July 2nd, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - As water levels start to drop, the walleye bite has picked up on many area lakes. Current areas have become the hot spot to find active walleyes on many Ely area lakes right now. Anglers have been fishing these areas with a jig tipped with a minnow, leech or crawler. Clearly not all walleyes are doing the same thing in any one lakes, so anglers have also been finding some walleyes out on sunken islands and points with a slip bobber and leech, lindy rigs and crankbaits. 14-20 feet of water has been the key depth for everyone and gold, black/orange and pink/white remain top colors. 

Smallmouth - Smallmouth anglers continue to enjoy excellent bass fishing right now. Smallies have slipped down a little bite to 10ft of water, but anglers continue to catch them with topwater bait, chatterbaits, and in-line spinners. Rocky shorelines, downed trees and large points have been areas to focus on. 

Pike - Large trophy pike are starting to return to the shallows as cabin owners are reportedly seeing them under their docks and anglers are catching them in the shallows. Large sucker minnows fished under a bobber, large crankbaits and large spoons have all been catching these big pike. Shallow bays with healthy weed growth have been the areas to fish for these pike. 

Panfish - Panfish have been very active this last week. Anglers have been catching quality gills around pencil reeds and coontail beds. Small jigs tipped with a piece of an angleworm and fished under a bobber. Crappies have been mixed in with the gills, but they prefer cabbage beds to swim in. Crappie's bite seems to hit its peak during the last hours of daylight. Jig/twister and crappie minnow have been very effective on crappies. 

Stream Trout - Mayfly hatches have rainbow trout slurping them off the surface during the evening hours. Fly fisherman have been having good luck catching rainbow with large hex fly patterns, floated on the surface. Other anglers have been trolling cowbells with small crankbaits, half a crawlers and flashy spoons trolled behind them and have been having good luck. Both anglers have simply been fishing out over deep water. 

June 25th, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing can’t be fantastic all the time, even in the Ely area. Heavy rains and heavy mayfly hatch has slowed the walleye bite down on many Ely area lakes. Heavy rains seemed to have pushed walleyes down to a depth of 20-25 feet of water over sand and mud flats. Lots of reports of mayflies hatching and anglers graphing clouds of them over mud. Walleyes have been right in with the mayflies. Medium size leeches fished under a bobber, jig or drop shot has been effective. Jig and half a crawler has also been worth noting. Pink/white, gold and green/chartreuse have been popular colors this last week. 

Smallmouth - Reports of smallies with spawn in them continue to come in on many area lakes. Unstable weather and water temps still fluctuating as low as 60 degrees seems to be the cause of this. Nonetheless anglers are enjoying excellent smallmouth fishing. All kinds of topwater baits continue to be very popular, but in-line spinners, Ned rigs, paddle tails and chatter baits also are producing good numbers of fish. All anglers are simply fishing shoreline structures like shallow boulder flats, downed trees and points.

Panfish - Finally some reports of good sunfish and crappie fishing is being reported on many of the shallower panfish lakes in the Ely area. Crappies and sunnies have been hitting jig/twisters, beetle spins, angleworms or small leeches, under a bobber, in 3-7 feet of water. Best crappie fishing has been the last hour or two of light on many lakes. Anglers should look to pencil reeds, shallow rock and weedy bays for panfish. 

Stream Trout - Rainbow trout have been taking full advantage of the mayfly hatch. Fly fishermen have also been taking advantage of the rainbows eating mayflies and have been throwing large mayfly imitations and simply letting them sit on the surface. For all you non fly fisherman, a night crawler set about 5-10 feet under a bobber has been effective. Trolling small spoons and small crankbaits has also been efficient on rainbows this last week. 

Pike - If there’s one fish that seems to enjoy the rains and cool water temps, it’s the pike. While overall size remains on the small side, good numbers of them are being caught by those targeting them. Classic daredevils, large spinnerbaits and buzzbaits have been very effective. Anglers should be looking to the mouth of shallow bays, river mouths and weedbeds for active pike. 

