Jan. 5, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be hit or miss on many of the area lakes this last week.  Loud rippin raps and buckshot spoons continue to call in aggressive fish during the early morning and evening hours.  Key depths have slipped a little deeper to 20-26 feet of water.

Pike - Pike were very active this last week, with several mid 30” and up, caught this last week. Interestingly, walleye anglers seemed to find more pike then walleyes. Pike were found anywhere between 10-30 feet of water during the day. Live minnows suspended just off the bottom was very productive.

Panfish - Panfishing remained slow but steady for many anglers. With weeds dying back, panfish continue to slide deeper and deeper.  Both crappies and sunfish are being found in 20-30 feet of water.  Small the bait the better.  Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or small soft plastics has been best. 

Dec. 29, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to improve for many anglers, as anglers start figuring out what the walleyes are doing and how to get them to bite.  Orange continues to be repeated as the color that catches the majority of walleyes.  Rippin raps and loud buckshot spoons are not only calling walleyes in, but triggering bites from walleyes after dark. Depths range from 16-24 feet of water. 

Pike - Pike fishing has remained good, but angler interest has fallen off.  Big pike continue to be caught in and around weedbeds and river mouths on large suckers or dead smelt.  10 feet of water or less has remained best.

Panfish - Panfish continue to be found deeper and deeper, this last week. Anglers reported marking fish, but could only watch as they would come up and go back down. Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms was key for bluegill anglers.  Soft plastics worked for some crappie anglers, but small tungsten jigs tipped with a crappie minnow work best.

Dec. 22, 2020

Ice conditions - Ice conditions have remained excellent on area lakes and have improved enough for truck travel on the ice.  Ice thickness ranges from 9-16”.  

Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained slow, despite the fact, anglers reporting marking good numbers of walleyes every evening.  Anglers are finding walleyes in 18-23 feet of water.  Rippin raps and buckshot spoons are calling in walleyes, but deadsticking a shiner has been accounting for the majority of walleyes being caught.  

Pike - Pike fishing remains good and very consistent for many anglers.  Pike continue to be found at the mouths of shallow bays or near river mouths.  Anglers continue to focus in 10 ft of water or less.  Large dead baits tend to produce the most fish and largest pike.  

Panfish - Panfish have begun to start sliding out into deeper water as snow slowly starts to accumulate on area lakes.  Anglers are finding them in 15-20 feet of water.  Panfish have remained very finicky on what they will hit.  Live bait, like waxies and crappie minnows have been key to catching fish.

This is one of our ice fishing guides, Dave, who you can hire to help you find the fish!

You can order gift cards directly from the website.

Dec. 15, 2020

Ice conditions - Ice conditions have remained excellent on area lakes. Ice continues to improve as lakes remain clear of snow. 9-12 inches of great ice is widely being reported.

Pike - Tip up fishing for pike was excellent this last week for many anglers.  Several reports of large pike stretching the tape past 40+ inches was reported.  Several groups also reported double digit days.  Large dead minnows laying on the bottom or suspended about a foot off the bottom, at the mouths of shallow bays was very effective.  Tip ups placed inside shallow bays or along weedlines was effective too.

Walleye - Walleye anglers were few and far between as the hot pike bite lured some away.  Still walleyes were caught.  Anglers have reported that a lack of snow on the ice seems to of slowed the evening bite until after the sun is below the horizon.  Rattle spoons tipped with a minnow has been very effective.  Key depth remains 18-23 feet of water.

Crappie - Crappies remained finicky on area lakes.  Anglers used loud rippin raps to call fish in, but more often then not, crappie minnows, fished under a bobber got the bites.  18-25 feet of water, during the day, was the most popular places to catch crappies.  

Dec. 9, 2020

Ice conditions - Ice conditions have remained excellent on area lakes.  4-8 inches of good solid ice is being widely reported across the area.  4 wheeler tracks are being seen more and more at accesses.

Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained slow on the larger local lakes, but good to excellent on many of the smaller walleye lakes in the area.  Anglers have been having the best luck using tip ups with a shiner, in 17-23 feet of water.  Jigging spoons and rippin raps are also triggering aggressive walleyes during the evening hours.  

Pike - Pike fishing remains steady for many.  Tip ups, tipped with large minnows, at the mouth of shallow bays or along weedlines, has been the go to.  Anglers should focus in 10 feet of water or less for best results. 

