December 19, 2023

***Ice Report***

Rain this last week did little to improve our ice conditions, but thankfully the last two days have been below freezing and have helped improve our ice conditions. 10-12” of solid clear ice is now being reported on area lakes. 4 wheelers and side by side are becoming a common sight on area lakes. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye bite has switched to the last hour of light now, on area lakes. Walleyes have seemed to of slide out a little deeper, in 20-23 feet of water now. Jigging spoons, tipped with a minnow head has been very effective. Pike suckers fished on a dead stick has also been very effective, if the jigging spoon doesn’t do the trick. 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to have good success tip up fishing back in shallow weedy bays and around river mouths. Large suckers and frozen smelt have been very effective, under a tip up. Anglers should focus for pike in 10 feet of water or less. 

Panfish - Panfish anglers have been reporting that they are having good luck on shallow area lakes. Anglers have been focusing on fishing the deepest water they can find, in these shallow lakes. Soft plastics and crappie minnows, fished under a bobber has been effective for them. 

What a proud moment! This young angler from Ely, MN beams while holdin' a nice northern pike caught on December 19th, 2023, right on the snowy ice of a BWCA-connected lake. Kid's geared up warm in a gray hooded jacket, camo bibs, black gloves, and blue boots—standin' tall on fresh snow as he cradles the long, spotted pike across his arms. Fish shows classic pike details: yellow-green body dusted with snow, dark oval spots, big head with sharp teeth open, yellow fins flared—true winter trophy for a young fisherman. Wide-open ice stretches behind under clear skies, with distant pines and that endless Northwoods horizon. Mid-December ice conditions were prime for safe family fishin', with pike still hittin' big baits near structure—perfect intro to ice fishin' for kids. Rent a heated ice house from Arrowhead Outdoors for comfy family sessions! Grab premium fishing tackle for pike success, plus hunting gear and camping gear to keep the adventures rollin'. Come see us for gear and tips!