June 18th, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Another week of unsettled weather and reports of mayflies hatching has the walleyes bite inconsistent for many this last week. Anglers catching walleyes are still finding them in shallow water. 5-15 feet, over sand or near current areas have been best. High water and strong flows have river mouths attracting good numbers of walleyes again. Anglers have been having good luck slip bobbering leeches, trolling crankbaits, jigs tipped with a minnow or crawler, or pulling lindy rigs with a leech or minnow. Popular colors remain gold, black/orange, pink/white.

Smallmouth - With water temps still hovering in the high 50’s to low 60’s, reports of smallies with eggs in them, are still coming in from anglers from many area lakes. These anglers have been throwing topwater baits, chatterbaits, Ned rigs and in-line spinners and have been having fantastic time catching smallies. Anglers should keep focusing on shoreline flats, downed trees and current areas to find active smallies. 

Crappies - As with smallies, anglers are still finding dark colored crappies on many of the area's bigger crappies lakes. On these lakes, anglers have been finding crappies at the mouths of shallow bays, around shallow rocks or weeds. Here, crappie minnow under a bobber has been very effective. On shallower crappie lakes, crappies have spawned and are now cruising around downed trees, lily pads and weedbeds. Here jig/twister, small beetle spins and a crappie minnow under a bobber have been effective.

Stream Trout - Stream trout fishing on some of the more popular stream trout lakes was a little slower than usual thanks to mayflies hatching. Many anglers reported that rainbows showed little interest in the usual stream trout baits, while anglers who switched to large hex flies reported excellent trout fishing. These large flies have been very effective during the evening hours when mayflies are hatching.

Pike - Pike fishing was steady this last week, but the size of pike has remained small (30” and less) for many. Anglers continue to have good luck throwing large in-line spinners, spoons and large paddle tails. Shallow weedy bays and river mouths are the areas to key in on if you're looking to catch pike.

June 11th, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - After yet another week of high winds, walleye fishing has become more of a hit or miss affair. Anglers catching walleyes continue to catch walleyes with a jig and minnow, paddle tails or lindy rigs tipped with a minnow. Wind blown points, shallow flats and weed beds in 8-12 feet of water have been holding active walleyes. Key times to fish these spots have been early in the day or late in the evening. Gold, orange/black and pink/white have been the hot colors.

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass are now either on their beds or off and the bite has been heating up fast! Topwater bite on many of the area's best smallmouth lakes has been fantastic right now. Chatterbaits, in-line spinners, Ned rigs and wacky worms have equally been effective on smallies. Anglers should be looking to shallow rocky shorelines and islands, around downed trees for the best bass fishing. 

Crappies - Several reports of dark colored crappies have been reported from several area lakes, so if you know what that means, you know what that means. Simple crappie minnow fished under a bobber has been very effective. 

Pike - With the high winds many anglers seemed out calm bays. Here they found active pike that were more than happy to bite. Anglers pitched heavy spoons, buzz baits and floating a large suckers under a bobber with great success. 

Stream Trout - Stream Trout anglers continue to find active trout cruising shorelines. Warmer water temps have stream trout starting to slide down a little now, so anglers have been setting their baits a little deeper in order to keep catching trout. Laying a crawler on the bottom, with some trout dough to help float it off the bottom has also been very effective. Anglers fishing from a boat have simply been trolling small crankbaits and spoons to catch active trout. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers had a tough week, last week as high winds made it less than enjoyable to be out there. Trolling was the name of the game this last week. Anglers only needed to get their baits down to about 20-30 feet of water to catch trout. Leadcoring medium depth crankbaits and even jerk baits, was effective on lakers. Anglers trolled over deep mud flats, points and around sunken islands.

