August 29th, 2023
***Fishing Report***
Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained strong on many area lakes this last week. Anglers continue to find walleyes deep, in 12-20 feet of water. More and more anglers are looking to minnows and trolling crankbaits to catch their walleyes. Anglers fishing minnows are working them on a jig, around current areas, windy humps, windy shorelines and windblown points. Anglers trolling crankbaits have been trolling baits over large flats, again in 12-20 feet of water, during the day.
Smallmouth - Smallies continue to be found more and more out on sunken islands, mixed in with walleyes. Anglers catching smallies out here have been throwing paddle tails and flukes on heavy 1/2oz jigs. Anglers can still find smallies on shoreline, downed trees and in large rivers. Anglers fishing here have been throwing topwater lures, Ned rigs, wacky worms and in-line spinners for active smallies.
Panfish - Crappies continue to be a popular choice for anglers and for good reason. Crappies are being found in thick stands of cabbage, or around downed trees. Evening hours seems to be the most consistent bite for anglers and jig/twister, beetle spins and crappie minnows. Sunnies too have been very popular this last week. Anglers are finding them in the same areas, but anglers are catching them on live bait more than artificial.
Stream Trout - The stream trout bite has been very hit or miss for anglers this last week. When trout are cooperating, anglers are catching them on small kastmasters, in-line spinners and night crawlers floated off the bottom, about 2 feet, with a marshmallow.
Pike - Pike anglers have been reporting catching quality pike this last week, in shallow weedbeds. Anglers have been throwing large streamers, poppers, spoons and fishing a sucker under a bobber. Early mornings have been noticeably the best time to target larger pike, while smaller ones remain active all day.
What a beauty! This grinning angler from Ely, MN is proudly holdin' up a massive northern pike straight out of a BWCA-connected lake on August 29th, 2023. The fish is a true Northwoods trophy—long, spotted, jaws wide open showin' off those razor teeth, scales glintin' in the late-summer sun. He's standin' in a classic aluminum boat, red one trollin' nearby, surrounded by calm blue water, rocky points, and thick pine forests that scream Boundary Waters wilderness. The guy's decked out in a bright red Eskimo Ice Fishing hoodie (great gear for winter too!), orange-tinted sunglasses, and khaki shorts—lookin' every bit the happy fisherman after a solid hookset and battle. Late August is prime time for these aggressive pike as they chase bait in weedbeds, river mouths, and shallow bays; throw big spoons, swim baits, or live minnows and hold on! This catch highlights why Ely MN northern pike fishing stays legendary—plenty of action, scenic vibes, and the thrill of landin' one of these freshwater predators. At Arrowhead Outdoors, we stock premium fishing tackle like heavy-action rods, steel leaders, and big lures perfect for these bruisers, plus hunting gear and camping gear to round out your Ely adventures. Drop by for the latest tips and gear!