January 10th, 2023

***Fishing Report***

BWCA Lake Trout - Lake Trout bite improved in the BWCA as more seasonal temps returned to the area. Active lakers were caught in 40-60 feet of water with red/white tubes. Large deep flats, a long shorelines were great areas to find active trout looking for food. Dead baits layed on the bottom, with a tip up or set line we’re less effective this last week. 

BWCA Stream Trout - Brook trout anglers found active brookies up in shallow water, in 5 feet or less. Downed trees seemed to be the best structure to fish for brookies. Jigging spoons tipped with wax worms or minnow heads was very effective on them. White and chartreuse were very effective colors last week. 

Walleye - Walleye anglers reported a improvement in the bite and some big walleyes, close to 30 in mark, were caught this last week. Key areas has been where sand transitions to mud in a little deeper water 20-25 feet of water. Deadsticking a shiner has been the most effective technique this last week. After dark has also been the best time to for catching walleyes. 

Pike - Trophy pike were active this last week as several in the 40” range were landed this last week. A few pike were caught by lake trout anglers looking for trout. These pike were caught 10-15 feet under the ice, over 40-60 feet of water. These pike must be looking for ciscos or trout when they are found out that deep. Angler targeting pike found them working weedlines and river mouths, in 10 feet of water or less.  Dead suckers or smelt were the baits of choice for these anglers.