June 4th, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - After a week of high winds that seemed to completely change directions daily, walleyes are now pretty scattered throughout the lake. Walleyes can now be found on shallow scattered rocks, deep flats, river mouths (again), out around islands and even right off the end of many docks. Minnows continue to be the best bait for walleyes, but increasingly reports of leeches and crawlers working, are coming in. Best walleye reports continue to keep coming from shallow, scattered rocks with waves crashing into them in 2-10 feet of water. Here paddle tails, jig/minnow and spinner rigs, tipped with a minnow, have been very effective on these active walleyes. Handful of reports of shiners running have returned from a few area lakes and the walleye fishing has been lights out there. Top colors have been gold, orange/black and pink. 

Smallmouth - Depending on the lake, smallies could be wrapping up the spawn (shallow lakes), spawning (average depth lakes), or still waiting for water temps to get to spawning temps (deep water lakes). On shallow water lakes, anglers are throwing topwater baits, wacky worms and Ned rigs. On lakes where the bass are just starting to spawn, Ned rigs have been very popular out there. On deep water lakes where smallies are still looking to spawn, suspending jerk baits have been deadly. 

Pike - Pike have remained very active, but average size has dropped, as reported by anglers. For the best shot at a big pike, floating large suckers, under a bobber, in shallow bays or around river mouths. Anglers looking to just catch pike are having luck throwing large topwater baits, spoons and large spinnerbaits along shorelines and river mouths.

Stream Trout - Anglers not interested in getting blown around out on area lakes, went to the small stream trout lakes in search of active trout. Many were not disappointed. Anglers reported good fishing for rainbows on many area stream trout lakes. Small spoons, jig/twister, trout dough and night crawler floated under a bobber, have all been very effective on rainbows. 

May 28th, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleyes are on the move! Majority of walleyes have now left the current areas and started working their way to large, wind blown points, islands, rocky shorelines and shallow flats with basketball size boulders scattered around. Best depth to catch walleyes has slipped down a little to 7-9 feet of water, but bait of choice has not changed. Larger minnows, paddle tails, twisters and minnow baits have remained very effective. When weather conditions were less than ideal, anglers found walleyes sitting just off breaks in 16-20 feet of water. Mostly minnows for this depth. Hot colors this week have been gold, pink and black/orange. 

Smallmouth - Water temps now ranging from 57-63 degrees, so smallies are now starting to show up on their beds on many area lakes. Anglers have been throwing Ned rigs, jerk baits and even a little topwater along shallow flats. 

Pike - Pike fishing from shore, was a popular choice this last week as high winds kept most anglers on shore. Heavy suckers were a popular choice for anglers for good reason, pike love them!  Right off the dock, river mouths and shallow bays are the areas anglers are finding active pike. 

Crappies - Cool weather has paused any spawning that was taking place on area lakes. Anglers have been finding crappie hanging out at the mouth of shallow bays in 10-15 feet of water, over and around rocks. Hair jigs, tipped with a minnow, fished under a bobber have been very effective once crappies are located. 

Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers have been enjoying a steady bite on area stream trout lakes. Trout anglers have been catching nice rainbows fishing a night crawler under a bobber during the early morning or evening hours. Anglers fishing for brookies or splake have been having luck with trout dough and a night crawler, floated off the bottom. Anglers fishing from a boat have been trolling brightly colored minnow baits and silver and blue little cleo’s. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout reports have been few and far between, which is normal early in the season as lake trout can be anywhere. Anglers continue to run into lakers while fishing shallow looking for walleyes. Floating minnow baits, paddle tails and jigs tipped with a small sucker have been accounting for the majority of lake trout reports. Anglers have been having luck trolling, trolling spoons on leadcore, 15-25 feet down. 

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. 