Panfish - Crappies were on the negative side this last weekend, as many anglers reported little issue finding fish but struggled to get them to bite.  Location of crappies largely depended on the lake you were fishing. Some lakes they were located in 18-24 feet of water.  Other lakes, anglers found them shallow in and around green weeds, mixed in with sunfish.

Dec. 2, 2020

Ice fishing season is here! This is our favorite fishing season. Looking forward to seeing you all stop in the store on your way out to the ice.

Ice conditions - Ice conditions are currently excellent on area lake, with little to no snow on the ice. Conditions still vary from 2-7 inches of ice being reported by anglers. Rule of thumb has been the smaller the lake the more ice you will find and more consistent the thickness will be.  Foot travel has been the only form of travel right now. 

Pike - Pike anglers fishing large suckers, large shiners and large smelt have been reporting a excellent tip up bite, at the mouths of shallow bays and back in shallow bays. Key depth has been 8 feet of water, to as little as 3 feet.  

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been somewhat limited to the shallower walleye lakes in the area.  Safe ice has just now formed out over deeper walleye water on the bigger area lakes and anglers are now fishing out there.  Shiners and rainbows fished a bobber has been accounting for the majority of walleyes being caught right now.  Jigging spoons and jigging raps has been effective on aggressive fish.  Key depths have been 15-20 feet of water during the evening hours.  

Steve & Kris, owners of Arrowhead Outdoors

Nov. 22, 2020

Ice fishing season is right around the corner! Ice is forming on the area lakes and some fisherman are already out there on the shallow ones. The weekly fishing report will be resuming soon so I wanted to give a brief description of what can be found up here in the Ely area.

Ely, Minnesota is home to MN’s best Stream Trout and Lake Trout fishing. Stream Trout and Lake Trout are most active during the winter months, traditionally slower times of the ice fishing season. These trout provide some of the most exciting ice fishing that an ice angler could experience through the ice. No other fish compares.

No where else in MN offers as many lakes or species of trout than the Ely area - from driving to lakes, to remote walk-in lakes - we have it all here in Ely.

Walleye/Northern Pike - mid November to early January is prime time.

Lake Trout/Stream Trout - Trout opener is mid-January.

Crappie/Panfish - Late winter is a great time to fish Crappie through the ice - usually around mid-March/early April when day temps reach 40’s but the ice is still 12-20” thick.

Eelpout - Mid-February - March is excellent Eelpout fishing.

Oct. 13, 2020

This is the last fishing report until ice fishing starts

Walleye - Walleye fishing showed good signs of improvement as several anglers reported good bites with quality walleyes being caught.  Key was to fish large baits, deep.  Anglers trolling large minnow baits in 25-30 feet of water, along sharpe breaks had the best reports of catching big walleyes.  Live bait anglers also reported catching walleyes along sharpe shoreline breaks.  Here vertical jigging or lindy rigging large minnows up and down the break, proved to be very effective on hungry fall walleyes.  20-35 feet of water is where anglers reported catching walleyes with minnows. 

Pike - Pike fishing remains steady with some bigger pike being caught.  Pike are now largely being located on shallow, rocky, shoreline flats and around river mouths.  Pike are simply staging here looking for spawning whitefish and ciscos.  These pike are looking for large meals, so large suckers, spoons and large minnow have been very effective on them right now.

Stream Trout - Stream trout has remained good to excellent for many anglers targeting them.  As water temps continue to fall the bite will only get better. Shore anglers are catching good numbers of trout fishing night crawlers under a bobber and throwing small spoons.  Anglers fishing from a boat have been having good luck trolling small minnow baits and small spoons, just 5-10 feet down over deep water. 

Oct. 6, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing remained slow as cold temps and rain made it challenging just to get out.  The few anglers that went out reported still finding walleyes out around sunken islands or up on large shallow, wind blown flats.  Larger minnows fished on lindy rigs seemed to be key to anglers success.  Water temps are now holding in the mid 50’s, so the best fishing is still to come.

Pike - Anglers continue to find pike easy to catch, but lacking in size.  Large sucker minnows fished under a bobber around river mouths, weedlines or shallow rocky points, has been very effective. As water temps continue to drop, rocky points will only become more important to anglers success.

Stream Trout - Shore angler fishing for stream trout are reporting good to excellent fishing right now.  Night crawlers fished 5-15ft under a bobber has been the most popular and maybe most effective.  Small spoons and spinners have also effective on trout.  Anglers should be looking for trout around sharpe drop offs, large rocky flats or around downed trees.

