Tag Archives: Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

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.

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

Lots of nice walleyes!

December 27, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

NW Angle/Oak Island Lake of the Woods Fishing, Ice Conditions & Trail Report Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Oak Island, MN www.oakislandlodge.com 800-772-8411

12/27/2013

We have had a great start to our ice fishing season. Nice 14”-18” walleyes with a mix of a 21”-25” once in a while too. 19’-23’ of water jigging using gold and chartreuse 3/8 oz jigs has been working well tipped with a minnow. Swedish pimples, stop signs and buck shots have also done very well in shades of gold and pink. Come for a visit and wet a line!

Ice Conditions Currently we have 16-20 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.

Young’s Bay to Oak Island Ice Road Report The ice road out of Young’s Bay is open. Drive on out. Signs are posted.

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.

It’s Freezing Season

November 15, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Soft water fishing has pretty much come to a close this week. A few hard core anglers are still out, but for the most part we are getting ready for hard water! It is time to start stocking the tackle boxes and re-stringing the poles.

It Won’t Be Long Now!

We have had some real cold nights earlier this week that froze up some ice sheets on the river and some of the larger bays. Unfortunately, most of those have dissipated, but that is typical for this time of year. It is still early. The water is cold and ready! If we can get 10 days of below zero weather that usually sets us up with 10-12 inches of ice to kick off the season. Typically we start ice fishing in early December. It won’t be long, we can’t wait!

Lots of projects are going on at the lodge this fall at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.
Three New Villas are being constructed and in the completion stage. They will be ready to rent in December. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for pictures coming soon! Our 3rd floor of motel rooms is getting a face lift, some new fish houses are being built, landscaping in front the lodge main entrance has been re-done, the lodge was freshly painted on the exterior and new shingles were put on the lodge room wing over the summer too. We are excited to show you are new improvements!

Winter Reservations
If you haven’t made your reservations for winter yet, now is the time! Give us a call Sportsman’s Lodge 800-862-8602, Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge & Eagle Ridge 800-772-8411, Sportsman’s Sleeper Division 218-634-1589 or request online. Ice fishing season starts in is less than a month!

Freezing Up!

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 5-29-13

May 29, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The water is on the rise!

This springs showers have helped raise the water levels in the rainy river and four mile bay area, which has been much needed due to last years dry conditions. Fishing is moving right along as well, walleyes are mostly done spawning and fish are scattering along shorelines and shallow rock reefs not far offshore. Most of the fishing action is taking place lakeside and little pressure on the river due to higher current levels and dirtier water.

Anglers have been successful at many different depths on the lake as of late.

Fish are being caught out in the mud in front of PineIsland anchored in 18’ to 30’ of water using jigs and minnows. Both frozen and live minnows, at times one will out fish another but try them both. Change up your jig colors to find the color they prefer gold and orange are good stand-by colors lately. Also shallow rock just off of shore is holding fish, pulling spinners with crawlers or minnows along the rock will work as well as crank baits.

Hungry? Thirsty? Check out our summer specials!
www.mysportsmans.com

Escape to Sportsman’s this summer!
Lodging, Camping, Guided Fishing Packages, Restaurant, Bar, Indoor Pool, Lake Tours, Conference Center, Dock Slips and much more! http://www.sportsmanslodges.com/

Bob Saunders Fargo, ND 29 1/2 inch Walleye caught while fishing with Capt. Flip on May 26.

Nathan Olsen. 3 yrs old-18 inches. Capt. Dave.

Walleye Opener Results Lake of the Woods 5/13/2013

May 13, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

5/13/2013

Walleye Opener Weekend 2013 Results are in! Walleye Opener 2013 was a cool and windy one, giving anglers a challenge, but some nice ones were found! Check out this nice 25 inch walleye Kelly Moore caught guided by Captain Alan “Flip” Phillippe! Sunday, the weather cleared with 5-15 mph winds and sunny. Still a cool 55 degrees but much nicer and boy did Captain Alan “Flip” Phillippe and his crew get into the walleyes! His group caught a 30”, 27”, and a 28” for big walleyes along with 18 other slot fish (19.5”-28”) and lots of good eater size. What a day! Check out the pictures! It is walleye time!


Jim Jorissen from Little Canada, MN pictured with his 28 inch walleye he caught and released 5-12-2013. Guided by Captain Flip.	James Jorissen from Little Canada, MN pictured with his 27 inch walleye he caught and released 5-12-2013. James also caught a 30 inch walleye too! Guided by Captain Flip.

Kelly Moore reeled in a nice 25 inch walleye opening day! Guided by Captain Flip	Lake Satellite picture 5-12-2013

Anglers are finding some nice walleyes in 12’-16’ of water right now along shorelines and areas with some current. The technique of choice has been anchoring and jigging with a 3/8 oz jig tipped with a minnow. The lake ice is starting to disappear more and more. More hot fishing spots are opening up daily. Check out the latest satellite picture.

