January 30th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Warm temps have cooled off the ice making process. Little progress was made this last week. 6-12” of ice is being reported on local lake trout lakes. 12-16” of ice is being reported on other area lakes. Thanks to warm temps, slush and water on the ice has become very common on area lakes. This issue is expected to grow as water temperatures remain in the forecast.  

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing remains slow for many anglers. Many of the lakers being caught this last week, were caught with a sucker suspended just off the bottom, under a tip up. Deep flats in 30-50 feet of water have been best. 

Walleye - Walleye anglers reported good fishing this last week. Best bite has mainly been after dark, in 20-25 feet of water. Rattle reels tipped with a lively minnow, like a rainbow, has been the most popular for successful anglers. 

Crappies - Warmer then usual temps had many die hard spring crappie anglers out and about checking spring crappie spots. Unfortunately many were not greeted with traditionally good spring crappie bite, but rather slow late January bite. Deep holes, over 20 feet of water, held crappies. Active crappies hit small tungsten jigs, tipped with soft plastics. Old standbys like a crappie minnow under a bobber, was also very effective on crappies.

Stream Trout - Many anglers focused on Splake and Brook trout this last week. Anglers reported them being on the fussy side too. Lots of trout seen coming into baits but rejecting the bait. Deadsticking a freshly salted minnow proved to be the best technique to get them to bite. Splake were mainly found in 15-30 feet of water while Brook trout were found in 5 feet of water or less. 

Winter laker triumph! This angler from Ely, MN proudly holds a hefty lake trout caught on January 30th, 2024, on snowy open ice in a BWCA-connected lake. Bundled in a green jacket with pink hood, knit hat, and sunglasses, she's smilin' wide while grippin' the fish vertically. The laker's a beauty: thick olive-bronze body sparklin' with light spots, orange fins flared, broad head with big eye and open mouth showin' the white Laker Tackle tube jig hooked in—fresh from deep jiggin'. Snow dusts the angler and fish, thick ice stretches wide under cloudy skies, distant pines frammin' the Northwoods scene. Late January brought safe ice for targetin' lakers with slow-jigged Laker Tackle tubes—soft action mimics baitfish for aggressive strikes. This haul captures the thrill: deep fight, cold air, and trophy reward. Rent a heated ice house from Arrowhead Outdoors to stay warm chasin' these! Grab premium fishing tackle includin' Laker Tackle tubes, plus hunting gear and camping gear for your Ely trips. Come see us for gear and tips!