Tag Archives: lake of the woods minnesota

Oak Island Lodge NW Angle & Oak Island Fishing, Ice & Trail Report

by

Fish On!
The season has started and the fishing has been good!  Jigging gold and pink jigs with a minnow have been successful at reeling in some nice 13”-18” walleyes and a few 12”-15” saugers. We have seen some nice northern pike too in the 25”-32” range caught while targeting walleyes. The best depths have been between 21’-28’. Mornings and late afternoons have been best. Depth finders help too! If you would like to give one a try, give us a call to reserve one to rent.

Ice Conditions
We currently have 8-11 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Ice Road
The ice road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island is in the process of being plowed and marked but only out to Brush Island at this point. Hopefully with the cold snap in the forecast next week we will see the road come out to us soon.  To schedule a ride out to the island give us a call 800-772-8411.

Snowmobile Trail Conditions
The trail from Young’s Bay to the lodge has been marked.  Many other trails around the Northwest Angle and to Oak Island have been marked as well.  Click here for the most current information.  The trail across the lake from Pine Island to Oak Island is marked and was groomed Sunday, January 3. 7-12 inches of ice is reported. To get to Pine Island use the Adrian’s road out of Four Mile Bay and once you get to Pine Island follow the black stakes north.  Please stay on the trail. Conditions vary off the trail.  The crew is checking and hopefully marking the trail from Pine Island to Warroad this week. Stay tuned! For land trail information around the Baudette area click here

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall Sportsman’s has it all!
Book your next trip today! Call 800-772-8411 or click here to book online.

South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing, Ice & Trail Report

by

Greetings and Happy New Year from the Sportsman’s Lodge Family

WE ARE ICE FISHING!!  This winter has been one of the most unusual winters in recent history and we are proud of our ice guides who have put safety at #1.  The guides have spent hours checking ice thickness, flooding low spots, and packing trails to make sure our fisherman have the best experience possible on the big pond.

Fishing has been good-very good since we started fishing a little over a week ago.  Many reports of nice eater fish being caught in the 22’-28’ of water range.  The big fish are starting to show up with some reports of the higher end slot fish being hooked then released.  Jigging with a Buckshot Rattle Spoon or Forage Minnow Spoon in either red glow or gold, have enticed many saugers and walleyes this past week.  The most active fish seem to be chasing these jigs up to about a foot off the bottom of the lake.  Another presentation, the dead stick or bobber fishing technique has been taking the passive or non-aggressive fish with glow jigs tipped with minnows.  Set these lures within 8” of the bottom of the lake and make sure you recharge them to glow bright all the time.

It helps to have electronics with so the use of a depth finder comes in real handy when these schools of fish come through.  If you need to a depth finder, we have them available at the lodge to rent.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have anywhere from 10-12 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish.

Venturing out on your own?
We highly encourage you to please check with local resorts or bait shops before going out and stay on the marked trails.  The lake does not freeze equally. The Rainy River and high current areas are not safe. Safety first!  Adrian’s Road out of Four Mile Bay 12 miles north of Baudette off Hwy 172 and Morris Point road 16 miles north of Baudette have 8-11 inches of ice and are open to ATV’s and Snowmobiles only at this time. Hopefully the cold snap forecasted next week will make us some ice so larger vehicles can be used soon.

Snowmobile Trail Conditions
The trail across the lake from Pine Island to Oak Island is marked and was groomed Sunday, January 3. 7-12 inches of ice is reported. To get to Pine Island use the Adrian’s road out of Four Mile Bay and once you get to Pine Island follow the black stakes north.  Please stay on the trail. Conditions vary off the trail.  The crew is checking and hopefully marking the trail from Pine Island to Warroad this week. Stay tuned! Many trails at the Northwest Angle and to Oak Island have been marked. Click here for the most current information.  For land trail information around the Baudette area click here

Lodging & Ice Fishing Packages available starting at only $142 per person!
One night/One day packages available Jan 10, 14 & 20. Two plus night packages starting at $193 per person available late January through March 31. Book your trip today by calling 800-862-8602 or booking online here.

Oak Island Ice, Fishing & Trails Report

by
We are opening for the season Dec 31!
The bar, dining and lodging will be open Dec 31 and Jan 1 will be our first day of fishing. We have 8-9 inches of ice on the trail from Young’s Bay and in the areas we fish. We have 6 inches of snow. Continued flooding and packing of the trails will continue to be done to help build more ice quicker. We expect gold and pink jigs to be hot tipped with a minnow! Get ready for some fun!

