Summer is in full swing here in Ely and for mid-June, the fish bite remains exceptional. Anglers fishing Pipestone and Jackfish have been hammering the walleye, not only finding numbers but also some good-sized fish. Fall Lake has also been producing numbers of smaller walleyes at the power dam and as of late, right off of our docks!
Many Packsack guests have had success fishing for Northern Pike this last week. Tales of toothy giants going after crank baits and spoons are being told around camp and pictures of some of that 35- 40 plus inch fish have been shown off as well. The largest Pike this week was caught by Erin Miller and came from Jackfish Bay, measuring 42-inches.
Smallmouth Bass are still viciously defending their spawning beds. Packsack clients have been able to catch them in shallow water right by the shore line. For Fall Lake, the bait of choice has been crankbaits and spinners. This weeks fishing report photo features David and Joseph Nilles who spent the week catching smallies and pike up by mile island. The fish featured are at 17 & 19-inches, a common size for Fall Lake.
The panfish action has also been heating up this last week. The Fall Lake crappie bite has turned on and folks fishing the several sets of pilings on the lake have been able to catch their limits. Back Bay seems to be the place to be for bluegills and largemouth.
The reports coming from the paddle lakes have been promising as well. Crooked Lake is still producing large pike and walleyes. Campers on Ensign had great luck this last week catching bluegills, and the bass bite is contagious where ever you roam in the BWCA. And of course, anglers who have visited Ella Hall this last week were not disappointed. Many large bass and northern were caught, as well as some hefty panfish.
It’s going to be another beautiful week here in the Ely area, best of luck and remember to bring your catches/photos to Packsack so we can register them in the Ely Echo’s Angler edition!