Tag Archives: sportsmans lodge

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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7/27/2015

Hot Summer Fishing
The weather is hot and so is the fishing!  Bait fishing using hammered gold or orange spinners tipped with a crawler or 3/8 oz. gold jigs tipped with a minnow has been the best approach.  Some anglers are also finding success pulling shad raps as well. Eighteen to twenty-two feet and twenty-eight to thirty-two feet outside of Pine Island, Little Oak Island and Garden Island are producing some nice fish. A nice variety of 14”-18” and 25”-30” walleyes have been found this week.

Island Fish Fry
Fishing continues to be very good and there is nothing better than enjoying authentic island fish fry midday during a day of fishing. Ask about booking a shore lunch when you book your next trip.  Our guides prepare the fish and all of the fixings while you take in the beautiful scenery of the area. This is definately an experience you won’t want to miss.

Fall is around the corner

We are roughly 8 weeks out from the legendary “Emerald Shiner Run” which normally occurs in late September and early October on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay. This event normally brings in thousands of walleyes to the Rainy River as they chase the shiners upstream.  Get your reservations in now and take advantage of lodging as low as $40 per person lodging.

Top Ten Reasons to visit Sportsman’s this August!

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Looking for the perfect vacation destination? Here are the top ten reasons to visit Sportsman’s this August!

1.  Excellent fishing and no equipment or experience required!

From the beginner to the seasoned pro, Sportsman’s located in the heart of the walleye capital of the world offers the best fishing around. If you like catching big walleyes, July & August are the best months to find catch big walleyes!

2. New VillasSportsmans Lodge Lake of the Woods

And with a multitude of accommodation options to choose from, including charming lodge rooms, well-equipped cabins, and our new private villas, you’re sure to love everything about Sportsman’s!  Rent these accommodations by the night or the week.

3. Entertainment

Enjoy our live musical entertainment in our bar and restaurant,

4. Indoor Pool 

Stroll along the beach at neartby Zippel Bay State Park, or relax at Sportsman’s indoor pool or hot tub.

5. Awesome Views

Let your worries drift away as you take in the beautiful views and rich history of the area on one of our lake tours.

6. Three Locations

Three locations to choose from: Sportsman’s Lodge located 12 miles north of Baudette, MN, Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge & Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge located on Oak Island near the Northwest Angle of Minnesota.

7. Game Room

Walleye Sportsman’s Lodge Lake of the Woods

Both youth and adults will enjoy our game rooms that feature a variety of games.

8. Three Dining Venues

Great food with great prices, sample all the menus in our 3 dining venues.

9. Area Activities

Whether you are looking to spend time on the water, enjoy a great game of golf, stroll along the beach at the Zippel Bay State Park or shop in local Baudette, there is something for everyone at Sportsman’s Lodges.

10. Lodging and fishing packages starting at only $232 per person! 

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call at 866-998-7280 or click here to book online.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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Life is better when I am fishing!
Isn’t that the truth! Nothing is better in my mind than a holding a rod on a beautiful day. Right now the weather is great and the bite is pretty darn good too. We still have openings for soft water fishing now through late October. Give us a call. Lodging, all-inclusive fishing packages, camping, boat slips and boat rentals are available.

The bite……
The best walleye action has been in 10’-18’ and 29’-36’. We are starting to use a little bit of controlled depth fishing but the best bite has been jigging using spinners tipped with a minnow or crawler this week. Some of the best fishing has been just outside of Graceton Beach, Zippel Bay and Garden Island.

Oak Island Fishing Report

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Great weather and excellent fishing.
We are reeling in some nice fish this week. Check out this muskie! What a catch! Points and rock piles have been successful. The guides know right where the action is and have lots of great tips to get you one that looks just like this! The muskie bite is the best July through October.

Walleyes
Best bite has been in 26’-30’ jigging with minnows or spinners tipped with a crawler. Massacre Island, Deep Water Bay and Skeet Island have all been hot spots.

