December 9th, 2025

***Ice Report***

Colder than normal temperatures continue in the Ely area this last week, which in turn has helped the area lakes to make great ice. 4-8” of good clear ice was being reported from anglers. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleyes were a popular target this last weekend but results were mixed as usual for first ice. Anglers that fished in 10-16ft of water reported poor fishing. Successful anglers were finding walleyes in deep water 20-27ft during the evening hours and just a little after dark. Perch colored jigging spoons tipped with a fresh chunk of minnow was effective on calling fish in to bite. Deadsticking a shiners one to two feet off the bottom was also effective for many anglers. 

Pike - Cold temperatures kept many anglers from throwing out tip ups for pike, so pike reports were limited from anglers. Anglers that did throw out some tip ups did have success finding pike in 4-10ft of water in the traditional first ice spots. 

Nice limit of keeper walleye from early ice fishing Ely Minnesota BWCA.