April 6th, 2022
***Fishing Report***
Crappie - Despite as much as 4” of snow, still on the ice, over 3’ of ice and un-spring like temps in the forecast, crappie fishing is slowly starting to improve in the area. While many anglers still are reporting marking crappies, only to watch them stare at their baits for several minutes, then drift off, there is a growing number of anglers are starting to report marking schools of crappies and finding groups of active biters. Tungsten jigs tipped with soft plastics has been the most effective way to catch as many active crappies out of a school as you can, before the school moves on.
This photo from the April 6th, 2022 report perfectly captures the stubborn end of winter in Ely MN's BWCA-area lakes—an angler bundled up in a heated shack or standin' on thick ice, proudly holdin' a nice crappie fresh from the hole, its silvery body with black speckles glistenin' in the cold light against a heavy snow-dusted frozen expanse. Pine ridges loom distant on the horizon for that true Northwoods isolation, with small jig rod, plastic lure, or tip-up rigged with minnow nearby ready for the next drop. Despite 4 inches of fresh snow and forecast temps stayin' un-spring-like, ice held strong at over 3 feet on most lakes—no open water yet, keepin' late-ice crappie action alive and slowly buildin'. Anglers were findin' 'em in shallow bays and weedbeds, jiggin' small plastics or minnows under tip-ups or dead-sticks for decent numbers amid the chill. Sunnies mixed in occasionally, but crappie stole the spotlight for those patient enough to brave the conditions. This scene nails the grind: crisp late-winter air, massive thick ice, cozy gear setups, and a quality panfish reward when the bite clicks. At Arrowhead Outdoors, we were loaded with small jigs, plastics, live minnows, wax worms, and tips that week—same today for late-ice holdouts or anyone gearin' up for opener. These Apr 2022 reports keep the transitional insights comin': swing by 1810 East Sheridan in Ely for fresh minnows, crappie jigs, sharpened blades, and updates. Subscribe on arrowheadoutdoorselymn.com for weekly real-deal scoops—nothin' like squeezin' out one more crappie bite before the thaw up here in the Northwoods!