A Potential State Record Sturgeon Caught in the Sportsman’s Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

Potential state record sturgeon, 78.25 inches, in Sportsman's Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

A Potential State Record Sturgeon Caught in the Sportsman’s Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

Potential state record sturgeon, 78.25 inches, in Sportsman's Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

Big fish, generous hearts, and an unforgettable cause

The Annual Sturgeon Tournament hosted by Sportsman’s Lodge on Lake of the Woods may have produced a state record sturgeon!  Once again, this incredible tournament lived up to its reputation—bringing together a community of anglers, volunteers, and local supporters for two days of fishing, camaraderie, and giving back. The 2025 tournament was one to remember, not only for the number of fish caught but also for the generosity all for a good cause.

Each year, this tournament continues to grow in popularity and success, thanks in no small part to the incredible efforts of those behind the scenes. From staff to volunteers, sponsors to supporters, it takes a dedicated team to organize an event of this scale. Whether it’s prepping boats, setting tournament boundaries, serving meals, or running weigh-in stations, so much happens quietly to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. To all the behind-the-scenes heroes who made this year’s event possible—thank you.

As in years past, all proceeds from the tournament were donated to the local chapter of Take a Kid Fishing, an organization devoted to getting youth into the outdoors. The funds raised will go toward equipment, trips, and resources that help make fishing accessible and enjoyable for kids in the region. Knowing that every fish caught helps open the door to the outdoors for the next generation adds a special meaning to this event.

But while generosity and community spirit are at the heart of this tournament, the fish stories this year were truly headline-worthy.

A New State Record?

One of the most exciting moments of the tournament came when angler Frank Zappa landed a massive sturgeon measuring 78.25 inches—a fish that might just be the new Minnesota state catch-and-release record. The current record stands at 78 inches, and Frank’s fish, verified during the event, surpassed it by a quarter inch. It was a moment of awe for everyone involved and will no doubt be talked about for years to come.

Frank’s success didn’t stop there. He also landed the third place fish during the two-day tournament, a beauty measuring 66.75 inches. Talk about a weekend to remember. Landing two massive sturgeon in a single tournament is a rare feat, and Frank did it with skill and composure. Congratulations, Frank, on an incredible showing.

A Tournament of Memories

Beyond the record catch, there were dozens of great stories from the tournament. Plenty of sturgeon were caught, including several in the 60-inch range, and even more that added to personal bests for participating anglers. While sturgeon are known for their size and power, they’re also respected for their prehistoric appearance and the excitement they bring to any angler.

Participants arrived Thursday for the rules meeting and some friendly socializing. Fishing took place on Friday and Saturday, with anglers spread out along the Rainy River within designated tournament boundaries. On Saturday night, attendees gathered once again for a delicious prime rib dinner and awards banquet, where winners were recognized and stories were shared. There was also a lot of laughter and applause—both for big fish and for the cause everyone was there to support.

In addition to the main competition, side events like the ladies’, youth, and “odd species” categories (including eelpout and suckers) brought some lighthearted competition and extra prizes. 

Sturgeon Season

Sturgeon season is open through May 15th and then opens again July 1st.

Harvest Season (keep one sturgeon per calendar year, 45-50″ or over 75″): April 24 – May 7 and July 1 – September 30.

Catch and Release Season: May 8 – May 15 and October 1 – April 23.

Closed Season: May 16 – June 30.

In addition to the main competition, side events like the ladies’, youth, and “odd species” categories (including eelpout and suckers) brought some lighthearted competition and extra prizes. 

Frank Zappa with partner with potential state record sturgeon 78.25 inches
2025 Sportsman's Lodge Sturgeon Tournament leader board
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
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Third Generation to Take the Helm at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Hennum Family, Gregg, Diana, Garrett, Wyatt

Third Generation to Take the Helm at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge

Hennum Family, Gregg, Diana, Garrett, Wyatt

Oak Island, MN — The Hennum family is proud to share some exciting news about the future of Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge. Starting in the spring of 2025, the third generation of the Hennum family—Wyatt and Garrett Hennum—will officially take over leadership of the lodge.

The Hennum family’s story on Oak Island began back in 1985 with the Angle Inn Lodge. Since then, they’ve focused not just on running a resort, but on building a tradition based on hard work, a love for the outdoors, and helping guests make unforgettable memories on Lake of the Woods.

Now, that tradition continues. Meet Wyatt and Garrett...

