Tag Archives: lake of the woods fishing

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!

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Fishing Report

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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
24 inch walleye caught by a member of the Mike Scheel group in one of our sleeper shacks. (released)
25 and 24 inch walleye
Joe Hannan reeled in and released a nice 25 and 24 inch walleye. Joe is pictured here with the 25.

Celebrate Dad at Sportsman’s Lodges in June

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Celebrate Dad in June at Sportsman’s Lodges 

Looking for a gift for Dad? How about a Fishing Package, Gift Certificate or a New Sportsman’s Hat!
Spend the weekend with dad at Sportsman’s Lodge!  

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River Location  Lodging & Fishing Package
Book a 3 nights lodging, 2 days charter fishing and 8 meals package for only $530* per person. Or come midweek for $508* per person.

Bring the whole family – kids 16 & under stay for $376*!

Lodging Package – 3 nights lodging in a two bedroom cabin $660* for the weekend for up to 6 people.

Musical Entertainment

Dining Specials Friday – Surf & Turf Special Saturday – Chef Special Sunday – Breakfast – Kids eat free! (12 and younger) Receive a free Kid’s entree with the purchase of an adult entree. Dinner – Buy one appetizer, get a 2nd of equal or lesser value 1/2 off

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Location

Lodging & Fishing Package – 3 nights lodging, 2 days guided outfitter fishing and 8 meals $652* per person based on 3 people.

Lodging Package – $63-$68 per person per night.

Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge
Book a 5 night stay – Pines $240*/pp based on 2 person min, Cedar $255*/pp based on 4 person min.

Let us do the work so you can sit back, relax and reel in the fish! Call to at 866-533-8998 book your Father’s Day Pacakge at the Sportsman’s! Celebrate Dad! Father’s Day Weekend or any weekend this summer.

We have gift certificates too! Always the right size, color and price! Click here now to order yours online today!

*All rates plus tax and based on double occupancy. 

Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodges

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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?

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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.

Gap_5-8-2013.jpg 5-8-2013_Satellite_Image.jpg
 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_5-8-2013.jpg 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.

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

Ice Conditions Update 11-26-2012

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11/26/2012

Good Morning Ice Fishing Fans!
We have the first signs of ice on the lake! Last night we dipped down to -4 with a wind chill of -15.  The week ahead is calling for lows in the single digits and highs in the teens and twenties. We are making ice!  At this point based on what we know we could be out fishing with 12 inches of safe ice by as early as Dec 8. Stay tuned for our next update at the end of the week!  If you are planning on venturing out on your own, we are in no way advising anyone to go out yet. This is our first signs of some decent ice, which is probably merely an inch or less.  This time of year the conditions can change quickly. No sense it rushing it, it will be here before we know it! Stay safe and start polishing off your fishing rods ice time is soon here!

Fire
In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day some of our vehicles and trailer we use for early ice were lost in a fire. The cause is yet to be determined at this point.  This of course was very disheartening to us but we were thankful no one was hurt. We want all of our guests to know that this WILL NOT delay our ice fishing season. Our phenomenal staff, friends and neighbors have pulled together and we plan to start the year as planned as soon as we have safe ice.

Check out some of the pictures of the start of the ice formations taken this morning. We hope to get a satellite picture this afternoon of the lake. So be sure to log on to our Facebook page or website later today.

Front of Lodge Four Mile Bay (place where we
access the lake early in the year)
Four Mile Bay (place where we
access the lake early in the year)		 Graceton Beach
A south shore view of Lake of the Woods

11/26/2012

Good Morning from Oak Island!
We dipped down to zero last night and the bay in front of the lodge closed up and we have a layer of ice as far as we can see. The weather forecast looks cool in the week ahead. We are looking forward to some good ice making weather! We usually start about a week later than the Sportsman’s Lodge location, so around the 15th is in our sights at this point. Stay tuned for more updates to come!

Walleye Opener 2012 in 9…8….7…. days and counting!

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We are enthusiastically waiting for Walleye Opener 2012! Opener this year is Saturday, May 12.  We have had very good fishing the past three years and are looking forward to once again another excellent year here on Lake of the Woods.  The DNR has done a great job at maintaining and growing our fishery over the years.  Many long time guides continue to say they have not seen the fishing like this in years if ever.  The walleye and sauger population is in great shape and continues to thrive.  The large lake specialist, Tom Heinrich from the DNR said in a recent St Cloud Times article that the sturgeon population in his estimation is one of the largest in the country.  We also have one of the highest trophy pike populations in the state as well. We are very happy with where the fishery is at and headed at this time and are looking forward to another great summer!

