APRIL 5

Hey Sportsfans, 

Here’s our Quick River Update!

The ice in front of the resort is now covered by the weekend snowstorm — but don’t let that fool you. Some determined anglers are already hauling their boats up and taking advantage of spring river fishing as the ice begins to break apart.

Local reports say the river is opening up quickly, and Frontier Landing (less than 30 miles from Ballard’s) is now accessible. While some ice still lingers along the shoreline, trailers have already been spotted in the parking lot. Use of the landing is possible, but locals advise doing so at your own discretion.

We will continue to share details and updates with you each week. For more up-to-date information, be on the lookout for our Facebook posts.

Spring Bar Hours:

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

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