Ballard's - Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

Now it feels like winter…

Sportsfans…  Welcome to the weekly CHILL here at Ballard’s Resort.

What’s this??  Below zero temps…  A return to average for January weather on Lake of the Woods…  And the fish just keep hammering.

As I sit here in the office, hand-warmers in my pockets, I couldn’t help but over-hear one of our guest’s checking out this morning.  His comments where something of this sort:  excellent fishing,  caught a twenty-nine inch MONSTER walleye, and oh one more thing (this was a top 5 trip of my lifetime!)

This is why I love my…  Can I call what I do a job?  Not really…  Let’s just say this is one of the very many reasons that I LOVE what I do!!!

Catching fish.  Watching and listening to our guests have FUN.  It’s truly awesome.

What’s the latest with the bite?  With the cold front (normal January temps) our fast and furious catch rate has slowed somewhat, but we are still doing quite well.

The catch is still 80-85% sauger, and the balance filled in with walleye.  Plenty on the hook and plenty for a fresh Lake of the Woods meal.

Our location has not changed much in the past week.  We’re still bumping and marking fresh holes, but the average depth of activity remains at about 30ft.  Good fishing.

Distance offshore is 4-5 miles.  A short ride per say, compared to the reef fishing that generally takes place in February and March.

Right now.  It’s business as usual.  We’re sitting on 20 inches of ice and enjoying the bounty.  Lots of action.  Lots of year classes (differing sizes) present.

Set the hook!!!