May 21st, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been excellent for many Ely area anglers. Key depth to fish continues to be from 2-9 feet of water. Multiple reports, from anglers, of walleye stomachs being packed full of minnows, has anglers focusing on river mouths, shallow bays and windy shorelines, during the late evening hours or early mornings. Anglers catching walleyes have been throwing paddle tails, minnow baits, lindy rigs (tipped with a minnow) and jigs tipped with a minnow. Popular colors have been gold, gold/white, pink/white and blue/white. Interestingly, multiple groups reported caught very large walleyes while pike fishing with lite and/or heavy suckers. If you're struggling catching small walleyes, maybe your bait is too small.

Pike - Pike fishing continues to be hot and heavy for many pike anglers. Pike anglers have been having great success floating heavy suckers under a bobber, in shallow bays and river mouths. Large spoons, buzzbaits and large minnow baits are also being thrown, with great success, in these same areas. 

Smallmouth - Smallies are slowly sliding up onto shallow rock as they near their spawn. Anglers targeting them have been having success using Ned Rigs and suspending jerk minnows. Areas to target have been out around islands and shallow rocky flats. 

Crappies - Many anglers reported good crappie fishing this last week on several area lakes. With water temp still hanging in the 50’s, crappies still have yet to start spawning on area lakes. Anglers have been finding crappies either staging at the mouth of shallow bays they are looking to spawn in or are in the shallows waiting for spawning temps. Anglers have been using a simple jig and crappie minnow, under a bobber, to catch these crappies. 

Stream Trout - Rainbows have been active on area stream trout lakes, this last week. Anglers fishing from shore have been using a simple night crawlers under a bobber, about 5-10 feet down. Anglers fishing from a boat have been trolling small, brightly colored, minnow baits around. Small handful of anglers also reported having good success trolling cowbells, to catch nice rainbows. 

Monster walleye alert! This angler from Ely, MN proudly hoists a massive 32-inch walleye caught on May 21st, 2024, right on the rocky shore of a BWCA-connected lake. He's grinnin' ear-to-ear in an Arrowhead Outdoors cap, light blue shirt, green vest loaded with gear, khaki pants, and sunglasses perched while grippin' the fish by the lip and tail. The walleye is a true trophy: extra-long body, thick golden flanks glowin' in the sun, dark mottled back, bright orange fins flared, huge glassy eye, and wide mouth showin' the fresh hookup. Calm lake water laps the rocky point behind, thick pines towerin', yellow canoe beached nearby under a perfect spring sky—pure Northwoods post-opener glory. Walleye were crushin' near structure with jigs tipped leeches or crankbaits as they fed heavy. This giant captures the excitement: epic battle, scenic release vibes, and the rush of landin' a fish of a lifetime. At Arrowhead Outdoors, stock up on premium fishing tackle for big walleye success, plus hunting gear and camping gear for your Ely adventures. Come see us for the gear and tips!