Tag Archives: Walleye Fishing

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 9/9/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Water temp is falling and leaves are changing. Currently, the water temperature is sitting around 59-62 degrees and some shiners are starting to show up in the river.

Walleyes are being caught on a variety of methods right now. Drifting with pink, orange, and hammered gold spinners and a crawler in 11’-16’ and 26’-36’ as well as on crankbaits with some shimmer and rattle in the mud 26’-36’. Some dabbling with the jig and a minnow or shiner but most are finding the spinners and cranks are working the best. Areas outside Lighthouse Gap, Zippel Bay, and Garden Island have been good. It won’t be long and anchored with a jig/minnow method will start to take precedence, so be ready!

Great Fall Rates
Up to 20% off summer lodging and charter packages and lodging starting at just $89 a night for two people now through Oct 31, 2020. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or email us for a rate quote and availability. *Plus tax

Fall Sturgeon Tournament Openings
October 30 & 31 Cash prizes! Always a fun event! Check out the details online and give us a call 800-862-8602 to sign up.

Oak Island

Variety of Methods
Fall is in the air and that means it is time to start thinking about changing up methods to stay on the walleye bite. Jigs, spinners, and crankbaits are methods of choice right now but the jig and minnow will start to be the go-to soon. Drifting with gold and pink spinners tipped with a crawler in 15’-28’ on rock structure, trolling with shad raps in 26’-36’ in the mud and anchored jigging a minnow or shiner in 11’-15’ and 20’-26’ on or around structure has been working the best. Water temp is in the lower 60’s now.

Looking for some crappies? Crappies are biting on small jigs and a minnow in 10’-30’.

Check out our Great Fall Rates. Openings are available!
Click here or call 800-772-8411.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 9/3/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Cooling Down
Feels like fall. Lows in the 40’s and highs in the ’50-’70s lately.

Water temp is down to 65 and likely to dip lower this week. Currently, anglers are pulling spinners with a crawler or trolling with a shad rap for the best luck. It won’t be long and the jig and a minnow will start to take the stage. For spinners, anything glow, hammered gold or anything in the orange/red/gold color family has been good. For shad raps, shiny and noticeable is key. In the stained waters of Lake of the Woods, a little more shimmer, rattle, or bright color never hurts to try. Best depths have been in 11’-17’ along shorelines and 28’-36’ in the mud. Come have some fun.

Have you tried to call?
Yesterday afternoon until today around noon we suffered a phone outage at the lodge and in the area due to some local construction going on. Just wanted to let you know we are back up! Sorry for the inconvenience, give us a call 800-862-8602.

Let’s go Fishing!
Openings available this fall. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or email us for a rate quote and availability.

Fall Sturgeon Tournament Openings
October 30 & 31 Cash prizes! Always a fun event! Check out the details online and give us a call 800-862-8602 to sign up.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Drifting Away in the Islands
Drifting with gold and orange spinners tipped with a minnow or crawler has been working well for walleyes in 15’-26’. Trolling with shad raps and anchored with a jig/minnow combo also getting some nice ones. Water temp is down to mid-’60s. Muskies are hitting on blades and topwater baits in weedy bays and rock points. Crappies on small jigs in 10’-30’. We received some cancellations for Sept 9-13, so now have openings for that time and have openings available here and there throughout fall. Give us a call at 800-772-8411.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 8/27/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge

Leaves are starting to Change
Pulling spinners and trolling with cranks continue to work the best for walleyes. Some anglers finding fish in 12’-16’ and others in deeper waters 28’-36’. Pink, silver, and gold for colors. The leaves are starting to change, fall is just around the corner and so is the shiner run. Once the shiners start run the river, we know it won’t take long for the walleyes to follow.

Anglers fishing the river are reeling in some nice sturgeon. Anchored in a deep hole or along the incline above the deep hole has been good. A sturgeon rig tipped with a gob of crawlers works well. Lots of species and miles of water to explore. Charter trips available through late October. Give us a call 800-862-8602.