May 14, 2024

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye anglers were greeted with warm water temps and clear blue skies. Water temps are being reported from 51-59 degrees. Anglers that fished this opener like they did last year, struggled. Small walleyes, too small to keep, we’re a common catch. Yes, a few keepers were landed, but… These anglers reported catching walleyes in 14-20 feet of water on a jig and minnows. So, where was the hot bite? Where were the big keepers, everyone wants, caught? Super shallow water. 2-7 feet of water, max! Here anglers are catching walleyes pitching 1/16oz to 1/8oz jigs, tipped with a good lively rainbow. Bigger the rainbow the better! Shallow sand flats, gravel, or near slow moving creeks entering a lake were the best place to find these active walleyes. Top jig colors reported were, green…yes green, bubble gum, blue and white. 

Pike - Pike anglers had a great time catching good numbers of quality pike over opening weekend. Large pike however, over 40”, proved to be very challenging to find. Large suckers, fished under a bobber, was very effective as several groups had to return to the shop, the same day, for more large suckers. Pike anglers found pike in shallow bays with emerging weeds or a slow moving creek entering the lake. 

Crappies - With water temps getting close to the 60’s, anglers looking for something to fish for, before walleye opener, found dark colored crappies in shallow water staging to spawn, in 2-6 feet of water, on many area lakes. Crappie minnows fished under a bobber or hair jigs fished back in shallow, sun soaked bays, were very effective catching nice crappies. 

Stream Trout - Anglers seeking stream trout, over opening weekend, enjoyed light fishing pressure and active trout. Small silver and blue spoons, spinners, and the ever popular night crawler, were all very popular and very effective stream trout. Shore anglers and boat anglers alike, enjoyed good stream trout fishing. 

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass reports were few and far between. Reports of bass being caught were mainly from walleyes guys, targeting walleyes. With water temps very close to 60, smallies are staged in shallow bays looking to spawn, very soon. The small group of smallmouth anglers, targeting smallies, reported finding smallies in 5 ft of water or less. As you can imagine Ned rigs and tubes were very effective on these bass. 

March 12th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Ice conditions are quickly deteriorating in the Ely area. Shoreline ice is beginning to pull away from the shorelines, cracks are opening up out on area lakes and open water is being reported on many area lakes. 4 wheeler and side by side travel, over ice, is no longer recommended. Foot travel only now. Anglers looking to still ice fish should look to smaller lakes, to get out on. The smaller the better your odds are to get out on them and fish. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Not many anglers fished for lakers this weekend so reported are limited. The few anglers that went out generally reported slow fishing for lakers this weekend. Anglers continued to find lakers out over deep 60-80 feet of water. Small silver and blue, lipless crankbaits or tubes fished about 20 feet under the ice. 

Crappie - Crappie fishing has remained largely hit or miss. Seems the majority of anglers are able to catch crappies, but size and numbers remains the main challenge. Anglers catching crappies have been with purple, white and pink jigs tipped with crappie minnows. More active crappies have been hitting soft plastics in red or white. Panfish are starting to school up in 15-25 feet of water.

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.  

February 27th, 2024

***Ice Report***

No improvements were made this last week in the Ely area. Ice thickness remains between 12-16” on shallower lakes in the Ely area and 8-14” on deeper lake trout lakes. Very little to no snow has travel limited to skates, foot, 4 wheelers and side by sides. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing has been challenging to say the least. Many anglers, this last week, struggled to get lakers to leave the bottom or even stop and show interest in their baits. Small jigging spoons and live bait placed 6-12” off the bottom seemed to be anglers best approach to catching lakers. Sunken islands that top out in 20-40 feet seemed to be the most productive structure to fish. 

Panfish - Panfishing has been like the weather. One day hot, next day ice cold. Finding panfish doesn’t seem to be the issue anglers are having. Finding panfish that aren’t glued to the bottom and active is the challenge. Drilling lots of holes and moving has been key for a successful outing. Crappie minnows, under a bobber, for negative panfish has been productive on negative panfish. Panfish suspended off the bottom have been hitting small white or red colored soft plastics.

