Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River
3/6/2019

Fishing Away

A mix of walleyes, saugers, tulibees, a few perch and pike are being caught right now. Dead sticking plain hooks with a minnow and jigging glow, gold and pink jigs or spoons, charmers, anything that flashes and has a little noise tipped with a minnow is working the best.  We have houses scattered out in 20-30 feet of water. It has been another cold week here this week with most nights below zero. Ice fishing continues through late March. Walleye season is open through April 14, re-opening May 11.

What a story! A fun read.
Roy, Wayne and Dan, long time guests visited us last week. Their tangle with a 30″ walleye was quite the ordeal. We thought their story was just too good not to share. Fun times and good memories were made. Thanks for coming guys. As always, it is a pleasure having you and thanks for sharing your story with us. Until next time…..

In Wayne’s words…….Wednesday afternoon Roy hooks into this 30” Walleye which wasn’t at interested in cooperating. I went across our 6 man house to help get the fish landed. While doing so there was a loud crash on the other side I was fishing on. As I looked back I noticed my dangler rod holder was flipped over next to the open hole and rod & reel obviously gone down the hole! Needless to say I was bummed with the loss but we still needed to catch the fish. Roy finally was able to get the fish up thru the hole. His rod in the hole next to him had gotten tangle while the fish was fighting so it was a mess.  We measured, and secured it and then Roy began to untangle mess of fishing lines. As he did so, a gold Macho Minnow surfaced, and Roy says, “Wayne what kind of lure were you using” at the same time showing what he was holding in his hand”! I couldn’t believe what I saw, but was ecstatic when he continued pulling the line and my rod and reel followed up from the deep. A great ending, Roy got a beautiful fish to have mounted, and I got my $190.00 rod and reel back!!😩😂 Sure glad to have good fishing line on my reel after all that!

Ice Conditions
No changes this week.  We have 30”-40” of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Lots of ice!

Ice Roads
We use a private groomed trail but there are local ice roads open in the area at this time.  Contact the resort or outfitter maintaining the ice road for the latest conditions.

Trails
Lake and land trails continue to be groomed and maintained. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Never too early to start thinking about Spring and Summer trips.
Spring is an excellent time for walleye, pike and sturgeon. Check us out www.sportsmanslodges.com

 Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
3/6/2019

March Fishing
Macho minnows, buck shots, jigs and spoons and plain hooks tipped with a minnow are good go-to tackle right now. Gold, pink and glow have been good colors.  Mix of walleyes and saugers have been nibbling in 23’-28’, mainly eater size with a few whoppers, 25”+.

Ice Conditions
We have anywhere from 24-36 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is open and in great shape.

Trail Conditions
Trails are in good shape. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Summer is just around the corner!
Get your reservations in now! 800-772-8411 or click here.

Rainy River
Fishing, Ice & Trail Report
2/28/2019

Heading into the last month of Ice Fishing
Here we are sliding into March, the last month of the ice fishing season already. It has once again been a fun winter with lots of good fishing, laughs, memories made and of course a few rounds of crazy weather. Speaking of the crazy weather, yes the wind sure kicked up here on Sunday, upwards of 40 mph gusts at times. The guides headed out for the day, as always keeping a close eye on the weather. They quickly decided the wind was not going to let up and it was just going to get to harder to navigate safely as the day went on. So we made the decision to call off fishing for that day.  Not too often this happens, we have lots of equipment for many different weather conditions, but Mother Nature was hollering and it was time to listen.

Now we are back to normal; guests have been fishing all week. We have a few slush spots here and there but nothing real crazy where we travel. That being said, if you get off the trails or roads with all of this snow we have this year, it is another story.  So, if you are thinking about coming up, come with us and let us do the navigating. You deserve to relax anyways. We have lots of ice in the area we travel, up to 40 inches. The guides have been working hard to keep our fishing area groomed and houses moved often to avoid any issues. So yes, we are open and fishing away. If you are itching to go fishing, give us a call. Unlike many Minnesota lakes, walleye season is open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods, pike season never closes and in little over a month the sturgeon will be lurking. Lots of fishing opportunities abound here year round.

