Tag Archives: rainy river

Lake of the Woods South Shore Ice Conditions & Fishing Report

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3/9/2016

Ice Fishing Update
Right now we still have 15-25 inches of ice and plan to fish through this weekend in our day houses. The bite has been improving this week. Anglers have had the best luck in depths outside of Pine Island in 21’-33’ using bright colored small lures and jigs tipped with a minnow. Jigging aggressively 3-6 inches of bottom has been the best approach. Electronics really help pin point the fish. If you do not have one, we suggest trying one, we do have rentals available but be sure to call ahead to reserve, they go fast. We currently have openings every day this week except Saturday. Give us a call to make one last trip 800-862-8602!

Check out some the latest catches!
Ashley is on the left with a nice 18 inch walleye she caught this past weekend, guided by Beef and Jim Fuschetto is on the right with his 25 inch walleye he caught and released.
Ashley from the Iron Range reeled in this nice 18 inch walleye this past weekend. Nice catch Ashley. Guided by Beef Nice catch Jim Fuschetto! 25 inch walleye, released.

 

River Soft Water Fishing Update
It’s that time of year! To many, it seems strange for ice fishing and boat fishing to be going on at the same time, but this is very common in our area due to the difference in the lake and river conditions. This year it is certainly starting much sooner than normal but nonetheless, it appears spring is showing up early this year. 40 miles to our east, the Rainy River is starting to open up. There is open water 10 miles east of Birchdale landing right now. Birchdale is a small town east of Baudette. Due to the current in the river, this body of water opens before Lake of the Woods. As of right now we anticipate the Birchdale landing to be open after this weekend. We are now booking guided boat trips aboard an 18’-20’ boat equipped with a guide, poles, bait and fish cleaning. Hook into a mighty walleye, a monster lake sturgeon (the dinosaurs of the lake) or an aggressive northern pike!

Walleye fishing is open on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods until April 14, closing for a short time and then re-opening May 14. Lake sturgeon season is catch and release now through April 23, keep one within size limits April 24-May 7 and catch and release again May 8-15. Northern pike season is open year round.  Spring is one of the best times of year to get into an aggressive bite! Take advantage of the early spring and get into some fun fishing action! Book your trip today 800-862-8602.

For a Rainy River Boat Access Map and directions click here

 

 

Sportsman’s Lodge Day 2 9th Annual Sturgeon Tournament Results

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9th Annual Sturgeon Tournament

Results for Day 2

The 9th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge two day catch and release sturgeon tournament has come to a close! What a year! Over 200 fish caught and released in the 1.2 mile allowed area.  Fifty boats and 150 anglers fished for over $6,500 cash and prizes.  The weather was incredible in the 70’s and light wind, warmest tournament we have ever hosted. The tournament rounds out with a prime rib awards banquet and entertainment.  Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners. We are looking forward to the 10th Annual May 6 & 7, 2016.
Check out the pictures of the day one winners and many more pictures of all of the fun on our
Facebook page.

Day Two 1st Place Winner

Derek Ferestad

64 inch length, 20 inch 
Day Two 2nd Place Winner

Ethan Rogers

53 inch length, 18 inch girth
Day Two 3rd Place Winner

Duane Bode

50 3/4 length, 17.5 inch girth


Do you want to hook into a sturgeon?   You still have time!
Sturgeon keep one season runs until May 7.  Catch & release season runs May 8-15.  Guided Trips, Lodging and Dock Slips available.  Book your trip today!

 

The Walleye Opener is May 9th!

Lodging and guided fishing trips still available. Lodging as low as $45* per person per night. Lodging and charter fishing packages starting at $201* per person.

*plus tax and based on double occupancy through May 20

Call us at 866-998-7280 or book now for your trip to Sportsman’s for the Walleye Opener!

9th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Tournament Day 1 Results

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9th Annual Sturgeon Tournament
Sturgeon classic 9

Results for Day 1

The 9th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge two day catch and release sturgeon tournament is underway!  The fishing and the weather was excellent! The weather was a beautiful 68 degrees, sunny and a light breeze.  Over 100 sturgeon in varying sizes were caught and released in the 1.2 mile allowed tournament area right out front of the lodge. Tournament anglers caught many between the 50″-60″ range and under 30″.

One hundred and fifty anglers attended and 50 boats making this for the 7th year in a row a full tournament.  This year was highest cash and prize payout boasting over $6,500. First place each day receives $2,140, second place $915 and third place a custom rod.  Many other prizes are awarded for the largest eelpout, sucker, and bullhead over the two days along with youth and door prizes.

Day one started at 8:30am running until 4:00pm and rounds out with lots of good stories and entertainment in the bar.  Day two starts at 8:30am on Saturday, May 2 running an hour shorter than day one, ending at 3pm.  Day two also includes an awards banquet and musical entertainment. Check out the pictures of the day one winners and many more pictures of all of the fun on our Facebook page here.

Day One 1st Place Winner
Dustin Lunske
61 3/4 inch length, 24 inch girth

 
Day One 2nd Place Winner
Dusty Nielson
60 inch length, 20 1/4 inch girth


Day One 3rd Place Winner
Jason Albertson
55 1/2 inch length, 21 inch girth


Do you want to hook into a sturgeon?   You still have time!
Sturgeon keep one season runs until May 7.  Catch & release season runs May 8-15.  Guided Trips, Lodging and Dock Slips available.  Book your trip today!

 

The Walleye Opener is May 9th!

Lodging and guided fishing trips still available. Lodging as low as $45* per person per night. Lodging and charter fishing packages starting at $201* per person.

*plus tax and based on double occupancy through May 20

Call us at 866-998-7280 or book online now for your trip to Sportsman’s for the Walleye Opener!

Two Boat Ramps are open!

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3/26/2015

Two boat ramps are open to access the Rainy River! Both landings are located just off Hwy 11 east of Baudette. Frontier Landing is 17 miles and Birchdale is 26 from Baudette. The next landing to open is Vidas, located 6 miles east of Baudette. Open water is within 7 miles of Vidas right now.  Spring is here! Click here to view and download a map of the ramps.

Forecast 3-26-2015

Lodging now available for as low as $40 per person per night! *plus tax based on double occupancy. Guided Outfitter Trips also available! Click here for more information. Click here to Book now or call 800-862-8602.

Summer is here!

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Summer is here! We are in full swing here at Sportsman’s Lodges. The weather is warming up and the fish are biting. 

We have had many new things take place here at the Rainy River location this spring. Our pool floor got redone. Giving it a new facelift. A new playground was installed near the cabins.  A new state of the art geo-thermal unit was installed.  The geo-thermal unit took about 2 years of planning, we are excited to see it up and running.   The unit of course had some very high initial costs but in the long run it should save money and provide a better green enviroment for all.  Over the last 3 years we have seen our energy bill jump nearly 30%.  It only made good business sense to start looking into alternatives. After the initial costs are paid for we look forward to putting more money towards improvements of the lodge.

The cabins and lodge rooms are spruced up, the campsites are ready and our New Villa is in high demand. The new villa was available starting in December of 2011 and guests are loving it! Five Bedrooms, 4 Baths, kitchen, living area, loft and a breathtaking view of the River.  Check out some of the pictures here.  Whether you are looking to rent or check into our ownership opportunities of our new development give us a call! Gregg would be happy to discuss all of the options.

We are looking forward to another fun summer! Hope you can join us!