Tag Archives: sturgeon fishing

Spring Break in the Islands!

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Check out the pictures of the week!

Who needs the tropics when you can come to Oak Island and enjoy peace and quiet and ice fishing?  Need a break? Come see us! We have some openings March 12-18.

The best bite has been in 25’-31’ right now using Glo Shot spoons, small spoons and jigs in the colors of gold and pink tipped with a chub minnow. Mix of vertical jigging and dead sticking has been the best approach. Vexilars are certainly helping too.  Anglers are reeling in a mix of walleyes and saugers with an occasional northern pike or perch.

Ice Conditions
We have 36+ inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

Trail Report
Grooming continues!  For more information about the trails click on these links:
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

Ice Road from Young’s Bay to Oak Island
The road is in good shape. Follow the signs and take a ride. It is about 10 miles out.

Spring is just around the corner.

It is never too early to start planning your spring trip!  Come visit the islands this spring and get into some hot soft water action. Spring lodging specials available May 11-25! Contact us today.

Ice Fishing is Going Strong!

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Check out the pictures of the week!

The Bite
Mix of vertical jigging and dead sticking in 17’-31’ using Buckshots, Glo Shots, green, gold and yellow jigs and orange and green glow spoons tipped with a chub minnow have been bringing in some fish.  Few nice fish suspended 3’-12’ off bottom too.  Mix of walleyes, saugers, northern pike, tullibee and jumbo perch coming up through the holes.  We have had lots of weather fluctuations again this week.  It looks like the forecast for the week ahead is going to stabilize. That should help the bite!  We consistently see Vexilars or Fish Finders of your choice help catch rate.   Rentals are available if you would like to try one, be sure to call ahead to reserve.

Walleye season is open until April 14 on Lake of the Woods. We plan to have our day houses out until March 31.  You still have time!

Ice Conditions
We have 40+ inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel at this time.  If you decide to venture out on your own, as always be sure to stay on marked trails and roads and check with local resorts before going out.  The entire lake never freezes equally. Stay safe and have fun!

Trail Report
Trails are groomed and staked. For more information check out these links.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

21st Annual Mardi Gras Party is March 24
Visit us for great fishing and a whole lot of fun! Entertainment, beads, free hurricanes, food and drink specials, lip sync and costume contest win $100 CASH and much more. Click here to check out all of the fun we have planned and book your stay and play package today!

The bite picked up this week!

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Check out these pictures!

Bobber Down!
Nice mix of varied sized saugers and walleyes have been coming up through the holes this week along with some nice big walleyes 22”-30” in length and a few pike too.  Pink and glow have been hot!  Pink and glow 1/8-1/4 jigs, Northland Tackle Glo Shot Spoon and Buck shot spoon as well as some anglers noting just a red hook tipped with a minnow.  Some anglers have found the best luck using just a minnow head and light jigging or a full minnow when dead sticking.  Depths have been all over the map the past few weeks, varying by day, 16’-30’. Don’t count out the afternoon bite. 2-4pm have been one of the best times lately.  Bonus ~ Wow have we had some cool sunrises and sunsets lately. Be sure to check it out!

Ice Conditions
We have 30-34 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel at this time.

You still have time! Ice Fishing trips available through March 31!
Walleye season is open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods and we ice fish until March 31. Come see us! We have weekend openings in March and midweek openings in February and March.

Trail Report
Trail grooming is in full swing. We could use another shot of snow or two. We have varied amounts of snow on the lake between 0”-8” on the south end and 10-12 inches up past Garden Island and around Oak Island and the Northwest Angle. More snow on the land. Not much for bare spots on the groomed trails as of today.  For more information about the trails on these links.
South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods Trail Information

Big Game Party!
14 TV’s, Drink Specials, Food Specials, Free Apps 5-6 and over $1,000 in prizes to be given away! Join us!

Fishing continues to be hot!

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Fishing continues to be hot!  Walleyes are being targeted and caught using a variety of tactics.  Gold and pink jigs tipped with a frozen shiner are still producing very well.  27’-30’ has been the best depths the past few days.