Back to Fishing

Plain hooks, glow, green gold and pink jigs or spoons, charmers, chubby darters or tackle with some flash and noise tipped with a minnow have been the tackle and bait of choice this week.  To get into the most action, anglers are reporting, to watch electronics, try a few techniques; dead sticking, jigging and when you see some fish that just don’t nibble, let them know you are there! Dance your tackle in front of them. Some anglers have been having success with a half a minnow vs a whole minnow. We have a variety of houses out in 22’-30’ of water just a 15 minute ride out.

Ice Conditions
We have 30”-40” of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Roads
We use a private groomed trail but there are local ice roads open in the area at this time.  Contact the resort or outfitter maintaining the ice road for the latest conditions.

Ice Fishing available until March 31
Lake of the Woods has an extended walleye season through April 14 and fish houses can be out until March 31.  Click here to sign up to receive information about our  late season hot deals!

Trails
Lake and land trails continue to be groomed and maintained. The trail reports are good but it is important this year more than ever to stay on the trails.  We have 1-3 feet of snow and more in drifted areas so getting off a groomed trail can get you stuck. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Couple of Reminders:
March 1~ Don’t forget to get your new fishing license for the 2019 license year.

New Regulations on Lake of the Woods go in effect starting March 1. March 1 – April 14 the limit is combination of six walleye and sauger, with no more than four walleye. The same slot limit remains in effect. All walleye 19.5”-28” must be immediately released. Only one walleye over 28” may be in possession. On the Rainy River & Four Mile Bay March 1-April 14, walleye and sauger is now catch and release only.

Oak Island
Fishing, Ice & Trail Report
2/28/2019

Late Season Fishing Continues into March
Shallow has been better this week, 24’-26’ and afternoons have been favored over mornings. A mix of jigging, bottom slapping and dead sticking has had the most success. Walleyes, saugers, several pike and a few perch have been coming up the holes. We didn’t see too many perch the past few weeks but now seeing more again. Guests have been catching a few big walleyes 22”-26” but mostly fish for the pan or throw backs. Electronics are key as well as tackle with some shimmer, flutter and noise to get their attention. We have a few more openings for trips through late March, come enjoy one last blast. Give us a shout. 800-772-8411. Walleye season is open on Lake of the Wood’s through April 14, re-opening May 11.

Ice Conditions
We have anywhere from 24-36 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is open and in great shape.

Trail Conditions
After the wind on Sunday the trail got pretty rough but it sounds like the groomers are out today getting it shaped up for the weekend. The Northwest Angle Edge Riders Snowmobile Rally is this weekend. Come and enjoy a ride! Be sure to stay on the packed trails to avoid any deep snow. Trail report has been good but off the trail can get you into slush spots. For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

2/21/2019
Sportsman’s Lodge Ice, Fishing & Trail Report

The Bite has been picking up
Nice mix of walleyes and saugers with some trophies have been coming up the holes this week. Best depth has been 22’-30’. Pink and white, gold, red, white, green and white have been hot colors. Dead sticking plain red hooks, charmers, gem n eyes, Lindy glow spoons, glow shot jigs, glo spoons, buck shot spoons, chubby darters, tungsten jigs and the hooks that glow have really been hot. Electronics like Vexilars sure help catch rates as well as changing up techniques if something isn’t working for you. We have fishing trips available through March 31, great midweek rates and FREE lodging for kids 17 and under when they stay with 2 adults in lodge rooms. Spend Spring Break on the Lake! Give us a call 800-862-8602.

Ice Report
36 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel and plenty of snow.  We have lots of good ice to keep is rocking and rolling through late March.

Few Reminders
Walleye season runs through April 14 on Lake of the Woods. We have ice fishing trips available through March 31!
March 1~ Don’t forget to get your new fishing license for the 2019 license year. Available online or by phone 24/7. 888-665-4236 or http://www.licenses.ndr.state.mn.us

New Regulations on Lake of the Woods go in effect starting March 1. March 1 – April 14 the limit is combination of six walleye and sauger, with no more than four walleye. The same slot limit remains in effect. All walleye 19.5”-28” must be immediately released. Only one walleye over 28” may be in possession. On the Rainy River & Four Mile Bay March 1-April 14, walleye and sauger is now catch and release only.
Trail Report
Plenty of snow! Trails are in great shape! Come ride some of the most untouched and best trails in the state.  For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Great Midweek Rates ~ Ice Fishing continues at Sportsman’s through March 31
Starting at just $229* per person for 2 nights lodging and a day of full service ice fishing including the fish house, transportation to and from the fish house, use of jig sticks, jigs, bait and fish cleaning Sunday – Thursday stays.  Tell us when you want to come and we will tailor a package just for you. We have great kid’s rates too! Kids 17 and under always stay free in lodge rooms with 2 adults. Looking for a weekend trip? March openings available. Check us out.  (*Plus tax and based on double occupancy.)

