Jan. 5, 2021

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be hit or miss on many of the area lakes this last week.  Loud rippin raps and buckshot spoons continue to call in aggressive fish during the early morning and evening hours.  Key depths have slipped a little deeper to 20-26 feet of water.

Pike - Pike were very active this last week, with several mid 30” and up, caught this last week. Interestingly, walleye anglers seemed to find more pike then walleyes. Pike were found anywhere between 10-30 feet of water during the day. Live minnows suspended just off the bottom was very productive.

Panfish - Panfishing remained slow but steady for many anglers. With weeds dying back, panfish continue to slide deeper and deeper.  Both crappies and sunfish are being found in 20-30 feet of water.  Small the bait the better.  Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or small soft plastics has been best. 

Pure Northwoods joy on the BWCA ice near Ely, MN—a beaming kid in gray beanie, gray jacket with Ely Wolves hockey patch, and camo bibs proudly lifts a hefty northern pike on January 5, 2021. Snow clings to the fish's golden spots and long snout, gloved hands gripping tight, wide-open snowy lake under pale winter sky—classic kid's ice fishing thrill that captures the magic of Ely MN winters. These moments inspire families to hit the hard water. Grab tip-ups, suckers, and tackle at Arrowhead Outdoors for your own BWCA northern pike success!