MARCH 23

 

 

 

 

 

Hey Sportsfans!

THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING WINTER SEASON!

This year brought some of the best fishing numbers we’ve seen in recent memory. January and February were nothing short of incredible!

The perch bite – lasting for weeks – was truly something special. What’s usually considered a bonus fish became the highlight of the trip for many. One of our veteran guides, Mer, made the comment that this was the best perch season he’s seen in years!

To all of our returning winter guests—it was great seeing so many familiar faces again. And to those who joined us for the first time—thank you for choosing to spend part of your winter with us. We hope to see you again soon!

What’s Next?

SPRING FISHING!
The Rainy River is open up to Manitou Rapids, and reports from this weekend said there were already a couple of boats hitting the open water.

We’ll be open all spring for lodging… give us a call to take advantage of our discounted spring rates #218-634-1849.

Spring Bar Hours:

  • Thursday–Saturday: Drinks, bar baskets & daily specials (11 AM – 10 PM)
  • Sunday–Wednesday: Drinks & pizzas (11 AM – 7 PM)

SUMMER FISHING
Reservations are filling up fast! While we’re excited for spring, we can’t help but dream about those warm summer days out on the charter boat. Until then, Set the Hook!

MARCH 8

P.S. Walk carefully, it is slippery out!

Hey Sportfans, 

The key word around here this week has been “careful.” With the weather we’ve had, the roads and surrounding areas have turned into one big ice rink, so travel has definitely required a little extra patience and a light foot on the throttle.

Fishing this past week has slowed down a bit as the season begins to wind down. Guides are reporting that staying glued to your electronics and working fish patiently has been the key to turning lookers into biters. It’s that time of year where every mark matters and persistence pays off.

We’re still set up about 10 miles out, which means roughly a 30-minute ride to reach the grounds.

And somehow, unbelievably, our final day of fishing is this Wednesday. It’s hard to wrap our heads around just how quickly this season has flown by.

Set the hook!

MARCH 1

Hey Sportfans

How on earth is it already March? We cannot believe that its already that time of the season. Our final day on the ice is set for March 11th, which means the countdown is officially on. If you’ve been thinking about one more trip you’d better make it happen soon. There’s still time to get your fishing fix in, but the window is closing fast.

We’ve definitely been reminded that it’s still winter, though! “It’s good to hear the phone ring”—especially after our power was out for about an hour on Friday due to the huge wind gust that swept through Lake of the Woods. The gusts were no joke. A huge thank you goes out to our fierce fishers who didn’t let the blustery conditions slow them down. They bundled up, hunkered down, and braved the elements.

Other than that, Ballard’s Resort is continually finding ways to stay busy. The guides on the lake have been working hard moving houses back toward shore. With warmer weather creating a large pressure crack, we’ve decided to play it safe and reposition. We always want to stay cautious and ahead of changing ice conditions. Posted currently about 10 miles out.

Reports are showing a great mix of fish being caught, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, and tullibee.

The weather app is projecting mid-30s to low 40s next week. At this rate, we might be fishing in shorts with sunscreen on before we know it!

Set the hook

JANUARY 25

Hey Sportsfans! 

The long weekend (January 16-19) packed the house… and the action on the ice delivered. Hands down, it was the best fishing we’ve seen all season! One of those weekends that makes you seriously consider a first, second, or maybe even third trip to Lake of the Woods this winter. If you weren’t out there… yeah, this is a full-on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) alert.

The bite was fueled by an approaching cold front. As temperatures dropped quickly this week, the action slowed a bit. Even through below-zero days, we’re still seeing solid numbers of fish. Plenty for a classic fish fry dinner.

Heading our way? Come prepared for a 20-mile ride out, set up in 30–34 feet of water, and then it’s game on. Positioned near Bridges Island and surrounding reefs, the guides have the houses parked in prime end-of-January real estate.

We’ve seen it all this week: overs ready to be replicated for the wall, slot fish… plus PERCH to keep things busy.

As for what they wanted:

  • Pink and red jigs were absolute producers
  • Wonder Bread jigging spoons… crushed
  • Dirty Bombs on fire!

If this is a sign of what February will bring… buckle up.

 

SET THE HOOK!