Tag Archives: walleye

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!

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!

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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.

A little snow and decent fishing

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We gained 3-4 inches of snow this week and below zero temps the past few days.  It looks like we are going to warm up tomorrow. Buck shots, flutter spoons, plain hooks and pink, gold and glow in the dark jigs have been good this week tipped with a minnow.  Vexilar users are almost doubling their catch rate. 23’-29’ of water around structure has been the best place to find some nice walleyes and saugers.

42 inch northern pike caught by Jim Kusilek on a medium action St Croix rod 8lb test and swedish pimple Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge

42 inch northern pike caught by Jim Kusilek on a medium action St Croix rod 8lb test and swedish pimple Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge

 

Nice 19 inch walleye caught by Chad Young Sportsman's Oak Island Lodge

Nice 19 inch walleye caught by Chad Young Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

 

13 inch perch caught by Chad Young Sportsman's Oak Island Lodge

13 inch perch caught by Chad Young Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

 

Ice Conditions
Currently we have 21-24 inches of ice in the areas we fish and travel.

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Trail Report
The area lake and land trails are being groomed weekly. For more information on the NW Angle & Islands area click here. For the Baudette area click here. The NW Angle club will be hosting their annual Snowmobile Rally March 4 in the NW Angle area. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Ice Road
The ice road is open. Take the 9 mile drive out from Young’s Bay to the lodge. Signs are posted.

Did you know?

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Walleye Facts

Walleye is the largest member of the perch family and has been known to reach 25 pounds.  North of the border, the walleye is more commonly known as pickerel. Its name comes from the fact that the fish’s eyes point outward, as if looking at the walls.  They also have huge marble-like eyes, which feature a layer of reflective pigment, which means that the walleye can see quite well in dim light.  The most common prey is the yellow perch which lacks this ability to see well in low light.  This trait alone has made the walleye a successful predator.

Walleye are among the most popular of all game fish. Each year, Minnesota anglers keep roughly 3.5 million walleyes totaling 4 million pounds.

The walleye is the state fish of Minnesota and South Dakota and the official fish of Saskatchewan. More walleye is eaten in Minnesota than in any other state of the United States. Locally, Baudette is known as the “Walleye Capital” of the World”. You can see the 40 foot statue of Willie Walleye at the corner of Highway 11 and International Drive in Baudette. Make sure to bring your camera! www.sportsmanslodges.com

Oak Island Fishing Report 5/22/13

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The Islands are opening up!

This last week of warm weather helped to break some of the ice up in the islands! The lodge is busy getting docks and boats ready for the start of the summer season, and the fish are waiting for anglers to arrive back to the area. Due to late spring conditions we have not had a chance to fish the islands, but judging from the good start on the river the islands should be good! Plenty of walleyes, northerns, and bass line the shorelines of Oak island at this time of year and action can be fast with many differnt species being caught. We will have a report on the fishing action as soon as we are in the water.

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report 5-22-13

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Warm Weather Heats up the Walleye fishing!

The week started off with nice weather and great fishing. Captain Keith Ayers capitalized on the opportunity and caught some nice fish including this 28 inch walleye. Some of our guest enjoyed the great conditions including Bronson, who just turned 13, showing off one of his nice walleyes. Windy cool weather moved into the area by the weekend and made things a little more challenging, but fishing was still good for the conditions given. More eating size fish seems to be the theme later in the week, which would indicate that a lot of males are on the move down river.

Walleyes are still being found up shallow in 12’-16’ of water and some fish being caught in as little as 4’-5’. The water temps are still cool so the shallow warmer water is holding the baitfish and the walleyes. Jigs and minnows are still the preferred presentation, current levels are slowly going down so smaller jigs are being used. 3/8 and 1/2 size jigs in orange and gold worked well this week. Don’t rule out crank baits and spinners up shallow as aggressive walleyes will continue to seek out warm water and food. The river and bay continue to hold a bulk of the fish and fishing pressure, but the lake is receiving new batches of walleyes daily and will soon have a good bite.

Memorial Weekend Special!
Stay 3 nights get the 4th night free! Lodging and Camping at the Sportsman’s Lodge Rainy River location.

Don’t forget Dad! 
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Plan a trip to Sportsman’s with Dad in June. Lodging & Guided Packages starting at just $224 per person. http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/rates/summer/

We have gift certificates too! Always the right color, size and price! Purchase yours online today http://shop.sportsmanslodges.com/

28 inch walleye caught and released by Captain Keith Ayers on 5/14/13

28 inch walleye caught and released by Captain Keith Ayers on 5/14/13

Bronson, age 13, nice walleye 5/12/13.
Bronson, age 13, nice walleye 5/12/13.