Category Archives: Weekly South Shore Fishing Report

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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Fishing Report 04-09-14

River Open Update – It’s Time for Spring Fishing
Are you ready? Because spring fishing has officially begun! After a warm and sunny week, the river opened up several miles, and is now open to the Birchdale landing and beyond. Sportsman’s Lodge guide, Dave, fished near Birchdale on Tuesday afternoon, and reeled in a ton of fish ranging from eating sized to wall hangers, and lots of slot sized fish in between! Outfitter trips are now available for the rest of the spring season. Give us a call to book yours!

A fair amount of ice is still covering most of the lake, but a string of warm days has certainly knocked out some of that ice. Ice conditions continue to change on a daily basis, be sure to give us a call before you head up for your trip!

High temperatures will be creep into the 40’s throughout most of the next 10 days, and may even inch into the 60’s on one occasion.

. Click here for a full weather report for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River area.

Come reel in the excitement!
Don’t forget, spring is great for sturgeon fishing! The sturgeon season is catch and release through April 23, and opens up to keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7! Walleye season remains open until April 14 (reopens May 10) and pike season never closes!

Visit our website to download the area boat landing map.

We are open!
Lodging and food is available at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location! Guided Outfitter trips will be available as soon as we get rid of a some more ice. Forecast is warming up. It shouldn’t be long! Lodging as low as $40 per person per night. (plus tax based on double occupancy) Give us a call to book your spring trip 800-862-8062

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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Fishing Report – 04/01/14

That’s a wrap! Sportsman’s lodge has officially wrapped up its 2013/2014 ice fishing season! Thank you to all of our guests for making the trek up to Lake of the Woods to spend some time fishing with us! We had a blast spending our winter with you!

Katie caught this Northern on Lake of the Woods this weekend!

Katie caught this Northern on Lake of the Woods this weekend!

Fishermen have continued to reel in a lot of fish throughout the last week. Some of the fish have flirted with with lengths near the slot limit, but most have been good eating fish. Either way, the fish are biting!

Sportsman’s Lodge guides and guests have been fishing in water depths ranging from 18’ to 26’ about 5 miles from the lodge. Shallow water has been consistently producing fish in the early and late hours of the day, while deeper water has been successful during the afternoon hours.

Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in pink and gold have been the tackle of choice.

Ice Conditions
We still have plenty of it. We are still sitting on 40+ inches of ice, and, after Monday’s blizzard, a substantial amount of snow.

Sportsman’s Lodge has removed all permanent ice houses from the lake. However, Based on current ice and weather conditions, we expect the ice to remain for a while longer. So, if you still haven’t gotten your ice fishing fix, pack your ice augers and take your own ice fishing adventure.

Rainy River Update
The river is beginning to open up about 15 miles from Birchdale, MN. Birchdale is located approximately 50 miles downstream from Sportsman’s Lodge and the mouth of Lake of the Woods. The Birchdale landing is usually the first one to open for the year in our area.  Stay tuned! Once we start warming up, it shouldn’t take too long to deteriorate the river ice and start our soft water fishing season.

Visit our website to download the area boat landing map.

Trail Conditions
26 inch pink jig Joshua ThielenPublic trails had their last groomings last week, and remain in fair to good condition. The trail markings will be left up until conditions deteriorate.Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails.

Weather
We may officially be in the spring season, but we are a long ways off of spring-like weather. Daytime temperatures will only be climbing into the mid- to upper-30’s throughout the next 10 days, and will drop below the freezing mark to the teens and 20’s during the overnight hours. A slight chance of snow is expected late this week, and again early next week.

Sturgeon! Pike! Walleye! Make plans for April & May soft water fishing!

Excellent sturgeon, walleye and pike fishing will soon be here.

Walleye season is open until May 14, reopening May 10

Pike season never closes

Sturgeon season is catch and release through April 23. Keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7, catch and release again May 8-15.

Get your reservations in today.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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So many fish, only a few more days!
To sum up fishing; lot’s of eating-sized walleye. Fishermen have been reeling in a lot of fish throughout the last week. Some of the fish have flirted with with lengths near the slot limit, but most have been good eating fish.Sportsman’s Lodge guides have been helping guests find fish in water depths ranging from 18’ to 26’ about 5 miles from the lodge. Shallow water has been consistently producing fish in the early and late hours of the day, while deeper water has been successful during the afternoon hours.

Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in pink and gold have been the tackle of choice.

Trail Conditions
Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. The river trail from the resort area to Baudette had its last grooming on Saturday, and is in good condition. The trail from Wheelers to Warroad is in fair condition, and lake trail from Wheelers Point to Oak Island was recently groomed. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails. Local groomers and riders have reported excellent riding conditions throughout the area.

Ice Conditions
We are still sitting on plenty of ice. Guides are consistently reporting 46” to 48” of ice in areas we travel and fish.

Only 5 days left to rent fish houses!
Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location still has houses open until March 31! Give us a call to book your stay 800-862-8602!

End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is this Saturday, March 29!
Join us for the best party of the year!
Fishing, Beads, Entertainment, Contests and a whole lot of fun! Check out our Mardi Gras weekend stay and play packages.

Sturgeon! Pike! Walleye! Make plans for April & May soft water fishing!
Excellent sturgeon, walleye and pike fishing is on its way!
Walleye season is open until April 14, reopening May 10
Pike season never closes
Sturgeon season is catch and release through April 23. Keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7, catch and release again May 8-15.

Get your reservations in today.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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Steady Bite, Not Much Fight!

Guides and anglers have reported a steady bite throughout the day. This bite has been producing a steady stream of small, eating sized walleyes and a few walleyes just over the slot limit. Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in pink and gold have been the tackle of choice.

The best bite has moved just a bit shallower to depths ranging from 20’ to 28’ of water about 6 miles out.

The ever changing weather conditions are making each day’s luck a little different. Visit http://goo.gl/YQvksl for a full local weather report.

Trail Conditions

Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. Both the Warroad and river trails (resort area to Baudette) have been groomed and are in great shape. The lake trail is in fair condition from the south end to Knight Island, and in great condition from Knight Island all the way to Oak Island. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails. Local groomers and riders have reported excellent riding conditions throughout the area.

Ice Conditions

We are still sitting on plenty of ice. We are consistently seeing 46” to 48” of ice in areas we travel and fish.

See what it’s like to drill through all that ice here! Auger extensions required!

Cabin, lodge room and fish house rentals available through March 31!

Fishing has been hot, and we still have three weeks left! Give us a call to book your trip today! 800-862-8602

Mark your calendar for Mardi Gras, March 29!

Fishing, Beads, Entertainment, Contests and a whole lot of fun! Check out our Mardi Gras weekend stay and play packages.

Spring into some fantastic fishing

Whether you are looking for sturgeon, walleye or pike, Sportsman’s Lodge has your ticket to the area’s best spring bite.

Get your reservations in today.

Dreaming of warmer weather? Us too!

Summer is less than 100 days away, and we’ve been dreaming of reeling in some monster walleyes in the northern Minnesota sun! Give us a call or visit our website to book your summer trip, and start your own countdown today!

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 3-12-14

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Warmer, more spring-like weather has finally rolled in!
Both anglers and snowmobilers have been enjoying the reprieve from sub-zero temperatures and have been taking advantage of the 30 and 40 degree highs. Evening lows have been consistently dipping below freezing, and it looks like that will continue into the next few weeks.

Andy Carlson caught and released this 27.5” walleye on Saturday, March 8.

Andy Carlson caught and released this 27.5” walleye on Saturday, March 8.

Visit http://goo.gl/YQvksl for a full local weather report.

Despite the weather changes, the fishing remains productive. Sportsman’s Lodge guides report “seeing a lot more quality walleye throughout the past week, especially in the afternoon”. Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in flashy and bright colors have been the tackle of choice.

Anglers have been consistently reeling in walleyes measuring between 16” and 18”, and have seen their fair share of both slot (19.5”-28”) and trophy sized walleye. In addition, both the sauger and northern pike bite has been productive, including a 7-year-old guest catching and releasing a nearly 40” northern pike.

The best bite has been found in about 22 to 29 feet of water about 8 miles out.