Pike
Smaller fish have been found in big bays up shallow and the larger pike around points and rock piles. Casting flashy spoons or rapalas have been working well.

Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free!
What a deal! Stay in our brand new Eagle Ridge lake home on Oak Island just near the main lodge and take advantage of this great deal! Check out the beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home here and contact us today to reserve.

Lots of activities to do on your next vacation to Lake of the Woods

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Lots of activities to do on your next vacation to
Lake of the Woods

 

Spring & Summer Activities

Listen to Musical Entertainment at Sportsman’s Lodge

Fish the Walleye Capital of the World!

          Fishing is legendary here. Let us guide you to the catch. No experience, no hassles or equipment required! Enjoy a day on the water enjoying the outdoors and pulling in walleyes!
Fun for the whole family.

Canoe/Kayak

Paddle around! Bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy a leisurely trip around Zippel Bay, the Winter Road River, or any of the other small tributaries to the Rainy. If you’re looking for bit faster ride, head down the Rapid River, south of Clementson. Contact the Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau for more information and maps.

Mushroom Picking

Taste the wild harvest of Minnesota! Morel mushrooms are widely considered the most prized of wild mushrooms and can be found in the early spring in many areas of our county. Early May through the end of the month is the standard time for harvest. The tasty fungi (our state mushroom) grow best in the ruins of dead elm trees and damp aspen woods. Before eating any wild mushrooms, it is best to consult at least two field guides to verify the species. For more information contact our local state park representative by Clicking Here.

Birding

Lake of the Woods County is strategically located on the Mississippi flyway, which brings thousands of migratory species into the area each spring and fall. The landscape provides habitat for many highly sought after species, including the Great Gray Owl, Spruce Grouse, Golden Winged Warbler, and the endangered Piping Plover. A state park, managed forests, and the lake itself offer virtually unlimited opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Contact our local state park ranger or the Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau for a birding map and checklist.

Wildflower Viewing

Experience the purity of the north woods in bloom! The Williams Garden Club has identified a route of area plants in bloom, including the Minnesota state flower – the Showy Lady Slipper – which is celebrated each year as it enters peak bloom in June. For more information on the wildflower route Click Here to contact the Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau.

ATV Trail Riding

Many trails are open for riding in our area. Click Here for a trail map and here for more information. For more area information and events check out the local Roseau & Lake of the Woods Sportsmans Club facebook page.

Click Here to contact Sportsman’s Lodges online or call us today at 866-533-8998.

More Spring and Summer Activities:

  • Geocaching – Bring your GPS unit and start your adventure!
  • Celebrate the 4th of July – July  4 – Baudette
  • Relay for Life – Baudette – All Day
    The Lake of the Woods County Relay for Life this event will feature carnival games, survivor stories, remembrance and luminaria lighting ceremonies. Located at the fairgrounds in Baudette.
  • Flawk to the Hawk  Annual Car Show August – Nite Hawk in Roosevelt, MN Contact: 218-442-2470
  • North Star Sturgeon Championship – August – Birchdale, MN on the Rainy River. Contact Mike Hanson at 800-279-2850
  • Shyster Golf Tournament – August  – Northwest Angle & Islands 
    Contact: 218-223-4611 or 866-692-6453
  • Lake of the Woods County Fair  – July or  August – Baudette
  • Annual Steam & Gas Show & Threshing Bee – August – Roosevelt, MN – All Day
              Two day event. Antique machine parade, food booths, demonstrations, entertainment. Take county road #17 north of Roosevelt approx. 9 miles. Feature will be on the left. Click Here for more information.

Golf

Oak Harbor Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole course located along the Rainy River 8.5 miles north of Baudette on highway 172, 4 miles from Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River. The course is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week with cart and club rental available. The course operates from May 1st to November 1st, weather permitting. For more information Click Here.

Off Road Biking
Several roads and trails are open in the area. Click here for maps and more information.

Northern Lights
Sit back and enjoy the show on a clear evening.

