July 7th, 2026

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye reports this last week has walleye scattered throughout the lake now. Some anglers were finding active walleyes in 6-10ft of water while throwing paddle tails, bucktails, deep diving jerk baits or slip bobbers and a leech. These anglers were finding them on rocky, wind blown shorelines and points. Many anglers reported these fish had crawfish in their stomach, so naturally crawfish colored baits produced the best here. Other anglers found walleyes out on sunken islands or around islands a little deeper in that 15-20ft of water range. Anglers finding walleyes out here were mainly fishing with spinner rigs, tipped with a leech or a crawler. There were anglers that did report minnows fished on a jig produced best for them, but overall leeches were the best choice. Hot colors this last weekend were orange/chartreuse, pink and gold.

Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass is starting to slow up a little for many anglers now as smallies are starting to disperse throughout the lake now. While anglers can still find active bass on shorelines while fishing with topwater, chatterbaits, wacky worms, crankbaits and in-line spinners, many anglers are finding bigger bass out on main lake structure, in that 15-20ft of water, right now. Bass anglers fishing out here have been drop shooting straight tail minnows and urchin baits to catch bass. Some of the bigger bass anglers have been finding out here have been suspended just off the structure about 10-20ft of water. Large cisco colored swim baits, fished on a heavy 3/8-1/2oz jig, have been deadly for these fish. 

Panfish - Crappie anglers continue to report good crappie fishing on Ely area lakes during the evening hours in 6-12ft of water. It’s important to note that anglers are often catching these crappies 1-3ft below the surface while throwing beetle spins, jig/twisters or small minnow baits. Sunfish anglers continue to keep it really simple by fishing with small leeches or red worms, under a bobber in and around weedbeds in that 5-12ft of water range. 

Pike - Pike anglers reported a slow bite this last week as water temps continue to rise to temperatures big pike don’t like. On the other hand pike in that 30” class and down were a common catch for anglers. Large spoons, large swim baits and even large topwater baits were all very effective for triggering these pike. River mouths and weedbeds in that 8-12ft of water, were the areas to focus on pike

Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers continue to find plenty of active trout on area stream trout lakes. Anglers continue to mainly fish with cowbells, tipped with small brightly colored minnow baits, about 10-20ft down, while trolling over deep water. Anglers fishing from shore continue to have good luck catching trout with a nightcrawler, fished under a bobber about 10-15ft down. This bite has been best in the early morning hours or late evening hours for these anglers. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers reported mix results this last week. This is not uncommon for this time of the year as the thermocline starts to set up over deeper water. Anglers fishing with downriggers reported having the best luck in that 30-40ft of water range. Large cisco colored trolling spoons did best out here. Anglers fishing from canoes or without downriggers struggled. These anglers mainly vertically jigged with heavy tubes, squid tails and bucktails over water depths ranging from 40-80ft of water.

Raylan Stanfield, age 7, caught this nice 25-inch walleye that weighed 5 pounds on Basswood Lake in the BWCA. Raylan got it on a Lindy rig in about 15 feet of water on a cloudy day. Raylan is all smiles holding it up on the boat. We’re always happy when families have good success after stopping in for bait. Swing by Arrowhead Outdoors – voted #1 bait and tackle shop in MN – for fresh leeches, minnows, and everything you need for your next trip.