December 23rd, 2025

***Ice Report***

After a wild week of weather that included 50’s, rain, -20, snow and whiteout conditions. Little has changed with our current ice conditions on Ely area lake. Lakes remain 10-14” of super clear, solid ice. Snow cover on area lakes is mainly drifted snow to bare ice, so 4 wheelers and side by sides have been a common sight. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - After a wild week in weather, walleye reports were as expected poor over the weekend. Good news is the forecast is calling for stable weather this week and reports from anglers fishing last night and so far today have been positive. Active walleyes are being found in 20-27ft of water, over mud flats and rocks. Walleyes have been aggressive enough to be hitting rippin raps and jigging spoons. Larger minnows like rainbows and pike suckers have been very effective fished on a deadstick or rattle reel. Perch, hot pink and chartreuse have been good colors.

Pike - During the warm spell anglers were able to throw out tip ups and catch some really nice pike. Larger baits like alewife’s or large suckers were very effective in 5-10ft of water. Weeds were best, but mouths of shallow bays or small creeks produced many flags for anglers. 

Panfish - Crappies and sunnies have also been up and down for anglers this last week. When it is up anglers have been finding some nice crappies in 25-30ft of water, over deep mud flats during the middle of the day. Small soft plastics tipped on a small jig has been effective if the crappies are active, but it never hurts to have a crappie minnow suspended under a bobber close by. Pink, white and purple have been the colors to have for crappies. 

Angler holding big northern pike caught ice fishing Ely MN BWCA Farm Lake December 2025