December 7th, 2022

***Ice Report***

Below normal temps have helped to improve ice conditions in the Ely area. 8” of solid ice was reported by just about every angler. As a result, permanent houses have popped up over night on area lakes.  

***Fishing Report***

Pike - Pike fishing was very popular this last week, but reports were somewhat mixed from anglers. One day the fishing was excellent, with several pike over 30” caught, then the next day ice cold. Dead suckers fished under a tip-up was the most effective approach to catching pike. Shallow bays, weedbeds and weedlines are the areas to focus on. 

Walleye - Solid ice has improved anglers access to deeper water where walleyes are being found and reports have been good. Buckshot spoons and rippin raps have been very effective calling in walleyes and catching aggressive walleyes. Shiners, under a dead stick, has been very effective for those less aggressive walleyes. 16-20 feet of water has been the depth for finding walleyes. 

Dad and his young son beaming on the ice near Ely, MN, with a toothy northern pike from the BWCA area on December 7, 2022. Kid in bright orange hat and blue jacket sits on a bucket grinning wide, while dad in black jacket and brown bibs holds up the long, spotted pike by the jaw. Snowy lake stretches out under gray skies, pines lining the horizon – classic winter BWCA pike action through the ice! Perfect for tip-ups with big suckers or jigging in those weed edges. Gets you itching for more ice fishing adventures, maybe chase lake trout or walleye next!