Tag Archives: Sportsmans fishing report

Fishing for walleyes and BAM! A Monster Sturgeon!

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Targeting walleyes and saugers is always our #1 priority in the winter, but Lake of the Woods is an incredible fishery and you just never know what might be looking for something to munch on. Lake of the Woods is home to not only walleyes and saugers but also northern pike, lake sturgeon, tullibee, perch, eelpout, muskie, bass, lake trout and crappies.  Check out some of the pictures from the past week and two monster sturgeons! It is quite a rush to see a 45+ inch fish come through an ice fishing hole!

Bite
The weather continues to be mild and it looks like it will continue for at least through the weekend at this point.  The bite has been fair the past week.  Anglers have been having the most success jigging and dead sticking glow and gold colored jigs, small rippin raps, glo-shots and forage minnows tipped with a minnow. 8am-11am and 2pm-4pm have been some of the best times in a range of depths 16’-29’.  The best depth has really been changing frequently.  The guides are always moving houses and doing their best to stay on the best bite.  If you have electronics, bring them along. We consistently see a lot of success with folks who use them. If you don’t have your own, give us a call ahead of time, we have a few vexilars available to rent.

Ice Conditions
We have a good base of ice of over two feet, 28-32 inches in the areas we fish and travel.  Looking good for March ice fishing! Remember walleye season is open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods and we plan to keep our houses out until the end of March.

Trails
Grooming is in full swing. Groomers caution riders to stay on the trails especially this year with how rough the lake froze; there are a lot of ice chunks sticking up off the trail.  Click below for the latest conditions and more information about the Lake of the Woods area trails.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

Join us for the BIG GAME and GREAT FISHING!
Feb 3-6 Trips available! Click here

Snuggle up with your Sweetie in February at Sportsman’s.
Two night lodging and fishing packages starting at just $215 per person. Can’t make it in February? Sportsman’s gift cards make great gifts! Click here to order yours.
Come see us! 800-862-8602 or [email protected]
*plus tax and based on double occupancy.

Sportsman’s Lodge South Shore Lake of the Woods Fishing Report 5/3/2017

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With air temperatures dropping in the low 30s we all knew the water temperatures were not far behind. Water temperatures dipped all the way to 40 degrees.  And with cooling water almost always means fishing slows, especially in the spring time! This does not mean there are not fish to be caught! As far as sturgeon, get in high percentage areas and camp.  With the water cooling those big dinos will be lethargic but they will bite if they are there.  When targeting pike, if you are casting work those baits as slow as possible.  Although it may take some more patience, dead baits under a float or on the bottom may be the better bet.  As far as location, creek mouths and any areas of slack water are great areas to target! Good luck and we will see you out there!

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Walleye Opener is only 10 days away! Do you have your reservations in?
SPRING FISHING SPECIALS ~ Two nights lodging in your choice of a lodge room or cabin and one day charter fishing aboard a 27’ boat with onboard restroom, experienced guide, use of poles, bait, tackle, assortment of pop/water and fish cleaning package starting at only $210 per person. Two Night/Two Day starting at $323 and Three Night/Three Day starting at $369.  Lodging, boat rental and dock slips also available. Click here to learn more and book your stay today 800-862-8602. *plus tax and based on double occupancy

The man, the myth, the legend is on the board with his new personal best sturgeon… 59.5″.. It was even tagged.. Great job Blue Olson. Great battle.
Guide Bryan “Beef” Sathre

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pike

Check out this nice 39.5 inch pike!

boats

Charter boats are ready for opener!

Take a Mom fishing
Mother’s Day is May 14.  Treat mom to some great fishing, relaxation and Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Sportsman’s next weekend.  She will love our cozy accommodations, indoor pool, hot tub, beautiful views, excellent fishing and delicious food.  Click here for our spring lodging and fishing packages and here to check out our Mother’s Day menu.
11th Annual Sturgeon Tournament is May 5 & 6. The tournament is full this year but everyone is welcome to stop in and check out the action from our docks or in the bar. The tournament takes place right out in front of the lodge over a 1 mile stretch. Annually we see over 100 sturgeon caught over the two day tournament. Stop by for great fishing stories, food, drinks and entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings. The tournament runs from 8:30 to 4pm Friday and 8:30 to 3pm Saturday.


Get on the fish with a Guided Trip
Whether you are looking for sturgeon, pike or walleye we have trips available this spring. Contact us for more information 800-862-8602.

Sturgeon fishing is hot, Walleyes are starting to bite!

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Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys! 2Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys!

 

Logan and Luke reeled in 15 sturgeon on Sunday! Way to go guys!

It's a double! 48 inch and 57 inch by the Eklund's from Bemidji, MN

 

It’s a double! 48 inch and 57 inch by the Eklund’s from Bemidji, MN

The sturgeon bite has been hot this week. Circle 3/0 and 4/0 hooks, 2-4 ounces of weight and a gob of night crawlers works best. Anchor up in or just near a hole in the Rainy River. Once you get a bite, be ready for a fight! Some monsters take up to an hour to reel in! Sturgeon fishing 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. Don’t have a boat or haven’t taken it out yet? We have guides available!

Water is clearing up!
The water is clearing up we have gained about 6 more inches of clarity. Reports of 8-18 inches of clarity have been found, much better than last week. Keep in mind, Lake of the Woods and Rainy River always have stained look. It is never a clear lake by any means. Jigging with a gold 1 oz. jig tipped with a shiner has been working. The water temperature is 35.5, water level is low and the current has slowed some but is still moving pretty quick. Debris has cleared up considerably, we are not seeing much anymore. Walleye season is open through April 14.

Open Water
All boat ramps along the river are open to all boats. The entire river is open and Four Mile Bay. We have open water about 75 yards out of the Light House Gap on the lake right now.

Let us guide you to the catch!
We have guides available for spring walleye, sturgeon and pike fishing. $450 for the day aboard an 18’-20’ boat. The trip includes up to 4 passengers plus the guide, bait, use of poles, and fish cleaning. Book your spring trip today.

Still a few rooms, cabins and villas open for the weekend!
Lodging starting at only $40* per person per night midweek and $45 weekend! *plus tax and based on double occupancy. To reserve click here or call 800-862-8602.