Wyatt Hennum started working as a dock boy seven years ago at Sportsman’s Lodge on the Rainy River. For the past three years, he’s been helping guests and learning the ropes at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge. Wyatt is also the founder of Smiley’s Tackle, a growing tackle business he started two years ago. His passion for fishing led him to earn his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, and beginning in May 2025, Wyatt will start offering guided fishing trips out of the Northwest Angle.

The Hennum family’s story on Oak Island began back in 1985 with the Angle Inn Lodge. Since then, they’ve focused not just on running a resort, but on building a tradition based on hard work, a love for the outdoors, and helping guests make unforgettable memories on Lake of the Woods.

Garrett Hennum also got an early start—working on the docks at just 10 years old. After six years on the south end of the lake, he earned his Captain’s License at age 18. For the past two summers, Garrett has worked full-time for Lake of the Woods Passenger Service, transporting guests around the Angle. Alongside his work on the water, Garrett is also a licensed real estate agent with Reed Realty, serving the Lake of the Woods region with the same energy and dedication he brings to the resort.

Looking Ahead. “Returning to our family’s home base at Oak Island has brought back so many memories for both of us,” said Wyatt. “It’s a special place, and we’re proud to keep our family’s legacy going.”

Garrett added, “We’ve learned so much from our grandparents and parents. We’re honored to take the next step and continue offering the great experience our guests have come to expect.”

The brothers will officially step into their new roles at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge in Spring 2025. They are excited to meet new guests, welcome back longtime visitors, and continue the legacy their family has built for nearly four decades.

Plan Your Next Trip… Wyatt and Garrett invite everyone to come be part of this next chapter. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another unforgettable trip, the Hennum brothers look forward to welcoming you with the same great service, hospitality, and fishing that Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge is known for.

For more information or to say hello, contact them at 218-223-8411 or email info@oakislandlodge.com.

Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge
www.oakislandlodge.com

Sportsman's Oak Island Lodge aerial view
Sportsman's Oak Island logo
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Fishing Report 5.6.2025

Potential state record sturgeon, 78.25 inches, in Sportsman's Lodge Annual Sturgeon Tournament

On the South Shore…  Great news for this weekend’s MN Fishing Opener as the ice has disappeared! Lake of the Woods Satelite view 050525   There could be a few chunks this time of year still floating around but the satellite view shows open water as do the webcams from around the lake.  What a great site to see.

A couple of tournaments this past weekend showed off some big fish from Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.  The Annual Zippel Bay Resort Pike Tournament took place with good numbers of pike registered.  A good number of pike tipped the tape at over 40 inches long. fishing

The annual Sportsman’s Lodge Sturgeon Tournament took place with the winning sturgeon, a 78.25 inch monster taking the top spot.  This, pending verification with the MN DNR, would be the new catch and release state record!

There are lots of fishing opportunities right now, but for most, the focus is all about the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday and walleyes!  

The outlook for walleye fishing is excellent.  It is going to be an epic opener and there is still plenty of lodging available.  Think about this…

-The fish will be close to shore.  
-The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay will still be holding fish
-It will be a jig bite
-A very strong population of walleyes and saugers in the lake
-Big females will be post spawn

On the May 10th opener, Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River enjoy a combined limit of walleyes and saugers of 6, with up to 4 being walleyes.  The protected slot is 19.5″ – 28.0″, those fish must be released.  Anglers can keep one walleye over 28 inches per day.  

On the Rainy River…  Sturgeon fishing is in full swing through May 15th and the bite has been excellent.  Anglers are catching good numbers of these prehistoric giants, and the Rainy River is one of the best places in North America to hook into one.  As mentioned, this past weekend, the potential state record sturgeon of 78.25 inches was caught.

fishing There are sturgeon throughout the entire river.  Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the river has been holding good numbers of nice fish.  Otherwise, most anglers are targeting holes up and down the river.

With the late ice out, there will be plenty of walleyes, and some big walleyes, in the river for the opener.  A jig and minnow will be the ticket for most.  Some may still use a jig and larger plastic as many do during the spring walleye season.  Whatever you decide to use, there will be some good action to be had.

Up at the Northwest Angle…  There is open water up at the Angle.  We have had some days in the 80’s as well as some wind and that really took care of the ice just in time.  

Traditionally, the fish will be near shore and on shoreline structure like points and neckdown areas.  With the many islands in this area, there is a lot of structure and a lot of spots to fish.  Just like the south end, it will be a jig bite this weekend for the walleyes.