2/21/2019
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Catching some Nice Fish
Macho minnows, gold and pink jigs, chubby darters and anything that glows tipped with a minnow have been working this week in depths between 26’-32’. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes and saugers.  Electronics help! We have a few available for rent if you would like to give one a try. Call ahead to reserve.

Ice Conditions
21-28 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel and plenty of snow.

Trail Report
Lots and lots of snow!  The trails are in great shape.  The Northwest Angle Edge Rider’s Snowmobile Rally is Saturday, March 2.  Come ride some of the most untouched and best trails in the state.  For more information about the trails around the area, click here.  For more information about the trails along the south shore of Lake of the Woods near the Baudette area, check out the Lake of the Wood’s Drifters Club information here.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to the Island
The ice road is in good shape. Just cruising around? Come on out and enjoy a delicious meal at the lodge.

Enjoy Spring Break on the Lake
Ice fishing trips available!  We have a two bedroom condo for up to 5 people that opened up for this weekend Friday & Saturday and openings Feb 25-March 7 and March 10-17.
Click here to check out our packages and give us a call today to book your trip 800-772-8411.

2/14/2019
Sportsman’s Lodge Ice, Fishing & Trail Report

Moving and Grooving
The guides have been doing a lot of fish house shuffling this week.  They have been working hard chasing down the best bite.  Check out the pictures of the week! If you have stayed with us recently and have a picture to share, we always love to see your pics. Text them to 218-395-0042 or email [email protected].

Tips & Techniques
Dead sticking with a plain hook, gold, pink, pink and white, green and white, glow jigs and spoons, Tom’s tackle’s charmers and the smaller tungsten jigs tipped with a live minnow have been the most successful.  If that doesn’t give you success, jig with the other line using the same colored jigs and spoons as mentioned above. Sometimes even a little smacking on the bottom and teasing up the water column will get those finicky fish to take a chomp. For the best results, watch the electronics and try some different techniques.  We have houses spread out from 22’-32’ of water in various spots about 20-30 min ride out just off a nice groomed trail.   Overall some anglers doing better than others depending on the day, hour, weather, depth, approach and Mother Nature.  Electronics users seem to do better than those without.

Don’t forget to watch for suspended fish and jig up to lure them in.  The fish coming up the ice holes have been mainly made up of walleyes and saugers for the pan or throwback with an occasional slot walleye (19.5”-28”) or larger.  Best tip if you are not getting the fish to bite, change it up! Try some different techniques, tackle and talk with your guide for the tips of the day.  Sunny March days are just around the corner and ice fishing continues at Sportsman’s through late March, winter walleye season is open until April 14.

Ice Report
30-32 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel and plenty of snow.  The auger extensions are on!

Trail Report
Lots of snow! Regular grooming continues. Come ride some of the most untouched and best trails in the state.  For more information about the trails, check out the south shore, Baudette area club information here.  For more information about the trails on the northern side of the U.S. side of the lake around the Northwest Angle and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge, click here.

Regulation Changes March 1
Reminder ~ Walleye fishing regulations are changing starting Friday, March 1, on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  The new regulations on Lake of the Woods will begin March 1. The new winter regulations will match the current summer regulations, reducing the aggregate walleye and sauger limit from eight to six, with no more than four walleye. The protected slot limit remains the same requires anglers to immediately release any walleye between 19.5 and 28 inches, with only one fish over 28 inches allowed in possession.

On the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay, (Where we fish in the spring, summer and fall. At Sportsman’s we do not have any ice houses in this area in the winter.)  a catch-and-release season only will now be in effect March 1 to April 14 instead of the current Rainy River spring season regulation allows anglers to keep two walleye or sauger, and requires the immediate release of walleye 19.5 inches in length or larger.

