January 8th, 2025

***Ice Report***

Much needed cold snap continues to make quality ice on Ely area lakes. 12-20” of ice is now being reported on Ely area lakes. 4 wheelers, side by sides, cars and trucks are now driving around on many of the lakes. Anglers planning on coming up for the 2025 winter trout opener on January 18th, should know that stream trout and lake trout lake ice is now being reported to be between 12-18” of ice. Unless we get a dumping of snow, which is not forecasted, 4 wheelers and side by sides are going to be the best ways to travel on all lakes, opening weekend. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be typical January walleye fishing. Slow. Best time continues to be during the evening hours with a lively minnow deadsticked. Anglers have also reported catching a few walleyes overnight on rattle reels. Best depth continues to be in that 12-20 feet of water. Large mud flats in these depths continue to be the best producers. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing in the BWCA (outside the BWCA opens January 18th) started out with a bang and has remained excellent for many who have made the trek into the BWCA. Best fishing was in 40-60ft of water, near flats, humps and points. Tubes and flukes, fished 20-40ft down were very effective for lakers. 

Stream Trout - Brook Trout fishing in the BWCA (outside the BWCA opens January 18th) also was excellent for many anglers. Brook Trout angler’s focused on shallow shorelines In 10ft of water and shallower for brookies. Downed trees and weeds had the best fishing. Small jigging spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms produced good numbers of trout. 

Pike - Anglers continue to target big pike with tip ups on many Ely area lakes. Medium to large suckers, fished in weedbeds in 5-12ft of water have been producing good numbers and size pike. 

Panfish - Both crappies and sunfish have cooled off as air temperatures have dropped. Crappies and sunnies are being found in 20-25ft of water and tight to the bottom. Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or crappie minnows have been the best way to approach these negative fish. 

Steven Renneberg kneels on the snowy ice holdin' up a massive lake trout caught January 8th, 2025 in the Ely MN area near the BWCA – this one's a true Northwoods trophy with those signature spots, bronze-olive sides, and huge head gapin' wide after smashin' a Laker Tackle Tube Jig. Bundled in a gray/blue Extreme Advantage suit with fur-trimmed hood against the overcast sky, he's all smiles kneelin' next to the open hole, rod propped nearby with line still attached. The tube jig setup nailed it: droppin' deep, jiggin' with aggressive lifts and controlled falls to imitate a wounded cisco or smelt – classic move for lake trout in 30-50+ feet over structure durin' early ice season. These lakers get fired up post-freeze, especially on tube jigs that spiral and flutter on the drop, triggerin' strikes from suspended or bottom-huggin' fish. The frozen expanse stretches out with distant pines under gray clouds – that quiet, raw winter feel that makes BWCA ice fishin' unforgettable. Whether you're targetin' lake trout, walleye, northern pike, stream trout in open spots, or settin' up for eelpout and tulibee, this shot captures the thrill. Stop by Arrowhead Outdoors, voted #1 Bait and Tackle Shop in MN, for Laker Tackle Tube Jigs, heavy gear, and our popular ice house rentals to turn your laker hunts into cozy overnight successes. Winter's peakin' – get after 'em!