Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report January 9, 2025
Ice Report - Much needed cold snap continues to make quality ice on Ely area lakes. 12 to 20 inches of ice is now being reported on Ely area lakes. 4 wheelers, side by sides, cars and trucks are now driving around on many of the lakes.
Anglers planning on coming up for the 2025 winter trout opener on January 18, 2025, should know that stream trout and lake trout lake ice is now being reported to be between 12 to 18 inches of ice. Unless we get a dumping of snow, which is not forecasted, 4 wheelers and side by sides are going to be the best ways to travel on all lakes, opening weekend.
Fishing Report - Walleye fishing continues to be typical January walleye fishing. Slow. Best time continues to be during the evening hours with a lively minnow deadsticked. Anglers have also reported catching a few walleyes overnight on rattle reels. Best depth continues to be in that 12 to 20 feet of water. Large mud flats in these depths continue to be the best producers.
Lake trout fishing in the BWCA (outside the BWCA opens January 18, 2025) started out with a bang and has remained excellent for many who have made the trek into the BWCA. Best fishing was in 40 to 60 feet of water, near flats, humps and points. Tubes and flukes, fished 20 to 40 feet down were very effective for lakers.
Stream Trout - Brook Trout fishing in the BWCA (outside the BWCA opens January 18, 2025) also was excellent for many anglers. Brook Trout angler's focused on shallow shorelines In 10 feet of water and shallower for brookies. Downed trees and weeds had the best fishing. Small jigging spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms produced good numbers of trout.
Northern Pike anglers continue to target big pike with tip ups on many Ely area lakes. Medium to large suckers, fished in weedbeds in 5 to 12 feet of water have been producing good numbers and size pike.
Panfish - Both crappies and sunfish have cooled off as air temperatures have dropped. Crappies and sunnies are being found in 20 to 25 feet of water and tight to the bottom. Small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or crappie minnows have been the best way to approach these negative fish." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
Wired2Fish January 9, 2025 "Top 4 Baits for Forward-Facing Sonar Success | Mark Daniels Jr."
"Join professional angler Mark Daniels Jr. as he shares his go-to baits and proven techniques for making the most of forward-facing sonar. Daniels demonstrates how these tools can help you target fish with precision whether you’re fishing offshore or near cover, and land more bites.
JERKBAIT: The jerkbait tops Daniels’ list for forward-facing sonar applications. Its versatility lies in how you can impart custom bait action to the mood of the fish—just figure out what makes ’em tick and voilà, you trigger a bite! Using Garmin LiveScope, Daniels watches fish react to his bait and adjusts his jerk cadence and retrieve speed accordingly. This approach transforms fishing into an engaging game of cat and mouse.
DROP SHOT RIG: Daniels reaches for the drop shot rig when bass ..." View Video and Learn More >> Top 4 Baits for Forward-Facing Sonar Success | Mark Daniels Jr.
News Release January 2025 "Minnesota DNR looking to fill 200 paid summer internships"
"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for passionate and dedicated students interested in learning more about natural resource careers through paid summer internships.
DNR summer interns receive valuable training, develop key skills and contribute in important ways to the department’s mission of working with Minnesotans to conserve and manage natural resources, provide outdoor recreational opportunities, and provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.
The DNR has a wide variety of internship opportunities throughout the state, including in fisheries, forestry, park operations, watercraft inspections, communications and more. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week and receive a competitive wage of $19 per hour. To be considered for an internship, fulfilling an academic requirement or receiving academic credit is required.
To review the internship opportunities and apply for those of interest, click here to visit >> State of Minnesota Careers Website. opens in a new browser ta Select “Search for jobs” from the toolbar. In the External Applicants box, select “Search for jobs now” and select “View all jobs.” Filter by “Natural Resources Dept” in the Agency category and “Student Worker and Internships” in the Job Family category.
Internship applications will be accepted through January 31, 2025. Positions will start in May and June, 2025. Applicants seeking employment with the DNR who are not eligible for an internship should regularly check the website for seasonal and year-round opportunities."
More Recent Fishing Reports
DNR Internships • Ely MN 01-09 • Lake of the Woods 01-07 • L.O.W. 01-01-25 • Sundin 12-24 • Upper Red Lake 12-8 • Sundin 12-2 • Barotrauma Study 1-25-24 • Fis Consumption • Forward Sonar • Panfish Workgroup • Follow on Facebook • Follow on X •
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism January 7, 2025
lake_of_the_woods_ice_fishing_report_clear.png "Cyrus Resort Walleye Fishing")
"On the South Shore of Lake of the Woods, anglers will find that ice fishing is in full swing. Access increases daily as resorts and outfitters continuing to report solid ice conditions and some good fishing. Many ice roads are now open to 1 ton vehicles pulling a wheelhouse. Every road has different weight limits, check with each resort for details before traveling up and out on the ice.