Sturgeon Tournament October 30 & 31
Cash prizes! Openings are available. Call up some fishing buddies and join us.
Click here to learn more and to sign up.

Fall Openings
Lodging starting at only $89* per night in lodge rooms and up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages Sept 8-Oct 31. Check out our packages and make plans to visit us, call 800-862-8602. *plus tax and based on 2 adults

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Trolling
Trolling in 24’-28’ using spinners with a minnow, crawler harness or crankbaits in the mud and around structure has been working for walleyes. Gold, red, pink, and yellow tackle have been good options.

Nice pike and muskies have been reeled in. Several 30”+ pike right off the dock. Muskies have been hitting on topwater baits and blades in weedy bays and rock points. Pike mainly in deep water with rocks using spinnerbaits. Crappies are hungry using small jigs and a minnow 10’-30’ on structure.

The Canadian border remains closed at this time but the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service is available to get you to the island. For fall and winter trips, give us a call 800-772-8411 or contact us online.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 8/20/20

by

Combination of Techniques
A combination of eaters, small fish, and nice trophies are being reeled in.

Pulling spinners with a minnow, crawler harnesses , and pulling crankbaits on a slow drift or troll continue to be the go-to methods in the deep mud 27’-36. Gold, glow, and anything shiny is popular tackle colors. Warm weather continues with highs in the 70’s and 80’s this week. Water temp is in the lower 70’s.

Fall is just around the corner
Lodging starting at only $89* per night in lodge rooms and up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages Sept 8-Oct 31. Check out our packages and make plans to visit us 800-862-8602. *plus tax and based on 2 adults

—————————–

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Spinners, Cranks and & Jigs
Rock reefs and points in 18’-30’ using red/white and gold 3/8 oz. jigs tipped with a minnow or a spinner with a nightcrawler has been a successful method for reeling in the walleyes. Pulling crankbaits in the deep mud is also a great method. Water temp is in the lower 70’s.

Muskies and Pike
Working point to point in weedy bays with structure using topwater and jerk baits are luring in the muskie and pike.

Fall is just around the corner
We have some openings for September and October. Give us a call 800-772-8411 or contact us online here for availability.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 7/21/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge South End Fishing Report

Lots of slots
It has been a good bite this week, lots of slot fish and plenty to fry up. A slot walleye is a walleye 19.5”-28” in length that must be released after catching. Check out the lunkers in the pictures of the week. Many long time guests have been saying this summer, “Fishing has been some of the best they have ever experienced!”

What’s working? Drifting with hammered gold or bright colored spinners, 1-2 ounces of weight tipped with a crawler. Some anglers are now trying their luck at trolling with shad raps and having good luck too. Water temperature is 74 degrees.

Best depth has been 18’-27’. Tip of the Week: Keep your line tight and your drag light to bring in those trophy fish. Don’t let summer pass you by. Midweek guided trips available over the next few weeks. Weekends available late August and through the fall. Lodging available, midweek most anytime the rest of the season and weekends after July 25.

Fall Discounts Sept 8-Oct 31
Up to 20% off summer lodging and charter fishing packages. Check out our packages here and make plans to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Sturgeon Tournament
Our spring tournament was rescheduled to October 30 & 31. Openings are available. Click here to learn more about this popular tournament and sign up today.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Walleye, it’s what’s for Dinner
12’-23’ in the sand and 23’-29’ in our around rocks continues to produce results when going after walleyes. Drifting with a spinner, ounce or two of weight and a crawler has been working well. Trolling with shad raps has been worth a shot too. Deep bays and rocky points are hot spots for muskies right now using bucktails and topwater lures. The water temperature is 74 degrees.

Openings available
Sportsman’s Oak Island: July 27/28, August 2-6, 9-11, 16-17, 23-26, 30-Sept 1, 7-9, 14, 15, 20-23, 27-Oct 18

Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge Cedar Cabin – Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free: July 24-30, Aug 2-5, 15-21, 30-Sept 23, 27-Oct 18.

