last-minute cancellation for our vacation homes at Eagle Ridge July 15-23. Click here to learn more about these 3 bedroom homes located in a private area of the island but just a short walk away from our main lodge.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 6/9/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge Fishing Report

First Week of June
The first week of June is already in the books. The weather has been much warmer than average. Anglers have been catching a good mix of walleyes and saugers along with several slot fish this week. Slot fish (walleyes) on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods are considered 19.5”-28” in length. They must be immediately released. The daily and possession limit is the same here, 6 fish, no more than 4 can be walleye and only one over 28”. Gold and chartreuse jigs have been hot tackle tipped with a shiner minnow fishing in the mud in 25’-33’.

It sounds like the warm weather is going to continue for the next few weeks or so. Pack cool clothes and warm clothes too (LOL) because we just never know when things will change!

Thinking about a trip? Book a lodge room conveniently located in the main lodge at just $109 a night plus tax for up to 2 adults/4 kids. Our lodge rooms are air-conditioned, many overlook the Rainy River, and are all are just footsteps away from the restaurant, bar, indoor pool, hot tub, and game room. Contact our front desk staff today at 800-862-8602 or by clicking here for availability.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Summer Fun has kicked into High Gear
Boat motors are running, fish are biting, the sun is shining, guests are making memories and our staff is busy keeping everything running. The summer season has shifted into high gear here at Oak Island and good times are being had everywhere we look. The best season of the year is here.

A good bite in the mud has been had by many this week in 15’-27’ using a jig and a minnow amongst the islands not too far away from the lodge. Gold, pink and orange colors continue to do very well.

Need a ride to the Island?

We have options! Lake of the Woods Passenger Service has boat service from Sportsman’s Lodge on the Rainy River to us and Lake Country Air provides air service from Baudette or beyond to the island. Check out their websites and give them a call to book your spot.

Smallmouth Bass
Anglers are having the most success finding the bass casting using mallet spinners and shad raps deep 22’-30’.

Muskie season opens on June 19.

Visit us on the 4th of July
July 1-11. Stay 6 nights and get the 7th night free. Give us a call to book your trip at 800-862-8602 or click here.

Sportsman’s Fishing Report – 6/4/21

by

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River

Fishing Away
Grab the sunscreen and sunglasses, it is going to be a warm one this weekend.

The best fishing has been in 16-27 feet around structure, sand and in the mud anchored or slow drift using a 3/8 oz jig and a minnow. Gold and pink have been good colors. Water temp is hovering between 58-62 degrees.

Stop in for cold drinks and great food.We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. We have live entertainment this weekend, Friday and Saturday. 9pm – 1am. The Rooftop Bar is also open daily weather permitting. Come enjoy the view.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge & Eagle Ridge

Fresh Walleye, is there anything better?
We don’t think so! Yum! Pictured is the Unger group enjoying some of their catch. Thanks for coming!

Depths between 14’-25’ in the mud jigging a 3/8 oz jig tipped with a minnow has been working well. Points have also been a hot spot. Gold, pink, and orange have been good colors in the islands. The water temperature is around 60 degrees.

Nice Pike
Casting out flashy spoons and shad raps have been catching the eye of the pike in 7’-20’.

Smallmouth Bass
Anglers are having the most success finding the bass casting using mallet spinners and shad raps deep 20’-30’.

Muskie season opens on June 19.

Visit us on the 4th of July
July 1-11. Stay 6 nights and get the 7th night free. Give us a call to plan your summer fun at 800-772-8411 www.oakislandlodge.com.