Live Entertainment at Sportsman’s Lodge

Enjoy the music and live entertainment at Sportsman’s Lodge. Fireline will be hitting the stage Friday, July 19 & Saturday July 20 9pm-1am playing many of your favorite country, classic rock and top 4o hits. Fireline is a talented 3 piece band from Bemidji, MN with great sound. Kick up your heels on the dance floor, sit back and have a few cold ones from the bar and enjoy the evening. Come early and watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy happy hour daily 5pm-6pm. Enjoy $1 off rails, domestic beer, Cap’n and Windsor. The Sandbar and Riverside Dining Room serve up a delicious menu nightly through the summer months. When your not dancing, try your luck at pulltabs, 6 boxes to choose from or play a round of pool or one of the arcade games.

Sportsman’s has it all! Lodging, Camping, Charter Fishing, Boat Docking, Conference Center, Gift Shop, Lake Tours, Leonard C Group Excursions, Indoor Pool, Winter full service ice fishing and more! Check us out online today http://www.sportsmanslodges.com

For our complete entertainment and events schedule click here http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/dining-and-bar/entertainment/

For dining and bar specials and hours click here www.mysportsmans.com

 

Fishing Report from Sportsman’s Lodges

Lake of the Woods South Shore Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Walleye Opener is in 2 days!
It is time to start reeling in the walleyes! Over 75 miles of open water is right out our front door. Are you ready for some action?

Current water temperature has climbed to 45 degrees at our docks, water level is low, and water clarity has improved over the past week with the run off now gone and no precipitation. The current is slow –moderate in speed. The DNR reports the spawn has not occurred yet. We are looking forward to some good fishing this weekend! Guided Outfitter and Charter Trips are still available. We can accommodate groups of 1 or more. Give us a call 800-862-8602 or log on to our website.

The summer walleye limit is now in effect on Lake of the Woods is 4 or sauger/walleye combination of 6 no more than 4 walleyes. One walleye over 28 inches may be kept per angler. All walleyes between 19.5 inches and 28 inches must be released.

Four Mile Bay & Rainy River are wide open. This is a Picture of the Lighthouse Gap 5-8-2013	Satellite Image of Lake of the Woods 5-8-2013

Morris Point Gap 5-8-2013

Still catching some nice sturgeon Sturgeon “keep one” season is now closed but catch and release season still continues for another week through May 15. Some huge monsters over 70 inches have been reported this past week.  A 5/0 octopus or circle hook tipped with night crawlers is working well in the deep holes of the river bottom.  Guided Outfitter trips are available 800-862-8602.

The pike bite has been good the past week. This season is continuous on Lake of the Woods and never closes. Zippel Bay, Four Mile Bay and bays up river have been good.

Sportsman’s is your summer fun headquarters. Lodging, Camping, Indoor Pool, Entertainment, Restaurant, Bar, Charter Guide Service, Lake Tours, Conference Center and more! Catch the summer excitement! www.sportsmanslodges.com

Lake of the Woods NW Angle & Oak Island Fishing Report

5/9/2013

Greetings from Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge!
Unfortunately we will not be able to open for walleye opener this year due to the ice conditions.  We are starting to see some open pockets of water around points, bays and between the docks, but not enough water yet to navigate on a boat. We are hoping for some warmer weather and rain to move in this week and move out the ice soon!  At this point we are looking at opening next weekend, May 17 but will know more next week.  For sure we believe opening Memorial Weekend will not be a problem.  Give us a call to make your summer plans! 800-772-8411.

5-8-2013 Docks	5-8-2013 Docks

Walleye Opener is 5 days away and we have open water!

5/6/2013
Satellite picture from yesterday. Over 75 miles of open water in our area right now! The Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, Zippel Bay, Lighthouse Gap are wide open and more of the lake keeps on opening up more and more each day! Lots of fishable waters for opener! The forecast looks warm! We will post more pictures as the week goes on!

Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament Day 2 Results 2013

5/4/2013
Day 2 Winners of the 7th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament are:
#1$ 1900 Cash – Hunter Deziel from Grand Forks, ND with a 58 1/2 inch length and 24 inch girth

#2 $820 Cash – Tommy Riggs from Shevlin, MN with a 56 1/2 inch length and 21 3/4 inch girth

#3 Custom Rod – Nick Simonson from Marshall, MN 56 inch length and 21 1/2 inch girth

Thanks to all of the particpants! We look forward to seeing you again next year! May 2 & 3, 2014

