May 17th, 2022
***Fishing Report***
Walleye - Walleye fishing was outstanding for the majority of anglers this last weekend. Many anglers limited out in under a hour. Anglers found mostly post spawn males in and around current areas. 3/8oz jigs, in blue and gold, tipped with a minnow, was easily the most popular and effective way to catch walleyes. Anglers found walleyes in 10 feet of water or less during low light and after dark. During the day walleyes were located 10-16 feet of water.
Pike - Pike anglers reported slower fishing then normal for opening weekend. Anglers still reported catching good numbers and good size pike, but the big females, over 40”, were noticeably missing. These big fish are likely still recovering from spawning and should really turn on by this weekend. Anglers catching pike we’re using heavy suckers and floating them under a bobber back in shallow mud bottom bays. Frozen smelt has also been a popular choice for pike anglers.
Stream Trout - With the hot walleye fishing this year, stream trout anglers have been few and far between. The few trout anglers out fishing have been reporting good fishing for rainbow trout in area stream trout lakes. Small spoons, jig and twister and the simple night crawler fished under a bobber have all been very effective for anglers.
Man alive, this is the kind of shot that gets the blood pumpin'—a thrilled angler in the boat proudly holdin' up a stunning walleye, its golden-yellow sides and dark blotches gleamin' in the spring light, mouth wide open like it's still fightin' the hook. The calm river or lake water flows behind her, framed by thick green pines stretchin' to the sky along the shores—pure Ely MN BWCA wilderness magic on a perfect open-water day. She's rockin' a maroon hoodie, smilin' ear to ear in the red boat seat with the motor hummin' idle, life jacket on, and that classic Northwoods excitement radiatin' off her after hookin' this beauty. This pic screams post-walleye opener triumph from around May 17, 2022, when the bite was flat-out fire: many anglers limited out in under an hour, mostly post-spawn males crushin' in and around current areas. Low-light and after-dark action hammered in 10 feet or less, while daytime held strong in 10-16 feet on 3/8 oz jigs (blue/gold stood out) tipped with lively minnows. Pike were a bit slower than usual for opener weekend—decent numbers and sizes, but big females over 40" scarce (likely still recoverin' from spawn; bite expected to heat up quick). Heavy suckers under bobbers in shallow mud bays or frozen smelt backups did the trick for those. Stream trout reports stayed good in area lakes, though fewer folks chased 'em with walleye stealin' the show—small spoons, jig/twisters, or night crawlers under bobbers nailed rainbows. This image captures the pure joy: fresh open water, light breeze, hot bite, and a quality walleye to show for it. At Arrowhead Outdoors, we were crankin' out minnows, jigs, suckers, and advice like crazy back then—still do today for anyone headin' to BWCA spots. Swing by 1810 East Sheridan in Ely for live minnows, blue/gold jigs, crawlers, and the latest reports. Subscribe on arrowheadoutdoorselymn.com to stay on the bite—nothin' beats those early-season walleye hauls up here in the Northwoods!