December 13th, 2023

***Ice Report***

Little has changed with ice conditions on area lakes. Temps as high as 50 degrees knocked ice thickness down to 3-4”, but with recent cold temps we have climbed back up to about 7” of good clear ice on area lakes. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing was nice and consistent this last weekend. Anglers catching walleyes have been catching them in classic 18-22 feet of water, over mud flats, but a handful of anglers have been having great success in 4-6 feet of water, in weeds. Both anglers have been having best success after dark, dead sticking a nice lively minnow. Jigging spoons and rattle baits has also been effective for the more aggressive walleyes. 

Pike - Pike fishing continues to be very good for many anglers on area lakes. River mouths and shallow, weedy bays, in 10 feet of water and less has been very good for pike anglers. Large suckers or frozen smelt, fished under a tip up has been very effective for anglers. 

Early-ice walleye excitement! These two fresh walleyes rest on the dark ice under headlamp light from December 13th, 2023, near Ely, MN—prime BWCA winter start. Both fish show off golden flanks glowin' bright, orange-tinted fins, dark backs with mottled patterns, and those signature large eyes reflectin' the beam—perfect eaters laid out flat after a solid jig or tip-up bite. Black water peeks from the hole nearby, with a bait bucket and boat edge visible—capturin' that low-light thrill as walleyes get aggressive at night on fresh ice. Mid-December conditions were ideal for safe setups, with fish schoolin' mid-depths and hittin' glow jigs tipped minnows or dead smelt hard. This haul shows classic Ely walleye ice fishin': quick limits, scenic nights, and the rush of seein' 'em on the ice. Rent a heated ice house from Arrowhead Outdoors to fish comfy! Grab premium fishing tackle for walleye success, plus hunting gear and camping gear for your Ely adventures. Come see us for bait and tips!