2024 OPENING WEEKEND (RECAP)

Walleye fishing | Stay at Ballards Resort Lake of the Woods, MN
Walleye fishing | Stay at Ballards Resort Lake of the Woods, MN
Hey Sportsfans! 
 
Walleye fishing on opening weekend, Lake of the Woods, Ballard’s Resort… is there a better time to be had?
 
For the second year in a row, opening day has had favorable weather… ask anyone who has been visiting for years, that rarely happens.
 
In case you haven’t heard, the boys are back in town, and here’s what they are saying…
 
Capt. ZB…  He’s on the big fish. Just look at the picture he sent in with Ron and his 28″ walleye. 
 
Capt. Andy… “Go with eye candy Andy, he is on fire.” Realistically, Capt. Andy has found success catching eater sized fish in 20-26′. 
 
Capt. Tim… It’s an exciting time to be on the lake. When fishing close to home, there is an element of surprise, never knowing what species of fish you might reel in next. Walleye, perch, northern, sturgeon… it’s anyone’s guess. Capt. Tim also mentioned something about the male walleyes squirting a certain substance all over the guides… but I don’t know how far in depth we should go on that topic. 
 
After two days of fishing, the guides are starting to spread out. Some staying in the Rainy River, others venturing as far as Knight Island. End of story, the fish are biting and the excitement for the season is over the top!
 
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH RUSTY THIS WEEK

The Secret to Sturgeon Fishing

Fishing Ballards Resort Lake of the Woods, MN
Fishing Ballards Resort Lake of the Woods, MN

Hey Sportsfans!

Not much to report on this week but ohhh how things can change is a hurry…

– Last weekend, we were pounding on the walleyes… with walleye season now closed, the focus has switched to battling sturgeon

-It was sunny and 65 at the beginning of the week… today it is snowing and blowing (YUCK!)

Speaking of sturgeon, it sounds like it has been a hot bite. What’s the secret to catching one? Follow Rayna to the top secret honey hole, cram as many crawlers on a shiny hook, crack a cold one, and wait.

Only 22 days until the best day of the year… MN Walleye Opener… but who’s counting??

SET THE HOOK!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH RUSTY THIS WEEK

WATCHFUL EYES AND WALLEYES

Hey Sportsfans!

It has been all eyes on the Rainy this week… watchful eyes and walleyes.

Not long after we hit send on last Friday’s report, we noticed a boat peaking its nose around the bend… that caught our attention.

By Saturday, anglers were wetting their lines in front of the resort. By Sunday, the shore ice was gone.

Even with all that happening, the main story of the week… TROPHY WALLEYE FISHING!

The chatter:

– The bad news, the number of fish caught each day is down from the start of the week. The good news, the fish being caught, going into the weekend, are huge!
– Keep it simple. Pick a spot, use a 1/4 jig and a frozen shiner, be patient, catch a trophy.
– East of town, anglers are pitching plastics with great success. If you haven’t experienced that kind of walleye fishing before, you are in for an adrenaline rush.
– The weather this weekend looks favorable to close out the spring walleye season. What’s next? Spring fishermen will get the urge… the Urge to Sturge.
Set the Hook
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Rusty’s unbelievable tale continues… check it out here.

GOLD RUSH

Hey Sportsfans!

It is shaping up to be a true gold rush in the river this weekend. Trucks/trailers will be lined up for miles along the highway. The gold… a walleye so large that most would think it is a fisherman’s tale when mentioned.

A few of Ballard’s guides decided to join in on the fun yesterday (4/4). Here is what they had to say:

– Water was open under the bridge in town
– Fishing was best in 9-11′ of water
– Water clarity remains good & water temperatures are hovering in the 40s
– The majority of fish caught were 18-23″

Temperatures should soon creep into the 60s. Will we see boats in front of the resort this weekend? Only time will tell.

In other news, Ballard’s kitchen continues to serve bar baskets and drinks on the weekends. “We have rockin’ food specials and we are ready to serve!”
– Cheryl, Kitchen Manager

SET THE HOOK!

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What kind of trouble is our pal Rusty in now… check it out here