Open water channel through Four Mile Bay is getting wider!
The Rainy River is wide open all the way from Birchdale to Wheeler’s Point now. An open water channel through Four Mile Bay to Lake of the Woods is widening by the minute.
All boat ramps from Birchdale to Wheeler’s Point are now open to all boats.
Walleye season runs until April 14. Sturgeon season is catch and release now through April 23. Keep one sturgeon within 45″-50″ or over 75″ is April 24-May 7, be sure to pick up a $5 tag at the lodge or anywhere where you can buy a Minnesota fishing license. May 8-15 is catch and release again. Northern pike season is always open. Lake of the Woods is home to some beautiful walleyes, huge sturgeon and one of the top 5 lakes in Minnesota to catch a trophy pike. Get your fish on! Spring fishing is here!
What a year! The river opened quickly! Over the weekend the Rainy River opened in front of the lodge. It is now wide open to Wheeler’s Point and there is a channel open through Four Mile Bay that is within ½ mile of Lighthouse Gap where Lake of the Woods starts. All boat ramps on the Rainy River are to all boats except for Wheeler’s Point. Wheeler’s Point has about 15 feet of shore ice this morning but we expect that to be gone in a couple of days.
Wheelers Point Access 3-21-2016 Shore ice should be gone in a few days! All other ramps on the Rainy River between Birchdale and the lodge are open to all boats now.
View from the lodge looking onto the Rainy River 3-21-2016
Looking towards Wheeler’s Point on the Rainy River from Wheeler’s Point Public Access 3-21-2016
Last week the tributaries opened up and muddied up the water making the walleye bite tough. The water is starting to clear and should be much better by this weekend. Jigging with 3/4-1 oz ounce jigs tipped with a chub or shiner minnow does the trick! In the meantime the sturgeon bite is good! Anglers have been reeling some nice 30”-65” monster sturgeons. Anglers are anchored in deep holes around current using a size 5/0 hook, 2-3 ounces of weight and a gob of worms. Sturgeon catch and release season is open until April 23. April 24-May 7 you can keep one within 45”-50” inclusive or over 75” with a sturgeon tag. Sturgeon tags are $5 and available online or at the lodge. May 8-15 is catch and release again. The season is closed May 16-June 30.
The current water temperature is a cool 33 degrees. The current is quick and the water level is low.
Check out this dinosaur! Lake Sturgeon caught and released this past weekend. Guided by JP Book your spring guided walleye, sturgeon and northern pike trip today!
Monster Sturgeon being caught! Guided by JP. released
Lodging, Guided trips & Dock Slips available!
Lodging starting at only $40 per person per night plus tax Sun-Thurs and $45 on weekends in our lodge rooms and cabins. $59 in our new villas. Guided trips for up to 4 people including guide, boat (18’-20), use of poles, bait and fish cleaning is $450 per day. Dock slips $10 per night. Book by calling 800-862-8602 or book online here.
The lodge will be closed Easter Sunday but lodging is still available! Book by calling 800-862-8602 or book online here.
Lake of the Woods Fishing Seasons Walleye open through April 14. Reopening May 14
Northern Pike – always open
Sturgeon catch and release open now through April 23. Keep one within size limits April 24-May 7, catch and release May 8-15. Closed May 16-June 30. Keep one within size limits July 1-Sept 30. Catch and release Oct 1-April 23. For limits and more information click here.
Check out the cool drone footage from Bryan “Beef” Sathre from Fathead Guide Service shot on March 19!!
Vidas landing (8 miles east of Baudette) and Birchdale landing (30 miles east of Baudette) are now both open. Frontier has about 30 feet of shore ice so that will be a few more days. The river is open shore to shore 5 miles east of Baudette and open spots showing up 2 miles east. At this rate we should have open water at our docks with the week.
Vidas Landing 3-16-2016
Angler’s are catching some nice fish on jigs and minnows. Water temperature is 36.5 degrees.
Check out some of the nice walleyes the Lyman Group caught 3-15-2016. Guided by JP
NW Angle & Oak Island Lake of the Woods Ice Conditions Report
3/9/2016
Another year is in the books
Due to the warm temperatures and areas we need to travel to get to the island, ice fishing is done for the year. The ice road is closing tomorrow. The bar, restaurant and lodging will be open through the weekend. The snowmobile trail will be open through the weekend. We have lodging available if you would like to make one last trip out. Thanks for another great season. Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location will be open for ice fishing through this weekend and spring river fishing starting Monday.
Check out some of these dandies! On the left, Neil Fruechte reeled in this nice 28 inch walleye using a whole minnow on a light pink fat boy lure. On the right is a real nice 40.5 inch northern pike!
Time to plan your summer trip! Give us a call 800-772-8411 or contact us online here.
