March 5th, 2024
***Ice Report***
Ice conditions are slowly starting to swing the other way now and start to deteriorate. Several days of well above average temperatures has burned off all the snow area lakes. High winds have caused pressure ridges to form and large cracks to open up on a few Ely area lakes. Ice thickness on lake trout lakes ranges from 7-11 inches now. Other area lakes are being reported to be 11-15 inches. Side by sides are no longer recommended. 4 wheelers with chains and foot travel, with ice cleats, has become the safest way to travel across lakes. Ice along north shorelines is really starting to melt and open up, so be careful!
***Fishing Report***
Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing picked up this last weekend for many anglers. Several reports of lakers being caught out over deep water were reported this last weekend. Anglers found them out over 50-80 feet of water about 20-30 ft under the ice. Tube in red/white, pink/white and chartreuse were hot colors
Stream Trout - Rainbow trout continue to be active and easy to catch for ice anglers. Anglers have been finding them a little deeper then usual. 20-40 feet of water, over mud has been the best areas to target active rainbow. Seems the bugs are getting active in the mud. Small jigs or jigging spoons, tipped with wax worms or dead minnows have been effective.
Panfish - Crappies continue to be challenging for ice anglers. Small handful of anglers are able to put together a limit, but most anglers are struggling to find or stay on active crappies. Crappies continue to be found tight to the bottom. Crappie minnows have been the best bait for these inactive crappies. Anglers have been finding crappies in 16-25 feet of water.
Late-winter laker triumph! This angler from Ely, MN proudly hoists a hefty lake trout caught on March 5th, 2024, on snowy open ice in a BWCA-connected lake. Bundled in a dark hooded jacket with blue accents, he's smilin' wide while grippin' the fish vertically. The laker's a beauty: thick bronze-olive 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, wide-open frozen lake behind under cloudy skies, distant pines frammin' the classic Northwoods scene. Early March brought thick ice for slow-jiggin' Laker Tackle tubes over structure—soft action mimics baitfish for aggressive strikes. This haul captures the thrill: deep fight, cold air, and trophy reward as the season nears its end. 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!