Arrowhead Outdoors, Ely MN
Trophy Ely area lake trout

Arrowhead Outdoors,

Ely MN

Best Bait Shop in Ely MN: Arrowhead Outdoors – Your Boundary Waters Launchpad Since 1970.

Voted Minnesota's #1 Bait & Tackle Shop four years running, we're the locally owned hub for fresh live bait, premium tackle, and BWCA essentials. From minnows for walleye fishing to custom tackle and hunting ammo at unbeatable prices, our local crew shares insider tips to you land your next trophy.

Quick Stock Alert – November 15, 2025:
• Live bait will return once the Ely area has safe ice for ice fishing

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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 We’re Ely’s #1 Bait Shop

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

Great selection of bait, camping supplies, and fishing gear. Went there sure to the only website that stated they sold leeches by the lb. Healthy and lived all 4 days in the BWCA. Will add them to our regular stop before going in.

— Kelly Markham

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 Goebel

Outstanding bait shop in Ely. They have live bait and a complete selection of fishing gear and lures. They also have a section of camping equipment (no tents, but cooking, lighting, seating….)

— Terence Alexander

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 Christenson

 
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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!

Trophy smallmouth bass caught during the fall in Ely, Mn
A smiling woman holding a nice largemouth bass she just caught.
A young angler who just caught this trophy brook trout with his dad in the BWCA.
Young gal with a trophy smallie she caught on her annual June trophy smallmouth trip in the BWCA
Smile says it all! Trophy walleyes have been biting!
Young angler with his dad making memories catching trophy walleyes in the Ely, Mn area.
31 1/2" trophy walleye caught in the BWCA!
Stingers full of nice size eater walleyes.
Young angler makes catching trophy walleyes look easy while fishing in the Ely, Mn area.
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