Chasing Walleyes
Plain hooks or gold and pink jigs tipped with a minnow have been the tackle and bait of choice this week. The walleyes have been finicky. Anglers are seeing lots of fish on the electronics but getting them to bite has been a little more a of challenge. Successful anglers have been changing up tackle, using something that has some flash or noise. Some anglers have been having more success with part of minnow vs a whole minnow and some are using two minnows. Dead sticking and jigging (4-6 inches off bottom) has worked 50/50. The best depths have been 23’-29’ in the main basin outside of Pine Island and a little deeper 28’-32” on the reefs. We have houses in a variety of areas and depths to chase down the walleyes the best we can. The days are getting longer, the sun is out more, we expect to see the bite only get better as we move into spring.
Ryan Corrick from Grand Rapids, MN
35 inch northern pike caught on a fat boy jig
Jodi Sugden from Hallock, MN
27 inch walleye released
Reeled in a sturgeon, released
Ice Conditions
We have 15”-25” of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We have had a few days above 30 degrees in the afternoon but no ice loss just a little sloppy. The forecast looks good for ice fishing to continue.
Trails
The lake and land trails continue to be groomed and maintained. On the lake trails, use caution on the warm days when the temperature fluctuates rapidly, this can make the pressure ridges move. Lake of the Woods like most lakes always have pressure ridges, it is just a part of the ice season. When you come up on one, take your time and check for the best place to cross.
Ice Roads
We use a private groomed trail but most ice roads are allowing trucks out. Contact the resort maintaining the ice road for the latest condtions.
Spring sturgeon, pike and walleye soft water fishing is just around the corner!
The bite can be aggressive and the excitement top notch. Don’t miss one of the best times of the year to fish Lake of the Woods. The Rainy River east of Baudette will be the first to open up sometime early April. Stay tuned for updates on our fishing report page and Facebook page. Hook a great deal with lodging as low as $40 per person per night April 1-May 26 and up to 19% off charter and lodging packages May 14-May 26. Boat Rentals, 20’ Guided Outifitter Trips and Dock slips also available starting early April. Book your trip today!
Spotty Fishing
Bring on the sunshine! The bit has been up and down. I think we need some more sunshine to get the fish HUNGRY! The fish are a little finicky right now. Anglers are reeling in a mix of walleyes, saugers and a few perch and northern pike. Electronics are key and tackle with some shimmer, flutter and nose to get the fish attention. The best depth has been 24’-30’ on the reefs.
Weather Forecast
Ice Conditions
Currently we have 15-22 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.
Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is good and open.
Trail Conditions
The lake and land trails continue to be groomed and maintained. Use caution on the warm days and when the temperature fluctuates rapidly, this can make the pressure ridges move. Lake of the Woods like most lakes always have pressure ridges, it is just a part of the ice season. When you come up on one, take your time and check for the best place to cross.
Time to make your summer reservations!
Before we know it we will be shining up the boats and basking in the sun. Sportsman’s is a great place to get away to in the spring, summer and fall too! Click here to learn more and book your trip.
Catching Walleyes & Making Memories
Boy is it nice to see the sun out longer. Days are getting longer and the fish are getting more active. Mix of walleye and sauger has been reeled in this week. Check out some of the catches here and on our Facebook page.
Walleyes & Good Times
Mulherin Group
Thank you old man Joe for your excellent customer service!
Howard Group
What is working?
Small presentations, gold and pink are working well. Successful anglers have been using anything from a gold ¼ oz. jig to a Northland Tackle Macho Minnow, Buckshot Rattle Spoon and Forage Minnow tipped with a minnow. The best depth has been in deep areas of Big Traverse 26’-35’. Electronics help. Combination of jigging and dead sticking is a good approach to start your day out and see what works best for you. For jigging set your rig 4-6 inches off bottom. The weather forecast is calling for highs in the 20’s and 30’s this week and the possibility of snow showers over the weekend.
Ice Conditions
Currently we have 15-25 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Not all areas of the lake are the same. Check with local resorts and bait shops for the latest conditions.
We travel a groomed private trail to our houses but here is the latest information from a couple of the local ice roads.
Adrian’s Road at Four Mile Bay 12 miles N of Baudette
Allowing ½ ton trucks with wheel houses up to 21’. ¾ ton trucks without wheel houses.
Morris Point Road at Morris Point 15 miles north of Baudette Allowing ½ ton trucks with up to 16’ wheeled houses. Up to 20’ houses may go out on skids. ¾ ton trucks with portables only.
We received an inch of snow this week. We could use more but the lake trails are pretty good. The lake trails from Sportsman’s Lodge to Warroad, Sportsman’s Lodge to Sportsman’s Oak Island lodge at Oak Island and now the trail on the Rainy River from Sportsman’s Lodge to Baudette are being groomed regularly and in decent condition. Follow the black stakes. Take caution at the pressure ridges as they will change when the weather warms up. Trail maps are available at the lodge or at local businesses. For the latest conditions for the land trails click here for the Baudette area or here for the NW Angle and Oak Island area.