Stream Trout - Rainbow trout were a popular target this last week. Anglers reported good fishing for them on several area lakes. Early in the morning, anglers found them in shallow water 5-15 feet. Later in the day anglers found rainbows out over deeper water, 20-50 feet of water. Either location, rainbows are being caught 5-15 feet under the ice on small spoons or tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms. 

Eelpout - Recent full moon has eelpout activity high and a lot of anglers taking full advantage. Bright glowing tubes or heavy pout spoons, loaded with chunks of minnows and pounded on the bottom, has been very effective. 25-45 feet of water, around sunken islands or sharp drop offs close to flats have been the areas to look for eelpout. Depth seems to change every night, so find fish first before setting up for the night. 

February 20th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Little improvement happened this last week, with ice thickness, on area lakes. Anglers continue to report 8-14 inches of ice on area lake trout lakes. Thickness remains very inconsistent. Out on crappie and walleye lakes, anglers have been reporting 12-15” of ice. Snow cover is almost non-existent, so 4 wheelers and side by side are the best way to travel on area lakes. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing proved to be challenging this last weekend for trout anglers. Many anglers reported inactive lakers that stayed tight to the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. Lakers would come in, look, gone. Pounding the bottom with heavy tubes, tipped with suckers bellies, was effective to draw in lakers and keep them interested enough to bite. 

Stream Trout - Anglers reported good fishing for rainbow trout on area lakes. Best fishing seemed to be early in the morning. Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or a dead minnow, dead sticked, have been very effective. Anglers report rainbows coming through 5-15 of water. Some big Splake have been caught this last week. Anglers catching these Splake are fishing in 15-25 feet of water. Rippin raps, small bucktails and small tubes have been effective.

Crappies - Crappies have begun to get active late last weekend. Anglers are finding them in 20-30 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with crappie minnows have been effective for inactive crappies while soft plastics have been better for active crappies. Purple, orange, pink and wonder bread have been the best colors. 

Eelpout - Eelpout have remained active again this week. Anglers continue to find eelpout deep in 45-65 feet of water. Bright glowing tubes or pout spoons, loaded with minnow chunks, have been very effective on them overnight. 

February 13th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Another warm week, with rain, then freezing temperatures have actually improved ice conditions on Ely area lakes. What little snow we had on the ice, is now largely gone thanks to the rain we got last week. Freezing temperatures and high winds quickly locked up any standing water. 12-16” of ice is being reported on just about all Ely area lakes. Lake trout anglers are still finding pockets of 8-9” of ice on lake trout lakes. These reports have been keeping anglers from driving out on the ice, so 4 wheelers and side by side continue to be the best way to travel on local lakes. 

***Fishing Reports***

Lake Trout - Lake trout reports were good going into the weekend, but as the weekend wrapped up, the bite had slowed. Anglers have been reporting that bigger lakers were flying high, right under the ice. Small lakers were staying tight to the bottom. Those high flyers have been very challenging to get to bite. Many anglers have been saying they fly in, look, gone. Lakers on the bottom have been hitting small suckers or rainbows, right on the bottom, in 30-50 feet of water. 

Walleye - Walleye fishing suddenly improved pre rain and even post rain. Time of day has not changed. It’s still a evening and after dark bite, but many anglers reported that walleyes were hitting jigging spoons again, as well as rattle reels. Rainbows and pike suckers were the most effective minnow and 20-25 feet of water, over deep mud. 

Crappie - Crappies were really starting to get active last week, until the rain started. Anglers were finding active crappies 10-15 feet off the bottom in 20-30 feet of water. Small tungsten jigs, tipped with soft plastics, waxies or crappie minnows. 

Eelpout - Eelpout continue to keep popping up in anglers catches as they continue to get more and more active during the evening and overnight hours. Heavy jigs and bright glowing tubes, both loaded with minnow or smelt chunks and pounded on the bottom, has been very effective. Depths anglers are reporting is different every night, but have been between 30-60 feet of water, over deep flats, around sunken islands are along sharpe drop offs. 