Sept. 29, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been challenging for many this last week.  Successful anglers found walleyes shallow, in 10 feet of water or less. Large main lake points, close to deep water where the key areas to focus on.  Lindy rigs tipped with large minnows remained the best way to catch walleyes.  There was a few reports of anglers catching walleyes in 18-23 feet of water, with jig and minnow, but anglers fishing out there struggled to find any kind of numbers of walleyes. 

Pike - Pike anglers enjoyed a good week of pike fishing, as pike were active.  Size of pike remains small overall, but numbers of pike caught per day, remains high. Anglers continue to find pike cruising the weedlines and river mouths. Large suckers have been getting the most action, but spinners and spoons have also been effective on them.

Stream Trout - Anglers have noted a steady increase in trout activity on many area lakes this last week.  Streamers are now within reach of shoreline anglers and they have been reporting the best success right now.  Floating a crawler off the bottom, casting small spoons and jig and twister has been very effective on trout.  Large rocky flats and downed trees have been the areas to key in on.

Sept. 22, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing remained consistent for many walleye anglers this last week.  Water temps too has remained in the high 50’s to low 60’s.  Jig and big minnows have been the go to for just about every angler consistently catching walleyes right now.  Depths anglers have been finding them has remained 20-30 feet of water, along main lake points, sharpe drop off and around sunken islands.  There has been a few reports of anglers catching goods numbers of walleyes trolling deep diving crankbaits during the evening hours, in 15-25 feet of water, on large flats.

Pike - Pike anglers have been reporting catching good numbers of pike, but on the smaller side.  Large suckers, fished under a bobber, large spinnerbaits and spoons have been the go to baits.  Green weeds has been key to finding active pike.  There has been a few reports of anglers also having luck with pike on shallow rocky points.

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass continue to largely be found out around sunken islands in 15-25 feet of water.  Smallies out here have been looking to put on as much weight as they can before winter sets in, so large minnows have been the top producing bait right now.  

Stream trout - Stream trout anglers have been reporting good fishing this last week.  Many anglers have been catching trout with night crawlers floated off the bottom or suspended under a bobber during the evening hours.  Anglers fishing from a boat have been catching trout  trolling small spoons and small minnow baits. 

Sept. 19, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing improved as stable weather returned to the area this last week.  Walleye anglers from all over the area, have reported finding active walleyes in 5-10 feet of water this last week.  Bait of choice was mixed between crawlers or minnows, but techniques were similar with jigs or lindy rigs being reportedly most effective.  Handful of anglers reported a excellent bite, for big walleyes, happening out around sunken islands in 30-35 feet of water.  Out here, pike suckers fished on a 3/8oz jig is the only way to go, according to these anglers. 

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass are now largely being found out around sunken islands now.  Anglers looking for walleyes out here are finding aggressive smallies right on top of these sunken islands.  Jigs tipped with pike suckers, fished right on top of sunken islands in 15-20 feet, has been very effective on these hungry fish.

Pike - Pike have begun to shift their location from weedbeds to rocky point as water temps fall and green weeds start to turn brown.  Anglers are having best luck catching them with large minnow baits, spoon or large suckers under a bobber.  Regardless of where you fish, you should be fishing for them in 12 feet of water or less.

 Lake Trout - Lake Trout anglers have been reporting a shift in lake trout locations.  Many have reported that the open water trolling bite has slowed, as more and more lakers are being caught while fishing main lake points, in 25-35 feet of water. Anglers fishing walleye have noticed this change the most, as they have reported catching nice lakers, with a jig and minnow while looking for early fall walleyes.

Sept. 8, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing proved to be very challenging for many anglers this last week as several cold fronts and high winds made walleyes sluggish and boat control extremely challenging.  Still some anglers were able to locate and catch walleyes.  Best reports came in 10 feet of water or less on wind blown shorelines. Jig and minnows were the top producing, but there were a few reports of crawlers also being effective, on a jig.  Water temps continue to fall into the 50’s now, so angler should expect the minnow bite to only get better and better. 

Smallmouth - Bass anglers struggled too, but there were a few reports of topwater fishing working during the early morning hours.  Whopper ploppers and hulla poppers accounted for the topwater action reported by anglers. Anglers also reported catching numbers of smallies out on top of sunken islands, with a jig and big minnow. 

