Entertainment

Want to know what’s going on at your favorite fishing destination?
Click here to find
out all the latest entertainment news.

Become our fan on Facebook

Fishing Reports / Ice Conditions

Rainy River:

Spotty Week

Did you hear about the state record burbot caught on Lake of the Woods?
Article Courtesy of Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Potential State Record Burbot Caught on Lake of the Woods.
Lake of the Woods, MN, February 24, 2012:

Burbot, also often referred to as eelpout, are not a very respected fish and are often times coined as an ‘ugly’ fish, the “ish” of fish. Some people do not dare to touch the slimy fish because of its tendency to try to wrap around an object as a snake would. Not an avid fisherman like Aaron Guthrie of Bemidji, though. Aaron often travels to Lake of the Woods targeting the burbot he loved to eat. Aaron Guthrie spent the day fishing Lake of the Woods near long point for his share of walleye and sauger with family members. As evening approached they switched gears, adding minnows to their lures to target some ‘pout’. Guthrie was fishing 34 feet of water when he landed a monstrous burbot.  ”It’s a once-in-a-lifetime ‘pout” Guthrie had to say about the 19.54 lb trophy. Clearly finding his catch a thing of beauty.  Dennis Topp, assistant area fisheries supervisor in Lake of the Woods County, was the DNR officer to watch the trophy hit the scale and help Guthrie begin the certification process. “It’s kind of a big deal!” Topp said with enthusiasm. He had also certified the previous state record eelpout that measured in at 19lbs 3oz and was also caught on Lake of the Woods.

Click here to check out the complete Rainy River
fishing report.

Fishing in the Islands

Fishing in the islands like the south end has been a little spotty this week. Lots of fish showing up on the electronics but they are being a little finicky. Many anglers are filling out a nice pail by the end of the day but they have to work at it, they aren’t exactly flying through the holes. Lots of nibbles are being reported. So get bring your assortment of tricks. Game on! We have seen some nice big slot fish walleyes (19.5”-28”) a few rock and small mouth bass and a mix of walleyes and saugers. The perch bite has slowed quite a bit although we may see another run in a week or so. One of the best tackle that has been talked about lately has been the Buck Shots. The best fishing has been around 26′-28′ of water. We have some houses in the mud and some on the rocks. They are currently doing equally well.

Click here for the complete Oak Island fishing report.

Click here to sign up to receive our weekly fishing reports right in your inbox.

To speak with our Group Specialist, Jenny Hanson, call (866) 998-7280 or click here to request more information about hosting your event at Sportsman’s Lodge.

Join Us for the Hottest Party of the Year!
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Sportsman’s!!

Entertainment, Drink & Food Specials, Games, Contests, Beads, Beads & More Beads!

Didn’t make it to New Orleans this year? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy the fun  of all the great activities Mardi Gras has to offer. Come out on March 31st, 8pm – 1am and enjoy Mardi Gras - Sportsman’s style!

Get in the spirit and wear your best costume! Go for the crown to be named King or Queen of Mardi Gras. Then let the good times continue to roll with our VIP Mardi Gras packages available all weekend long! Click here for details and make plans to reserve your packge today.

You don’t want to miss this once a year event!
Call (866) 998-7280 to make your
lodging reservation today!

Spring Fishing Is Right Around the Corner

Fish Extravaganza At Sportsman’s…
Spring Fishing Can Be Crazy!

Crazy good that is! We are thick into the ice fishing right now but just around the corner we will be back in the boats! Generally in early April we can start launching boats up river and boy, can it be good fishing!

Fish for the big walleyes running the river through April 14, then fish for the dinosaurs and the elusive northern pike. Spring sturgeon fishing, best mid-April to mid-May, gives anglers a great opportunity to try their luck with Minnesota’s largest fish – the mysteriously prehistoric lake sturgeon.

Sturgeons generally range from 5 to 40 pounds and 20 to 55 inches long, but the may grow to weigh more than an adult human – at 300 pounds and 8 feet long!

Lake of the Woods is proud to be one of the top ten lakes in Minnesota offering the best opportunity for you to catch a trophy sized northern pike in the whole state and spring is one of the best times of the year to do so. Click here for more information about our spring fishing opportunities.

Guided Outfitter and Charter trips will be available starting tentatively April 2 and April 21 respectively (based on ice out), as well as dock services, lodging, restaurant, and indoor pool. Plan your getaway today.

Click here for our spring rates and packages.

Call (866) 998-7280 to book your Spring Fishing Extravaganza reservations today.

We will be hosting our 6th Annual Sturgeon Tournament on May 4 & 5 this year. The tournament is currently full but we are taking names for a waiting list in the event we get a cancellation. Check out our spring rates, only $39 per person plus tax based on double occupancy, and our guided options April 1 – May 24.

Call us at (866) 998-7280 to book your trip today.

Announcing New Lake Tours

We are excited to offer a new package option this year. Lake Tours will be available starting tenatively (based on ice out) April 21 and will be offered through October 31. Tour the Lake of the Woods area and take in the beautiful views and rich history of the area. Click here for more information on our new tours and itinerary options then call to book one of these trips today. We’ve got a package sure to fit your budget. And we will be happy to tailor a package for your group!

Call us at (866) 998-7280 for available dates and options to fit your needs.

New Facebook Contest

We are pleased to annouce our new Facebook contest -Win an Aura Quantum IM6 Graphite Rod & Reel combo and an assortment of fishing tackle! Click here to register for a chance to win now!

And check our page often for on the fly specials, videos, pictures and fishing reports and ice conditions.