Like I said last week, the spinner bite will be picking up and that has held true!  8’-20’ with a hammered gold spinner tipped with a minnow, leech, or crawler produced good numbers of quality walleyes!  Drift speed is very important when spinner fishing. The best speed right now is .7-1.2 mph.

The third bite that has been producing is pulling plugs.  This is a method that doesn’t usually pick up steam until the dog days of summer but there has been a few boats doing well.  If you look to try this tactic look shallow.  Troll the breaks from 5’-10’.  Since the water is still warming up, the slower you can run your plugs and keep them in the strike zone the better!

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Captain Matt and the Neimi Group had an unbelievable day filled with a ton of multi-species action!

 

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Looking for a place to have a bachelor or bachelorette party this summer?
Sportsman’s Lodge is a great place! Lodging, fishing (no experience or equipment required), musical entertainment, indoor pool, hot tub, camping and relaxing await you. Make it just a day or weekend trip!  Contact us today for a free quote!

Celebrate Dad the month of June at Sportsman’s!
Lodging & Charter Fishing packages available starting at $249 per person or make it a gift card. Gift cards are always the right color, size and price.  Click here to contact us about a trip and click here to order a gift card online now.

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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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.

The ice is moving on out!

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The ice is moving on out. We can now get from the Northwest Angle/Young’s Bay to the island. The main lake still has ice but it is melting fast. Click here or give us a call 800-772-8411 to book you summer stay.

Check out our spring deals here.

For summer packages click here.

Fishing Dates to Remember

Minnesota Fishing Dates…..

Walleye opens May 13

Northern Pike open all year

Muskie opens June 17 thru Nov 30.

Bass, Crappie & Perch open all year.

Ontario Fishing Dates…..

Walleye season opens May 20

Muskie opens June 17

Northern Pike, Bass, Crappie & Perch open all year

Get your reservations in early for the upcoming summer season, prime dates are filling up.

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Sturgeon and pike fishing is heating up!

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We have already seen some huge sturgeon and nice pike reeled in this year and this is only the beginning! Sturgeon seasons run through May 15 and pike season is open year round. The spring sturgeon catch and release season runs through April 23 and May 8-15. You can keep one sturgeon per calendar year April 24-May 7, between the size of 45”-50” inclusive or over 75” with a sturgeon tag.  Sturgeon tags can be purchased at the lodge for $5 or at any place that sells Minnesota fishing licenses.

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Come and get in on the fun
Water temp is 45 degrees today.  Some of the best sturgeon fishing is just minutes away from our dock. Sturgeon like to hang out in deep holes of the river bottom. One of the best techniques to hook into one is to set up anchored just in a hole or outside of a hole using a 4/0 or 5/0 hook, 2-10 oz. no roll weight depending on the current for that day and tip it with a gob of minnows. The best places to find pike this time of year is in the bays. Throwing dare devils or jointed rapalas usually do well. Hundreds of bays along the river and lake are open now. Guided trips also available too. The lake continues to open up more every day. As soon as the cloud cover clears we will post a satellite picture on our facebook page, stay tuned.

Check out what others have caught this week!

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.

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.

Walleye Opener is just around the corner
May 13 is walleye opener. Lodging starting at $46 per person and lodging/charter fishing packages starting at only $249 per person. Click here to choose your package. *plus tax and based on double occupancy

Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat mom to some great fishing, relaxation and Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Sportsman’s May 14. From walleye, to salads to mimosas and more click here to check out the menu we have planned and make your reservations today.

Walleyes, Sturgeon, Pike….lots of fishing going on!