February 6th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Ice conditions have changed little in the Ely area this last week. Angler have been running 4 wheelers, snowmobiles and side by sides on area lakes. Walleye, crappie and stream trout lakes have between 12-16” of clear, solid ice. Lake trout lakes are a little behind with 8-12” of clear solid ice. Snow cover varies from 5” to nothing. With the warm temps, slush has popped up on many area lakes, but has not been much of a issue for anglers. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing was slow but steady for many anglers. Some real quality lakers were caught this last week on red/white and chartreuse colored tubes. Early and late in the day seemed to be when those big trout were active. Small suckers on the bottom, under a tip up, was very effective on those lakers that were inactive and wouldn’t leave bottom. 

Crappies - Warm, late March like temps had many anglers out looking for active crappies. Many angler were not disappointed! Active crappies were caught 10-15 feet under the ice, over 20-30 feet of water. Crappie minnows and soft plastics in white or red, were very effective. 

Stream Trout - Warm temps had rainbows and Splake active in area lakes. Rainbows were hitting wax worms and salmon eggs, tipped on a small tungsten jig and dead stick. Key depth for rainbows was 5-10 feet under the ice in 20-30 feet of water. Splake on the other hand we’re liking a active bait. Small ripping raps, small 3” tubes and waxies on a spoon were all effective. Key depths for Splake were 10-15 feet of water. 

Walleye - Walleye fishing was on the tough side this last week. Deadsticking or rattle reels accounted for the majority of walleyes caught this last week. Evening and overnight hours have remained the best time. Small handful of walleyes were caught mixed in with crappies too. Mud flats have been the best areas to target in 20-25 feet of water. 

Eelpout - Eelpout reports are starting to trickle in as eelpout become active. Anglers have been finding them pretty deep in 50-65 feet of water. Deep flats have been best. Bright glowing eelpout jigs or bright glowing tubes, loaded with minnow chunks or frozen smelt have been getting bites

January 30th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Warm temps have cooled off the ice making process. Little progress was made this last week. 6-12” of ice is being reported on local lake trout lakes. 12-16” of ice is being reported on other area lakes. Thanks to warm temps, slush and water on the ice has become very common on area lakes. This issue is expected to grow as water temperatures remain in the forecast.  

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing remains slow for many anglers. Many of the lakers being caught this last week, were caught with a sucker suspended just off the bottom, under a tip up. Deep flats in 30-50 feet of water have been best. 

Walleye - Walleye anglers reported good fishing this last week. Best bite has mainly been after dark, in 20-25 feet of water. Rattle reels tipped with a lively minnow, like a rainbow, has been the most popular for successful anglers. 

Crappies - Warmer then usual temps had many die hard spring crappie anglers out and about checking spring crappie spots. Unfortunately many were not greeted with traditionally good spring crappie bite, but rather slow late January bite. Deep holes, over 20 feet of water, held crappies. Active crappies hit small tungsten jigs, tipped with soft plastics. Old standbys like a crappie minnow under a bobber, was also very effective on crappies.

Stream Trout - Many anglers focused on Splake and Brook trout this last week. Anglers reported them being on the fussy side too. Lots of trout seen coming into baits but rejecting the bait. Deadsticking a freshly salted minnow proved to be the best technique to get them to bite. Splake were mainly found in 15-30 feet of water while Brook trout were found in 5 feet of water or less. 

January 23, 2024

***Ice Report***

Ice conditions have slowly improved this last week on Ely area lakes. Shallower walleye and stream trout lakes, ice thickness is being reported between 12-15” of nice clear ice. Ice conditions on lake trout lakes are  now being reported between 6-11” of ice. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout have been unusually fussy this last week. While many anglers reported catching trout, many of them reported that lakers were reluctant to chase baits. When lakers get like this pounding the bottom can be very effective. Heavy spoons and bucktails, tipped with minnow chunks has been the best lures for this technique. Key depth has been that 30-50 feet of water, over flats. 

