January 18, 2022
***Fishing Report***
Lake Trout - Opening weekend was a excellent weekend for many lake trout anglers. Almost all anglers reported graphing multiple trout, over the course of the day and many reported limiting out the first day. Anglers found active lakers in the usual 30-50 feet of water, around sunken islands, large main lake points and neck down areas. Blue and pink bucktails, large spoons and tube jigs, all actively jigged, caught good numbers of trout. Some anglers reported only catching trout on live bait, fished on the bottom, under a tip up, so be sure to always fish two lines when lake trout fishing.
Stream Trout - As usual, stream trout anglers had little issue catching their limit of trout on opening day. Small tungsten jigs, tipped with a wax worm accounted for many of the best catching reported. After opening day trout were very shy of baits, but non the less anglers adjusted and continued to catch fish. Small tungsten jigs tipped with either wax worms or single salmon egg, ever so lightly jigged, got bites. Jig to aggressively and trout would turn their noses up at it and swim away. Shallow areas with timber, produce the most trout for anglers.
Walleye - Walleye anglers have begun to catch a few walleyes. Anglers have been reporting that they are finding active walleyes in 20-23 feet of water, largely close to deep basins. Minnows fished under rattle reels has been tough to beat. Bite windows continue to be all over the place, but evening and after dark has been the best for anglers.
Man, what a way to kick off the lake trout season—this image from the January 18th, 2022 report captures the pure thrill of opener weekend in Ely MN's BWCA-area lakes. An angler beams while cradlin' a gorgeous lake trout just pulled through the ice, its dark, spotted body slick and powerful in the winter light, mouth agape from the fight. The frozen lake stretches wide behind, thick and clear with snow dustin' the surface, distant pine-covered shores addin' that remote Northwoods wilderness touch—no crowds, just you, the hole, and a trophy fighter. Ice travel was prime that weekend, solid enough for reachin' great spots normally off-limits except to snowmobilers, and almost every angler was graphin' fish and landin' quality ones. Lake trout were cooperatin' big-time on the opener—many reportin' excellent action with jiggin' setups or dead baits in deeper structure, makin' for memorable hauls. Incidental northern pike showed up too, crashin' the party while targetin' lakers, addin' extra excitement for those deep-water rigs. This shot embodies the adrenaline: crisp air, safe thick ice, flags or rods ready, and the rush when a laker hits hard below. At Arrowhead Outdoors, we were geared up with jigs, tubes, spoons, flasher units, and live/dead bait advice nonstop that week—same today for anyone chasin' lake trout through the ice or plannin' BWCA trips. These Jan 2022 opener reports still fire up winter anglers: swing by 1810 East Sheridan in Ely for sharpened gear, shiners/suckers if needed, and the latest conditions. Subscribe on arrowheadoutdoorselymn.com for weekly updates—nothin' beats the opener bite and those deep fighters up here in the Northwoods!