This nearly 40” northern pike was caught and released on Saturday, March 8.

This nearly 40” northern pike was caught and released on Saturday, March 8.

Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails. Local groomers and riders have reported beautiful riding conditions throughout the area.

Ice Conditions
We currently have between 46 and 48 inches of ice in the areas that we travel and fish.

Rentals Available
There are still three weeks remaining in this years’ ice fishing season! To book your trip, call us at 800-862-8602.

End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is March 29
Fishing, Beads, Entertainment, Contests and a whole lot of fun! Check out our Mardi Gras weekend stay and play packages.

Spring Fishing is Just Around the Corner!
Excellent sturgeon, walleye and pike fishing will soon be here.
Get your reservations in today.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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3/6/2014

Weather is getting warmer and the bite is picking up!
It appears that spring really maybe around the corner despite the long cold winter we have had.  We have received above zero temperatures the past few days and the forecast calls for highs in 20’s and 30’s for the next ten days as well. We are ready!

Andy Lakmann 23 inch walleye, released

Andy Lakmann 23 inch walleye, released

 

The fishing action has been getting better by the day. The best bite has been in 22’-24’of water mid mornings and early afternoons.  Combination of jigging and dead sticking has worked well using charmers, buck shots and gold jigs tipped with a minnow. Walleyes, saugers and northern pike have been the main species caught recently. The walleyes are real nice size 16-18 inches, many slot (19.5-28 inches) and several over 28 inches too. Fish Finders are a good idea to bring along or rent. They really increase an anglers catch rate.

Dayln age 6 catches a 24 inch walleye on a gold buck shot lure. Way to go! He is pictured with mom and brother.

Dayln age 6 catches a 24 inch walleye on a gold buck shot lure. Way to go! He is pictured with mom and brother.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Conditions
Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 46-48 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish.

Fish House Rentals available until March 31!
We still have a 3 weeks left of ice fishing! Give us a call to book your stay 800-862-8602!

End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is March 29
Fishing, Beads, Entertainment, Contests and a whole lot of fun! Check out our Mardi Gras weekend stay and play packages.

Jigging & Electronics

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Jigging & Electronics

Currently we are finding the best luck outside Pine Island about a 25 minute ride from the lodge. 26’-32’ of water has been best using bright colored jigs or buck shots.  Average fish size has been 14 inches in length. Jigging with a minnow has been the best approach. Electronics definitely help your catch rate, especially with the suspended walleyes. We have Vexilars available to rent if you are interested. Call ahead, they go fast

Had a great time this past week.
Here is a photo of my 27.5 in released walleye.
Joe Donsjkowki

Trail Conditions
Public trails are freshly groomed and continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows.  Many resorts run on their own trails or assist in grooming the trail as well. We have a nice 2-3 foot snow base right now. At this rate will be riding the trails until April!

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 46-48 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish and we are making more daily! What a winter! Guide Tip: If you are venturing out on your own, we encourage you to stay on the marked trails and know where you are going. Even though we have 46-48 inches in the areas we travel and fish does not mean the entire lake does. Stay safe and wet a line today!

Fish House Rentals available until March 31!
We still have a month of ice fishing! Give us a call to book your stay. Late season fishing usually is very active 800-862-8602!

Martin Donajkowski with a 23.75 in walleye

End of the Season Party!
March 29 is our annual Mardi Gras Celebration. Entertainment, Contests, drink and food specials, beads, costumes, stay and play packages with lots of goodies and good times! Save this date and call to book your Mardi Gras weekend package today!

South Shore Current Ice Conditions & Fishing Report – 2/21/2014

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Caught minutes ago! Sarah Turner lands the biggest walleye of her life! 27 inch walleye caught and released.

Sarah Turner with the 27 inch walleye she caught on a plain hook and minnow!

Sarah Turner with the 27 inch walleye she caught
on a plain hook and minnow!

