Category Archives: Weekly South Shore Fishing Report

The Bite Is On!

January 31, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

The weather continues to be colder than average. It should start warming up a little bit soon, right? Forecast is calling for highs in the single digits and lows below zero in the week ahead. On a more positive note, the sun is shining and the fish are biting! The bite is a timid bite so it is important to try a few different jigging techniques and get a feel for the nibbles. Vexilars and fish finders are definitely worth bringing along or renting. We have some for rent if you are interested. Most of the time we see these electronics doubling the angler’s catch rate. There has been a nice amount of 14”-25” walleyes and 10-12 inch saugers caught this week. Some of the best tackle has been charmers, buck shots and stop sign lures. Gold, pink and glow in the dark colors have been the most favorable. Fishing has been best in 28-32 feet of water just a short 25 minute ride from the lodge.

Don’t just take it from me. Check out the pictures here and on our Facebook page and read here what some of our recent guests are saying…

“Thanks for the great time your staff provided us! Here’s our big fish of the week, a 29 inch walleye! Caught on a pink and gold stop sign with minnow.” – Ryan Denu

Ryan Denu 29 inch walleye pink and gold stop sign and minnow Great time! Sleepers

Ryan Denu with 29 inch walleye. Great time in the Sleepers!

“Thanks for the great weekend!” – Brad Gerlach

27.25 inch walleye caught on 1-4-2014 by 8 yr old Grant!

27.25 inch walleye caught on January 4, 2014 by 8 yr old Grant!

“Thank you, Gregg and Diana! Julie and I could not have been treated better during our recent stay, from the moment we arrived until the time we departed. Starting with Jenny at the front desk to Luke in the Bomber, just the best! Good luck the rest of the way, and ‘hopefully’ we will be back in March. Take care.” – Roger Beck

“Thank you for making my stay for son’s first visit a wonderful experience.” – Woody Prehn

“Thanks, Sportsman’s, for another great girl’s trip!!” – Jyothi, Krista, Jen & Trish

Jyothi

Krista with 22 inch walleye

Jen

Trish

Ice Conditions
We continue to make ice with these frigid temperatures. We have between 30-34 inches in the areas we travel and fish right now.

Trail Conditions
The trails continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. Click here for specific trail information.

Time to get fishing!
The season is half over! Don’t miss out! We still have openings midweek through March and weekends mid and late March. Give us a call to book your adventure and be sure to ask about our NEW Villas! The brand new lodging units are very comfortable. Fish house rentals available until late March. Come on up! 800-862-8602

January 24 Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge

January 24, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Minnesota Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge
January 24, 2014

Mid-Season Point
Snowy day today here in the northland. A light snow is falling upon us. Reports say we may get an inch or two.
Good bite this Year

Here we are creeping up to the mid-season point. It has been a great bite this year. Lots of action, quite a few saugers, lots of big walleyes 19 inches plus in size and plenty 14 inch-19 inch as well to enjoy a good meal or bring home. This past week we are also seeing quite a few tulibee/whitefish biting on the walleye tackle. Whitefish are great tasting fish smoked. There is no limit on whitefish and the season never closes. Right now the best bite for walleye and sauger has been in 26’-32’ of water. Glow in the dark and gold jigs and stop sign lures tipped with a minnow have been hot. Dropping the hook about 6 inches off the bottom has been best although anglers using vexilars have found quite a few suspended walleyes too 3,4 up to 7 feet off bottom too. As far as jigging vs dead sticking, we suggest start out jigging with one pole and dead sticking with the other and see what works best for you that day.Still lots of time to enjoy ice fishing!
We have rental houses available until late March. Most of Minnesota’s lakes close earlier, but here on Lake of the Woods it stays colder and the ice stays longer. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or reserve online your ice fishing vacation today. To find out about our hot deals, subscribe to our email list and be sure to check the box for “hot deals”.

Celebrate the Big Game with us! The Sandbar has drink and food specials and 6 flat screens ready for you! Stop in.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 32+ inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. If you head out on your own, we suggest staying on the trail and checking with local guides before you venture out. Even with 32+ inches of ice in most areas, there are always caution areas that are never good to travel on. Safety first!

Trail Conditions
Trails continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. Get out and take a ride today!

Like us on Facebook to view more big fish pictures.

28.5 inch walleye

28.5 inch walleye caught by Nick. Fun father son weekend. It was his first fishing trip. Caught and released in house #17 on a gold macho minnow. Way to go buddy!

Chad Veer reeled in and released a nice 23 inch walleye. Nice one!

Hunter reeled this nice 19 inch walleye on a gold angel eye. Nice catch!

