January 20th, 2026

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lots of anglers showed up for the 2026 winter Lake trout opener and few were disappointed. Many anglers reported that lake trout were on the negative side, but those who adjusted did really good. Smaller bucktails, do-jiggers and a chunk of pike sucker tipped on a plain hook and suspended a foot off the bottom were top producers. Chartreuse and chartreuse/White were also the best producing colors this last weekend. Angler reported that 50-70ft of water was the best depth to fish. 

Stream Trout - Stream Trout anglers were not disappointed this last weekend and yes, the early bird got the worm with many anglers limited out by 8am opening morning. Rainbow trout were caught 5-10ft under the ice with a small jigging spoon loaded up with fresh wax worms or salmon eggs. Bright colored spoons worked best. Brook trout were caught in shallow water often less than 5ft deep. Again small spoons loaded up with fresh waxies or a dead minnow were very effective. Splake anglers reported that larger Splake were being found in deeper water ranging from 20-50ft of water, depending on the lake. Small spoons tipped with a minnow or waxie worked but often larger baits produced larger Splake.

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be an up and down affair for anglers. Anglers catching walleyes are doing so in 20-30ft of water with the evening hours, 4pm and on, being the best time to be out fishing for them. Just about all anglers are now reporting that deadsticking or rattle reels have been best. Smaller minnows such as a chub have also been seeing best results.  Perch colored jigs have also been the best color.

Panfish - Anglers arriving before trout opener chased panfish and managed to catch some really nice crappies and sunfish. Both species were being found in the basins in 25-35ft of water. Angers had to drill lots of holes to keep their baits in front of moving panfish. Small white, pink or chartreuse jigs loaded with wax worms or crappie minnows produced the best for anglers. 

Pike - Anglers reported that they continue to catch quality pike while fishing for other species. Walleye, panfish and even lake trout anglers have all reported that they caught pike 5-15 under the ice while fishing for other species. Oftentimes pike caught here were caught on small minnows fished under a bobber or rattle reel. Shallow bays, river mouths or mouths of shallow bays were also good areas to find active pike. Medium sized suckers or Alewife’s often produced best results for anglers. 

Trophy Splake alert! This absolute beast came through the ice in the Ely area, right on the edge of the Boundary Waters.