Pike - Pike anglers reported good fishing, but size of pike was on the small side. Anglers mainly found pike inside weedbeds and around river mouths.  Large spoons, spinnerbaits and in-line spinners were very effective on pike.

Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers reported good trout fishing from shore this last week.  As water temps drop, stream trout rise back up and start cruising the shoreline.  Anglers caught trout by floating a crawler off the bottom, casting small spoons and small jigs and twisters, fished around downed trees or near large flats, was very effective. Early and late in the day was the beat times to be out fishing for them. 

Sept. 1, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been steadily improving as water temps fall into the 60’s.  Anglers have been reporting that they are finding walleyes either out deep in 20-30 feet of water, around sunken islands or in water 10 feet or less on main lake points.  Regardless where anglers are catching them, minnows have been out producing all other baits as of late.  Best way to catch walleyes has been with jig and minnow or trolling spinner rigs, during the first two hours of daylight or last two hours of daylight.  Trolling deep diving crankbaits during the evening hours is also worth noting.

Smallmouth - Smallmouth fishing has been very easy for anglers targeting them.  As water temps fall smallies have begun putting on the feed bag.  Smallies have been aggressively hitting large minnows and deep diving crankbaits fished over sunken islands.  Shoreline bite still continues, but has begun to slow.  Here, whopper ploppers and hulla poppers remain effective during the early morning hours.  As the sun gets up spinnerbaits become more effective.  Large shallow flats, down trees and current areas have been the area to look for this shallow water bite.

Pike - Anglers are reporting more and more big pike showing up in shallow bays.  These pike are very active, thanks to the cooler water temps.  Anglers have been doing best with large spoons and spinnerbaits, fished on weedlines, inside weedbeds and around current areas.

Panfish - Both crappie and sunfish fishing was excellent this last week, but angler fishing shallow weedbeds have noted that large crappies were largely absent from the weedbeds.  Bigger gills are now being found inside weedbeds again and have been hitting beetle spins, wax worms or small angle worms fished under a bobber.  Crappies too are being found shallow inside weedbeds, but mainly during early mornings and evenings.  Small hair jigs, jig and twisters and jig and minnow fished under a bobber has been effective.

August 25, 2020

Walleye - Walleye anglers continue to struggle through the dog days of walleye fishing.  Successful walleyes anglers have reported that jigging raps, fished in 20-30 feet of water, at the base of sunken islands, have been very effective on walleyes.  Several reports of jigs tipped with big minnows, have also surfaced as a effective technique to catch walleyes.  Trolling large shad raps, during the evening, over large flats, continues to be very effective on big walleyes.

Bass - Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass continue to hit topwater lures early and late in the day.  Whopper ploppers and frogs have been the most effective.  As the sun gets up, bass go down and anglers begin catching them with spinnerbaits and beetle spins.  Several anglers report catching several smallies in the high teens and low 20’s on jigs tipped with a large minnow, out on top of sunken islands during the day. 

Lake Trout - Lake Trout anglers continue to catch nice lakers while trolling deep diving crankbaits.  Anglers have been finding them 20-30 feet down below the surface, over deep water.  Anglers fishing from a canoe have been having luck jigging heavy bucktails, right down on the bottom, as they drift over deep water.  

Pike - Pike anglers continue to find very active pike in weedbeds.  Anglers have been catching quality fish with spoons, spinnerbaits and suckers fished under a bobber.  As with last week, anglers have reported that bigger pike seem to be cruising the weedlines, while the smaller pike are being found inside the weedbeds. 

Panfish - Anglers have been finding good number of gills on weedlines.  Small worms or wax worms tipped on small hair jig has been very effective. Crappies remain challenging for many anglers.  Crappies are typically scattered and often suspended in deep main lake basins this time of the year.  Anglers with good electronics and willing to put in the time to locate crappies, are catching the majority of crappies right now.  Once located, anglers have been catching them with crappie minnows or small jig and twisters.

August 18, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing slowed considerably this last week as several fronts blew through the area.  Still several anglers reported a excellent trolling bite this last week. Deep diving crankbaits that reach 15-30 feet were key to anglers success.  Anglers simply trolled over large flats or open water during the evening hours.  Couple of anglers also reported success trolling lindy rigs or jigging with larger minnows, out and around sunken islands in 20-25 feet of water. 