Great Midweek Rates
Starting at just $229* per person for 2 nights lodging and a day of full service ice fishing including the fish house, transportation to and from the fish house, use of jig sticks, jigs, bait and fish cleaning Sunday – Thursday stays.  Tell us when you want to come and we will tailor a package just for you. We have great kid’s rates too! Kids 17 and under always stay free in lodge rooms with 2 adults. Looking for a weekend trip? March openings available. Check us out.
(*Plus tax and based on double occupancy.)

2/14/2019
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

The Latest Bite
The bite has been spotty this week but the guides continue to shuffle house deeper in the mud around the 30’ mark.  Anglers continue to catch most walleyes and saugers just a few inches off bottom but a few suspended too, some nice ones for the pan, a few trophies as well as plenty of little guys. It is not uncommon to reel in a perch or a northern pike too.  Plain hooks, macho minnows, golds, pinks and glows tipped with a minnow have been catching most. Mix of jigging and dead sticking is the best approach and electronics help. Sometimes even a little smacking your jig on the bottom helps gets the attention of those finicky fish watching your line.

Ice Conditions
20-28 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel and plenty of snow.

Trail Report
Lots of snow!  Regular grooming continues. Come ride some of the most untouched and best trails in the state.  For more information about the trails around the area, click here.  For more information about the trails along the south shore of Lake of the Woods near the Baudette area, check out the Lake of the Wood’s Drifters Club information here.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to the Island
The ice road is in good shape and continues to be plowed as needed.

Enjoy Spring Break on the Lake
Ice fishing trips available through late March. Click here to learn more.

Sportsman’s Lodge
1/31/2019

Light at the End of the Tunnel
We are surviving the cold weather and can’t wait for the heat wave to hit our neck of the woods tomorrow! 16 above the big donut for a high they say! Woohoo! Bring it on!

It was business as usual this week for the most part around here. Of course extra care and safety precautions were definitely taken but anglers still got out and enjoyed some fishing in nice warm houses. Check out the photos of the week.

Bite up and down
The bite dipped up and down this week. Some anglers did better than others. A mix of fish and sizes were brought up the fish holes. Mainly walleyes and saugers but also several other fish species too. It has been a multi-species frenzy this week. I think we have seen every fish species this lake offers come out of our houses lately with the exception of a lake trout and a muskie. It has been fun to see.  Walleyes, saugers, perch, tullibee, eelpout, sucker to sturgeon.

For the walleyes and saugers, 22’-32’ in the mud flaps and off reefs continue to be hot spots. Jigging with pink/white and gold chubby darters, jigs, buckshots, and glow lures tipped with a minnow or minnow head a few inches off bottom has been the best approach. Using a vexilar or fish finder really seems to help catch rates.  We have various houses in depths and locations on the lake. The ride out is about 30-45 minutes from the lodge right now. We are still using our lake access but are hoping to start running the river soon.

Ice Conditions
We have gained more ice! Guides have been finding 30-32 inches in the areas we fish and travel. We are making ice to enjoy through March now.  Ice fishing season at Sportsman’s runs through March 31 and walleye season until April 14.

Trail Conditions
The trails are in good shape.  Grooming is in progress.  For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.   

Plowed Roads
We do not maintain a plowed road ourselves as we supply the transportation for all of our trips to our houses via a groomed trail.  If you are interested in venturing out on your own, there are several roads in the area you can venture out on nearby us. Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay and Morris Point’s road out of Morris point are a few to check out.

Football & Fishing
Still some openings left. Join us for a good time Feb 3 & 4. Fishing and lodging packages 2 nights/1 day $229-$267 per person or 2 nights/2 days $299-$337 per person. We will be having our annual Big Game Party Feb 3, during the Super Bowl featuring some great food and drink specials including our ½ price apps 3pm-6pm and door prizes. Come watch the game on our 12 TV’s make it a getaway.  Lodging and fishing available, give us a call to reserve 800-862-8602.

Hook a Midweek Deal now through March 31!
Packages starting at $229 per person for lodging and ice fishing!
Pick your package and give us a call 800-862-8602 or click here.

