April 15th, 2026

***Fishing Report***

Crappies - There are still a handful of crappie anglers heading out onto the ice, searching for crappies. Crappies have been very active this last week, based on reports. Anglers continue to find them over 20-30ft of water, from anywhere to 5-15ft under the ice. Crappie minnows and soft plastics have been doing the trick for crappie anglers. 

Pike - Handful of anglers made the trip up to the border waters where pike season is still open. Success for them was reportedly mixed. Anglers reported catching pike in 8-12 feet of water, at the mouths of shallow bays or river mouths. Large frozen Alewives accounted for the majority of the big pike caught. 

***Ice Report***

Crappies anglers have been reporting about 20-24” of ice remains. Current areas have really started to open up with recent rains and snow melt. 

Ely local Jack Cudd caught this nice northern pike while fishing for tullibees on late ice. The pike is a solid fish with classic markings, caught on a small tungsten jig tipped with a wax worm over 40 feet of water. Jack was out on the ice near the BWCA on a clear day and ended up with this bonus pike instead of tullibees. Late ice can still produce good fish when you’re dialed in with the right jig and bait. Whether you’re after tullibees or panfish, fresh bait and the right gear keep the action going right to the end of the season. Swing by Arrowhead Outdoors – voted #1 bait and tackle shop in MN – to grab tungsten jigs, wax worms, warm layers, and take advantage of our 30% off jigs and fishing line sale until April 26th.