State Parks

Lake of the woods hosts many parks to enjoy our prestine wilderness. Click Here for more information.

Scenic Drives
Take a drive and explore the Lake of the Woods area. You will enjoy the views of the lake, trees, wildlife, plants and wildflowers.  Many drives also include old homesteads and are great spots to pick wild blueberries in late July and early August. Click here.
The Grand Theatre

Block Buster hits showing five nights a week. For more information call the movie line at 634-1784.

Visit Canada

Rainy River is an attractive rural community of about 1,000 people located along the Minnesota/Ontario border. It is also a major border crossing into Sunset Country from the United States. The Rainy River area is home to 130 species of birds along with large populations of moose, black bear and deer. Hannam Park, located on the shores of Rainy River, is a perfect family vacation spot with its sandy beach, volleyball court, playground and wading pool. Click Here for more information.

Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre

Historical Centre, located west of Fort Frances, is one of the most significant centres of early habitation and ceremonial burial in North America. The centre features galleries and exhibits, which display different points of the last 10,000 years of aboriginal history, a 3-km walk along Rainy River, a teepee camp and village reconstructions. The centre also features a gift shop and restaurant. Open May 4 – October 2 Wednesday thru Sunday 10am – 6pm Closed Mondays & Tuesdays . For more information or call 807-483-1163 or 888-992-9949.

Visit Willie the Walleye

9,852 pounds! Largest Walleye in the World. A must see! Click Here for more information.

Wild Harvest

Wild fruits found in northern Minnesota are used in various food products, including jams, jellies and syrups. Blueberries, juneberries, huckleberries, pincherries, and raspberries all ripen from the mid to end of July. Chokecherries are ready mid-August, and highbush cranberries ripen in September. Acorns, hazelnuts, and walnuts are typically gathered in the fall as well.

County Museum

Relive the past at the Lake of the Woods County museum. With a large display area, audio-visual programs, and a comprehensive library – including microfilm of the county newspapers from 1907-1960 – it’s a great way to learn about the far north of Minnesota. Exhibits focus on the geological formation of Lake of the Woods, the natural history of the area, native cultures, the great fire of 1910, commercial fishing, logging, and the pharmaceutical industry. The museum is open from May through September. For more information Click Here.

Historic Depot
Visit the historic newly renovated depot downtown Baudette. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.
Area Parks

Lake of the Woods is home to many parks. Paved walking paths, skateboard park, picnic shelters, ball diamond, public boat accesses, historic monuments, and home to Willie the Walleye. Click Here for more information.

Area Beaches

Located at Zippel Bay State Park just 6 miles away from Sportsman’s Lodge.

Clementson Rapids

The Clementson rapids are located eight miles east of Baudette on highway 11. The Rapid River, a tributary of the Rainy River, gives visitors a spectacular display in the spring as it empties into the Rainy during peak flowage. The rocky shoreline along the rapids is a beautiful place for a picnic.

Thousands of acres of Public Forest Land to Explore

           Lake of the Woods county along with the two counties to our east and west have more than
3 million acres of public land to enjoy. Click Here for more information.

Local Baudette Shopping:

  • Sportsman’s Gift & Tackle Shop – main lobby
  • LaValla Antique Store – Hwy 172 1 mi from Sportsman’s Lodge 218-634-2733
  • Noble Drug & Gift – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-1236
  • Fisher’s True Value – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-2868
  • Hometown Hardware – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-3366
  • Outdoors Again Tackle, Guns & Sporting Goods – Hwy 11 Baudette 218-634-3344
  • Noble Radio Shack – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-1989
  • Ronnings Border Bargains Clothing & Gift – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-2088
  • Furniture Gallery – 111 3rd NE Baudette 218-634-3111
  • Floral Expressions Floral & Gift – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-2023
  • The Lighthouse Thrift – 2nd NW Baudette
  • Kaleidoscope Thrift – Hwy 11 Baudette
  • Duty Free Americas – 425 International Dr. Baudette 218-634-9482
  • Baudette Unique Health Spa – Main Ave Baudette 218-634-2007
  • Northern Sports & Machine – Polaris ATV’s, Snowmobiles and Gear 2 mi S of Baudette Cty Rd 1 218-634-1089
  • Johnson Auto – Arctic Cat Snowmobiles, ATV’s and Gear 802 2nd St NW Baudette 218-634-1636