(All packages plus tax and based on double occupancy)

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
1/31/2019

Cold Week
It has been a cold week but we are warming up and expect the fishing to do the same. Best bite has been 25’-32’ for chasing down some nice walleyes, saugers and a few perch.  Jigging and dead sticking gold, pink, glow spoons, jigs and plain hooks tipped with a minnow has been working.  

Ice Fishing Trips available through late March! Give us a call to book your trip!

Ice Conditions
We currently have 18”-26” of ice in the areas we fish and travel. If you are venturing out on your own always be sure for your safety to stay on marked trails and roads.

Trail Conditions
Grooming is in progress, trails are in good shape!  For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.  

Plowed Road from Young’s Bay to Lodge in great shape!
Take a drive out. Head out on the road at Jerry’s Restaurant at Young’s Bay and follow the signs.
Bar and Restaurant open daily! The road is plowed nice and wide and in great shape.

Sportsman’s Lodge
1/25/2019

Nice Fish Coming In
Only a little over a couple months left of ice fishing season left. What?! Already?!?  We sure have been having a lot of fun this winter.  Guests have been reeling in nice walleye and saugers. Check out some of the pics from this week!

The best bite continues to be in 25-32 feet as well as some days a few feet shallower depending on the day in the mud flaps and off reefs. Anglers have been finding a bite on and off all day, but noting a morning and afternoon run.  Jigging with a minnow or minnow head using green/white, pink/white or gold jigs, buckshot spoons, lindy glow spoons, plain red hooks, Northland spoons with glow sticks and macho minnows has worked well. Vexilars help catch rates. Bring one along or contact us to reserve a rental.

Ice Conditions
We have 24-26 inches of ice right now in the areas we fish and travel. We are making ice! Ice fishing season at Sportsman’s runs through March 31 and walleye season until April 14.

Trail Conditions
New snow! 5-8 inches of fresh snow now lies on a good base.  Regular grooming is in progress, time to hit the trails! For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.

Plowed Roads
We do not maintain a plowed road ourselves as we supply the transportation for all of our trips to our houses via a groomed trail.  If you are interested in venturing out on your own, there are several roads in the area you can venture out on nearby us. Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay and Morris Point’s road out of Morris point are a few to check out.

Football & Fishing
Join us for a good time Feb 3 & 4. Fishing and lodging packages 2 nights/1 day $229-$267 per person or 2 nights/2 days $299-$337 per person. We will be having our annual Big Game Party Feb 3, during the Super Bowl featuring some great food and drink specials including our ½ price apps 3pm-6pm and door prizes. Come watch the game on our 12 TV’s make it a getaway.  Lodging and fishing available, give us a call to reserve 800-862-8602.

Hook a Midweek Deal now through March 31!
Packages starting at $229 per person for lodging and ice fishing!
Pick your package and give us a call 800-862-8602 or click here.

(All packages plus tax and based on double occupancy)

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
1/24/2019

Two Personal Best Walleyes Caught by Guests Yesterday
A few guests all the way from Georgia reeled in their personal best walleyes yesterday a beautiful 28 ½” and 24”.  All in all not too many changes in the bite from last week.  Deeper the better, 25’-32’ in mud and sand has been good fishing. Walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch are biting.  Jigging and dead sticking gold, red, glow spoons, jigs and plain hooks tipped with a minnow continue to work the best. Vexilars help! Rentals available but be sure to call ahead to reserve.

Ice Fishing Trips available through late March!

Ice Conditions
We currently have 15”-21” of ice in the areas we fish and travel. If you are venturing out on your own always be sure for your safety to stay on marked trails and roads. We have lots of areas with safe ice, but the entire lake never freezes equally and some spots are never fit for travel.

Trail Conditions
5-8 inches of new snow!  Regular grooming is in progress.  For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.  

Plowed Road from Young’s Bay to Lodge in great shape!
Take a drive out. Head out on the road at Jerry’s Restaurant at Young’s Bay and follow the signs.
Bar and Restaurant open daily! The road is plowed nice and wide and in great shape.

Sportsman’s Lodge
1/11/2019

Rolling into mid-January
Seems like the winter just started and here we sneaking up on mid-January. We have seen some really nice fish come up through the ice holes this week.

Temps are decreasing again. Sounds like the temperature gauge is going to dip below zero next week for a stretch.