Rainy River & Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 4-25-2012

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Rainy River & Lake of the Woods South Shore
Fishing Report 4-25-2012

It’s Sturgeon Time! Limited Time Only! Only 20 days left! Don’t miss out!
Check out this picture of one of the healthy sized ones caught recently. Riley Tarsi guided by Captain Keith reeled in and released a nice 61 inch sturgeon this past weekend.

Check out this entertaining video of the sturgeon action Jake & Aaron from Bemidji Outdoors had recently.

The details…..
Areas from one mile up river from the lodge through Four Mile Bay have been producing some nice sturgeon.  Quite a few are being caught right out in front of the lodge. It is a blast watching from our front window these prehistoric monsters being caught daily.  The water temperature has come up a little bit over the past week; we are sitting around 45 degrees right now, typical for this time of year.  Even though it was a early spring the weather the past few weeks overall has been quite cool keeping the temperature water low.

The depth to hook into one of these monsters is all over the board really 16′, 21′ and 40′.  Depth doesn’t seem to be the biggest factor, than finding a hole in the river bottom is.   Sitting at the edge of a hole so the current will pull your hook into the hole where the sturgeon lurk seems to be a successful approach.  If after a half hour or so you are not getting anything adjust your anchor by moving closer or further away, even sometimes 3 feet can make all of the difference.  Once you hook into a good one you better have ate your Wheaties, they will fight you for it, sometimes up to 1-2 hours.  Size 5-6 circle hooks and a 2 oz no roll weight works best tipped with night crawlers work best to lure them in.  Only 20 days left of the spring season, April 24-May 7 you can harvest one within size limits if you purchase a sturgeon tag (only $5) along with your Minnesota fishing license and May 8-15 you can catch and release before the season ends for a month and half time reopening July 1 again. We anticipate the bite to be good right through to the end of the season.  We still have some openings for lodging, camping and guided trips too! Give us a call! 800-862-8602 or contact us online here.

Check out the recent article in the St. Cloud Times more about the phenomenal sturgeon we have here. According to local DNR Large Lake Specialist, Tom Heinrich, in his estimation Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River has one of the largest sturgeon populations in the country!
Read all about it here….

Pike Bite
The best pike bite continues to be in the Zippel Bay & Four Mile Bay area lately.  Anchored with dead bait has been best.

6th Annual Sturgeon Tournament is next weekend!
May 4 & 5 is our annual sturgeon tournament. One boat spot remains available. Give us a call to book your spot. Entry fee is only $70 per person and includes a prime rib awards banquet dinner.  Live Entertainment and prizes up to $4800 in mostly cash will be given away over the two days. Always a great time!

 

Latest Ice Conditions Lake of the Woods, MN 11-16-2011

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Latest Ice Conditions Lake of the Woods, MN 11-16-2011

Latest Ice Conditions
The bays are starting to freeze and we had some shore ice on the river this morning.

The forecast this week looks cold, lows in the single digits. We received a blanket of snow last night.  It is beginning to look like winter!  It won’t be long and ice fishing season will be here. At this point we are looking at Dec 10 to start our season. We just need 10 days of zero degrees and we will have 12 inches of ice to start fishing right outside of Pine Island.  First ice is usually one of the best times of year! Be sure to check out our new 5 bedroom, 4 baths Villa available starting early December on facebook!  Get your reservations in now 800-862-8602. For rates & packages click here.  

Christmas Shopping…we’ve have you covered!
Check us out online for all your favorite Sportsman’s attire, gift items and that item that always is the right color, price and size, a Sportsman’s Lodges gift certificate. Remember you can use our certificates at any of our three Sportsman’s Lodges locations.

New Years!
Ring in the New Year, Sporty’s style! We are always game for a party and this year will once again be a blast. Choose our Rainy River location or our Oak Island location for fun and relaxation.  Sportsman’s Rainy River, we will be having live entertainment, a special one night only menu, party favors, champagne and always a whole lot of fun.  How about ringing in the year island style?  Sportsman’s Oak Island will be featuring dinner specials, party favors, and champagne. Make your reservations today 800-862-8602, space is limited so don’t delay.

Frost Fest is this weekend!
Enjoy family fun at Frost Fest 2011! Saturday, Nov 19 in Baudette. Stay with us and take in the festivities. Huge Craft Fair, Turkey Bingo, Holiday Light & Fish House Parade, Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Magic Show, Fireworks & more! http://www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/pdfs/frostfest.pdf $39 pp per night lodging special.  Give us a call to book your stay and join in the fun! 800-862-8602 http://sportsmanslodges.com