Voted #1 Bait Shop in MN 2025: Arrowhead Outdoors, Your BWCA Fishing Headquarters Since 1970.
Voted Minnesota's #1 Bait & Tackle Shop four years running, we're the locally owned hub for fresh premium live bait, tackle, hunting gear and BWCA essentials. From minnows for walleye fishing to custom tackle and hunting ammo at unbeatable prices, our local crew shares insider tips to help you land your next trophy.
Stop by 1810 E Sheridan St (open 7AM-5PM daily, Thursday- Monday) or subscribe for Ely's #1 Weekly Fishing Report. Your adventure starts here—gear up and go!
LIVE BAIT IN STOCK!
Live Bait will return when we have safe fishable ice in the Ely area
Quick Bait Quantity Guide for Ely MN Trips
This is the most common question we get at Arrowhead Outdoors.
The answer is our tried and true formula:
2 people, for a weekend fishing for walleyes, you should get 1 pint of minnows, or 1/2 pound of leeches, or 4 dozen night crawlers.
If you plan on being in the Boundary Waters for a week chasing walleyes, you should double that to a quart of minnows, or 1 pound of leeches, or 8 dozen night crawlers.
*Experienced BWCA anglers usually bring in this amount, per angler, because they know what it’s like to run out of bait on the second or third day of a week long trip.
Customer Reviews. Why were Ely’s #1 bait shop
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There's a lot packed into this shop! And a 24hr vending machine out front. Super helpful! Perfect stop on the way to Northern Tier to load up on live bait or lures. Solid info and advice.
— Steve H
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By far the best bait in Ely!! Steve and Kris will take care of all your bait needs! They have the best selection of live bait and lures/jigs, etc. in the area!
— Will G.
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Cool place and super friendly staff. They’ve got everything that you could imagine for fishing. The bait is extremely high-quality and it’s super convenient to get in and out. Highly recommend! Five stars!
— Jason C.
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Cleanest healthiest bait I have ever Seen! Highly recommend! Have a little of everything you need!!!
— Brook P.
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Really nice owners. Always willing to let you in on the latest tips and spots to fish. Been there multiple times and have never been let down.
— Coaster B.
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Great selection of bait, camping supplies, and fishing gear. went there sure to the only website that stated they sold leeches by the pound. Healthy and lived all 4 days in the bwca. Will add them to our regular stop before going in.
— Kelly M.
Ely’s Oldest Bait & Tackle Store
Arrowhead Outdoors is Ely, MN’s #1 bait and tackle shop, voted best in Minnesota in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Get premium live bait, top fishing tackle, and BWCA gear at 1810 E Sheridan St. Open Thursday-Monday 7 AM-5 PM—your go-to for Boundary Waters adventures!