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Fishing Report

January 15, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Fishing Report

1/15/2014 Afternoon bite has been best lately. We saw a dip in the fishing success over last weekend but now that the weather has evened out, the bite is getting better by the day. The best fishing has been in 24-30 feet of water. Lots of suspended fish are being found and tend to be the slot and larger sized walleyes. Bring or rent a vexilar to have the most success at catching these walleyes. Mid-season is upon us and that usually means more saugers. We are seeing a nice amount along with slot walleyes. Check out all of the big fish on our Facebook page. The best tackle has been pink stop signs and glow jigs. Some anglers are swearing by the minnow head and others the full minnow.Ice Conditions: Currently we have 28-30 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Trail Conditions: The lake and land trails continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. Get out and enjoy the trails today! For more information about specific trails click here. Fish House Rentals available until March 31! The weather stays cooler in the northland and remember, the state law allows us to have our houses on the lake until March 31. Give us a call to book your winter getaway 800-862-8602! Like us on Facebook to view more big fish pictures.

27.5 inch walleye

27.5 inch walleye caught and released by Zach on a gold jig

24 inch walleye caught by a member of the Mike Scheel group in one of our sleeper shacks. (released)

Joe Hannan reeled in and released a nice 25 and 24 inch walleye. Joe is pictured here with the 25.

Lots of Action

January 8, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lots of Fishing Action at Sportsman’s Lodges

Lots of sauger and walleye slot fish action. We are catching lots of suspended fish 3, 4, even 7 feet off the bottom. A vexilar/fish finder is very helpful in increasing your success rate. The best approach is to jig one pole and dead stick with the other, see what works best for that day and take it from there. The best bite has been in 24-31 feet of water. Deeper houses are catching more saugers and a 10am-3pm bite. The shallower houses are seeing a good morning and evening run and more walleyes. The best jig colors have been glow, pink/gold and gold, orange/gold in 1/4 oz. size. Jigs tipped with a chub minnow or shiner minnow has been the most successful bait option. We still have some openings this winter. Give us a call to get in on the excitement! We can have our fish houses out until March 31. Only have time for a quick trip? We have some specials on select dates for 1 night/1 day packages. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or request your reservation online.

25 inch caught on a pink and gold lure by Shelly Bush of Fargo, ND

27 inch (2nd 27 inch) walleye Doug and Dan Loos

Chad Benson, Litchfield, MN light green glow jig 27.5 inches

John Bush with 22 inch walleye caught with pink and white tear jig

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 21-25 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Lake Safety Tip –If you venture out on your own, consult local guides before going out. The entire lake does not freeze equally.

Trail Conditions
The trails are in good condition. A fresh grooming will be done today from Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island, Wheeler’s Point to Warroad and the following day from Wheeler’s Point to Baudette. These lake trails are groomed 1-2 times a week based on conditions and traffic. Land trails continue to be groomed as needed. Click here for more information. As always watch for caution areas especially on the lake trails with the dramatic temperature change coming up. Sounds like the weather this weekend is going to be great! Get out and enjoy the trails!

Happy New Year! From the Sportsman’s family to yours, we wish you a healthy and happy 2014.

December 31, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Catching holding strong! It has been a great December for walleye and sauger fishing in our neck of the woods. A very active bite and many big fish and big catch days. The best bite right now has been in 23’-28’ jigging with gold or pink jig, stop sign or #32 macho minnow tipped with a whole minnow or some anglers are swearing by just the minnow head. Drop your line to about 6 inches off bottom and bring along or rent a vexilar for the best experience. Vexilar rentals are available at the lodge, but are in high demand so be sure to call ahead to reserve. Try jigging with one pole and dead stick with the other to see what technique works best for you.

Ice Conditions
Current ice depth in the areas we travel and fish is 20-23 inches. Our houses are situated just off of our groomed snowmobile trail.

Jaedin Johnson 8 years old caught this 27.5 on a shiner and a pink jig

Landen Johnson 4 years old caught another keeper on a gold jig dead sticking! He loves ice fishing!

25 inch walleye Travis Herber and Alex Williamson They also caught some nice eaters few 22 inch and 26 inch walleye. What a trip!

Trail Conditions
Lake Trails
Fresh trail grooming will be done this week on the trails from Wheeler’s Point to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Wheeler’s Point to Warroad. As always, watch for the caution areas.
Land Trails
Continue to be groomed and are in decent condition. Click here for more details.

Don’t let winter pass you by! You still have time to make your winter ice fishing reservation. We ice fish until March 31. www.sportsmanslodges.com 800-862-8602

The bite continues to be very active!

December 27, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lake of the Woods South Shore Current Ice Conditions & Fishing Report Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN www.sportsmanslodges.com 800-862-8602

12/27/2013

Happy Holidays Everyone!

