June 23rd, 2026

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye anglers reported mixed results this last week on Ely area lakes. Anglers that struggled were mainly on the lakes where the mayfly hatch was most active. If mayflies were active on your lake, crawlers definitely shined over leeches in many cases. No mayfly hatch happening on your lake, leeches definitely produced more walleyes than crawlers. Regardless of the lake, anglers often found the best success pulling spinner rigs in 15-23ft of water. Again if mayflies are active, focus on those mudflats, if not active, rocky humps and rocky shoreline on that rock to mud or sand transitions were the best areas to find active walleyes. Gold, perch and pink were the best colors this last week. 

Smallmouth bass - Smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent for many anglers right now. Topwater bite has been going strong early in the morning and during cloudy days. On those sunny days, try throwing chatterbaits, tumbleweeds, wacky worms and in-line spinners around downed trees, over rocky flats and in and around current areas in that 4-10ft of water 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to find big active pike cruising shorelines, mouths of shallow bays and even in rivers. Medium to large size sucker minnows have been hard to come by, but if you can’t find them, don’t stay home! Get some frozen herring or smelt and float them under a bobber, you will likely be surprised at how good they work! If you still don’t want to try them or can’t, large spoons, large swim baits or minnow baits have also been very effective for pike right now. Regardless of what you're using, fish in 6-12ft of water.

Panfish - Panfish anglers have been finding some great fishing in the smaller Ely area lakes. Anglers have been reporting that crappies and sunfish have largely pulled out of the shallows, into 6-12ft of water right now. Weeds are a plus, but downed trees have been good too. Crappie anglers have been reporting a great evening bites with small twisters and paddle tails, fished close to the weedbeds, about 2-3ft under the surface. 

Stream Trout - Anglers have been having some really good luck fishing for rainbow trout this last week. Anglers have mainly been fishing with split bobbers anywhere from 5-25ft of water, tipped with a nightcrawler. Long line trolling small, brightly colored minnow baits or small spoons has also been very effective for anglers. Many angler reported they would often just look for surface activity when deciding where to fish for the trout.

Lake Trout - Lake Trout anglers were finally able to get out to lake trout waters this last week and found cooperative lakers. These anglers reported that they were finding lakers in 25-40ft of water. Anglers had good luck trolling deep diving white, white/blue and blood nose colored crankbaits. If you're fishing from a canoe, drifting while jigging heavy tubes, bucktails or squid tails has also been very effective for catching lakers. 

This lucky angler caught this trophy northern pike the week of June 17th, 2026 in the Ely area near the BWCA. Early summer pike fishing has been producing some nice fish in the Ely MN area. Swing by Arrowhead Outdoors – voted #1 bait and tackle shop in MN – for fresh bait, jigs, and everything you need to get on the water.