December 15th, 2021

***Ice Report***

After a warmer then average week, last week, ice conditions changed little in the Ely area.  Ice thickness on many area lakes is between 5-8”. Good news is slush is not a issue on the vast majority of area lakes. Truthfully we have gotten no reports of slush being a serious issue anywhere. Only lakes where it is a little bit of a issue is the smaller lakes in the area. Even then, 1-2” of slush isn’t much of a issue. Snow cover on area lakes range from 3-5”. Ice roads have started being plowed and maintained with 4 wheelers on a few of the more popular area lakes. Smaller permanent houses have also begun to pop up on area lakes. 

***Fishing Report***

Pike - Pike fishing has been hot, hot, hot for both numbers and size of pike. Anglers continue to find active pike in 5-10 feet of water, in weedbeds and weedlines. River mouths and mouths of shallow bays are also worth noting as areas to check. Medium sized suckers, preferably dead, has been very effective when fished under a tip up.

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been good this last week. Interestingly the best reports have been coming in 10-15 feet of water this last week. Angler found active walleyes right on top of shallow, rocky points, and on weedlines.  Rippin raps or buckshot spoon have been effective on calling walleyes in and getting bites. Shiners or rainbows fished under a bobber also remains effective for the little less active walleyes that won’t hit a aggressive bait.