Tag Archives: minnesota ice fishing

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

April 1, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

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!

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
Public 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 3-12-14

March 12, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

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

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report 1/24/2014

January 24, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Decent bite this week 28 feet of water jigging with a chubby darter or buckshot tipped with a minnow has been successful this week. Average size walleyes have been 17-19 inches. Get into the action. We have fish house rentals available until late March. Give us a call 800-772-8411 or reserve online.

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 35 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Trail Conditions are good in the area.
The wind and snow we are getting today will make them drifted but the groomers will be out again soon.

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The ice road is good. It is nice and wide so even on the windy days it is still open. Come on out.

Tom Schaber caught and released this lunker. 27 inch walleye caught on a stop sign lure.

Tony Edwards from Omaha, NE reeled in and released this big 27.5 inch walleye in fish house #19 in 27 feet water on glow with red dot jig.

Don’t let winter pass you by!

Book your winter ice fishing package today 800-772-8411!

Lots of Action

January 8, 2014 by Sportsman's Lodges

Lots of Fishing Action at Sportsman’s Lodges

Lots of sauger and walleye slot fish action. We are catching lots of suspended fish 3, 4, even 7 feet off the bottom. A vexilar/fish finder is very helpful in increasing your success rate. The best approach is to jig one pole and dead stick with the other, see what works best for that day and take it from there. The best bite has been in 24-31 feet of water. Deeper houses are catching more saugers and a 10am-3pm bite. The shallower houses are seeing a good morning and evening run and more walleyes. The best jig colors have been glow, pink/gold and gold, orange/gold in 1/4 oz. size. Jigs tipped with a chub minnow or shiner minnow has been the most successful bait option. We still have some openings this winter. Give us a call to get in on the excitement! We can have our fish houses out until March 31. Only have time for a quick trip? We have some specials on select dates for 1 night/1 day packages. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or request your reservation online.

25 inch caught on a pink and gold lure by Shelly Bush of Fargo, ND

27 inch (2nd 27 inch) walleye Doug and Dan Loos

Chad Benson, Litchfield, MN light green glow jig 27.5 inches

John Bush with 22 inch walleye caught with pink and white tear jig

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 21-25 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel. Lake Safety Tip –If you venture out on your own, consult local guides before going out. The entire lake does not freeze equally.

Trail Conditions
The trails are in good condition. A fresh grooming will be done today from Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island, Wheeler’s Point to Warroad and the following day from Wheeler’s Point to Baudette. These lake trails are groomed 1-2 times a week based on conditions and traffic. Land trails continue to be groomed as needed. Click here for more information. As always watch for caution areas especially on the lake trails with the dramatic temperature change coming up. Sounds like the weather this weekend is going to be great! Get out and enjoy the trails!

Nice size walleyes!

December 31, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Nice size walleyes at Sportman’s Lodges!

70% Walleyes, 30% Sauger mix in ‘21-25’. Walleyes have been real nice size, 17”-19”. A few nice perch and pike have been found too. The bite was real active on Saturday, slowed a bit with the fierce cold front that has been moving through, but anglers have still catching some nice fish. Good runs reported between 8am-10:30am and 2:30pm-5:00pm. Pink 3/8 oz jigs tipped with a minnow has been the hot lure.

Ice Conditions
17-20 inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish right now. All of our houses are just off our groomed snowmobile trail.

Trail Conditions
Lake Trails
Fresh trail grooming will be done this week on the trails from Wheeler’s Point to Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge and Wheeler’s Point to Warroad. As always, watch for the caution areas.

Ice Road
Ice road from Young’s Bay to the island is in good shape.

Happy New Year! From the Sportsman’s family to yours, we wish you a healthy and happy 2014.

December 31, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Catching holding strong! It has been a great December for walleye and sauger fishing in our neck of the woods. A very active bite and many big fish and big catch days. The best bite right now has been in 23’-28’ jigging with gold or pink jig, stop sign or #32 macho minnow tipped with a whole minnow or some anglers are swearing by just the minnow head. Drop your line to about 6 inches off bottom and bring along or rent a vexilar for the best experience. Vexilar rentals are available at the lodge, but are in high demand so be sure to call ahead to reserve. Try jigging with one pole and dead stick with the other to see what technique works best for you.

Ice Conditions
Current ice depth in the areas we travel and fish is 20-23 inches. Our houses are situated just off of our groomed snowmobile trail.

Jaedin Johnson 8 years old caught this 27.5 on a shiner and a pink jig

Landen Johnson 4 years old caught another keeper on a gold jig dead sticking! He loves ice fishing!

25 inch walleye Travis Herber and Alex Williamson They also caught some nice eaters few 22 inch and 26 inch walleye. What a trip!

Don’t let winter pass you by! You still have time to make your winter ice fishing reservation. We ice fish until March 31. www.sportsmanslodges.com 800-862-8602

We Open for the Season Tomorrow!

December 18, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Ice Fishing at Sportsman’s Lodges Starts Tomorrow!

Fishing
Pre-season reports are great! Water is clear and the bite is active. We have had a hot bite between 8am-10am and late afternoon between 3pm-5pm in 21’-23’ of water. Pink Swedish pimples and 3/8 oz long shaft gold jigs tipped with a minnow have been working well. Nice 13”-18” walleyes have been found.

