LET THE SUN SHINE! The clouds have lifted and the Ely area has finally seen some dry weather. With the sunny, dry, wind-less days, some anglers have struggled to find walleye. Other more fortunate Packsack anglers have found them in 15-18 ft of water. Leaches and crawlers have been the bait of choice, with the water temperature in the low 70’s. Jackfish and Pipestone have been producing good numbers of walleye, many in the 24 inch and over range.
Smallmouth bass have been reluctant to bite after the May fly hatch. The fish that have been caught, have been BIG. Fall Lake has produced several gaggers in the 17-21-inch range. The smallies that are biting have been chasing top waters over submerged boulders along the shorelines, or hammering leaches at the end of a slip bobber.
Basswood is still producing large northern in the 40 plus inch range. Those having the best luck are throwing large lures and spinners along the weed lines.
Pan fish is the real story around here. Decent sized bluegill and crappies are being caught on several of our area lakes. If you’re looking for some adventure, and have a day use motor permit, portaging into Back Bay of Basswood would definatly pay off for slab sunnies and crappies.