Tag Archives: lake of the woods fishing

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 21, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Wednesday, 5/21/14

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Fishing Report

The weather has been heating up, but the fishing is hotter. We can hardly keep up with the big fish that are being caught and released every day!

If you’re looking for fish, you won’t have to look too hard. Anglers have been venturing out to 4-Mile Bay, the Lighthouse Gap and Morris Point Gap to depths between 4 and 17 feet to find their share of walleyes and the occasional sauger. Anchored jigging with gold, pink, pink and white, and white glowing tackle tipped with a minnow or frozen shiner is the preferred method in both the lake and the river. River fishing has been great in areas downstream with a decent amount of current. Sizeable walleyes, northerns and saugers have been pulled in on docks lining the river. If you do want to venture off the docks, fish have been biting in water depths between 6 and 12 feet.

David Trumbl landed this 28.5” walleye with Captain Darryl!	Greg Halleland made the trip from Minneapolis, MN to reel in his catch-of-a-lifetime, a 29.5” walleye! (Released) Greg and his friends were guided by Captain Dave.
Jim Krueger from Kasson, MN caught and released this 29.5” walleye with Captain Dave!	This 27.5” walleye was caught by Brad from Lakeville! Captain Dave guided him to this monster!
Louis told us he had an awesome day fishing, and even reeled in this 26.5” walleye with Captain Darryl!

Check out more pictures on our Facebook page!

Beautiful Weekend Ahead! Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be the perfect start to summer! Click here for the latest forecast!

New Villas are great for family vacations

Beautiful new lodging units are ready for you!

Deals! Deals! Deals!

Only a few days left of our spring specials!

Lodging starting at $40 per person per night at Sportsman’s Lodge for dates through May 22.

We have great rates on lodging and charter fishing packages too! Give us a call 800-862-8602.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 15, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge Fishing Report

For the first time in years, fishermen enjoyed beautiful weather for last weekend’s fishing opener! Oh yeah, the fish were biting too! Boats packed the river and 4-Mile Bay in search of walleye, sturgeon and northern. One outdoorsman estimated seeing over 300 boats in the bay alone.

No one in search of walleye has left the lake empty handed since the opener. Fishermen reeled in walleyes of all sizes throughout the day with frozen shiners topping gold and bright colored tackle. You won’t have to go far to find good fishing. Our guides have had the most luck just a few miles from the lodge.

Sturgeon season has now moved on to catch-and-release, but fishermen have still managed to boat a number of sizeable sturgeon along the river.

If you’re planning a trip for the weekend, you’ll want to make sure your tackle box is filled with bright tackle and some weights. The current in the river remains strong, which makes for some murky water.

Check out some pictures from this weekend’s spectacular opening!

Sam Scalzo, 31” Walleye	Captain Keith’s guests caught and released lots of nice walleyes!
Doug Herold from Omaha, NE caught and released this 28.5” walleye with the help of Captain Dave!	Captain Dave wrangled this sturgeon with the sharp netting skills of Chuck!

New docks!

We have added 9 additional dock slips including a day/short term parking slip. All of the new slips have electricity and now reach the entire waterfront length of our property. To rent a nightly slip give us a call 800-862-8602 for availability or email us at [email protected]

New Villas are great for family vacations

Beautiful new lodging units are ready for you!

Deals! Deals! Deals!

Take advantage of our spring rates through May 22.

Lodging starting at $40 per person per night at Sportsman’s Lodge and $58 at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge.

We have great rates on lodging and charter fishing packages too! Give us a call 800-862-8602

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

May 1, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/30

Sportsman’s Lodge

It’s sturgeon season, and it’s already been one for the record books! Two 100”+ sturgeon have already been caught and released along the Rainy River in the last few weeks! The sturgeon have been on the move, but remain easy to find, which is perfect for our annual sturgeon tournament this weekend. Most of the biggest sturgeon have been found lingering around the deeper depths along the river, and are biting on circle hooks tipped with crawlers and frozen shiners.

Sturgeon Tournament This Weekend

Our 8th annual sturgeon tournament takes place right in front of the lodge this weekend! Stay up to date with the happenings and photos on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages! If you’re fishing in the tournament, be sure to tag us in your photos using #SportsmansSturgeon14.

Make a Date

Don’t forget when each season opens and closes! Here’s a little list for your reference!

Sturgeon: Keep one (within size limits) from now through May 7, and then catch and release again May 8 – 15.
Walleye: Opens for the season on May 10
Northern Pike: Open year round

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.

*Plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing

Prefer to let us find the fish and bring the gear? Our guided outfitter trips are great for spring and fall fishing. Enjoy great river fishing in one of our 18′ or 20′ boats equipped with poles, bait, tackle, experienced guide, assortment of pop and water and fish cleaning. $450 for an all day trip for the boat. Boat holds up to 4 passengers plus the guide.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Have you checked out our beautiful new villas yet? They are brand new and spacious 1-5 bedroom lodging units great for groups of 1-17. Log furniture, fireplaces, beautiful river views, open floor plans and more. Check them out today and make plans to book your summer vacation at Sportsman’s.

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 29, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge
It’s sturgeon season, and it’s already been one for the record books! Two 100”+ sturgeon have already been caught and released along the Rainy River in the last few weeks! The sturgeon have been on the move, but remain easy to find, which is perfect for our annual sturgeon tournament this weekend. Most of the biggest sturgeon have been found lingering around the deeper depths along the river, and are biting on circle hooks tipped with crawlers and frozen shiners.

Sturgeon Tournament This Weekend
Our 8th annual sturgeon tournament takes place right in front of the lodge this weekend! Stay up to date with the happenings and photos on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages! If you’re fishing in the tournament, be sure to tag us in your photos using #SportsmansSturgeon14.

Make a Date
Don’t forget when each season opens and closes! Here’s a little list for your reference!
Sturgeon: Keep one (within size limits) from now through May 7, and then catch and release again May 8 – 15.
Walleye: Opens for the season on May 10
Northern Pike: Open year round

Spring Lodging Special
Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.
*Plus tax, based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing
Prefer to let us find the fish and bring the gear? Our guided outfitter trips are great for spring and fall fishing. Enjoy great river fishing in one of our 18′ or 20′ boats equipped with poles, bait, tackle, experienced guide, assortment of pop and water and fish cleaning. $450 for an all day trip for the boat. Boat holds up to 4 passengers plus the guide.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!
Have you checked out our beautiful new villas yet? They are brand new and spacious 1-5 bedroom lodging units great for groups of 1-17. Log furniture, fireplaces, beautiful river views, open floor plans and more. Check them out today and make plans to book your summer vacation at Sportsman’s.

Mom’s & Fishing
Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our delicious Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 23, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/22

Spring fishing is rockin’! Just over two weeks into the spring fishing season, and we’ve already seen some of the most impressive spring fish ever! The river has produced a number of 64”+ sturgeon, and at least one over 100 lbs! We’ve also seen more than the average amount of trophy walleyes being reeled in and released. Prior to walleye season closing on April 14, a 31”+ walleye, and a few more 27-30” were caught and released along the Rainy River. Fishermen have also been after the elusive pike on the open river. Remember, pike season doesn’t close, so you have lot’s of time to reel yours in!

The Rainy River has now opened up past our docks, into Four Mile Bay. All of the landings between Birchdale and the lodge are also open. This includes both Timber Mill landing (east side of Baudette) and the Wheelers Point landing. The water along the river is a little dirty, but it hasn’t seemed to have any kind of negative impact on fishing. The dam at Little Fork was released on Monday, and has certainly increased the current along the river.

Wheelers Point access is open and ready for the season!

The sun has been shining, and the river has been flowing in front of our docks!

Sturgeon season opens this Thursday, and fishing, river and weather conditions look to be great for the weekend! The keep 1 sturgeon season (within size limits) starts April 23 and goes through May 7, May 8-15 is catch and release. Don’t miss out the season closes May 16-June 30.

Click here for a live look from our docks on the Rainy River!

Lake of the Woods & Oak Island

There is still quite a bit of ice on the lake and around the islands. Fishermen have been heading out for ice fishing from Graceton Beach, and having some luck with tip ups. Ice conditions are changing daily, so before you make your ice fishing plans, make sure you have the most up-to-date ice conditions from the local tourism bureau (218-634-1174)

Weather

The weather this week will have a little bit of everything. From sunshine, to rain, snow and wind, every day will be a bit different. The only constant seems to be temps rising above freezing during the day and dipping down to the 20s in the evenings. Click here for a full 10-day forecast

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online. *plus tax based on double occupancy.

Guided Fishing

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Mom’s & Fishing

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 18, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 4/17

Walleye season may be closed (reopening May 10), but there are still plenty of fishing opportunities in the Lake of the Woods area! Pike season is open year-round, and has been presenting a steady bite of sizeable fish. If you’re looking to land a monster this season, start planning your trip NOW! Sturgeon season is now open for catch-and-release through April 23, and opens up for keeping one fish (within size limits) April 24 through May 7. Sturgeon catch and release continues May 8-15

We’ve been fishing on soft water for less than 10 days, and we’ve already seen more than the average amount of trophy-sized fish reeled in by our guides and guests.

River Conditions

TThe river has continued opening up, and has worked it’s way west every day. As of early this week, the river has opened to the Vidas landing, located approximately 6 miles east of Baudette. Watch our Facebook page for the latest on the river conditions.

