January 1st, 2025

***Ice Report***

After a few days of rain, Ely area lakes have lost all the snow on top, but not very much ice. With a good cold snap forecasted for the next week and beyond, ice conditions have steadily improving on area lakes. Anglers have been reporting 8-13” of good ice. 4 wheelers and side by sides have become common forms of travel on area lakes with a few lakes trucks are starting to showing up out on the ice. Permanent houses are now a common sight on Ely area lakes. 

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be slow for anglers. The few decent reports have been coming in 10-15 feet of water during the morning and evening hours. Small minnows, on a small jig and deadsticked, has been the most productive technique this last week. Look to rocky bottoms and river mouths 

Pike - Pike fishing continues to be good and consistent for many anglers targeting them. Some large pike have been coming on tip ups, tipped with a medium to large sucker. Shallow weedbeds in 5-12 feet of water continue to be the best areas to target. 

Panfish - Crappies and bluegills continue to be slow but steady for many anglers. Anglers have been catching both in deeper holes around 18-25 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with wax worm have been best for gill while a small jig tipped with either soft plastics or crappie minnow has been best for the crappies. White, pink and purple have been the best colors for panfish.