Walleye - Walleye fishing has now mainly become a overnight activity. As sleeper houses continue to pop up on area lakes, overnight fishing has become very popular. Houses placed in 20-25 ft of water, over mud, have been doing the best. Active rainbow under a deadstick or rattle reel has been accounting for the majority of walleyes being caught now. 

Stream Trout - Rainbows have been actively cruising just under the ice. Anglers have been deadsticking small jigs tipped with wax worms or salmon eggs about 3-6 feet under the ice. Splake fishing was good this last week too. Splake are being found deeper in 15-25 feet of water. Jigging spoons tipped with waxies or minnow heads, have been effective. Laying a dead sucker on the bottom has been effective for big Splake. 

January 16th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Ice conditions have improved greatly on all area lakes these last few days. Ice roads continue to pop up and expand on many area lakes. Lakes with ice roads are reporting 12-14” of clear solid ice. Ice reports from lake trout lakes went from 3-8” reported on Friday to 7-11” on Sunday. Only a matter of time before anglers start driving on these lakes. 4 wheelers and snowmobiles were common sight, on lake trout lakes, this last weekend. 

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Many Lake Trout anglers were not disappointed for Lake Trout opener. Anglers did best fishing flats in 30-50 ft of water. 4” tubes, worked aggressively, were the most productive presentation. Sucker minnows, fished under a tip up, also accounted for it fair share of fish. 

Stream trout - Rainbows, Browns, Brook Trout and Splake were all active for trout opener. All trout were caught with small jigging spoons or tungsten jigs, tipped with soft plastics or wax worms. Rainbows were found 5-10 feet under the ice, brookies and browns were found on shallow flats that had weeds or timber and last but not least, Splake were found near the bottom in deeper water 15-20 feet of water. 

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been surprisingly good considering the cold snap that just moved into the Ely area. Anglers continue to find active walleyes in 20-25 ft of water, over mud flats. Bite windows being reported are between 4-6pm, then another one from 9-11pm. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head has been very effective, but a dead stick or rattle reel, set with active minnow, has been accounting the majority of walleyes being caught. 

Pike - It’s been challenging to fish for pike this last weekend given holes freeze over fast, but pike anglers have been reporting good numbers being caught. Deep water then usual, 10-17 ft, has been the best. Medium to large size suckers or frozen smelt has been the baits of choice. Deeper flats near river mouths or near weedbeds have been best. 

Panfish - Panfish reports have really cooled off as many panfish angler switch to stream trout now. Crappies continue to be found hanging out in deep water, but have been laying tight to the bottom. Anglers have had to work hard to get these fish to bite. Small jigs, tipped with small soft plastics or wax worms have been best.

January 9th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Excellent ice making weather has come to the Ely area and even better temps are coming! Ice roads have begun to pop up at popular accesses and permanent houses have returned to traditional fishing spots. 10-13” of clear ice is being reported just off the ice roads. Pockets of thin ice are still being reported, so if you plan on venturing off the ice roads be cautious. 4” of fresh snow has also caused slush to pop up in areas. 

Lake trout lakes have been a different story. Handful of anglers have been out checking ice on Burntside lake and have been reporting 3-7” of clear ice out there and growing. No reports of ice conditions on Snowbank has been reported to us yet and we are waiting to hear from Snowbank Lodge. Anglers looking to fish Snowbank should call Snowbank Lodge for a current ice report. 218-365-6032

Miners Lake - Reports from Miners lake have been 8” of clear ice, but there are pockets of thin ice, as thin as 2-4”. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing has settled into its classic mid January fishing. Short 2 hour window, mostly negative fish. 4-6 is your window for the most activity. Jigging spoons or ripping raps call fish in, but a suspended minnow, under a bobber accounts for the majority of bites and fish landed. Popular depths continue to be in that 18-23 feet of water. 

