Dec. 22, 2020

***Ice conditions***

Ice conditions have remained excellent on area lakes and have improved enough for truck travel on the ice.  Ice thickness ranges from 9-16”.  

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained slow, despite the fact, anglers reporting marking good numbers of walleyes every evening.  Anglers are finding walleyes in 18-23 feet of water.  Rippin raps and buckshot spoons are calling in walleyes, but deadsticking a shiner has been accounting for the majority of walleyes being caught.  

Pike - Pike fishing remains good and very consistent for many anglers.  Pike continue to be found at the mouths of shallow bays or near river mouths.  Anglers continue to focus in 10 ft of water or less.  Large dead baits tend to produce the most fish and largest pike.  

Panfish - Panfish have begun to start sliding out into deeper water as snow slowly starts to accumulate on area lakes.  Anglers are finding them in 15-20 feet of water.  Panfish have remained very finicky on what they will hit.  Live bait, like waxies and crappie minnows have been key to catching fish.

ather-son duo beams with pride on the snowy ice near Ely, MN, proudly displaying a hefty northern pike fresh from the BWCA on December 22, 2020. Kid in gray beanie and jacket grips the tail with yellow gloves, while dad in black cap, gray hoodie, blue bibs, and neck gaiter holds the head—both grinning under cloudy skies with distant pines and foggy horizon. Snow clings to the fish's spots, wide-open lake stretches out—pure family ice fishing joy and Northwoods adventure. These moments fuel the fire for Ely MN northern pike ice fishing. Stock up on tip-ups, suckers, and tackle at Arrowhead Outdoors for your BWCA winter success!

You can order gift cards directly from the website.