Call to book this cabin 800-772-8411.

Canadian Border Update
Unfortunately, we have once again been notified that the Canadian government has extended its border closure to August 21, 2020, at this time. The good news is, you still have options to come and enjoy some island time! The Lake of the Woods Passenger continues to provide service to and from the island from Sportsman’s Lodge in Baudette and has follow boat options. No border crossing required. For any questions or reservation changes, please contact us here or by calling 800-772-8411.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 7/15/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge South End Fishing Report

The Bite

Drifting with hammered gold spinners tipped with a crawler, leech or minnow and 1-2 ounces of weight and has been luring in the walleyes in 15’-25’ this week areas along the south shore and northern islands. A mix of good eaters and trophy walleyes. Water temp in the mid ’70s.

Fall & Winter Fishing

It is not too early to think about making fall and winter reservations. The fall bite can be incredible and ice fishing here on Lake of the Woods is one of a kind. Check out our fall and winter packages and contact us today.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

For the walleye bite, rock structure in 23′-29’ and in the sand 12’-23’ using hammered gold and orange crawler harnesses tipped with a crawler or using 3/8 oz jigs tipped with a minnow has been bringing in some nice walleyes and saugers. Smallmouth bass has been found around rock reefs in the islands in 5’-12’ using crankbaits or lipless cranks bounced off the bottom. Pike have been biting along rocky shorelines and weedy bays throwing out flashy daredevils and bucktails. Muskies are biting trolling in deep bays and rocky points using bucktails and topwater lures. Water temp is in the mid-’70s.

Cedar Cabin Special
July 24-August 8 Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night FREE!
Call to book this cabin 800-772-8411.

Lake of the Woods South Shore & Oak Island Fishing Report – 6/25/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge South End Fishing Report

Lots of Sun in the Forecast

Looks like it is going to be a nice week to be out in the boat. Bring on the walleyes! Drifting with gold and glow in the dark spinners and a few ounces of weight has been working well tipped with a leech or crawler. Water temperature is in the mid 60’s and warming up by the day. The best depth has been 25’-31’ outside of the Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point, and north. The walleyes are waiting.

4th of July is next week
Come enjoy some lake time!

We have some openings available. Lodging, guided trips, lake tours, indoor pool, a nearby beach, and golf course. Dynasty DJ takes the stage July 3 & 4 and a fireworks display is planned in Baudette. Something for everyone, come have some fun.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Walleye, Pike, Bass….lots of options

Gold, pink or orange jigs or spinners tipped with a minnow or crawler has been working well to lure in the walleyes along shorelines in 8’-14’ and 26’-28’ of water around structure and the sand. Water temperature is in the mid 60’s.

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

4th of July week openings available. Give us a call at 800-772-8411.
Passenger service is available from Sportsman’s Lodge to the island. No border crossing required.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report & Oak Island Update – 5/12/20

by

Sportsman’s Rainy River

Opening weekend weather was cool but some nice walleyes were caught.

Check out some of the pics.

It sounds like the weather is going to warm up as the week goes on. Mid 60’s this weekend!

We are open for lodging, dock slips, curbside, and on-property food delivery. Lodging starting at $89 through May 20. COVID safety measures and extra cleaning protocols are being practiced and we look forward to opening more services as soon as we can.

A decent bite has been found in 12’-18’ along the sandbars jigging with a chub or a shiner. Gold and pink were notable colors. Water temperature is in the mid 40’s.

Sturgeon season winds down May 15 and reopens July 1.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

We open this weekend!
Lodging, dock slips, and food delivery to your cabin or dockside will be available. We will start cooking Friday at 11:30, open until 8:30 pm and daily starting Saturday, 7:00 am – 8:30 pm. We look forward to opening more services as the Governor lifts restrictions. COVID safety measures and extra cleaning protocols are being practiced. The Canadian border is currently still closed until May 20. You can reach us by passenger service or boating across the lake at this time.