New Year’s Eve Celebration
Join us for king crab legs & prime rib specials, our full menu, champagne and lots of fun. For reservations call 800-772-8411 or click here.

Trails
Young’s Bay/NW Angle to Oak Island trail has 8-9 inches of ice. At this time we are transporting guests via jeep rigs to the island until the ice road is ready hopefully within a week. The snowmobile club will be staking the trail soon. For directions or questions please give us a call 800-772-8411.

South Shore to Oak Island
The lake trail from Pine Island on the south shore to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge on Oak Island, 40 miles north will be marked today. 6-8 inches of ice is reported and 4-6 inches of snow. Snowmobile traffic allowed only at this time. To access the trail, take Adrian’s road 12 miles north of Baudette off Hwy 172 at Four Mile Bay and travel to Pine Island. From Pine Island follow the black stakes north. We hope to get the trail packed well over the next few days and build more ice for heavier equipment to use soon.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to the lodge
The crew is busy checking ice daily. Hopefully within a week the road will be ready. Stay tuned!

Lake of the Woods South Shore Ice, Fishing and Trails Report

by

Ice Report
We have started our season! Day houses started Dec 28, Sleeper houses start today and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge will open tomorrow. Currently we have 8-11 inches of ice on the lake and 7-10 inches of ice on the bay where we travel and fish on the south shore.

If you decide to venture out on your own, please check with the resort that maintains the public trails and roads you are accessing before doing so and stay on the trails. The high current areas and Rainy River are not safe yet. We use a private road and do not travel these areas. Safety first! We are continually packing and flooding areas we travel and fish to build more ice.

Public Roads: Adrian’s is reporting their road at Four Mile Bay access is open to ATV’s and snowmobile at this time. Seven plus inches of ice is on the trail on the bay and more on the lake. There is still very thin ice in places in the bay so stay close to the trail if you go out. Morris Point road at Morris Point is open to ATV’s and snowmobiles at this time. 5-8 inches of ice is reported. Please stay on the trail, conditions varies.

It’s Fishing Time!
The first day of our season many anglers enjoyed an active walleye and sauger bite! Depths between 17’-25’ was best jigging using a gold jig, rattling stop sign lure or plain hook tipped with a minnow just a few inches off bottom. Walleyes and saugers varying from 10-25 inches were caught. Check out these pictures!

25 inch walleye caught & released
on a gold jig by Mark Britton 12-28-15		 Catching Fish!
Connor reeled in this nice eater
size walleye on a plain hook
and minnow 12-28-15. Nice fish Connor!		 20.5 inch walleye caught on a
gold jig by Bill Resch 12-29-2015

Trails
The lake trail from Pine Island on the south shore to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge on Oak Island, 40 miles north will be marked today. 5-8 inches of ice is reported and 4-6 inches of snow. Snowmobile traffic allowed only at this time. To access the trail, take Adrian’s road 12 miles north of Baudette off Hwy 172 at Four Mile Bay and travel to Pine Island. From Pine Island follow the black stakes north. We hope to get the trail packed well over the next few days and build more ice for heavier equipment to use soon.

Land trails
Click here for the latest updates.

Sleeper Fish Houses
Open for the season! Make your reservations today.

New Year’s Eve Party Sportsman’s Lodge

by

New Year’s Eve Party Sportsman’s Lodge

 

ny.JPG
It’s a New Year Celebration at Sportsman’s Lodges

Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River Riverside Dining Room will feature a special on night only menu including these delicious selections and a complimentary glass of champagne with each entree.

Appetizers: Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Onion Rings, Walleye and Steak Bites

For the main entree: Shrimp Scampi, Walleye, Crab Legs, Ribeye Steak, Prime Rib, Whiskey Sirloin and Stuffed Shrimp Combo, Stuffed Shrimp, Fall off the bone BBQ Ribs, Seafood Pasta, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Pork medallions and Chicken Tetrazzini.

Don’t forget dessert! Indulge in Cheesecake, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, Cheesecake and Sundaes.

Fireworks.png

Serving Dinner from 5pm til 10pm – Dinner reservations are suggested

Enjoy your entrée with our soup and salad bar and favorite
cocktail or wine from our bar.

Looking for a lighter fare? The Sandbar will be serving appetizers, sandwiches and burgers all day until 10pm.

  • Dancing & Entertainment
  • Live Entertainment by Fireline
  • Party Favors
  • Champagne Toast
  • Good Friends & Holiday Cheer!

How about New Year’s Island Style at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Succulent King Crab & Slow Roasted Prime Rib Special

Serving Dinner from 6pm til 9pm – Dinner reservations suggested.