Walleye season open until April 14 & Fish Houses until March 31
Here on Lake of the Woods we have an extended season. Walleye season is open until April 14 closing for a short while and re-opening May 14. Fish houses can be out overnight until March 31. Only 43 days left of the season! Lodging & Ice Fishing Packages starting at only $193* per person. (*plus tax and based on double occupancy)
Late Season Special
25% off ice fishing day houses March 20-31 Sportsman’s Rainy River location. Call 800-862-8602 or online here.
Jigs, Plain Hooks & Buckshots
¼ oz. jigs, plain hooks and Buckshot lures have been working the best tipped with a minnow. Walleyes are being found deep 24’-30’ around reefs. Anglers are finding most walleyes in the 12”-17” size range with an occasional larger walleye. A few pike, perch and tullibee are also nibbling. Electronics are key. The best approach is if something isn’t working, try something different. A different lure, a full minnow, a part of a minnow, more jigging, less jigging. The guides suggest starting out your day with one pole jigging and one dead sticking and make adjustments as the day goes on. Weather today is -8 below, supposed to warm up to 22 above. The rest of the week looks warmer with highs in the high 20’s and low 30’s and a chance of snow over the weekend.
Ice Conditions
Currently we have 14-18 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.
Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is plowed nice and wide and is in good shape! Come on out!
Trail Conditions
The lake trails from Sportsman’s Lodge to Sportsman’s Oak Island lodge are marked with black stakes and are being groomed regularly. Trails are in decent condition. We received an inch and a half of snow this week. Forecast is saying we could get some more snow later this week. We could use some more snow but lake conditions are decent. Use caution at the pressure ridges. They are all passable but do change when the weather changes. Trail maps are available at the lodge or at local businesses. For the latest conditions on the land trails click here for the Baudette area or here for the NW Angle and Oak Island area.
Finding Some Nice Walleyes
Anglers have been finding some nice walleyes this week. Check out some of the pictures:
Nice Walleye!
29 inch walleye – Landmark Group
Caught in 5 lines before coming up but got it through the hole! What a beautiful walleye Sportsmans Sleepers
Here are some tips from some successful anglers this week.
Gold, pink and orange are the hot color jigs or lures tipped with a minnow. The more noise it makes the better! Northland Tackle’s buckshot rattle spoons and the rattling stop sign from Tom’s Tackle are good ones.
Electronics are key and pounding the bottom, let the fish know where to come for a meal.
The guides have houses spread out in many areas in 25’-33’ hot on the fish trail. Grab a good friend or your special someone and make a trip to visit soon! Only 50 days left of the season!
Ice Conditions
Currently we have 13-22 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. We travel a private groomed trail. If you are looking to go out on your own, here are the latest conditions from a few of the local ice roads:
Adrian’s Road – Four Mile Bay, 12 miles north of Baudette 15-18 inches of ice, less in some areas off the road. Allowing ½ ton trucks pulling up to 21’ wheeled houses.
Morris Point Road – Morris Point, 15 miles north of Baudette Allowing ½ ton trucks with up to 16’ wheeled houses. Up to 20’ houses may go out on skids. ¾ ton trucks with portables only.
Trail Conditions
The lake trails from Sportsman’s Lodge to Warroad and Sportsman’s Lodge to Sportsman’s Oak Island lodge at Oak island are being groomed and in decent condition. We could use some more snow but lake conditions are decent. The trail was recently marked right from the Sportsman’s Lodge. Follow the black stakes. Trail maps are available at the lodge or at local businesses. For the latest conditions for the land trails click here for the Baudette area orhere for the NW Angle and Oak Island area.
Lodging & Fishing packages start at only $193 per person for 2 nights lodging, 1 day ice fishing including the fish house, transportation to and from the house, use of jig sticks, jigs, bait and fish cleaning. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or contact us online here.
Here fishy, fishy….
Bite has been up and down this week. 24’-29 feet on the edge or reefs and on top of the sand has been the best. Mix of walleyes and saugers. Jigging a buckshots lure, macho minnows and anything that makes noise tipped with a minnow has worked the best. Vexilars help too! Dead stick with one rod and jig with another. Be sure that the rod you dead stick with you leave it alone and watch the bobber for the best success.
Nice pike! Del McHugh from Del’s Taxidermy & Archery from Huron, SD caught at Oak Island
Check out this nice walleye! 26.5 inch walleye released
Del McHugh from Dels Taxidermy & Archery from Huron, SD Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge
Del’s lucky tackle.
This slow spinning lure really worked well for Del!
Ice Conditions
Average depth is about 18 inches, although still finding a few spots of 13-14 inches.
Trail Conditions
The lake trails from Sportsman’s Lodge to Sportsman’s Oak Island lodge are being groomed and in decent condition. We could use some more snow but lake conditions are decent. The trail was recently marked right from the Sportsman’s Lodge. Follow the black stakes. Trail maps are available at the lodge or at local businesses. For the latest conditions on the land trails click here for the Baudette area or here for the NW Angle and Oak Island area.
Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is in good shape, nice and wide.
It is the sweetest week of them all!
Gift certificates available for that special sweetie or plan a trip for a getaway this winter or upcoming summer. Click here.