Lake Conditions
Ice fishing enthusiasts have had quite the season. Fishermen are still accessing the frozen lake near Graceton Beach, and heading just a few miles out to find a good bite. This week’s cold weather has slowed the fast thawing that occurred last week. However, conditions change daily. For the most up-to-date lake ice and safety conditions, please contact the local tourism bureau.

Spring Lodging Special

Starting at only $40 per person per night through May 22 at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602 or request online.

*plus tax based on double occupancy.

Our New Villas are great for summer vacations!

Mom’s & Fishing

Treat mom to a fishing weekend or maybe a relaxing and quiet weekend in a cabin while you go fishing on Walleye Opener and treat her to our deliciousMother’s Day Champagne Brunch. You will love our vast selection of entrees, desserts, mimosas and more. Lodging starts at only $45 per person plus tax based on double occupancy. Walleye Opener is May 10 and Mother’s Day is May 11.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 9, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report 04-09-14

River Open Update – It’s Time for Spring Fishing
Are you ready? Because spring fishing has officially begun! After a warm and sunny week, the river opened up several miles, and is now open to the Birchdale landing and beyond. Sportsman’s Lodge guide, Dave, fished near Birchdale on Tuesday afternoon, and reeled in a ton of fish ranging from eating sized to wall hangers, and lots of slot sized fish in between! Outfitter trips are now available for the rest of the spring season. Give us a call to book yours!

A fair amount of ice is still covering most of the lake, but a string of warm days has certainly knocked out some of that ice. Ice conditions continue to change on a daily basis, be sure to give us a call before you head up for your trip!

High temperatures will be creep into the 40’s throughout most of the next 10 days, and may even inch into the 60’s on one occasion.

. Click here for a full weather report for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River area.

Come reel in the excitement!
Don’t forget, spring is great for sturgeon fishing! The sturgeon season is catch and release through April 23, and opens up to keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7! Walleye season remains open until April 14 (reopens May 10) and pike season never closes!

Visit our website to download the area boat landing map.

We are open!
Lodging and food is available at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location! Guided Outfitter trips will be available as soon as we get rid of a some more ice. Forecast is warming up. It shouldn’t be long! Lodging as low as $40 per person per night. (plus tax based on double occupancy) Give us a call to book your spring trip 800-862-8062

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 1, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Fishing Report – 04/01/14

That’s a wrap! Sportsman’s lodge has officially wrapped up its 2013/2014 ice fishing season! Thank you to all of our guests for making the trek up to Lake of the Woods to spend some time fishing with us! We had a blast spending our winter with you!

Katie caught this Northern on Lake of the Woods this weekend!

Fishermen have continued to reel 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. Either way, the fish are biting!

Sportsman’s Lodge guides and guests have been fishing 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.

Ice Conditions
We still have plenty of it. We are still sitting on 40+ inches of ice, and, after Monday’s blizzard, a substantial amount of snow.

Sportsman’s Lodge has removed all permanent ice houses from the lake. However, Based on current ice and weather conditions, we expect the ice to remain for a while longer. So, if you still haven’t gotten your ice fishing fix, pack your ice augers and take your own ice fishing adventure.

Rainy River Update
The river is beginning to open up about 15 miles from Birchdale, MN. Birchdale is located approximately 50 miles downstream from Sportsman’s Lodge and the mouth of Lake of the Woods. The Birchdale landing is usually the first one to open for the year in our area. Stay tuned! Once we start warming up, it shouldn’t take too long to deteriorate the river ice and start our soft water fishing season.

Visit our website to download the area boat landing map.

Trail Conditions
Public trails had their last groomings last week, and remain in fair to good condition. The trail markings will be left up until conditions deteriorate.Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails.

Weather
We may officially be in the spring season, but we are a long ways off of spring-like weather. Daytime temperatures will only be climbing into the mid- to upper-30’s throughout the next 10 days, and will drop below the freezing mark to the teens and 20’s during the overnight hours. A slight chance of snow is expected late this week, and again early next week.

Sturgeon! Pike! Walleye! Make plans for April & May soft water fishing!

Excellent sturgeon, walleye and pike fishing will soon be here.

Walleye season is open until May 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

March 26, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Big shoutout to the Bryan “Beef” Sathre group that visited us at Oak Island this weekend! Thanks for sharing your photos!

To book your winter or summer Oak Island adventure, call us at 800-772-8411!

Kevin Workman with his 26” walleye!

Ever wonder what it’s like to fish in a winter storm?

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge is now closed for the winter season. Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location is open and will remain open through the ice breakup season. Thank you for a great season! Give us a call to make your spring, summer and fall trip plans. We open May 9.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

March 26, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

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.