Nearby Warroad (30 miles from the lodge)

Warroad Heritage Center and Museum

202 Main Av NE Warroad, MN (30 miles from the lodge) 218-386-2500
Hours: Monday-Saturday 1-5pm, Sundays 1-4pm. Free admission.

          Exhibits and artifacts: Indian artifacts from the Warroad area, the local commercial fishing industry, the Northwest Angle, early pioneers, military, the fur trade, Marvin Windows and Doors, Christian Brothers Hockey Stick factory, and sports. Plus, works by area writers, genealogies and old photographs, with information on early lumber industry, mink ranching, boating, transportation, and special holiday exhibits.

The Shed

The Shed is a Classic and Muscle Car Collection displayed in a 24,000 square foot building located on Hwy. 11 West, next to Lake Country Chevrolet Buick in Warroad, MN. There are approximately 70 cars available for your viewing enjoyment. Hours vary, so please call 218-386-2211 for availability.

William S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center

Junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 313 Warroad, MN 56763

Experience the rich history, innovations and commitment to excellence of Marvin Windows and Doors at the Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center. The 6,000 square foot museum and gift shop are open to the public with free admission 8am to 6pm weekdays and from 1pm to 4pm weekends. The exhibits include a combination of artifacts and interactive presentations that will wow visitors of all ages. For special accommodations or tours please Click Here or call 218-386-4334 in advance.

Warroad Summer Theatre

Three summer plays are featured plus a children’s theatre/workshop production featuring theWST Popcorn Players.  Each March brings a new season featuring dinner theatre presented at the Warroad American Legion Club.  All other performances for the season take place at the Mini Theatre located at the Warroad High School.

Ticket prices are: 
$10/Show
$8 for Senior Citizens over 61 and children under 12  
Season tickets are $25.  
For more information, call 218-386-3435.

Tour Heatmor, Inc.

Main Ave & Taylor Rd Warroad, MN
218-386-2769
800-834-7552

HEATMOR Inc. has manufactured a quality product bringing satisfaction and assurance since 1984. With a variety of models to choose from, heating your home, business, shop, or pool can be simple. HEATMOR Inc.’s outdoor furnaces, built from 409 stainless steel and backed by a 10 year limited warranty, are available in many sizes heating up to 25,000 sq. ft. HEATMOR’s furnaces provide safe, economical, and convenient ways of burning wood, corn and used oil. Tours available Monday through Friday. Please call for an appointment.

Tour Marvin Windows and Doors

Hwy 11 West Warroad, MN 56763
218-386-4222

Warroad is home to Marvin Windows and Doors, the world’s largest manufacturer of made-to-order wood windows and doors. Today over 2,600 people work fulltime at the main plant and corporate headquarters in Warroad. Visitors are welcome to tour the plant Monday through Friday. Click Here for more information. Call for an appointment.

Warroad Shopping:

  • Alco Discount Store – Main Ave 218-386-3022
  • Dollar Savers – Main Ave 218-386-1247
  • Marvin Home Center – Hwy 11 218-386-2570
  • Northern Borders custom framing, drapes & decorating – 1007 Lake St NE 218-386-9494
  • Northern Exposure Quilts – Main Ave 218-386-4809
  • Rhoda’s Closet clothing – 106 Wabasha Ave NE 218-386-1214
  • Solutions Store gifts, fabric and variety – 112 Main Av NE 218-386-1720
  • Good Times Thrift – Main Ave
  • Streiff Sporting Goods – 34480 550th Ave 218-386-2590
  • T-Shirt Barrel – Wabasha Ave 218-386-2728
  • Thomson’s Thrifty White Drug & Gift – 408 Lake Street NE 218-386-2453
  • Trading Post Gift Shop – Lake Street 218-386-1440

