March 3rd, 2026
***Fishing Report***
Lake trout - Lake trout fishing slowed down quite a bit this last weekend. Many anglers reported that they struggled to even mark trout. Anglers that were lucky enough to even mark trout often reported they marked way more than they could even get to chase. Bite windows seemed to be very short and sweet, so be sure to get out early and don’t leave too early. You might miss the bite window open for the day. Bucktails continue to be a very popular choice for anglers. Many anglers have been having good luck tipping those bucktails with a gulp minnow of keitech minnow, to add some scent. Key depths this last weekend was 35-45ft of water.
Eelpout - Seems like just about everyone ice fishing this last week reported catching a handful of eelpout. Those targeting them reported a slightly slower than expected bite. Anglers found eelpout on sunken islands that top out in that 15-25ft of water range. Heavy glow spoons, loaded up with smelly minnows, frozen smelt or herring has been effective. Make sure that spoon glows!
Stream Trout - Stream trout reports were on the slow side this last weekend too. Rainbows seemed to be the most cooperative of the trout this last week. Small jigs, tipped with wax worms, was the most productive technique. Anglers continue to catch the rainbows anywhere from 5-15ft under the ice, while fishing over 50-70ft of water.
Crappies - Crappie fishing was slow this last week as spring crappie minded anglers started checking for crappies. Anglers found them suspended just off the bottom, in 20-30ft of water and reported they were sluggish, often unwilling to rise up to the bait.
Whitefish/Tullibee - Angling pressure was light this last weekend too for whitefish and tullibees. Anglers targeting them did report having some good luck, but also reported that they had to work them to get them to bite. Anglers continue to find them in 25-40ft of water, about 15-20ft under the ice. Small spoons tipped with wax worms and a crappie minnow suspended under a bobber have both been effective.
A beaming angler kneels inside a blue ice shack holdin' up a massive late-season lake trout caught March 3rd, 2026 in the Ely MN area near the BWCA – this bronze-olive trophy sparkles with yellow spots, huge head gapin' wide, and tail curved in the shelter lights, red jig still hooked after a deep strike. Bundled in heavy jacket and fur-trimmed hood, he's smilin' big with the heater glowin', snowy lake peekin' through the window, distant pines silhouetted against the sky. Late March lake trout stay aggressive on structure in 30-60+ feet – red jigs bounced with lifts, pauses, and slack-line falls mimic injured baitfish, triggerin' charges from suspended or bottom-huggin' lakers feedin' heavy before thaw. The cozy shack keeps the cold out, rod ready for the next drop – pure Northwoods comfort chasin' these deep-water beasts mixin' walleye shiners, northern pike tip-ups, eelpout nights, tulibee, whitefish. The quiet hum, sunset glow on the scales – that's the thrill of BWCA late-ice fishin'. Head to Arrowhead Outdoors, voted #1 Bait and Tackle Shop in MN, for red jigs, tube rigs, heavy gear, and our popular ice house rentals to turn late-season lake trout hunts into overnight successes with walleye, eelpout, tulibee, whitefish too. Late March lakers like this? Get after 'em!