Most fishing activity is happening in 26 to 32 feet of water. Most anglers are sorting through some small fish to catch their keepers with an occasional slot or trophy walleye. Most buckets have some good quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up as well.
Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, your favorite small to mid sized jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors tipped with a minnow head. Rattles can help as well in the stained water. Some anglers are finding success on jigging raps and rippin raps as well. More aggressive techniques at times are really getting it done. On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches to one foot off of the bottom is working well.
Using electronics is very helpful to see suspended fish, know when fish are coming through and adjust your presentation to the mood of each fish.
The Rainy River is still producing some nice fish but the good early ice walleye bite has slowed somewhat. Anglers are catching some decent numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing continues to be good. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.
Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing is going very well. Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success. "The Angle" is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to place fish houses on points, reefs and over deep mud.
Ice fishing is in full swing and there are openings for lodging and fish house rentals on both ends of the lake." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Ice Fishing Report January 2, 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 to 13 inches of good ice. ATVs, 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.
Ice Fishing Report: Walleye fishing continues to be slow for anglers. The few decent reports have been coming in 10 to 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
Northern 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 to 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 to 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." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
Wired2Fish January 2, 2025 "Gear Test: Gill Meridian-X Waterproof Jacket and Bibs"
"When the mercury plummets, you better be wearing the right cold weather gear. As far as first-world problems go, there’s nothing more miserable than getting cold in the morning of a long winter day on the water and never being able to warm back up. I was at risk of doing just that last Saturday while fishing a local pot tournament on Lake Martin here in central Alabama. It’s a good thing I happened to be testing out the Gill Meridian-X Waterproof Bib and Jacket.
The air temp was hovering around 30 degrees when we took off and the water temps were in the mid 40s when we dropped the trolling motor in the water. Our rod guides clogged up with ice every 10 casts for about the first hour, and there was ice on the water’s surface in the ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Gear Test: Gill Meridian-X Waterproof Jacket and Bibs
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism January 1, 2025
"Ice fishing is in full swing along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Resorts and outfitters are continuing to report solid ice conditions. A colder weather pattern is expected over the next couple of weeks, which will further strengthen ice and ensure safe and productive fishing. Many resorts have sleeper fish houses on the ice, offering anglers the chance to spend extended time fishing in comfort.
Although every ice road is different, many are now allowing mid-sized vehicles as ice thickness improves. Be sure to check with your ice road operator for specific conditions and weight limits to ensure a safe outing.
Most fishing activity is happening in 24 to 30 feet of water, where anglers are reporting steady action. While some sorting is required to find keeper-sized fish, buckets are being filled with quality walleyes and saugers. Jumbo perch, northern pike, and large eelpout are also adding excitement to the mix, with a few sturgeon showing up to surprise anglers as well.
Anglers are using the one-two punch of jigging in one hole and deadsticking the second hole. In the jigging hole, your favorite jigging spoon in gold, glow red, glow white, pink, chartreuse or a combo of these colors. Rattles can help as well in the stained water. On the deadstick, a small jig with a live minnow hooked behind the dorsal fin set 6 inches - a foot off of the bottom is working well.
The Rainy River continues to produce great results for those heading out. Anglers are catching good numbers of walleyes and saugers, with several nice-sized sturgeon showing up nicely for those angling for them. However, caution remains crucial on the river, as ice conditions can vary significantly due to the current. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been excellent, offering a thrilling battle for anglers seeking a unique challenge. To stay safe and maximize success, always work with a local resort or outfitter familiar with river conditions.
Ice fishing is going strong up at the Northwest Angle too. Resorts have fish houses out with anglers already enjoying excellent success.The NW Angle is delivering its usual consistent fishing, with a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and pike being caught. Resorts and outfitters in the area are working hard to ensure safe ice conditions, with marked trails and ready-to-fish houses set up for a seamless experience. Check with your favorite NW Angle resort for details.
Good news for snowmobilers: the snowmobile trail from the south end of the lake across the ice to the Northwest Angle is staked and open! Scratchers are recommended with some melting snow last week.
Happy Holidays from Lake of the Woods Tourism! Tight lines and safe fishing!" — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
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