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Hey everyone, it has been a good week of fishing here on the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. The spring season brings lots of changes and successful anglers know that too well. Being ready to change up your location, tackle, bait and approach when the weather, fish patterns, water temp and clarity make a change, is all instrumental in getting more walleyes in your net.  Currently the river is clearing up, 1-2 feet clarity today and the water temp has warmed up to 45 degrees.  Anchored, using gold jigs tipped with a shiner and Northland Tackle’s gold thumpers have been working well. Depths in the river and lake between 11’-18’ have been good. The lake is open to about a mile and half past Pine Island right now. As the ice melt continues be sure to watch the wind and ice chunks. There is over 40 miles of fishable waters outside our front door right now. Areas from Birchdale all the way out to the lake so even when conditions change, there are miles of good fishing holes to enjoy. Walleye season is open through tomorrow and re opens May 13. The lodge will be closed Easter Sunday but lodging in our cabins and villas are available that day.

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We are honored to have, Pro Angling Team, Brian “Bro” and Heather Brosdahl, Infisherman Angler, Matt Straw and Sam and Matt from Northland Tackle join us this week. Click here to check out their Lake of the Woods spring experience!

Guide Eric's Best's dad Doc reeled in this huge strugeon today. Measuring 63 inches.

Guide Eric’s Best’s dad Doc reeled in this huge strugeon today. Measuring 63 inches.


Awesome Sturgeon Bite
We have seen a lot of nice 40”-70” sturgeon reeled in this year already. It really has been incredible start to the spring sturgeon season.  The other cool thing is these dinosaurs seem to bite no matter what the water clarity is like, so always a great option to try in any condition.  Deep holes in the river using a 4/0 or 5/0 hook, a good weight 3-10 ounces depending on the day and current and a gob of minnows works well. Spring season continues through May 15. For more information about the seasons and limits click here.

Spring Pike Fishing
Lake of the Woods is home to one of the largest populations of trophy sized pike and March – May is one of the best times to reel them in.  Anchoring at the mouth of the river using frozen ciscos has been working well.

Kids love fishing! What a fun day! Guided by Captain Wes

Kids love fishing! What a fun day! Guided by Captain Wes

Thomsen Group Guide Wes

Two hours of non stop action with Captain Wes

Two hours of non stop action with Captain Wes

Thomsen Group Guide Wes pic 2 Thomsen Group Wes Harder Guide

No hassles, just good fishing!
Guides available for walleye, sturgeon and pike! No boat to worry about, no tackle or bait to buy, no hassles, just great fishing! Give us a call to book your trip 800-862-8602!

Watch the water temperature rise on the Rainy River, click here.

Spring Specials
Lodging starting at $42 per person per night, guided trips and up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages. Click here to learn more!  *plus tax and based on double occupancy

Record Breaking Catch & Release Sturgeon

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When you are fishing for walleye and you reel in a record breaking sturgeon!!

What an experience!
When three friends, Taylor Schroeder, Tyler Hill and Paul David from Virginia, MN area set out March 30, 2017 on the Rainy River to get into some walleyes, they had no idea what was going to be in store for the that day.

Check out Taylor’s story……Two friends and I set out to catch some walleyes last Thursday morning. We started the day with a nice 25″ fish, but then the fishing slowed, so we decided to move. We anchored in a new spot and soon after I hooked into a sturgeon. The sturgeon decided to bolt down river. I had to put a little pressure on my drag to make sure I had line left to fish with for the rest of the day. Of course, that resulted in my line breaking. I retied, and started fishing again.

Meanwhile, my friends, Tyler Hill and Paul David, started to catch some walleyes. I then felt weight again, so I set the hook, another sturgeon. This time, we pulled up anchor and went for a ride. Having only six pound test and a medium light rod, I didn’t know how long the fight would last. I assumed it would end with me tying on another jig. That was not the case!  It ended up taking around an hour of boat work and drifting to eventually get the fish off the bottom. When we first saw the fish, it became clear we had a BIG one. After wrestling with it at boat side, we found it impossible to lift the fish out of the water by hand, so we grabbed some rope and lassoed the tail. It took two of us to get the fish up and into the boat. When the chaos was somewhat over, we looked at the fish and noticed that it had two of my jigs stuck in its mouth. It was the same sturgeon that broke me off half an hour earlier!