Given the strong ice fishing season and healthy lake conditions, expectations for good walleye catches are good up at the Angle and across the lake.

Whether it is for the fishing opener or later in the summer, now is the time to book!  For fishing reports, resort info, and trip ideas, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Lemon Batter Fish

fish

fish

Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice, divided
  • 2 pounds perch or walleye fillets, cut into serving-sized pieces
  • Oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges, optional

Directions

  1. Combine 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In another bowl, combine egg, water and 1/3 cup lemon juice; stir into dry ingredients until smooth. Place remaining 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/2 cup flour in separate shallow bowls. Dip fillets in lemon juice, then flour, then coat with egg mixture.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 in. oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork, 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Lime-Batter Fish: Can substitute lime juice for lemon juice.

Photo by Taste of Home

28th Annual Northern Pike Tournament a Success

fishing

The 28th Annual Ice Out Northern Pike Tournament on Zippel Bay took place on the weekend of May 3-4 this year at the famous Lake of the Woods. Anglers had planned well for the event and the success didn’t disappoint. Temperatures cooperated this year as well with some ice still on the lake but temps in the 70’s and teasing the 80’s found anglers even fishing in shorts. northern pike

The tourney is made up of two person teams and is a two day tournament based on weight. This is a fun tournament for locals and visitors alike coming together to target big toothy.

Most teams troll and cast crankbaits. Others use dead bait under a bobber in 1 – 8 feet of water. Most years, dozens and sometimes hundreds of pike are weighed in and many more caught in the slot (30-40 inches) that were not weighed in but immediately released.

The mantra of this year’s tournament was “great timing and lots of big pike”. According to Zippel Bay Resort owner Nick Painovich, “It was a really good year. The big females were done spawning and were in the bay eating and gaining strength back.” With that said, there were big fish in the Bay and a lot of nice fish caught.

northern pike 1st Place Winners this year were Joey Shaw and Beau Keagle of Roseau with fish weighing in at 56 lb. 8 oz. 2nd Place was taken by Dale Baroos and Ed Castle of Roseau with 48 lb. 8 oz of fish. northern pike And 3rd Place was taken by Ross Perrin of Fargo with Larry Ferrie of Moorhead as a team with fish weighing in at 46 lb. 12 oz. Jason Svir of Cando, ND with Stacy Svir of Mankato took 4th Place with 43 lb 11lz of Northern and Ron Wickham of Fort Ripley with Paul Wickham of Pillager took 5th Place with 40 lb 7 oz of fish.

Ten Northerns over 40 inches were weighed in and many slot fish were caught. A total of 571 fish were weighed in and that totaled 1507 lbs of fish.  $4,000.00 Cash Prizes were Given out.  Wow! That’s a lot of fish!!! And that’s some great prizes!!!

Pike season on Lake of the Woods never ends. As we are border water with Canada, our pike season is continuous or another way of saying it is it goes all year long. This gives anglers a fantastic opportunity in April and early May to take advantage of monster pike who are somewhere along in their spawning ritual. And in Lake of the Woods, there are a lot of big pike!

northern pike Pike anglers pull nice pike out of various bays on the lake all spring and Zippel Bay is definitely a go to spot. Sometimes mother nature can throw some cold curve balls in the spring month but that’s what makes this stretch of water so special. Zippel Bay is quite secluded from the main lake, making it easier to hide from cold winds, and anglers don’t require the larger boats like on the main lake.

Lake of the Woods has a year round season on pike and a length limit as well. Anglers are allowed to keep three per day. Fish between 30-40 inches must be released with anglers able to keep one fish over 40 inches. This slot limit is one of the many reasons Lake of the Woods is a trophy northern pike destination.

Pike don’t receive a ton of attention on Lake of the Woods as the walleyes garner most of the love. March tip up fishing and a little bit of spring fishing is when anglers target these green spotted predators most often. They are in good abundance, are usually willing to bite and are great to eat once you get the “Y” bone out.

According to the MN DNR, there is often a pattern of lakes in MN that have big walleyes and pike have something in common, a good population of tulibees. Lake of the Woods fits the bill in this regard. When both walleyes and pike get to be larger, tulibees become a staple part of their diet. They also cause fish that eat them to get big quickly.

Congratulations goes out to Zipple Bay Resort for hosting and running this tournament each year. zippel bay log cabins 1

For more information see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

For lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

See our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

And Facebook: www.facebook.com/zippelbayresort