Tag Archives: sportsmans lodge fishing report

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report August 23, 2016

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Walleyes….
We have seen nice eater size walleye between 14”-18” caught lately in 20’-26’ jigging with minnows along points and reefs. The best presentation has been gold or orange 3/8 oz jigs tipped with a minnow. The reefs around Tug Channel, Skeet and French Portage have good fishing holes. Water temperature is 73 degrees.

Muskies…Pike…and Smallmouth Bass
Top water baits like cow girls, jerk baits and mud puppies have been working well. Weedy bays 7’-15’ with some rock structure has been best.

Best Equipment for walleyes?
The guides favor St Croix, Fenwick, Gloomis or 13 Fishing rods combos, medium fast action 6’-7’. They like a 10lb braid line, 3/8 ounce jig or 1-1.5 ounce sinker/spinner combination.

Fall is just around the corner
Fall foliage, hunting seasons, and excellent walleye, crappie fishing will soon be upon us too. Make your reservations now and fall into walleyes with our great fall rates!

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Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report August 10, 2016

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Structure & Mud
Areas with structure or mud have been hot spots this week. Little Oak Island and the southwest side of Falcon Island have been good in 25’-28’ and 17’-22’ of water using a 3/8 ounce gold, red or pink jig tipped with a minnow or leech. Water temperature is currently a warm 76 degrees.

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Muskies, Pike & Bass
The muskies and pike have been real active. Top water baits, buck tails in bays of 7’-15’ with a fast tapering bottom. Working point to point.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge Fishing Report June 22, 2016

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Walleye Bite
Not too many changes this week. Anglers using jigs tipped with a chub minnow are having luck along shorelines in 8’-14’ and 26’-28’ of water. Gold jigs or spinners tipped with a minnow or worm is the best approach. Water temperature is holding steady at 66 degrees.

Pike & Smallmouth Bass
Northern pike and bass have been found in shallow weedy bays. We have thousands of bays just waiting for you. Successful anglers are using small spinners and spoons.

Muskie season is open!
Some success was had this week with several nice follows and a few nice ones reeled in. South facing shallow bays with a soft bottom in 4’-10’ of water using a buck tail are good spots this time of year. Buck tails are a great early season lure to start with. Interested in learning more about the best technique? Ask about our guided trips. Our experienced knowledgeable guides are available to teach you more about the sport and the Lake of the Woods area. Trips available through October.

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The view from our front window

 

 

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The river is open in front of the lodge!

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3/21/2016

The river is open in front of the lodge!

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

Spring is here! Time to get your fish on!

Fishing, Ice & Trail Report Sportsman’s Lodge Lake of the Woods 2-4-2016

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Sportsman’s Lodge

Fishing, Ice & Trail Report

Lake of the Woods South Shore Area

 

2/4/2016

Fishing away

Fishing has been spotty this week. We have houses in a wide variety of depths and areas between 26-33 feet. Each day it varies which houses do better than others. So what are the best tips for a successful day?  Use a vexilar!  Watch for the suspended fish. Jig one rod 4-6 inches off bottom consistently; if you see some suspended fish, reel up do a little jig dancing to grab their attention.  We are seeing quite a few fish at varied depths.  With the other rod, dead stick it. See what works best for you for that day  Smaller presentations gold, pink or glo jigs or lures are working better than large (1/16-1/4 oz.) tipped with a minnow. Something with a little noise or flash are doing well, buckshot rattle spoons, macho minnows and gumball jigs to name a few.  If a full minnow isn’t working, try a minnow head.  If you aren’t getting the action, try something different.  We are seeing mainly saugers, some nice walleyes 22”+, few northern pike and eelpout this week. Check out some of the latest catches.  Hungry for more tips? Check out our Facebook page. It looks like we are in for some beautiful weather this weekend highs in the twenties and light wind.

Caught on a small pink jig with a whole minnow Dwane Funk 25.5 inch walleye. Sportsmans Sleepers Erik Bangasser 25 inch Walleye caught on a small gold swedish pimple with a whole minnow in 34 feet. Released Jeff Isaacs 26 inch walleye released. Sportsmans Sleepers Nice catch Maggie! 21 inch walleye released

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 or here for the NW Angle and Oak Island area.

 

 

Availability this weekend!

We have a few openings for a one bedroom cabin Saturday night and a two bedroom villa for Friday and Saturday night. Fish houses are also available.  Give us a call!  800-862-8602

 

Big Game Party this weekend!
 Free Apps 5pm-6pm, 12 Big Screen TV’s, food and drink specials! Join us!

Current Ice Conditions

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11/25/2015

 

Happy Thanksgiving!
From our homes to yours, the staff at Sportsman’s Lodges wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s Freezing Season!
The freezing season is in progress. Late last week small bays froze over including the Baudette Bay in Baudette and parts of Young’s Bay at the Northwest Angle near our Oak Island location. The forecast for the week ahead is calling for lows in the teens. We expect to see the bays continue to make ice and the big lake continue to cool down. Now all we need is the wind to keep calm and subzero temperatures and we will start to make some serious ice. It is crazy how fast the season can change. Once we get below zero we can make an inch or two a day! When we get 10-12 inches of safe ice, we are ready to roll! Stay tuned for updates. At this point an early December start date is in our sights.