The guides have been busy moving houses and chasing down the fish. We have been finding the best fishing in a range of depths between 18′-30’. Some hot jig and small spoon colors have been pink/gold, blue glow and a plain hook this week. A mix of dead sticking and jigging with a minnow are good approaches to reel in the fish.  Walleyes and saugers are the main catch along with an occasional eelpout, perch, tullibee or sturgeon.  Action can be sporadic and at times an all-out frenzy so always be sure to check your bait and keep your hooks sharp. Vexilars really help catch rates and underwater cameras do work on Lake of the Woods there is just not a big distance to view, usually about 6”-10” but really cool to watch so if you have one, be sure to bring it along. If you don’t have a vexilar we have a few rentals available. They go quick, so be sure to call ahead to reserve.

Lake of the Woods clinches the Walleye Wars win!
Lake of the Woods Tourism Director, Joe Henry and Devils Lake Tourism Director, Tanner Cherney battled it out on their home lakes on Facebook Live Jan 3 along with special guests for the 1^st head to head walleye war.  Lake of the Woods had a great day and brought home the trophy! Check out the entire recap here.

Ice Conditions
We have 16-22 inches of ice right now in the areas we fish and travel.

Trail Conditions
Black stakes mark the trails from the south shore to Oak Island and NW Angle, south shore to Warroad and Warroad to Oak Island/NW Angle are all marked.  The lake trails got a fresh grooming Wednesday.  Average snow is anywhere from 5”-14”on the lake and more in drifts. For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages.   

Plowed Roads
We do not maintain a plowed road ourselves as we supply the transportation for all of our trips to our houses via a groomed trail, but if you are interested in venturing out on your own, there are several roads in the area.  Be sure to always check with the outfitter for current conditions before heading out as conditions can change and always be sure to stay on marked trails. Be sure to especially exercise caution in areas with current. The entire lake never freezes equally. No travel is advised on the Rainy River at this time.

Here is the latest from a few roads near the lodge.
Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point
Allowing big trucks and houses up to 30’ in length. No 30’+ houses or 5^th Wheel Houses yet.

Morris Point Road out of Morris Point
Ice Road is open to all vehicles and all size wheel houses.

Treat your sweetie in February at Sportsman’s
Relax, Fish and snuggle up with your sweetie in February. Join us February 13 & 14 for a night or two and great fishing. Packages starting at only $152 per person. Plus tax and based on double occupancy.  Midweek trips available. Looking for a weekend trip, we have March weekends available through March 31.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
1/11/2019

Fishing Action
The bite has slowed up a bit the past few days, spotty seems to be the best word to explain it. Some houses doing better than others depending on the time, day and approach. The best bite continues to be in 23’-26’. More walleyes are being found on the rocks and more saugers with a few perch in the sand and mud. Gold, orange, red, pink and white have been working well for jig and spoon colors tipped with a minnow. Dead sticking? Jigging? The best approach varies by the day and many times by the minute.  Your best bet is to do both and see what works for you. We have midweek trips available January-March and weekends February & March. Come have some fun.

Ice Conditions
We currently have 14”-21” of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We have a lot of safe ice and we are making more ice by the day but, the high water and current this year has posed a challenge in the areas with current so far this year so if you are venturing out on your own, be sure to check with resorts and outfitters before venturing out. Many current areas you may be used to traveling are not quite ready for travel yet so alternative routes are advised.

Trail Conditions
The trails from the south shore to Oak Island and NW Angle, south shore to Warroad and Warroad to Oak Island/NW Angle are all marked with black stakes.  Average snow is anywhere from 5”-14”on the lake with more in drifts. Mainly 12”-16” up here on the north side of the lake. Grooming is in progress.  For more information about the trails and latest on the land trails, check out Lake of the Wood’s Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders Facebook pages. 

Plowed Road
The regular plowed road from Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle to us is not quite ready yet due to the current this year.   We have plowed an alternative route for our guests to use from Young’s Bay around the south side of Oak Island until we can gain more ice.  This temporary route will not be marked, so please give us a call prior to visiting so we can lead you out. We are hoping the regular road will be ready to plow within a week.

Come have some fun this winter!
Weekend trips are available February and March and midweek trips available now through March.
It’s ice fishing time! Click here to learn more about our ice fishing packages.