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass have been a major challenge for walleye anglers fishing around sunken islands.  Smallies have been aggressively hitting jig and minnows, jig and half a crawler and even deep diving crankbaits trolled to close to sunken islands.  Some of the biggest smallies in the lake are being found out there right now.  Anglers are also still reporting a good early morning topwater and spinnerbait bite along the shoreline.

Pike - Anglers have been reporting a good pike bite on many area lakes.  Anglers have been catching good numbers with some big pike mixed in, while trolling or casting large spoons or casting spinnerbaits along weedlines.  Small pike have largely been located inside the weedbeds, while bigger pike are patrolling the weedlines.

Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers continue to catch quality size trout shallow during the evening hours. During the last 2 hours of the day, if the wind calms down, anglers are finding trout surfacing.  Anglers simply troll small crankbaits, flatfish or slip bobber a crawler to catch these trout.

Crappie - Crappies continue to largely be found suspended and scattered, out over deep basins. Anglers are using their electronics to locate crappies in the basin. Once located small jig and twister, beetle spins and crappie minnows fished under a bobber are being used to catch these fish.  

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing has been good this last week for anglers targeting lakers.  These anglers have been catching lakers trolling spoons with leadcore or with down riggers.  Anglers have been trolling over deep water fishing 20-30 feet down.

August 11, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be challenging for some, but good to excellent for others.  Key has been the time of day these anglers are fishing.  The first two hours of the day and last two hours of the day have been the best time to be fishing for walleyes.  Jigs tipped with half a crawler and dragged on the bottom, has been very effective.  Dragging lindy rigs, tipped with crawlers or minnows and trolling shad raps during the evening hours has also been very effective for many anglers.  Key areas to look for walleyes continues to be sunken islands and tradition areas in 12-18 feet of water. 

Bass - Smallmouth Bass continue to be caught on topwater lures, early and late in the day.  Whopper ploppers have been hard to beat, but pop-r’s and hulla poppers account for their fair share of bass.  Anglers are also finding smallies out around sunken islands.  Out here anglers have been catching them with jig and twisters or jig and half a crawler.  Largemouth Bass continue to be found in shallow lily pads and wild rice beds early and late in the day.  Topwater frogs dragged on the surface, has been very effective on largemouth bass.  When the sun gets up and the topwater bite cools off, anglers transition to weedlines and continue to catch bass with spinnerbaits and soft plastics.  

Stream Trout - Anglers have been catching rainbow trout high in the water column in 3-5ft of water, late in the day on area stream trout lakes.  Clam evenings have been the key to this shallow water bite.  As the sun goes down, water temps drop and rainbows rise to feed on the surface.  Anglers have been catching rainbows by trolling small crankbaits, flatfish and small spoons, high in the water column.

Pike - Pike anglers continue to find active pike throughout the day. Spoons, spinnerbaits and large minnow baits, fished in and around weedbeds, has been very effective.  Pike are also being found out around sunken islands, but in lower numbers.

Panfish - Crappies continue to be found scattered out over deep lake basins.  Anglers locate them using their electronics, before fishing for them.  Jig and minnow has been very effective, but jig and twister or hair jigs have also been effective for catching crappies.  During the evening hours crappies are being found in weedbeds and weedlines.

August 4, 2020

Walleye - Crankbait bite for walleyes has been excellent this last week, as several groups reported catching nice limits of walleye while crankbaiting.  Crankbaits that dive 15-30 feet of water and trolled over large flats, during the evening hours, has been the ticket. Other anglers continue to report catching walleyes with spinner rigs, tipped with crawlers or minnows, worked around sunken islands in 15-25 feet of water now.  Many of the anglers catching fish out here have reported that walleye are there one day, then gone the next, so anglers should stay mobile to keep catching walleyes.

Bass - Topwater fishing remains excellent for both smallmouth and largemouth bass this last week.  Whopper ploppers have been most effective on smallmouth bass, while frogs have been best for largemouth bass.  Smallmouth continue to be located shallow in 5-10 feet of water, early and late in the day, on large rocky flats or around timber in the water.  Largemouth bass continue to be located in the thick weedbeds, lily pads and wild rice beds. Frogs fished  over these areas early and late in the day, often results in excellent fishing.

Panfish - Crappie anglers have been finding crappies suspended out over deep water 15-20 feet below the surface.  Good electronic are key to finding these scattered, suspending fish.  Crappie minnows suspended under a bobber has been very effective in catching crappies.  Sunfish continue to be found in weedbeds and particularly on weedlines.  Small jigs tipped with  either a wax worm or small angle worms, has been very effective on them. 

