December 17th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Much needed arctic blast rolled through the Ely area last week quickly improving ice conditions on area lakes. Ice reports on many of the area lakes are now 3-11”. As another cold snap is forecasted later this week, expect ice thickness to even out more by next week. Before you start testing with vehicles, be aware much of the new ice is frozen slush or cloudy ice. This means it will only support half the weight of clear ice. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye anglers have been reporting a good steady bite on area lakes, during the evening hours. Anglers have mainly been fishing 18-23 feet of water. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or deadsticking a lively minnow near the bottom has accounted for many of the walleyes caught.  

Pike - Anglers tip up fishing for pike have been reporting catching good numbers of 25-35” pike at many of the popular bays for pike, this last week. Handful of 40+ inch pike were also reported. Anglers continue to focus on weedbeds for pike. Medium to large size suckers produced the best results for anglers.

Panfish - Anglers have been reporting some good fishing for sunfish on a handful of those lakes. Anglers have mainly been finding them in shallow weedbeds with small jigs tipped with wax worms. Pink, wonderbread and purple were popular colors this last week for sunfish. Crappie anglers have been finding some crappies out in the deeper basins. Crappies have been scattered so drilling holes and covering ground has been the key to catching them.

A young angler proudly holds up a beauty walleye caught through the early ice in the Ely MN area, right near the BWCA. Bundled in a hooded jacket and bright orange beanie against the biting cold, he's all smiles under that sunset sky – pink and orange hues lightin' up the frozen lake and distant pine trees. This family moment with dad out jiggin' is what winter fishin' dreams are made of up here in the Northwoods. The winning rig? A simple jig tipped with a fresh rainbow minnow head, bounced along the bottom durin' that prime cold-evening bite when walleye get active as light fades. Early ice season brings some of the best walleye action around Ely MN, with fewer folks out and fish still hungry after the freeze-up. Whether you're chasin' walleye, northern pike, lake trout through deeper holes, or even stream trout in any open water nearby, this shot captures the pure joy and excitement of ice fishin' in the BWCA region. Swing by Arrowhead Outdoors – voted #1 Bait and Tackle Shop in MN – for your rainbow minnows, jigs, warm gear, and info on our popular ice house rentals to make your winter trips even better. Tight lines from the ice!