Good fishing!

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January 14, 2015

Good fishing!
A mix of jigging and dead sticking right on bottom in 24’-28’ using gold jigs or Swedish pimples tipped with a minnow has been very successful this week!  Anglers have been reeling in nice 14”-18” walleyes, as well as a mix of nice perch, sauger and 38” fat northern pike was also caught this week.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 20”-24” of ice in the areas we travel and fish.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The ice road is in great shape and marked. Watch for our signs. Take the 9 mile venture out and come for a visit.

Snow & Trail Report
We currently have about 12 inches of snow in the area. Trails are being groomed weekly.  We could use some more snow for ideal conditions but the trails are improving.

 We ice fish until late March!

Make your reservations today 800-772-8411 www.oakislandlodge.com

Great bite!

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Ice fishing has really picked up the past week. We are seeing lots of nice 15”-16” walleyes along with a few saugers, nice jumbo perch and northern pike. Jigging with gold, pink or macho minnow #29 in 22’-29’ of water has been hot! A few anglers have also had success dead sticking so we recommend trying a little of each and don’t forget your vexilar or reserve one from us. They really help your success!  Great fishing is only a few miles from the lodge. Choose our meal plan or order a lunch the night prior for a hot lunch delivered right to your house. It’s prime time ice fishing time! Give us a call to reserve your trip now through late March.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The ice road is in great shape and marked. Watch for our signs. Take the 9 mile venture out and come for a visit.

Snow & Trail Report
We currently have about 5-8 inches of snow in the area. The lake trail from Oak Island to Baudette will be groomed today or tomorrow.  We are below average in snowfall this year so far but after last week’s 5 inch shot it is improving. Be sure to watch for bare spots from drifting.

 We ice fish until late March!

Make your reservations today 800-772-8411 www.oakislandlodge.com

The catching is picking up!

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There is no denying that the first part of the year when the fishing is usually popping has been tough this year. Muddy waters has been one theory and the guides have been working hard daily for the past 5 weeks moving houses and trying to find the best bite.  Finally the tide is changing! We have found good ice and clearer water. The bite is picking up! Varying depths between 21’-30’ have been good outside of Pine Island and some points farther north. Jigging 4-6 inches off bottom with gold jigs, macho minnow super glo goldfish #29 and chartreuse/gold jigs tipped with a minnow have been working well.  Vexilars certainly help, bring your own or reserve one to rent. A 50/50 split walleye and sauger mix has been the norm. Nice 14”-18”, several small ones (great news for years to come and they are fun to catch) along with a few slot walleyes (19.5”-28”). An occasional eelpout or tullibee is also coming up the holes lately. The weather forecasts for the week are partly cloudy highs slightly above or below zero and mainly clear except for a chance of snow Thursday.

dalek

Ice Conditions
Weather has been cold the past week and half and we are making some good ice to keep us running right through the end of March! Unlike most of the state, we can have our houses out until March 31 and normally the ice is real good right until the end. Currently we have 22”-26” of ice in the areas we travel and fish. Extensions are on the augers!

Ice Road at Four Mile Bay
If you choose to go out on your own, the ice road is open and all vehicle sizes are allowed however safety first! Stay on the marked road. Not all areas of the lake have the same amount of ice on them.

Snow & Trail Report
Five inches of snow fell last week. Currently we have 4-7 inches in the area. The lake trails (Baudette to Oak Island and Baudette to Warroad) will be groomed today or tomorrow based on weather conditions. The trails will certainly improve after this but use caution as there are still some bare spots and like always pressure ridges. More snow is needed before the land trails can open.

Live Band! Super Bowl Party & Valentine’s Day Specials
We have lots of events planned to keep you entertained. Check out our entertainment page!

Only have a day or two available?
Make a quick trip! We have one night/one day ice fishing trips available Jan 7, 22 & Feb 1. $142 per person plus tax for one night lodging in a lodge room or cabin and a full day of ice fishing including the fish house, transportation to and from the house, use of jig sticks, jigs, bait and fish cleaning or add meals for $190. Book today 800-862-8602 www.sportsmanslodges.com

Lake of the Woods South Shore Ice Conditions & Fishing Report

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January 2, 2014

Below Zero, anyone?

Lows below zero and highs in the low teens have made its way North. But when you fish with us, there is no need to fear the cold. We provide heated transportation to a heated fish house so you can stay warm from start to finish. History has shown that when the colder weather sets in, the fish go deep. The guides have been moving houses daily to find the best bite. We have houses in varying depths between 21′-28′ to keep on the best bite.  The bite has been spotty, but they are out there.  Hammered gold or pink jigs tipped with a minnow or shiner seem to be getting the bite from either saugers or walleyes. Keep the line active so you can get in on the action. Vexilars help your success and don’t be afraid to change up a jig now and then.

nathankennedy

Nathan Kennedy, 23” walleye, released
December 2014

Ice Conditions
Ice conditions range anywhere from 18”-22”. We haven’t had but a dusting of snow in the last few weeks so we continue to make good ice.