23’-26 feet of water jigging with a gold 3/8 oz jig, gold buck shot or red stop sign lure tipped with a minnow has been working well. Vexilar users have the edge, so be sure to bring yours along or rent one at the front desk. They are in high demand, call 800-862-8602 to reserve. Check out this report and pictures from a recent guest:

These fish were caught on a trip to the Sportsman Lodge stay Dec. 16th thru the 20th. Both fish were caught in house #41 on the 19th of Dec. The 30 1/2 incher was caught by Tom Kubik from Cresco, Iowa around 11 am. The 28 1/2 incher was caught by Scott Butikofer from Cresco, Iowa also within 2 hours of Tom’s trophy. Both fish were returned back to the water so more people could enjoy the fish of a lifetime. We already booked our trip for next year!!!!!!!!!!!! In those 3 days of fishing we caught 180 walleyes and saugers we landed. Not to say the fish that got off. What a trip, best fishing in the winter we ever had. Our guide was Troy and he took excellent care of us. We will request him on next year’s trip also.

Scott Butikofer

Tom Kubik Cresco IA 30.5 inch walleye, released. Nice one Tom!

Scott Butikofer from Cresco IA 28.5 inch walleye, released Nice walleye!

Ice Conditions Currently we have 18-21 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We are building more every day!

Trail Report Lake Trails We currently have 12-15 inches of snow on the lake. The trails are in fair condition. The plan is to start grooming early next week from Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island for sure. Ice checks from Wheeler’s Point to Warroad and Wheeler’s Point to Baudette will be done over the weekend to determine when grooming can start on those trails. Everything is staked and has sufficient ice for snowmobiles; we are just waiting on a few more inches of ice for the groomer. Like always, watch for caution areas especially during days like today when the temperature fluctuates a wide range. Land Trails Most of the trails are groomed. Get out and take a ride today! http://www.lowdrifters.org/trail_condition.htm

Four Mile Bay Ice Road Report The ice road out of Four Mile Bay near Wheeler’s Point is open to full size vehicles and fish houses up to 21’. Currently there is 14”-15” of ice just off the trail and 18”+ on the trail.

Get out and enjoy the winter! Give us a call today to reserve your winter ice fishing vacation 800-862-8602 or online at www.sportsmanslodges.com

Fantastic Fishing

December 18, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The early season bite continues to be excellent! A very active walleye and sauger bite has been taking place the past few weeks. Some of the most successful anglers report, jigging using a vexilar tipped with a frozen shiner has worked best in 21’-25’ of water. Some of the most active times of day have been between 9am-11am and 3pm-4pm. Gold and pink chubby darters, macho minnows, buck shots, and round jigs have worked well. On the clear and sunny days, white has been a very popular tackle color. Vexilar/fish finder users always seem to have even better luck. If you do not have one of those devices, but would like to try one out, we do rent a few. Call to reserve yours 800-862-8602. Check out some of the latest photos here and on our Facebook page. Give us a call or click here to book your winter getaway! We ice fish until the end of March.

11-year-old Manford reels in a nice walleye

Chad Zeman 23.5 inch walleye caught on red hook at 2:30pm and released

Chad Zeman with 23.5 inch walleye caught on red hook
at 2:30pm and released

Chad Jansen from Zimmerman, MN with 27 inch walleye caught with a gold and orange buck shot in 25 feet of water; released

Nice One! 26 inch walleye Kackman Party; released

Recent Angler Comments:
“The Zeman party had a very successful two days of fishing on Monday 12/16 & Tuesday 12/17. I caught a 25″ walleye on Monday at 10:30 am using a glow hook. Tuesday at 2:30 pm I reeled in a 23.5″ walleye using a red hook. Both fish were a blast to land. This has been the best fishing our group has had in years.”

“140 fish, 3 guys, pink and gold….we need more minnows! Incredible fishing! Time of our life!”

Ice Conditions
Current ice conditions in the area we fish and travel is 12”-14”. About 12-14 inches of snow lies on the ice.

Ice Road
According to Adrian’s, who maintains the ice road going out of Four Mile Bay near Wheeler’s Point, they currently they have 10-11 inches of ice on the Bay and 11 ½-14 on the lake. ATV’s and snowmobiles are only allowed out at this time. A few more inches of ice are needed until trucks will be allowed. The large amount of snow we received a few weeks ago all at once, has slowed the ice making process down a bit. Stay tuned!

Trail
The lake trail is marked from Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island. Plan to pull a drag on the trail tomorrow and start grooming as soon as we get a few more inches of ice. Watch for the ice ridges like always, especially when the temperature fluctuates 15-20 degrees. The lake trail from Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Warroad and Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Baudette will be marked today. More and more land trails are now groomed. For more information on the trail conditions, click here.

75-100 Fish a Day!

December 11, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing in Minnesota has started out with a bang this year! Lots of walleye action! Mix of 12”-28” has been coming through the holes. Jigging in 20’-24’ of water, gold and pink jigs tipped with a minnow and a handy vexilar/fish finder has brought anglers the best luck this week. Check out the pictures of some of the action below and on our Facebook page! We always love to see your photos, so be sure to tag us or send them via email.