Pike - Several large northern pike were caught this last week as water temps cool down to more comfortable for large pike.  Large spoons, buzz baits and spinnerbaits have been very effective for covering water and catching not only small pike, but big pike too. Anglers should focus on weedlines on large weedbeds or areas around current coming in or out of a lakes. 

Lake trout - Lake trout fishing has improved this last week.  Anglers have been catching lakers 20-30 feet down, over deep water. Crankbaits fished behind planner boards have been most effective.  Blood nose colored crankbaits have been very effective.

July 28, 2020

***Fishing Report***

Walleye - Walleye continue to settle into their summer patterns.  Anglers continue to report the best bites are occurring somewhat shallow, in 12-18 feet of water.  Jigging raps, lindy rigs and half a crawler on a jig, worked around sunken islands and main lake points, have accounted for the majority of walleyes being caught.  On lakes where ciscos are present, anglers have been catching walleyes trolling large crankbaits over deep water during the evening hours.  Walleyes are suspending 15-20 down, over 40-70 feet of water.

Bass - Smallmouth and Largemouth bass fishing continues to be excellent for many anglers.  Topwater bite, early and late in the day has been excellent.  Whopper Ploppers, frogs and spooks have been the hottest baits.  As the sun gets up, the topwater bite cools off and anglers adjust by throwing spinnerbaits, soft plastics or jerk baits. Smallmouth are being found on rocky shoreline and near river mouths in 5-10 feet of water.  There have been a few reports from walleye anglers, who are finding a few smallies out on top of sunken islands.  Largemouth bass are being found in shallow weedbeds, lily pads and wild rice.  

Pike - Pike anglers continue to report catching good numbers of smaller pike this last week.  Buzzbaits burned over the tops of weedbeds early in the day was very popular this last week.  Spoons and a sucker, fished under a bobber, were also very effective.  Larger pike (30” or better) continue to be picked off here and there, out around sunken islands.  Anglers trolling large minnow baits over these areas have been catching these fish.

Panfish - Crappie fishing has slowed this last week.  Anglers have reported that they are only finding crappies shallow during low light periods.  Anglers have been catching them with small hair jigs, small crankbaits and crappie minnow fished under a bobber.  Sunfish are now mainly being found out on weedlines in 8-12 feet of water.  Small crawlers tipped on small jigs has been the go to technique, for anglers targeting them. 

Stream Trout - Shore anglers have been catching some large trout while slip bobbering night crawlers.  These angler have been finding trout 15-20 feet down.  Anglers fishing from a boat have been catching trout while trolling over deep water with small crankbaits or spoons. 

July 21, 2020

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to pick up for many anglers this last week.  Anglers continue to find walleyes out on main lake structure in 12-18 feet of water.  Spinner rigs and jigging raps have been accounting for the majority of the walleyes being caught out there.  During the early mornings and evenings anglers have been catching nice walleyes on large shallow flats, trolling large minnow baits in 10 feet of water or less.  

Bass - Smallmouth bass have been easy pickings for savvy bass anglers.  Areas with water coming into a lake or large rocky flats, in 5-10 feet of water, have been the areas to look for Smallmouth.  Topwater bite remains excellent early in the mornings, but as the sun gets up, spinnerbaits, beetle spins and wacky worms become the go to baits to keep catching fish. Largemouth bass, also continue to be very active.  Frogs fished over lily pads or wild rice beds, remains a blast for many anglers.  

Panfish - One weather front after another has made finding panfish challenging.  Sunfish have been more cooperative then crappies this last week.  Sunfish have been hitting small hair jigs tipped with a piece of night crawler or wax worm, in 5-10 feet of water, inside weedbeds.  Crappies have been found hanging out just outside weedbeds during the day. Anglers have been struggling to catch them during the day, but have had some luck catching them in the evenings, in weedbeds, as crappies move in to feed.  Jig and twisters steadily retrieved has been the most affective technique.  Small crankbaits is also worth knotting.

Pike - Small Pike have remained active around weedbeds and river mouths. Husky jerks, spinnerbaits and spoons have been very effective on them.  Large pike (30”+) have begone to show up out around sunken islands.  Walleye anglers have been catching them while using spinner rigs, looking for walleye’s.  Anglers looking to target large pike, have been using spinner rigs tipped with large suckers.