Tag Archives: fishing resort

Ice Update 12/7/20

by
Image may contain: sky, ocean, outdoor and nature


Sportsman’s Lodge
Good News! We are gaining ice. We are now finding 6.5-9 inches of ice in most areas we will fish and travel once our season starts but still have some areas we want to take a closer look at. We fought fog today so we will be doing more checks tomorrow once it clears. For snow, we have a dusting of snow on the lake and a couple of inches on the shore. Stay tuned for more information! We are excited to see the forecast is looking colder! Please remember not all areas of the lake have the same ice conditions. Always check with local resorts and outfitters before venturing out. We are looking forward to another fun season! Get your reservations in call 800-862-8602 or click here

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
We are gaining ice at the Northwest Angle too. In our travels between the mainland and Oak Island, we are now finding more areas with 5-7 inches compared to the 3-6 inches last week. Still, areas of less, and we haven’t ventured south yet but we are gaining! Snow, we have just a few inches and haven’t had any measurable precipitation within the last few weeks which we are very happy with at this time of year since it helps the ice making. Stay tuned for more updates! For reservations call 800-772-8411 or click here.

River Update!

by

River Update!

This morning, April 10, from Frontier and Birchdale Landings:

Yesterday afternoon, April 9, from Frontier and Birchdale Landings:

The river is open up to a few miles west of Frontier landing as of today. Approximately 15 miles west of Baudette. Weather forecast although not nearly as warm as last year at this time, is warming up. We will be doing another update Thursday. Stay tuned!

The River Bite
Some getting into a great bite with reports of 50+ fish in a few hours most ranging from 19″-30″ walleyes and 30″+ sturgeon to others struggling to get a dozen. Water is cool hovering around 33-35 degrees and the current is still slow. Walleyes – Gold, pink and orange jigs and plastics have been tackle of choice and shiners. Mix of vertical jigging vs dragging bottom depending on day. Some having the best luck drifting and others anchored. Sturgeon – Gob of worms, on a 4/0 or 5/0 hook and few ounces of no roll sinkers. An added shiner works sometimes too. Sturgeon are being found in deep holes and at the incline of holes along the river.

Seasons
Walleye open through April 14, reopening May 12
Northern Pike open year round
Sturgeon catch and release open through April 23
Keep one within size limits April 24-May 7 and July 1 – Sept 30
Catch & release May 8-15 & Oct 1 – April 23

Ice Fishing
Due to the cool spring, we still have lots of ice on the lake. Extensions are still needed. We don’t have any houses out but if you are interested in venturing out on your own, Morris Point road is open to ATV’s and snowmobiles. For the most to up to date conditions they can be contacted at  218-634-2570.

Join us this spring!
Openings available this weekend and throughout the spring. Lodging starting at $43* per person per night and guided trips available. Charter fishing packages up to 20% off May 11-23. Click here to learn more: www.sportsmanslodges.com/spring

*Plus tax. Minimum rates may apply.

Ice Fishing is Going Strong!

by

Check out the pictures of the week!

The Bite
Mix of vertical jigging and dead sticking in 17’-31’ using Buckshots, Glo Shots, green, gold and yellow jigs and orange and green glow spoons tipped with a chub minnow have been bringing in some fish.  Few nice fish suspended 3’-12’ off bottom too.  Mix of walleyes, saugers, northern pike, tullibee and jumbo perch coming up through the holes.  We have had lots of weather fluctuations again this week.  It looks like the forecast for the week ahead is going to stabilize. That should help the bite!  We consistently see Vexilars or Fish Finders of your choice help catch rate.   Rentals are available if you would like to try one, be sure to call ahead to reserve.

Walleye season is open until April 14 on Lake of the Woods. We plan to have our day houses out until March 31.  You still have time!

Ice Conditions
We have 40+ inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel at this time.  If you decide to venture out on your own, as always be sure to stay on marked trails and roads and check with local resorts before going out.  The entire lake never freezes equally. Stay safe and have fun!

Trail Report
Trails are groomed and staked. For more information check out these links.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

21st Annual Mardi Gras Party is March 24
Visit us for great fishing and a whole lot of fun! Entertainment, beads, free hurricanes, food and drink specials, lip sync and costume contest win $100 CASH and much more. Click here to check out all of the fun we have planned and book your stay and play package today!

Fishing for walleyes and BAM! A Monster Sturgeon!

by

Targeting walleyes and saugers is always our #1 priority in the winter, but Lake of the Woods is an incredible fishery and you just never know what might be looking for something to munch on. Lake of the Woods is home to not only walleyes and saugers but also northern pike, lake sturgeon, tullibee, perch, eelpout, muskie, bass, lake trout and crappies.  Check out some of the pictures from the past week and two monster sturgeons! It is quite a rush to see a 45+ inch fish come through an ice fishing hole!

Bite
The weather continues to be mild and it looks like it will continue for at least through the weekend at this point.  The bite has been fair the past week.  Anglers have been having the most success jigging and dead sticking glow and gold colored jigs, small rippin raps, glo-shots and forage minnows tipped with a minnow. 8am-11am and 2pm-4pm have been some of the best times in a range of depths 16’-29’.  The best depth has really been changing frequently.  The guides are always moving houses and doing their best to stay on the best bite.  If you have electronics, bring them along. We consistently see a lot of success with folks who use them. If you don’t have your own, give us a call ahead of time, we have a few vexilars available to rent.

Ice Conditions
We have a good base of ice of over two feet, 28-32 inches in the areas we fish and travel.  Looking good for March ice fishing! Remember walleye season is open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods and we plan to keep our houses out until the end of March.