Sportsman’s 7th Annual Sturgeon Tournament Day 1 Results 2013

5/3/2013
7th Annual Sportsman’s Sturgeon Tournament Day 1 Results

It was a cool, 45 degree clear and sunny day for day one of the 7th Annual Sportsman’s Lodge Tournament.  It is a full tournament, 50 boats and over 100 people participating. The tournament is a two day catch and release tournament. The three longest sturgeon of each day receive prices. First two receive cash and the third a custom built rod.  Despite the cool spring, the Rainy River in front of Sportsman’s Lodge where the tournament is held has plenty of open water. Live Entertainment, food and drinks will close out the day. Day 2 starts at 8:30 am and finishes at 3pm. 6pm is the prime rib dinner banquet where the prizes will be given. Fireline Live Band will then take the stage one more time Saturday night to close out the 7th Annual Sturgeon Tournament.
The sturgeon season is open through May 7 and May 8-15 is catch and release season before closing for about a 6 week period of time. Lots of nice sturgeon have been caught this spring and their is still plenty of time to get in on the action. Give us a call to make a quick trip and reel in one of these monsters! 800-862-8602
Official Day 1 Results Sportsman’s 7th Annual Sturgeon Tournament Prizes awarded to the 3 longest fish of each day.
Thanks to all participants we look forward to another exciting day tomorrow!
#1 $1900 Cash – Jim Benson 61 inch length, 23 inch girth approx 53 lbs

#2 $820 Cash – Mark Capouch 60 1/4 inch length, 24 1/2 inch girth approx 56 lbs

#3 Custom Made Rod – Mark Capouch 56 inch length, 21 inch girth approx 41 lbs

Lake of the Woods/Rainy River Fishing Report 5/1/2013

5/1/2013

It’s PRIME TIME STURGEON TIME! The sturgeon fishing has been incredible! Several nice sturgeon were boated the past few days especially monster size 50 inch plus! What a blast!  Sturgeon “keep one” season lasts until May 7. You can keep one within 45”-50” inclusive or over 75”. Licenses and sturgeon tags are available at the lodge. May 8-15 get in on one more week of catch and release before the season closes May 16.

Anchoring and working deep holes of the river bottom has worked best.  The best tackle to use is a 5/0 or 6/0 octopus or circle hook, a couple of ounces of weight and 2-4 crawlers.
Our 7^th Annual Sturgeon tournament is this weekend!   The tournament is always a good time! Over $4500 in cash and prizes to be given away! Come on out and watch the boats from our docks, hear good fish stories and listen to the live entertainment. At this time, this year’s tournament is full but we are taking names for a waiting list in the event we receive last minute cancellations and we are now taking reservations for next year’s tournament, May 2 & 3 2014.
Don’t just take it from me, read what other recent guests are saying….

65″ 31.5 girth 115 lbs!!  Great cabins great food and great people!!!  You rock!!!  Especially Jennifer!!! Thank you!!!! We will be back for sure, best fishing weekend of all time! Don Gregerson

We had the best success employing a run and gun approach giving each spot a ½ hour before moving. The heads of deep holes seemed to be holding the most fish but keep eyes on the electronics as fish are easily spotted. Our rigs consisted of large Water Gremlin Dipsey Swivel sinkers with 12” leaders tied to 5/0 circle hooks. 4- 6 night crawlers sprayed with Berkley Gulp Minnow spray was our bait of choice. Freshen scent often. When fish hit simply point the rod at them, lift tip, and reel in. Please handle these prehistoric giants with care! Water Gremlin Pro Staffer Garett Svir

Thanks for your support of Wounded Warrior Guide Service! Our stay was great! You guys are AWESOME! Jake Flaa

As usual, we had a great stay at Sportman’s plus few nice fish! Can anyone think of a lake that gives you a better chance to catch an so many different kinds of trophies? Bill & Jyothi

Had a great time fishing at Sportsmans Lodge sturgeon fishing at its finest! Great food, great accommodations, great people and of course GREAT fishing Steven Wintemute Hooked Magazine
Limits & Seasons Sturgeon “keep one” season is open through May 7 within size limits of 45”-50” or over 75”. One sturgeon per angler per year.  May 8-15 is catch and release season. May 16-June 30 is closed. July 1-Sept 30 is keep one sturgeon. Pike season never closes. You can keep 3 only 1 over 40”.  All pike between 30”-40” must be released. Walleye season opens May 11. Limit of walleye is 4. Walleye/Sauger limit is 6, no more than 4 can be walleye. Only 1 walleye over 28” and all walleye between 19.5”-28” must be released.
Catch the spring action! Lodging as low as $39 midweek and $43 weekend per person plus tax. We have it all! Docking, Restaurant, Bar, Entertainment, Indoor Pool, Guided Trips and more!
Pike The pike bite is heating up. Anglers have been finding some nice ones in Four Mile Bay the past few days.

Let us Guide you to the action! Guided sturgeon and pike trips are now available. Walleye trips available starting May 11.  Let our professional guides guide you to the action. No equipment or experience required. Click here for more information.

Latest fishing report and river opening information 4/18/2013

4/18/2013

Still cool but the Rainy River continues to open! The weather continues to be cool, but forecast says we getting closer to start a warming trend. Forecast says we could see 40’s by this weekend and 50 by next week. Not exactly 70, but we will take it!  The Rainy River is wide open within 7 miles from us as of this morning and pockets of open water within 5 miles. We are expecting to see open water in front of our docks by late this weekend.  At this time 4 boat ramps to are open.  Franz Jevne, Nelson Park, Frontier, and Vidas.  Timbermill still has some shore ice left as of this morning.   Click here for a map of ramp locations.

Walleye The walleye season has now closed .  Walleye will re-open May 11. Now is the time to make plans for walleye opener! Ask us about our lodging & fishing package spring specials 800-862-8602!