Fishing for walleyes has been good in shallow 10’-16’ along shorelines using a jig and a minnow. Vertical jigging gold has been hot. You don’t have to go far to catch a nice limit. Pike fishing is also excellent in the spring. Bays and creek openings to the lake are a great place to check out. Casting artificial baits or using smelt or large sucker minnows on a hook and a bobber.

Weekly Specials
Starting at just $2,195 for a 3 bedroom cabin in a quiet area just 1/4 mile from the main lodge at Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge. Check it out for your spring, summer, fall or winter getaway.

Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Update – 3/11/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge
3/11/2020

 

Cool temps! 20 days of ice fishing left, you still have time!

A decent bite this week. Catching a variety of walleyes, saugers, and few eelpouts. Anglers trying some different things if the bite isn’t hot for them are getting the best results like different lures, jigging speed, dead sticking, on bottom vs a few inches off the bottom, minnow head vs full minnow and using electronics like a Vexilar. The bite continues to be in 29’-34’ out about 45-55 minute ride from the lodge. Hot jigs have been 1/4 oz gold, pink or chartreuse or a plain hook tipped with a minnow. Come have some fun!

If the weather starts to warm up we will be moving our houses to stay away from the slush and to allow a longer season with safe ice. With the bombardiers and groomed trails, we have many areas to fish. Check out the pictures of the week and make plans to come wet a line.

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

23rd Annual End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is March 28
Our end of the season bash is coming up! Visit us for great fishing and a whole lot of fun! Entertainment, beads, free hurricanes, food and drink specials, costume contest win $200 CASH and much more. Click here to check out all of the fun we have planned and book your stay and play package today!

 

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Fishing Away

This week depths in 22’-27’ around structure using plain hooks, gold jigs s and small spoons tipped with a minnow has been the best approach for catching walleyes and saugers. An occasional perch, tullibee, perch, pike, and eelpout too. A mix of vertical jigging and dead sticking has been the best approach and electronics help! We have 30-32 inches of ice.

Trails
The trails are open. Click the links for the latest reports.

South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods

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

Time to book your spring and summer trip.
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 8 -25! Contact us today 800-772-8411.

Sportsman’s Ice Fishing Update – 3/4/20

by

Sportsman’s Lodge
3/4/2020

March Fishing is in Full Swing

Walleyes, saugers, and a few perch, pike, eelpout and tullibee have been caught this week. Walleyes and saugers predominately but it’s March, which means a greater chance to catch a variety of species. The best bite continues to be 29’-34’ using a combination of dead sticking and jigging. Hot tackle has been plain hooks and jigs/small spoons colored green glo and pink tipped with a minnow.

We are still out about a 45-55 minute ride to the fish houses and have over 3’ of ice. The ice is in good shape and no slush. When the weather starts to warm up we will be moving our houses to stay away from the slush and to allow a longer season with safe ice. With the bombardiers and groomed trails, we have many areas fish. Check out the pictures of the week and make plans to come wet a line.

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

23rd Annual End of the Season Mardi Gras Party is March 28
Visit us for great fishing and a whole lot of fun! Entertainment, beads, free hurricanes, food and drink specials, costume contest win $200 CASH and much more. Click here to check out all of the fun we have planned and book your stay and play package today!

 

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge 

Glow in the dark is hot!
Jigging glow in the dark jigs and small spoons have been hot this week tipped with a minnow. A mix of walleye, saugers, and a few perch and pike are being caught in 22’-30’ of water around structure. We have 30-32 inches of ice and plan to keep fishing through the 22nd here in the islands at this point.

Trails
The trails are open. Click the links for the latest reports.

South Shore Lake of the Woods
Northwest Angle Lake of the Woods

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

Time to book your spring and summer trip.
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 8 -25! Contact us today 800-772-8411.