October 10th, 2023
***Fishing Report***
Walleye - Anglers continue to report a excellent walleye bite happening on area lakes. Much to many anglers surprise, shallow water continues to the place to find active/aggressive walleyes. 10-15ft has been where the best action is happening. Jig and a minnow or lindy rigs with a big minnow worked along shoreline structure has been best, but sunken islands have also been good.
Smallmouth - Smallies have largely set up, out on sunken islands now. Sunken islands that top out in 10-25 feet of water and are close to some of the deepest water in a lake tend to be the best humps for smallies. Large minnows fished on a lindy rig and worked around the sunken island has been very effective.
Stream Trout - Stream trout has been a popular choice for anglers as stream trout activity increases as water temps cool off. Shore fishing has become a popular choice as trout come close to shore. Shallow gravel flats has been the best areas to find trout. Anglers have been floating a crawler off the bottom or crawler under a bobber for best results.
Fall smallmouth magic! This happy angler from Ely, MN holds up a pair of solid smallmouth bass caught on October 10th, 2023, right from a scenic BWCA-connected lake. He's perched on the boat seat under bright autumn skies, wearin' a red-plaid jacket, Arrowhead Outdoors camo cap, and sunglasses—grinnin' wide while grippin' one bass by the lip and the other by the tail. Both fish are football-shaped tanks: bronze-green scales shinin' in the sun, dark mottled patterns, red eyes, and strong fins flared after epic battles. Calm blue water laps the boat, fall foliage glowin' orange and yellow on the pines and rocky shores—pure Boundary Waters beauty in early October. Smallies were crushin' near structure with crankbaits or tubes as temps cooled—classic Ely fall action for these scrappy fighters. At Arrowhead Outdoors, stock up on top fishing tackle for smallmouth success, plus hunting gear and camping gear to fuel your Northwoods hunts and trips. Come see us for gear and reports!