Our report is based on the areas we travel and fish. Please keep in mind the entire lake does not freeze equally. If you venture out on your own, we urge you to follow marked trails and know the latest conditions. All of our fish houses are on groomed trails not accessible by wheeled vehicles. More peace and quiet and better fishing.

joelkuester

Joel Kuester with the Hannan Party
26 ½” walleye, released
December 20, 2014

Four Mile Bay Ice Road
The ice is around 20 inches plus thick so at this time, they are allowing most everything out on the lake. If you have an extreme oversize vehicle or wheelhouse, you will want to call and double check before heading out.

Trail Conditions

Lake Trails
The Lake Trails are all marked.  Once there is enough snow, the trails will then be groomed.

Land Trails
Right now, it’s basically a waiting game for the snow to arrive so that the trails can be groomed. For the latest information, please click here.

7 New Villas are available now
!Check them out and make your reservations today! They are in high demand, so don’t wait too long!

Oak Island Ice Conditions & Fishing Report

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January 2, 2014

Anglers have been reporting catching their limits in depths around 24’. Pink, white or green jigs tipped with minnows or shiners have been getting results. The morning bite or right before dark is bringing anglers their best success.

Ice Road is open!
The ice road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island is plowed and open.

Snowmobile Trails
Lake Trails – All lake trails are staked except The Angle to Warroad. The snowmobile trail has been moved and marked around the cracks around Garden Island and Knight Island. If you venture off the trail, be advised there are some pressure ridges around the lake. Grooming is dependent upon snow.

Looking for a job?

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Sportsman’s Lodges on Lake of the Woods has many positions open throughout the year. Whether you are looking for part time, full time, seasonal or year round, work where you play! Sportsman’s Lodges are family run resorts offering competitive pay, discounts and housing at the top of the nation, Lake of the Woods, MN. Click here for the current openings and application. Click here.

Sauger Facts – Did you know?

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The sauger is a relative of the walleye. It is often mistaken for a walleye. They can be distinguished from the walleye by the distinct spots on the dorsal fin, the lack of the white splotch on the caudal fin, by the rough skin over their gill and by their darker color (almost black) in some regions. The sauger is also smaller than the walleye. Typically, a sauger will range from 9-15 inches and are less than 1 pound. Sauger can be found throughout the year in Lake of the Woods but winter especially January through March they are caught the most.

The bite is getting better!

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21’-28’ of water, a 50% walleye, 50% sauger mix has been found. A plain hook or orange and green jigs tipped with a minnow have worked best.  Jigging is the key. You have to work at it. Dead sticking is not working right now.  Once you feel a good bite, set the hook! Vexilars always seem to help angler’s success. Bring one along or reserve one at the front desk.

Jake Hayward, WI 27.5 inch walleye released

Jake Hayward, WI 27.5 inch walleye released

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 14-19 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish. The week it was warm but we lost no ice. We only dealt with some slush and water on top of the ice. The good news is the temperatures today have dipped. Highs in the teens today and starting tomorrow along with the week ahead we are supposed to get lows below zero. Most of the slush and water has froze. We will make ice quick as we have no snow at this time. Ice fishing season is in full swing!

Sunnie, 26.5 inch walleye released

Sunnie, 26.5 inch walleye released

Trails
Lake trails from Baudette to Oak Island and Baudette to Warroad are marked. We have minimal snow so the trails are in poor condition. Also use caution when crossing pressure ridges as the fluctuation in the temperature will make these ridges move. The land trails are closed at this time due to lack of snow. Hopefully we will get some snow soon!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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A good afternoon bite has been going on in a variety of depths between 18’-28’ of water. Anglers have been catching many good eating sized and small walleyes. Swedish pimples and gold jigs tipped with a minnow have worked well. Vexilars always seem to help angler’s success. Rent one from us or bring one along.

Ice Conditions
The ice got a little sloppy the past week but we have lost no ice. Today quite a bit of the slush has froze. We have 14”-15” of ice in the areas we travel and fish. Starting today we have been getting colder. Currently it is 14 degrees but with the wind chill factor we are sitting at -1. The forecast is calling for lows below zero in the week ahead. This forecast is great for our ice conditions!

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The ice road is open and plowed. Come on out!

Trails
Lake trails are marked from Baudette to Oak Island and Baudette to Warroad. The trails are in poor condition. We have just a dusting of snow. If you decide to venture out, watch out for the pressure ridges. The fluctuation in temperatures makes them move. The ridge just south of Garden Island especially has been an issue. We are hoping January gives us cooler stable temperatures and some snow to shape up the trails.