Fishing has been like the weather this week. Up and down!  Sometimes a good morning bite, sometimes the afternoon is favorable. The best approach has been using electronics, Fish Finders, Marcum, Vexilar, whatever your favorite flavor is. 26’-32’ of water using ¼-3/8 oz. jigs tipped with a minnow head or full minnow. Try a little of both and see what works for you.  Glow in the dark and gold have been hot colors. Macho Minnows #32 and Stop Signs have been good too. It is a light bite so you really have to get the feel for it and the optimum time to set the hook. Walleyes, Saugers and tulibees are coming through the holes this week.

Anne displays her 27 inch walleye, which was caught and released

Anne displays her 27 inch walleye,
which was caught and released

 

Trail Report
We are getting some wind today which will be hard on the trails. The groomers are grooming as much as funding allows and resorts are helping out as well to keep it in the best shape possible. It takes on a lot of traffic these days.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 46 inches of ice and building daily! WOW! The good news is since we are a US/Canada border lake we can have our permanent houses out until March 31 unlike many other lakes in Minnesota. Lots of ice fishing is still to be had! We will have rentals available until the end it looks like at this point! 

25 Minutes to Good Fishing!

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25 Minutes to Good Fishing!

Weekly South Shore Fishing Report

2/12/2014

The bite has been good, like last week small jigs ¼ oz. gold and glow in the dark tipped with a half minnow or minnow head is the key to success. Vexilar/Fish Finders are also another key component. It is a light bite so do some jigging and once you get the feel for it, you are golden.  Just 25 minute ride to our houses right now. The fish house is warm and cozy, bait and jig sticks are ready. The best bite has been in 28’-32’ of water.

Tom caught and released this 28 inch walleye

Tom caught and released this 28 inch walleye

Shaun Stumo caught this 27 inch walleye

Shaun Stumo caught this 27 inch walleye

Bruce Oistad with 25 inch walleye

Bruce Oistad with 25 inch walleye

Sounds like we are going to start warming up from our frigid temps! We are ready! It is time to start the slide into the last part of our season. Warmer weather and more sun usually equal a better bite! Fish house rentals available until March 31. Give us a call to join in the fun 800-862-8602 or book online.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 30-36 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel right now. Lots of ice to get us through late March!

Snow & Trail  Report
The trails are in good shape.  We are forecasted to get a couple of inches of snow this week.  The trails continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. Click here for specific trail conditions.

South Shore Ice Conditions & Fishing Report – 2/5/2014

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South Shore Ice Conditions & Fishing Report
2/5/2014

Small Jigs Are Key!
Anglers using 1/4 oz gold and glow in the dark jigs tipped with a half minnow are doing best. Vexilar/Fish Finder users are also seeing the best success as well. The best bite has been in 27’-32’ of water mid-day. It is a timid bite, so to have the best luck, you really have to get the feel for the bite and set the hook just at the right time. Try jigging with one pole and dead sticking with the other and see what works best for you. A mix of walleyes, saugers and tulibees are being caught. Fish sizes are all over the map, ranging from 10” to 30”.

Steve Miranda from Stewartville, MN caught this 29.5" walleye on Jan. 21 on a Gold Jig. The fish was released! Steve was in a Sportsman Sleeper House.

Steve Miranda from Stewartville, MN caught this 29.5″ walleye
on Jan. 21 on a Gold Jig. The fish was released!
Steve was in a Sportsman Sleeper House.

Rhonda Eskola Wolf caught this 24 inch walleye on Jan. 27

Rhonda Eskola Wolf caught this 24 inch walleye on Jan. 27.

Josh Apman from St Paul, MN caught this 26 inch walleye. He was in a Sportsman Sleeper House.

Josh Apman from St Paul, MN caught this 26 inch walleye.
Josh was in a Sportsman Sleeper House.

Ice Conditions
With below average temperatures we continue to make ice! Current ice depth is between 30-34 inches, nearly 3 feet. As long as we do not get any long stretches of 32 degree plus weather we should have no problem fishing right to the end of the season March 31.

Trail Report
Trails on lake and land continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. For specific trail conditions click here. Take a ride today!

All You Need Is Love and a Fishing Pole
Treat your sweetie to a lodging and fishing package at Sportsman’s Lodge in February. We have sweet dining specials, entertainment and good fishing going on. Ask about our packages today 800-862-8602. Book your Minnesota charter fishing date today!