Tag Archives: lake of the woods

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 5-22-13

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Warm Weather Heats up the Walleye fishing!

The week started off with nice weather and great fishing. Captain Keith Ayers capitalized on the opportunity and caught some nice fish including this 28 inch walleye. Some of our guest enjoyed the great conditions including Bronson, who just turned 13, showing off one of his nice walleyes. Windy cool weather moved into the area by the weekend and made things a little more challenging, but fishing was still good for the conditions given. More eating size fish seems to be the theme later in the week, which would indicate that a lot of males are on the move down river.

Walleyes are still being found up shallow in 12’-16’ of water and some fish being caught in as little as 4’-5’. The water temps are still cool so the shallow warmer water is holding the baitfish and the walleyes. Jigs and minnows are still the preferred presentation, current levels are slowly going down so smaller jigs are being used. 3/8 and 1/2 size jigs in orange and gold worked well this week. Don’t rule out crank baits and spinners up shallow as aggressive walleyes will continue to seek out warm water and food. The river and bay continue to hold a bulk of the fish and fishing pressure, but the lake is receiving new batches of walleyes daily and will soon have a good bite.

Memorial Weekend Special!
Stay 3 nights get the 4th night free! Lodging and Camping at the Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.

Don’t forget Dad! 
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Plan a trip to Sportsman’s with Dad in June. Lodging & Guided Packages starting at just $224 per person. http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/rates/summer/

We have gift certificates too! Always the right color, size and price! Purchase yours online today http://shop.sportsmanslodges.com/

28 inch walleye caught and released by Captain Keith Ayers on 5/14/13

28 inch walleye caught and released by Captain Keith Ayers on 5/14/13

Bronson, age 13, nice walleye 5/12/13.
Bronson, age 13, nice walleye 5/12/13.

 

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!

November 19, 2012

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Greetings from Sportsman’s Lodges! 

We are busy getting things ready for the ice fishing season.  The main lodge near Baudette is getting a mini face lift. New carpet in all of the hallways, a few cabins and 11 lodge rooms. Our suites are getting re-done. 30 Flat Panel TV’s are being installed in all of the lodge rooms. Some lodge rooms are getting new doors. Fish houses and track vehicles are getting tuned up.  We look forward to sharing our new updates with you soon!

Ice? 
The small bays are holding a thin sheet of ice. We are looking for some cold temperatures. Sounds like it should start cooling off in a few days.  We typically start our season by Dec 10 with 12 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish. 

Winter reservations are coming in quick this year. So if you haven’t made your plans yet, give us a call soon to get the best availability 800-862-8602.

Stay tuned here, on our Facebook page, Twitter and Fishing Report page for all of the latest from Sportsman’s Lodges!

Ran across this picture today. Thought it was a good reminder to all of us with all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays starting. Don’t forget to make some time for yourself!

Until next time…Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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Zubaz, Spandex, Big Hair…80’s weekend at Sportsman’s Lodge is coming up!

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We are going to flash back to the 80’s this Labor Day Weekend 2012.  Pull out your zubaz, stone washed jeans and leg warmers (we know you still have them!) and join us for summers last blast!  Of course we will be fishing, but after fishing Friday and Saturday we their will be entertainment, drink specials, games and a costume contest on Saturday night.  Grab your best buds and join us for a fun weekend! Heck where else can you get $2.50 Pabst Blue Ribbons all weekend long? Check out our website for more information. We are offering a holiday weekend lodgin special, Stay 3 nights get the 4th night FREE!. http://sportsmanslodges.com/80s-weekend
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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!

 

100% Ice Guarantee – Sportsman’s Lodge

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 Book an ice fishing package at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location for dates thru March 31, 2012 and we will guarantee we will have good ice for ice fishing or we will not charge you for ice fishing and discount your lodging 50%!. No Worries! If we don’t have ice you get to come and stay for 50% off. Relax, eat, drink, enjoy the hot tub and pool, sight see, hike and enjoy the area.

     No two special offers may be combined. Fishing package must be reserved with full deposit before the final date of the season is announced. Sportsman’s Lodge determines the last day of fishing for the guarantee. Not valid at the Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge, Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge or Sportsman’s Sleeper Division.