Ice Conditions & Trail Report
Currently we have 10”-15” inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish and 14-15 inches of snow. The snowmobile trail from the Northwest Angle/Young’s Bay has been marked. The ice road has been plowed just today but vehicles are not allowed out for another 4-5 days once we get a few more inches of ice. The snowmobile trail is also marked from Baudette to Oak Island. This trail will be dragged tomorrow and grooming will begin as soon as we get a few more inches of ice.

Fantastic Fishing

December 18, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

The early season bite continues to be excellent! A very active walleye and sauger bite has been taking place the past few weeks. Some of the most successful anglers report, jigging using a vexilar tipped with a frozen shiner has worked best in 21’-25’ of water. Some of the most active times of day have been between 9am-11am and 3pm-4pm. Gold and pink chubby darters, macho minnows, buck shots, and round jigs have worked well. On the clear and sunny days, white has been a very popular tackle color. Vexilar/fish finder users always seem to have even better luck. If you do not have one of those devices, but would like to try one out, we do rent a few. Call to reserve yours 800-862-8602. Check out some of the latest photos here and on our Facebook page. Give us a call or click here to book your winter getaway! We ice fish until the end of March.

11-year-old Manford reels in a nice walleye

Chad Zeman 23.5 inch walleye caught on red hook at 2:30pm and released

Chad Zeman with 23.5 inch walleye caught on red hook
at 2:30pm and released

Chad Jansen from Zimmerman, MN with 27 inch walleye caught with a gold and orange buck shot in 25 feet of water; released

Nice One! 26 inch walleye Kackman Party; released

Recent Angler Comments:
“The Zeman party had a very successful two days of fishing on Monday 12/16 & Tuesday 12/17. I caught a 25″ walleye on Monday at 10:30 am using a glow hook. Tuesday at 2:30 pm I reeled in a 23.5″ walleye using a red hook. Both fish were a blast to land. This has been the best fishing our group has had in years.”

“140 fish, 3 guys, pink and gold….we need more minnows! Incredible fishing! Time of our life!”

Ice Conditions
Current ice conditions in the area we fish and travel is 12”-14”. About 12-14 inches of snow lies on the ice.

Ice Road
According to Adrian’s, who maintains the ice road going out of Four Mile Bay near Wheeler’s Point, they currently they have 10-11 inches of ice on the Bay and 11 ½-14 on the lake. ATV’s and snowmobiles are only allowed out at this time. A few more inches of ice are needed until trucks will be allowed. The large amount of snow we received a few weeks ago all at once, has slowed the ice making process down a bit. Stay tuned!

Trail
The lake trail is marked from Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Oak Island. Plan to pull a drag on the trail tomorrow and start grooming as soon as we get a few more inches of ice. Watch for the ice ridges like always, especially when the temperature fluctuates 15-20 degrees. The lake trail from Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Warroad and Four Mile Bay/Wheeler’s Point to Baudette will be marked today. More and more land trails are now groomed. For more information on the trail conditions, click here.

Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!

December 2, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

Minnesota Ice Fishing Season Starts Friday!

Updated 12/5/2013

It’s GO TIME!
The first day of our 2013-2014 Minnesota ice fishing season starts tomorrow! We have 11-12 inches of ice were we travel and fish from the south shore (Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location) at this time and making more as I type, the thermometer currently reads 5 below and the week ahead looks like we will get a lot of the same! Our Oak Island property reports 4-8 inches of ice. They plan to open up in 7-10 days or so.

Snow
We did get some snow yesterday, about 8-10 inches on the south shore and 5 inches up at Oak Island and the Northwest Angle. Will this affect the ice? In a sense yes, it will slow the building down a bit, but we do not anticipate it slowing it down very much. It sounds like we did not get nearly the snow as most of the state. We measured that we made an inch of ice within the past 36 hours. Most of the snow has been blowing around the past few days. There are areas with 3 foot drifts and areas with bare ice. Like always we have a few slush spots and areas of caution, but we do every year. That is normal. Rest assured we check ice at least a few times daily and safety is always our first priority. If you do plan to venture out on your own, we suggest making sure you know where you are going and staying on marked trails.

For reservations and more information call 800-862-8602 or log on to www.sportsmanslodges.com. We still have openings for this weekend.

Minnesota Ice Fishing
Minnesota Fishing

Ice Fishing in Minnesota

Forecast Looks Cold!
Highs in the twenties today and tomorrow we are going to start dipping below zero for the week ahead. Perfect for ice making! We are getting some snow now and it sounds like a possibility of another 3-5 inches tomorrow.

**Please keep in mind we only report in the areas we travel and fish. The entire lake does not freeze equally. If you venture out on your own, know where you are going and stay on the marked trail. Safety first!**

Ice Roads
The ice road near Wheeler’s Point/Four Mile Bay access has 8 inches of ice and is allowing ATV’s and snowmobiles at this time and through the weekend.

It’s Freezing Season!

November 25, 2013 by Sportsman's Lodges

It’s Almost Time For Ice Fishing

Temperatures below zero and single digits the past few days. Great ice making weather!

We plan to venture out and do our first ice thickness check later this week. Stay tuned! The forecast looks cold.

Do you have your winter reservation in yet?
Give us a for call and ask about our NEW Villas at Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location! Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location call 800-862-8602 Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge or Eagle Ridge location call 800-772-8411 or online

Lake of the Woods 11-24-13

View North from Morris Point

View of Four Mile Bay

View up River from Wheeler’s Point