Tag Archives: minnesota fishing

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

by
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!

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!

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

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

by

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

by

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!

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
26 inch pink jig Joshua ThielenPublic 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

by

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

by

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.

Oak Island Lake of the Woods Fishing Report

by

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

by

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!

Oak Island Lake of the Woods Fishing Report 3-12-14

by

Warmer, more spring-like weather has finally rolled in!

Both anglers and snowmobilers have been enjoying the reprieve from sub-zero temperatures and have been taking advantage of the 30 and 40 degree highs. Evening lows have been consistently dipping below freezing, and it looks like that will continue into the next few weeks.

Visit http://goo.gl/7DmOgR  for a full, local weather report.

Despite the weather changes, the fishing remains productive. Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge guides report “steady action and a lot of fish”. Minnows and fatheads remain the popular bait, while buckshot lures in flashy and bright colors have been the tackle of choice.

Anglers have been consistently reeling in walleyes measuring between 16” and 18”, and have seen their fair share of both slot (19.5”-28”) and trophy sized walleye. A guest reported a 29.5” walleye on Saturday morning.

The best bite has been found in the 22 to 24 foot depth range.

Trail Conditions
Warmer temperatures have brought with them a fair amount of slush on and around trails and ice roads. While plenty of ice remains in these areas, we strongly recommend staying within the groomed and maintained trails and roads.

Public trails continue to be groomed as much as state and local club funding allows. Many resorts help maintain the trails or use their own private trails. Local groomers and riders have reported beautiful riding conditions throughout the area.

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 are 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

Gold Jigs and Nice Walleyes

by

Gold Jigs and Nice Walleyes

Bite continues to be spotty. We are ready for a warm up to get these fish to bite more aggressive.  Anglers are seeing some nice quality sized walleyes in the 16”-25” range, few saugers and an occasional pike along structure in 24’-28’ of water, but they are biting light.  The best presentation has been gold, pink and orange jigs tipped with a minnow.  Electronics help angler’s success! Bring one along or rent one from us.

Shannon Blomquist


Trail Conditions
Public trails continue to be groomed weekly and as funding allows. We have a 2-3 feet snow base.

Ice Conditions
We currently have 40+ inches of ice and making more daily!

Ice Road
The ice road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island continues to be maintained and is in great shape. Take a cruise out today.

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

Nice Walleyes and Saugers

by

2/12/2014

Nice walleyes and saugers have been caught this week along with a few northern pike. The walleyes and saugers have been good eater size. A few 19”+ walleyes have also been brought up and released as well. The best bite has been in 24’-28’ of water using glow jigs or spoons tipped with a minnow. Keep those glow jigs bright, it helps your success! Vexilar/Fish Finder users also have the best success.

The islands are a great place to be! Come on up and enjoy some winter fun, before it is over! Only 6 weeks left of ice fishing!

Ice Conditions
We currently have 30-34 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Lots of good ice for good ice fishing until late March.

Snow & Trail  Report
The trails are in good shape. We are forecasted to get a couple of inches of snow this week.  The trails continue to be groomed 1-2 times a week. Click here for specific trail conditions.