Bays are making ice!
Bays are making ice!
Baudette Bay
Baudette Bay

Gift Cards Available
Looking for a great gift idea for the angler on your list? We have gift cards available. Always the right color, size and price! Click here to purchase online now.

Ice Fishing Packages starting at $166!
Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River Location
Hook this Hot Deal before it is gone!
1 night lodging in a room or cabin and 1 day ice fishing including the fish house warm and ready just off a quiet groomed trail, transportation to and from the fish house, use of jig sticks, jigs, bait and tackle.

Saturday, December 26, Wednesday, December 30 and Saturday, January 2

  • $166 per person
  • With breakfast, lunch and dinner $215

Wednesday, January 6 and Thursday, January 14

  • $142 per person
  • With breakfast, lunch and dinner $190

Rates quoted are price per person plus tax, based on double occupancy at the Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location. Upgrade to our new villas for an additional $18 per person. Click here to book now or call us at 800-862-8602!

Thanksgiving Day Office Hours
Our office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. We will re-open Friday at 8am.

Current Ice Conditions

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Weather is cooling down!
We are starting to see the temperature dip. Snow and lows in the teens is in the forecast today and for the rest of the week! We are ready to get this water cooled down and make some ice. Current water temperature is 37 degrees.  Fall projects are in full swing and we are doing our ice dance! Who is with us?

Once we get the our first blast of cold air we just need zero degrees or colder for 10 days and we will have 10-12 inches of safe ice to start our season.  It doesn’t take long once we start freezing.  Get your reservations in now. Many dates are filling up fast!

ice-slIce Fishing season is soon here!

Stay tuned for updates. We are looking to another fun year!

For reservations click here to book now or call us at
Baudette/Rainy River Location: 800-862-8602
Oak Island & Eagle Ridge Location 800-772-8411

Who wants a FREE ICE FISHING TRIP this year?  Click here to enter for your chance to win!

Lake of the Woods Current Ice Conditions Report

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11/11/2015

 

Happy Veteran’s Day!
Thank you to all the great men and women who have served! Our hats are off to you!

Ice Fishing starts in less than a month
The stage is starting to be set for the 2015-2016 ice fishing season! Water temperature is on the decline, air temperature is in the 30’s and 40’s and snow is in the forecast. We are busy working on fall projects an tuning up equipment. It has been a beautiful fall but we are ready for ice fishing! It is amazing how fast it can turn. Once we get the blast of cold air we just need zero degrees or colder for 10 days and we will have 10-12 inches of safe ice to start our season. Get your reservations in now. Many dates are filling up fast!

Shannon Blomquist
Who is ready for some ice fishing fun?


Stay tuned for updates. We are looking forward to another fun year!

For reservations click here to book now or call us at
Baudette/Rainy River Location: 800-862-8602
Oak Island & Eagle Ridge Location: 800-772-8411

 

 

Walleye & Sturgeon bite are picking up! 4-6-2015

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The walleye bite is picking up and the ice is on the way out! Walleye season is open until April 14 and re-opens May 9 here on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Good reports coming in from the weekend of many slot fish being caught with keepers mixed in. This weekend, 1/4 ounce jigs tipped with frozen shiners or rainbows produced well. Bryan “Beef” Sathre and Evan Smith two of our guides here ventured Saturday and found some nice eyes in the 22″-25″ class. The ice is out up to Wheeler’s Point and a channel is open in Four Mile Bay. The Wheeler’s Point public access just a mile away from us at this point only has 6 feet of shore ice in front and will be gone soon. Timbermill Park in Baudette, Vidas Landing, Frontier and Birchdale landings all east of Baudette are open as well.
Evan Smith spring walleye released Wheelers Point 4-4-2015

 Bryan Beef Sathre nice walleye releasedSturgeon are being caught by both those targeting them and the accidental one caught while walleye fishing. The best approach for sturgeon is sturgeon rigs, 18″ heavy leader material paired with a 5/0 circle hook. Teamed up with a 4 oz no roll sinker, a nightcrawler and a frozen shiner and you are in business. Find a deep hole in the river and anchor up. Sturgeon catch and release is open until April 23, keep one season is open April 23-May 7 within size limits, we go back to catch and release May 8-15 and the season closes for a short time May 16-June 30.

Nielsen GroupNielsen Group pic 3Nielsen Sturgeon 5

 

 

 

More bays will be opening up this week. We expect the spring northern pike bite to be strong! Time to get the boat out, lots of soft water fishing opportunities have begun!

Spring Lodging Specials Lodging starting at only $40 per person per night plus tax based on double occupancy April 1-May 20! Guided Outfitter trips and boat slips are available too. Weekends are filling up, get your reservations in now 800-862-8602 or click here.

Summer is just around the corner Excellent fishing, lodging, camping, indoor pool, entertainment, new villas, and outdoor activities. Just a few things Sportsman’s offers for your next summer vacation. Click here and make plans today.