Sturgeon The dinosaurs are moving around! The excitement is building! The lake sturgeon is Minnesota’s biggest fish. It can weigh more than an adult human. The Lake sturgeon can generally range from 10 to 50 pounds and 20 to 70 inches long. But sturgeon may grow to more than 300 pounds and 8 feet long.   Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) are descendants of a prehistoric fish, and look much the same as fossils from the Upper Cretaceous Period 100 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. They can live for 150 years or more.  We usually see several in the 30-70 inch range caught every year many just a hop, skip and a jump from the lodge.  Currently, the best sturgeon bite has been found near Clementson Rapids in the river.  They are being found deepest area, anchor just above the hole.  Dead sticking with a circle hook or octopus style hook size 5/0 or 6/0 works best with 2-3 ounces of weight and 2-3 crawlers for bait.  The current is slow, water level is low and water clarity is good.  Come on out and try your luck! Catch and release season is now through April 23. Keep one (within size limits) April 24-May 7 and then back to catch and release again May 8-15. Sturgeon season is closed May 16-June 30. Spring is hands down one of the best times of year to hook into one of these incredible fish.

Pike The large female pike have been found on the lake right now staging just outside the tributaries. Smaller males have been found in the river at this time.  As soon as the creeks open up and we get a warm stretch we expect to see more females move to the river and shallow creeks. We could possibly start to see that transition next week if the forecast holds true.  Dead or live suckers have been working well.
Click here for Spring Rates & Packages.

Hungry? Thirsty?

Check out what Sportsman’s has to munch on! Specials! Yes! We have them too!

http://www.mysportsmans.com

Entertainment – Put on your dancing shoes!

http://sportsmanslodges.com/rainyriver/dining-and-bar/entertainment/

Don’t forget your sweetie! Valentines Day is Feb 14!

Check out what Sportsman’s Lodge has to offer you and your sweetie!

http://sportsmanslodges.com/sweetheart-month

Fishing, Ice & Snow Report 12/18/2012 Lake of the Woods, MN

12/18/2012

The Latest…….
The season is in full swing!  The bite started off last week real active and hot. The last few days have been a little slower but anglers are still getting some nice fish. The guides report a mix of walleyes and saugers being caught   Nice sized walleyes 15”-19” along with a few slot fish (19.5”-28”). They report the saugers are active, several nice quality size along with a fair amount of smaller ones that keep you busy.  The best time of day has varied.  Some of our houses are doing best in the morning and evening and some are finding the most action in the afternoon.  We are finding the best action in 19′-25′.  Pink and gold jigs or just a plain hook with split shots tipped with a chub has worked well.  Jigging is the best technique.

Check out some of the fish pictures from the past few days.  We have some openings this weekend if you are looking to make a quick trip before the holiday!  Give us a call 800-862-8602 or submit your reservation online here.

Nice 29 inch walleye caught and released by Keith Kackman 12-15-2012 Caught on a blue/sliver jigging spoon with minnow head.	Ice Fishing is here!	Jeremy Manguson with his nice walleye!
Danny reels in a nice 25 inch walleye!	42 inch sturgeon!	Scott Erickson with a few from his day. Scott reported he had aggressive all day action.

Ice Conditions
We currently have ten to fourteen inches of ice in the areas we travel and fish at this time on Four Mile Bay and just outside Pine Island. It takes about a half hour to get out to the fish houses from the lodge at this time.  The temperature has been holding around the twenties during the day and single digits and teens at night, adding more ice daily.  It sounds like we are going to dip below zero later this week for a four day stretch which should really help add some inches.  If you are looking to venture out on your own, as far as we know the Adrian’s road access at Four Mile Bay and Morris Point access at Morris Point are still only allowing ATV’s and snowmobiles at this time. Please check with local guides and resorts before venturing out as the entire lake does not freeze equally.

Snow Conditions
We are getting a light snow right now as a type this but it doesn’t sound like we are supposed to get too much today or within the next week.  Current snowfall is around 5-7 inches in the area. The only lake trails open at this time are the ones maintained by local resorts. The land and lake trails maintained by the snowmobile club are not.  The club reports the land trails are in need of some more snow. They like to see 12 inches before they start grooming.  The lake trail from Baudette to OakIslandwill hopefully be staked this weekend and the trail from Wheeler’s Point to Warroad on Thursday if all goes well and the ice is found to be safe in those areas.  For more information click here. 

Please note: The Lodge will be closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Happy Holidays Everyone!

New Year’s Party
Live Musical Entertainment by Melody Best Band, exclusive one night only dinner menu with several selections to choose from including prime rib, king crab, steaks, walleye and more (and sandwiches and appetizers in the bar too). Party Favors, Champagne Toast, Dancing and a whole lot of fun is being planned!  At this time our lodging is full on New Year’s Eve but we still have openings for ice fishing and lodging on New Year’s Day and dinner reservations in the Riverside Dining Room on New Year’s Eve.  Call 800-862-8602 for reservations or join us in the Sandbar anytime, no reservations required. Ring in 2013 with us!