Trails
Grooming is in full swing. Groomers caution riders to stay on the trails especially this year with how rough the lake froze; there are a lot of ice chunks sticking up off the trail.  Click below for the latest conditions and more information about the Lake of the Woods area trails.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

Join us for the BIG GAME and GREAT FISHING!
Feb 3-6 Trips available! Click here

Snuggle up with your Sweetie in February at Sportsman’s.
Two night lodging and fishing packages starting at just $215 per person. Can’t make it in February? Sportsman’s gift cards make great gifts! Click here to order yours.
Come see us! 800-862-8602 or [email protected]
*plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Reeling in some nice fish

by

Fishing has been a pretty good week. Some days are better than others of course but overall pretty good. We have noticed a larger percent of walleyes compared to saugers for this time of year in a mix of sizes.  Best depth hasn’t changed much lately, 16’-29’.  Hot tackle has been good old gold and pink jigs but also plain hook and a bobber as well as glow in the dark jigs, buckshots, rattling charmers, gem-n-eyes and forage minnows tipped with a chub minnow. Guide Tip: If you are not finding success, change it up! Change up your approach; try different tackle and electronics help. A mix of jigging and dead sticking is the best approach to start out a day.  Curious what dead sticking is? Click here to read more.

What a day for Christi, one of the Sportsman’s Staff! Caught this Sturgeon today! (1/10)  Fishing with my dad. We had our limit of walleye by 9:15am before hooking into this bad boy. 58 incher on a plain red hook with a fat head. All before coming to work today! Whoo Hoooo!!

Check out these pics!  We love to see your pictures! If you have pictures from a recent stay you would like to share with us, please send to [email protected] or text 218-395-0042.  You might be featured in our next report!

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 24-30 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish and more in some areas where the ice built up during the freeze.  Our ice fishing trips all include transportation to and from the fish house; we do not maintain a plowed road.  If you venture out on your own, Adrian’s Resort and Morris Point Resort have public ice roads near us. Check with them for the latest conditions. Be sure to stay on marked roads and trails.  The lake froze pretty rough this year and the entire lake never freezes equally so as always use caution and check local conditions before going out.

Snowmobile Trail Conditions
The trails are marked and grooming is in full swing.  We received a few inches of snow last night. Windy day today but it sounds like it is going to start settling down later in the day.  The lake froze pretty rough this year so we strongly encourage riders to stay on the trails, go slow and use caution. Lots of ice chunks sticking up off the trails. For more information about the trails click here or contact: Lake of the Woods Drifters and the Northwest Angle Edge Riders.

Lodging & Ice Fishing Packages available through March!
The ice is shaping up great. Walleye season on Lake of the Woods is open through April 14.
We have winter weekends openings in February & March, midweeks open January – March. Two plus night packages starting at $215 per person. Come get your fish on! Book your trip today by calling 800-862-8602 or booking online here.  *plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Football, Beer & Fishing….what else is there?
Join us great fishing and the Big Game Feb 3-6! Reel in some fish, relax and join us for our big game party 14 TV’s,  ½ price apps, drink specials, free apps 5-6pm, giveaways and more!  Lodging and fishing packages available. Contact us today.

The Season Is Heating Up!

by

Water temperatures continue to climb, currently we are at 56 degrees and walleyes are beginning to get more aggressive.  Jigs tipped with a minnow still are producing good numbers of quality fish.  20’ to 26’ seems to be the best depth to be in.  Gold jigs continue to be the best color, but chartreuse and orange have put some good numbers in the boat as well!

Jigging isn’t the only tactic that has produced though!  As those water temps keep getting warmer and warmer, drifting spinners will produce great walleyes.  That time of year is vastly approaching and I am beginning to hear of a few fish being caught on spinners.  If you do decide to experiment and try drifting, gold spinners from 12’ to 20’ is a great place to start!  Leeches, crawlers, or minnows can all work on spinners, and especially this early any one of them could be the hot bait that day!  The spinner bite will only get better through this next month of the season so don’t be afraid to try it!  Good luck and we will see you out there!

Fathers Day is June 18.

Treat dad to a getaway this June at Sportsman’s Lodge. Lodging and charter packages starting at only $249 per person plus tax. (Based on double occupancy) Contact us today 800-862-8602.

5-31-1

5-31-2

5-31-3

A wonderful day on Captain Darryl’s boat with slot fish and limits of fish! Awesome job guys!

5-31w

Off and Running!

by

Walleye season is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited!  We had an awesome first weekend with boats pulling in a lot of nice fish!  Fish are being caught all the way from 14’ to 23’.  Do not be afraid to move around and look for fish!  Jig tipped with a shiner seemed to be the best way to target them with the hot colors being Lake of the Woods classics, pink and gold.  With temps remaining in the high 50s low 60s fishing is looking to stay good this week!  Hope to see you out there!

captmike

What a tough day for Captain Mike.  Trying to take a nice picture but cannot seem
to keep people from catching fish in the background!

fishes

Captain Wes off to a hot start this year with a cooler of nice fish!

nicecatch

Nice Catch!

5-17w

vanstrom

Many of you know Mike Vanstrom, a guide who has been with us in the fall and winter seasons for the past 3 years. When Mike is not at Sportsman’s, Mike can be found in the southwest region of Alaska.

Mike has a love for the outdoors and in the summer season guides outdoor enthusiasts brown bear and moose hunting and king salmon fishing 300 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska on the Nushagak River the world’s largest run of king salmon. You may have recently seen the 9′ bear that is in our lobby Mike guided a customer to bag recently. If you are looking for an Alaska adventure check out Mike’s website.