Taylor Schroeder 69 inch sturgeon

After a few pictures and a good measurement, which required all three of us to accomplish, we released the fish. It was about an hour later, when my curiosity caused me to look up the state record (catch & release). I couldn’t believe it when I saw the numbers. Our fish topped the current record by an inch and a half. Unfortunately, we lacked one of the pictures required for it to be considered as a state record fish.  One picture away from a state record, will probably haunt me for a while but in reality, we were just fortunate to have experienced it. In the end, it’s a story of what could have been, but an amazing story nonetheless.

Taylor Schroeder 69 inch sturgeon March 2017
What a catch! 69 inch sturgeon caught on medium light rod, 6lb test, pink and white jig tipped with a rainbow minnow by Taylor Schroeder and assisted by Tyler Hill and Paul David.

Sturgeon season catch and release season is open on Lake of the Woods Oct 1 through April 23 and May 8-15. You can harvest one 45″-50″ inclusive or over 75″ May 8-15 and July 1-Sept 30 with a sturgeon tag purchased from the DNR.

Spring Thaw

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Most of last week the Rainy River clarity was up to 3’ and the current was mild. Walleye and sauger fishing was on fire! It wasn’t hard to catch 100+ fish in a day. Late last week the tributaries started to thaw, the river dirtied and the current sped up pushing anglers to change up their strategy to find the fish willing to bite.  It was a mixed bag of success. Some anglers continued to do well and some didn’t. Some switched over to sturgeon fishing.  Yesterday and early this morning the Little Fork and Big Fork opened up, a sure sign of spring.  As we look towards this week we should start seeing the river clean up and the lake open up further making available more fishing opportunities and clearer water.  As of today the lake is open about a mile and a half past Pine Island. The water temperature is starting to go up again, currently at 38.5 degrees after dipping to 35 degrees a few days ago.   All boat landings along the river are open.  The weather forecast looks dry and beautiful.

Yesterday, Guide Travis Madrazo and the Carisch group of 2 were out and did awesome. Late afternoon bite was best reeling in over 100 walleyes.

Carisch Group Guide Travis Madrazo Carisch Group Fish Carisch Group

Nate Sailor reeled in a nice 28.5 inch walleye and some nice sturgeon caught by the  Thomsen and Oelrich Group. Guided by Wes Harder.

Thomsen Group Wes Harder Guide

Oelrich Group Guide Wes Harder Sturgeon

28.5 inch walleye Nate Sailor Guide Wes Harder

29.5 inch walleye Christensen Group and some nice walleyes including a 29 inch with the Egan group. Guided by Baihly Hontvet

Egan Group Guide Baihly Hontvet Christensen Group Guide Baihly

Fishing Seasons Tips for the week
Walleyes & Saugers – River shorelines, 13’-22’, lake 10’-20’jigging brightly colored 1/2 oz. to ¾ oz. jigs tipped with rainbows, shiners or chubs or pitching soft plastics towards shore.

Sturgeon – Anchor near or in deep holes in the River or Four Mile Bay with some current using a 3-5 ounces of weight using a 4/0 or 5/0 hook tipped with a gob of worms and a shiner.   Lots of big sturgeons have been getting caught this week.  Once you hook in, be ready! Some of these monsters take up to a few hours to reel in. It can be quite an adventure!

Pike – With more bays opening up the soft water pike season should start heating up as well. Cast spoons and jerk baits in shallow bays  with structure.
Take a guide – A guided trip is relaxing, less hassle and it is a great way to learn new tactics. Contact us a for availability.

Walleye open through April 14, reopening May 13
Northern Pike open year round
Lake Sturgeon catch and release now through April 23, keep one season  April 24-May 7, catch and release May 8-15, closed May 16-June 30, keep one season July 1-Sept 30, catch and release Oct 1-April 23.
For more information about seasons, limits and licenses click here.

Lodging Specials, Guided Trips, Boat Rentals, Dock Slips, Rainy River Boat Access Map click here!

Forecast 4-4-2017

Curious about the water temperature and flow? Here are some resources to check out.
Rainy River Wheeler’s Point Water Data
Lake of the Woods Control Board Basin Data