Pike - Pike fishermen continue to have good reports of quality size pike being landed. Sucker minnows fished in 10-15 feet of water, fished under a tip up, has been very effective. Flats and near river mouths has been the area to focus on for active pike. 

Panfish - Crappies continue to be found laying on the bottom in 25-35 feet of water, on area lakes. Many anglers have been reporting that fish come in, look, then drift away. Sunfish on the other hand have been more active and showing up in anglers catches. Sunfish have been mixed in with the crappies, out over deep basins. Waxies, tipped on small jigs have been hard to beat for sunnies. Jumbo perch have been active on a few area lakes. Perch up to 15” are being caught on walleyes spots, but mainly during the day. Minnows under a bobber has been accounting for the majority of perch caught. Mud flats in 15-20 feet of water has been where to look for them. 

Stream Trout (inside the BWCA) - A few anglers have started to venture into the BWCA stream trout lakes looking for mainly brookies. Fishing has been a little slow, as little snow cover has shallow water brookies a little skittish. Anglers have been focusing in 5 feet of water or less, close to timber or weeds on shallow flats for brookies. Small jigs or spoons tipped with wax worms or soft plastics have been effective.

Lake Trout (inside the BWCA) - We have yet to hear reports of anyone going into lakes within the BWCA and fishing for lakers yet. With forecasted temperatures, we expect that to change soon.

January 2nd, 2024

***Ice Report***

Finally, some good ice making weather is here and appears to be here to stay for the foreseeable future. Lakes have added as much as 4”+ since our last report. 4 wheelers and small permanent houses have returned to many area lakes. Open water still exists on the deeper lake trout lakes, but for other lakes in the Ely area, 5-9” of clear ice is being reported by anglers. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be a evening affair on area lakes. Angler continue to report that the bite starts about 3:30pm and often continues until 5pm on area lakes. Jigging spoons and deadsticking a small sucker has been very effective for anglers. Key depth remains in that 20-25 feet of water range, but good reports in water as shallow as 10 feet continue to come in.

Pike - Pike anglers continue to report excellent fishing for large pike with tip-ups and medium sized suckers. Shallow weedy bays, river mouths and shoreline flats, have all been effective areas to find active pike. 

Panfish - Panfish fishing has been challenging for anglers. Clear ice and lack of snow has made panfish spooky to say the least. Any movement on the ice sends the panfish the other way. Anglers have had to work hard for bites. Small crappie minnows, deadsticked, and small jigs tipped with waxies have been effective on panfish. Panfish are being found in 25-32 feet of water. 

BWCA Lake Trout - Unfortunately nothing but bad news here. Trout lake, Knife Lake and Basswood lake all were wide open for the 2023-2024 winter lake trout opener. This was confirmed via flyovers from the US Forest Service and current NOAA satellite images of the Arrowhead region. Reports from the Gunflint side of the BWCA were pretty much the same for lakes over there. Wide open. *

December 26th, 2023

***Ice Report***

Ice conditions continue to deteriorate on Ely Area lakes, as temps in the 40’s and heavy rain came to the area. Reports of 4 wheelers and side by sides breaking through the ice, were reported last week. Anglers who placed permanent houses out last week, spent Christmas Eve pulling them back to shore as heavy rain came to the area. Ice thickness varies wildly from lakes opening up, to 8” of clear ice. Anglers are strongly encouraged to travel only by foot with spud bar, ice picks and check as you go.

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye bite has been consistent on a handful of popular area lakes. Best reports have been coming from 12-16 feet of water, over mud flats and weedlines, during the evening hours. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head has been very effective. Deadsticking larger minnows like pike suckers has been the best way to get those walleyes that are a little less aggressive and won’t hit a jigging spoon. 

Pike - Pike anglers have been reporting that the pike fishing has been very good this last week. Anglers continue to find large pike active in shallow bays with green weeds. Large sucker minnows or frozen smelt have been very effective when fished under a tip up.