Tag Archives: Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

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.

Oak Island Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

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Daylight Savings Saved the Evening Bite

The switch to daylight savings time came just in time for the fisherman at Oak Island. The evening bite has picked up just as we rolled our clocks forward, and has given fisherman a productive final hour of fishing.

The fish have been a bit slow to bite, but haven’t been picky on what they are biting on.

If you’re planning on fishing this week, let your inner scientist come out, and experiment with a variety of jigs and bait. 22’ to 26’ of water continues to be where the most catchable fish have been staying, and has produced a number of nice-sized walleyes measuring between 15” and 18” as well as some saugers, perch and northern pike.

Trail Conditions

Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. 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.

The warmer daytime temperatures have made for nice riding conditions throughout the area.Take a ride up to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge before we close for the season!

Ice Conditions

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

Ice Road

The ice road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island continues to be maintained. Due to warmer weather conditions, some slush has developed on and around the road, however, there is still a substantial amount of ice along the trail and it is safe for travel.

Fish House Rentals available until late March

Fish House Rentals available until March 22 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Eagle Ridge locations. Sportsman’s Lodge will have rentals available until March 31.  Give us a call to book your late season stay! 800-772-8411

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

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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.

Oak Island Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

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3/6/2014

More sun = More fun!
The bite has been improving.  Nice walleyes, saugers, perch and northern pike have been reeled in this week.  24-26’ of water around structure has been the best bite. Jigging is key.  Don’t let up or you might miss some nice fish!   Pink charmers and gold jigs have been the  tackle of choice tipped with a minnow.

Michael Pautsch 29 inch walleye oak island

Michael Pautsch, reeled in a very nice 29 inch walleye
found 15′ off bottom.

Trail Conditions
Public trails continue to be groomed weekly and as funding allows.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 40+ inches right now.

Ice Road
The ice road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island continues to be maintained and is in great shape. Take a cruise out today.

Fish House Rentals available until late March
Fish House Rentals available until March 22 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Eagle Ridge locations. Sportsman’s Lodge will have rentals available until March 31.  Give us a call to book your late season stay! 800-772-8411

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.

Nice Walleyes and Saugers

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2/12/2014

Nice walleyes and saugers have been caught this week along with a few northern pike. The walleyes and saugers have been good eater size. A few 19”+ walleyes have also been brought up and released as well. The best bite has been in 24’-28’ of water using glow jigs or spoons tipped with a minnow. Keep those glow jigs bright, it helps your success! Vexilar/Fish Finder users also have the best success.

The islands are a great place to be! Come on up and enjoy some winter fun, before it is over! Only 6 weeks left of ice fishing!

Ice Conditions
We currently have 30-34 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Lots of good ice for good ice fishing until 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.

 

 

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report 1/24/2014

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Decent bite this week 28 feet of water jigging with a chubby darter or buckshot tipped with a minnow has been successful this week.  Average size walleyes have been 17-19 inches. Get into the action. We have fish house rentals available until late March. Give us a call 800-772-8411 or reserve online.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 35 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Trail Conditions are good in the area.
The wind and snow we are getting today will make them drifted but the groomers will be out again soon.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The ice road is good. It is nice and wide so even on the windy days it is still open. Come on out.

27 inch walleye
Tom Schaber caught and released this lunker.  27 inch walleye caught on a stop sign lure.
27.5 inch walleye
Tony Edwards from Omaha, NE reeled in and released this big 27.5 inch walleye in fish house #19 in 27 feet water on glow with red dot jig.

 

Don’t let winter pass you by!  

Book your winter ice fishing package today 800-772-8411!

January 24 Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodge

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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!
23 inch walleye
Chad Veer reeled in and released a nice 23 inch walleye.  Nice one!
19 inch walleye
Hunter reeled this nice 19 inch walleye on a gold angel eye. Nice catch!

 

NW Angle/Oak Island and Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

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NW Angle/Oak Island and Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

1/15/2014

Midseason Bite: The best depth this week has been in 26’ of water. More walleyes than saugers have been found with the average size between 16”-19”.  A few northern pike and perch have also been caught this week.  Jigging with a chubby darters and buck shots have been the best tackle.  Vexilars are a great idea to bring along or rent, we notice an increase in fishing success using them.

 

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.

Plowed Road Young’s Bay to Oak Island: Great condition! Take a cruise out!

Tim caught and released a 25.5 inch walleye on a stop sign lure near Oak Island
Tim also caught a 35 inch northern pike near Oak Island

 

Don’t let winter pass you by! Book your winter ice fishing package today 800-772-8411!