Mercedez Stangland with 29 inch walleye
caught on 12-8-2013

DeWolf Party 12-6-2013

Dave Santelli with 23 inch walleye

Richard Stangland and 23 inch walleye

Ice Conditions
Current ice conditions in the area we fish and travel is 11”-13”. It has been very cold, but we would like to see it warm up a little bit during the day to make us some good quality ice.

Ice Road
Adrian’s, who maintains the ice road out of Four Mile Bay reports 7 3/4 to 9 inches of ice on the bay and 10 to 12 1/2 inches on the lake. ATV’s and Snowmobiles only allowed for now. It looks like it will be another week or so for trucks.

Trail
We have a foot of snow on the trails right now. On the lake we do have some spots with bare ice, so be on the watch for them. The crew is planning to make their first check and stake the trail to Oak Island later this week. The Lake of the Woods Drifters reports the land trails are being checked and grooming will start very soon. Click here for more trail updates.

For reservations and more information contact us today at 800-862-8602 or click here to book online.

Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!

December 2, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Minnesota Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!

Updated 12/5/2013

It’s GO TIME!
The first day of our 2013-2014 Minnesota ice fishing season starts tomorrow! We have 11-12 inches of ice were we travel and fish from the south shore (Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location) at this time and making more as I type, the thermometer currently reads 5 below and the week ahead looks like we will get a lot of the same! Our Oak Island property reports 4-8 inches of ice. They plan to open up in 7-10 days or so.

Snow
We did get some snow yesterday, about 8-10 inches on the south shore and 5 inches up at Oak Island and the Northwest Angle. Will this affect the ice? In a sense yes, it will slow the building down a bit, but we do not anticipate it slowing it down very much. It sounds like we did not get nearly the snow as most of the state. We measured that we made an inch of ice within the past 36 hours. Most of the snow has been blowing around the past few days. There are areas with 3 foot drifts and areas with bare ice. Like always we have a few slush spots and areas of caution, but we do every year. That is normal. Rest assured we check ice at least a few times daily and safety is always our first priority. If you do plan to venture out on your own, we suggest making sure you know where you are going and staying on marked trails.

For reservations and more information call 800-862-8602 or log on to www.sportsmanslodges.com. We still have openings for this weekend.

Minnesota Ice Fishing
Minnesota Fishing

Ice Fishing in Minnesota

Forecast Looks Cold!
Highs in the twenties today and tomorrow we are going to start dipping below zero for the week ahead. Perfect for ice making! We are getting some snow now and it sounds like a possibility of another 3-5 inches tomorrow.

**Please keep in mind we only report in the areas we travel and fish. The entire lake does not freeze equally. If you venture out on your own, know where you are going and stay on the marked trail. Safety first!**

Ice Roads
The ice road near Wheeler’s Point/Four Mile Bay access has 8 inches of ice and is allowing ATV’s and snowmobiles at this time and through the weekend.

Latest Ice Conditions

November 27, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lake of the Woods Current Ice Conditions Report

Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN www.sportsmanslodges.com 800-862-8602

11/27/2013
Ice Fishing season 2013-2014 kickoff is in our very near future!
Check out these pictures. What a view yesterday. The ice crew found 4-7 inches of ice on Four Mile Bay and 4-6 inches on the lake just outside of Pine Island. In the northern areas near Oak Island and the Northwest Angle, 2-4 inches is reported. We were hoping to get an airplane up and check to see if there are any areas of open water in any parts in the middle of the lake today, but were unable to, due to the snowfall. We plan to do so as soon as the weather clears. Please keep in mind we only report ice conditions in the areas we travel and fish. The entire lake does not freeze equally. If you plan to venture out, make sure you know where you are going. Safety first!
Next week is looking good
As soon as we get 10-12 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish, we start the season. If the forecast stays cold we should have no problem starting our season on the south end at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location by Dec 6 or 7 and at our Oak Island locations a week or so later once we have time to get a real good ice base over the areas between the islands where there is more current. The crew plans to head out again Monday to check on how much progress we made over the weekend. Stay tuned! It won’t be long!
Walleye forecast
Big walleyes with a chance of saugers are in the forecast. The first few inches of ice have frozen clear and smooth. Perfect for an great early season bite!
For reservations and more information contact us today 800-862-8602 www.sportsmanslodges.com
From the Sportsman’s family to your family, Happy Thanksgiving!

Outside Pine Island 11-27-13

Smooth ice – Too bad I forgot my skates.

No it is not water….it is ice.

Minnesota Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge January 24, 2014

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Fishing Report

Lots of Fishing Action at Sportsman’s Lodges

Minnesota Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!

Lake of the Woods Current Ice Conditions Report

Minnesota Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge
January 24, 2014