Party Favors • Champagne Toast!

Lodging & Fishing packages available. Space is limited so click here to book your trip today or call (866) 533-8998!

P.S. Christmas gift idea! Always the right color, size and price! Sportsman’s Lodge gift certificate.

 

Top Ten Reasons to visit Sportsman’s this August!

by

Looking for the perfect vacation destination? Here are the top ten reasons to visit Sportsman’s this August!

1.  Excellent fishing and no equipment or experience required!

From the beginner to the seasoned pro, Sportsman’s located in the heart of the walleye capital of the world offers the best fishing around. If you like catching big walleyes, July & August are the best months to find catch big walleyes!

2. New VillasSportsmans Lodge Lake of the Woods

And with a multitude of accommodation options to choose from, including charming lodge rooms, well-equipped cabins, and our new private villas, you’re sure to love everything about Sportsman’s!  Rent these accommodations by the night or the week.

3. Entertainment

Enjoy our live musical entertainment in our bar and restaurant,

4. Indoor Pool 

Stroll along the beach at neartby Zippel Bay State Park, or relax at Sportsman’s indoor pool or hot tub.

5. Awesome Views

Let your worries drift away as you take in the beautiful views and rich history of the area on one of our lake tours.

6. Three Locations

Three locations to choose from: Sportsman’s Lodge located 12 miles north of Baudette, MN, Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge & Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge located on Oak Island near the Northwest Angle of Minnesota.

7. Game Room

Walleye Sportsman’s Lodge Lake of the Woods

Both youth and adults will enjoy our game rooms that feature a variety of games.

8. Three Dining Venues

Great food with great prices, sample all the menus in our 3 dining venues.

9. Area Activities

Whether you are looking to spend time on the water, enjoy a great game of golf, stroll along the beach at the Zippel Bay State Park or shop in local Baudette, there is something for everyone at Sportsman’s Lodges.

10. Lodging and fishing packages starting at only $232 per person! 

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call at 866-998-7280 or click here to book online.

There’s a Rich History in Lake of the Woods!

by

There’s a Rich History in Lake of the Woods!

The history of the area goes back eons. During the Ice Age, four major ice sheets covered northern Minnesota. When the glaciers withdrew, a lake formed between the height of the land to the south and the ice walls to the north. Known as Glacial Lake Agassiz, it submerged the county as well as part of the rest of Minnesota, North Dakota and a large portion of Canada. Eventually this lake shrank to leave the Lake of the Woods as a remnant body of water. The waters of the Lake of the Woods, like those of Lake Agassiz, flow north to empty into Hudson Bay. Lake of the Woods is the biggest lake in Minnesota hosting 14,000 islands & 1 million acres of water stretching from Minnesota into Canada.

Native Americans, especially the Anishinaabe (Chippewa) band in more recent years were the first known settlers to the area. The area was explored by voyageurs, trappers, traders, missionaries and more that were intrigued by the beauty and potential of the area.

The lake area also attracted loggers and commercial fishermen. The sport fishermen came last, but have staked the biggest, most sustainable claim on the Lake. Commercial netting was ceased back in the 1970’s on the Minnesota side of the Lake and the sport fishing has become consistently more productive with a healthy population of good eating size walleyes and breeding stock. Click here to learn more about Lake of the Woods.

It’s Firkin Tapping Time Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN

by

It’s Firkin Tapping Time Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN

Third Street Brewhouse is here with free craft beer samples 4pm-6pm and will be tapping a firkin at 6:30pm. This firkin is a pale ale jalapeno and raspberry infused beer, dockside. We will also be having food and drink specials in the Sandbar! Come early and stay late! Cold Shot will be playing all of your classic rock favorites 9pm-1am Friday & Saturday.http://sportsmanslodges.com/fourth-july/

firkin beer tapping

What is a firkin?

A firkin is a unit of measure and also the size of a particular kind of keg used for cask conditioning; one quarter of a barrel, 72 pints, 9 imperial gallons. Firkins can be wooden or metal. The most curious thing about them is the manner in which they are tapped. As you can see, in order to keep air out, the keg is laid on its side and the spout is driven in horizontally. It can get a bit messy if not done correctly.

A breathing tube is inserted in the bung which is now on top to enhance the flow of beer using only gravity. CO2 is not used to carbonate or push the beer out.  Thus you get a naturally fermented and carbonated beer in a small batch. Many think beer tastes much better this way. In fact, there are entire beer festivals dedicated to only Cask Conditioned beers.Stop by and try this delicious infused pale ale. Friday, July 3 at 6:30pm!