Get in on the spring bite. We have a spring lodging special that runs through May 23. Lodging rates starting at only $39 per person per night. Don’t miss out on our Memorial Day Special too! Stay 3 nights and get the 4^th night FREE! This offer won’t last long. www.sportsmanslodges.com Give us a call today 800-862-8602!

Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodges

May 9, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Walleye Opener is in 2 days!
It is time to start reeling in the walleyes! Over 75 miles of open water is right out our front door. Are you ready for some action?

Spring_Walleye_2012_LakeStateFishing.com_1.jpg

Current water temperature has climbed to 45 degrees at our docks, water level is low, and water clarity has improved over the past week with the run off now gone and no precipitation. The current is slow –moderate in speed. The DNR reports the spawn has not occurred yet. We are looking forward to some good fishing this weekend! Guided Outfitter and Charter Trips are still available. We can accommodate groups of 1 or more. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or log on to our website.

The summer walleye limit is now in effect on Lake of the Woods is 4 or sauger/walleye combination of 6 no more than 4 walleyes. One walleye over 28 inches may be kept per angler. All walleyes between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released.


Four Mile Bay & Rainy River are wide open. This is a Picture of the Lighthouse Gap 5-8-2013	Satellite Image of Lake of the Woods 5-8-2013

Morris Point Gap 5-8-2013

Still catching some nice sturgeon Sturgeon “keep one” season is now closed but catch and release season still continues for another week through May 15. Some huge monsters over 70 inches have been reported this past week. A 5/0 octopus or circle hook tipped with night crawlers is working well in the deep holes of the river bottom. Guided Outfitter trips are available 800-862-8602.

The pike bite has been good the past week. This season is continuous on Lake of the Woods and never closes. Zippel Bay, Four Mile Bay and bays up river have been good.

Sportsman’s is your summer fun headquarters. Lodging, Camping, Indoor Pool, Entertainment, Restaurant, Bar, Charter Guide Service, Lake Tours, Conference Center and more! Catch the summer excitement! www.sportsmanslodges.com

Lake of the Woods NW Angle & Oak Island Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Greetings from Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge! Unfortunately we will not be able to open for walleye opener this year due to the ice conditions. We are starting to see some open pockets of water around points, bays and between the docks, but not enough water yet to navigate on a boat. We are hoping for some warmer weather and rain to move in this week and move out the ice soon! At this point we are looking at opening next weekend, May 17 but will know more next week. For sure we believe opening Memorial Weekend will not be a problem. Give us a call to make your summer plans! 800-772-8411.


5-8-2013 Docks	5-8-2013 Docks

7th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament Day 2 Results 2013

May 6, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

5/4/2013
Day 2 Winners of the 7th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament are:
#1$ 1900 Cash – Hunter Deziel from Grand Forks, ND with a 58 1/2 inch length and 24 inch girth

#2 $820 Cash – Tommy Riggs from Shevlin, MN with a 56 1/2 inch length and 21 3/4 inch girth

#3 Custom Rod – Nick Simonson from Marshall, MN 56 inch length and 21 1/2 inch girth

Thanks to all of the particpants! We look forward to seeing you again next year! May 2 & 3, 2014

7th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Tournament Day 1 Results

May 6, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

5/3/2013
7th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Tournament Day 1 Results

It was a cool, 45 degree clear and sunny day for day one of the 7th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Tournament. It is a full tournament, 50 boats and over 100 people participating. The tournament is a two day catch and release tournament. The three longest sturgeon of each day receive prices. First two receive cash and the third a custom built rod. Despite the cool spring, the Rainy River in front of Sportsman’s Lodge where the tournament is held has plenty of open water. Live Entertainment, food and drinks will close out the day. Day 2 starts at 8:30 am and finishes at 3pm. 6pm is the prime rib dinner banquet where the prizes will be given. Fireline Live Band will then take the stage one more time Saturday night to close out the 7th Annual Sturgeon Tournament.
The sturgeon season is open through May 7 and May 8-15 is catch and release season before closing for about a 6 week period of time. Lots of nice sturgeon have been caught this spring and their is still plenty of time to get in on the action. Give us a call to make a quick trip and reel in one of these monsters! 800-862-8602
Official Day 1 Results Sportsman’s 7th Annual Sturgeon Tournament Prizes awarded to the 3 longest fish of each day.
Thanks to all participants we look forward to another exciting day tomorrow!
#1 $1900 Cash – Jim Benson 61 inch length, 23 inch girth approx 53 lbs

#2 $820 Cash – Mark Capouch 60 1/4 inch length, 24 1/2 inch girth approx 56 lbs

#3 Custom Made Rod – Mark Capouch 56 inch length, 21 inch girth approx 41 lbs