Click Here to contact us online or call us today at 866-533-8998.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

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Water is heating up, Weather is Beautiful & the Fishing is Excellent!
Northern areas of Big Traverse around Knight and Garden Island and southern areas of Little Traverse have been hot this week. Gold or pink jigs or spinners tipped with a leech, crawler or minnow have been working well. Bring a few bait options with you. The may flies hatched this week and have really pumped the walleye catch rate up. Water temperature is currently 74 degrees. Anglers are having the most success bait fishing but it won’t be long and controlled depth fishing will start.

Gavin Anderson Art Hallman
6 year old Gavin Anderson reeled in an
18 inch walleye guided by Captain Todd.
Nice job Gavin!		 24.5 inch walleye
Caught by Art Hallman from Minneapolis
Guided by Captain Cam
The Larsons Guided by Captain Ralph
The Larsons Witschens & Deno
with Captain Billy Kloos		 Nice walleye!
Guided by Captain Ralph

July & August are BIG Walleye Months
We see some of the largest walleyes reeled in during the months of July & August. The action is fast and fun! We always promote catch and release but according to Minnesota laws anglers can keep one over 28 inches. All walleyes between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released

We still have openings for July & August. Give us a call to book your trip today 800-862-8602 or click here to book online. New Villas, Charter Trips, 20’ boat rental, Indoor Pool, Musical Entertainment, Camping, Playground and area activities. We have something for everyone!

Oak Island Fishing Report

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Sparkling Waters & Walleyes
Beautiful weather this week. Now is one of the best times to visit I think. The weather is warm, the scenery is incredible and the fishing is great. Walleyes this week have been biting on gold or orange jigs tipped with a minnow in 26-30 feet of water. Rocky areas and points have been some of the best spots.

Muskies are starting to get hungry. Check out this 49 inch Muskie caught and released by Amy Sheffer. Amy was guided by Captain Jordan. Amy caught this lunker on a lil orange rapala; Anglers have been finding muskies lurking in rock piles and shallow bays. Some of the best tackle has been Amy’s lil orange rapala and small fast blades.

Pike
Many nice 25”+ pike have been caught in shallow bays this week. Flashy blades and rapalas have been working well.

Sportsman’s New Eagle Ridge Lake Home Special
Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night FREE now through October. This beautiful brand new 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathroom lake home and private dock is a great place to relax just a short walk or boat ride from Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge.

 

It’s Firkin Tapping Time Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN

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It’s Firkin Tapping Time Sportsman’s Lodge Baudette, MN

Third Street Brewhouse is here with free craft beer samples 4pm-6pm and will be tapping a firkin at 6:30pm. This firkin is a pale ale jalapeno and raspberry infused beer, dockside. We will also be having food and drink specials in the Sandbar! Come early and stay late! Cold Shot will be playing all of your classic rock favorites 9pm-1am Friday & Saturday.http://sportsmanslodges.com/fourth-july/

firkin beer tapping

What is a firkin?

A firkin is a unit of measure and also the size of a particular kind of keg used for cask conditioning; one quarter of a barrel, 72 pints, 9 imperial gallons. Firkins can be wooden or metal. The most curious thing about them is the manner in which they are tapped. As you can see, in order to keep air out, the keg is laid on its side and the spout is driven in horizontally. It can get a bit messy if not done correctly.

A breathing tube is inserted in the bung which is now on top to enhance the flow of beer using only gravity. CO2 is not used to carbonate or push the beer out.  Thus you get a naturally fermented and carbonated beer in a small batch. Many think beer tastes much better this way. In fact, there are entire beer festivals dedicated to only Cask Conditioned beers.Stop by and try this delicious infused pale ale. Friday, July 3 at 6:30pm!