Ely, MN Fishing Conditions
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Tips & Techniques
- ✓The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers over a million acres of lakes with walleye, northern pike, and lake trout
- ✓Shagawa Lake directly adjacent to Ely provides accessible walleye and bass fishing without a BWCA permit
- ✓Fall Lake east of Ely is a popular entry lake to the BWCA and holds walleye and northern pike in good numbers
- ✓Remote portage lakes inside the BWCA see very little fishing pressure and produce exceptional catches of trophy fish
- ✓Tower-Soudan area lakes including Lake Vermilion are world-class walleye and muskie fisheries just west of Ely
- ✓Lake One and Lake Two near the Kawishiwi River are accessible BWCA entry lakes with excellent lake trout and walleye reachable with minimal portaging
- ✓Long Island Lake southwest of Ely via the Isabella River corridor is a deep clear BWCA lake known for trophy lake trout
- ✓Burnside Lake north of Ely is just outside the BWCA boundary and offers lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass with motorized access
Recommended Gear
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How We Score Fishing Conditions
🌙 Lunar Phase
New and Full Moons produce peak fish activity (score: 2). First/Last Quarter and crescent phases produce moderate activity (score: 1–1.5).
💨 Barometric Pressure
Rising pressure (score: 2) strongly activates feeding. Stable pressure (score: 1) produces normal activity. Falling pressure (score: 0) suppresses the bite.
🌬️ Wind Speed
Light winds under 3 m/s (score: 2) are ideal. Moderate 3–8 m/s (score: 1). Strong winds above 8 m/s (score: 0.5–0) suppress feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fish in the Boundary Waters?
You need a BWCA overnight permit for camping trips, but day trips require only a Minnesota fishing license. Self-guided canoe trips are the classic way to access remote fishing lakes.
What species can I catch in the BWCA near Ely?
Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and yellow perch are all present. Lake trout are found in deeper clearwater lakes. Walleye and pike are the most widely available.
Is Shagawa Lake fishable without entering the BWCA?
Yes. Shagawa Lake is outside the BWCA and has public boat launches. It holds walleye and largemouth bass and is a good option for anglers without the time or equipment for a canoe trip.
What is the best way to plan a BWCA fishing trip from Ely?
Book permits through recreation.gov in the January lottery for summer travel as popular entry points sell out quickly. Outfitters in Ely rent canoes, camping gear, and food packs. A 3-5 day trip paddling between lakes is the classic BWCA experience.
Are lake trout present in the BWCA near Ely?
Yes. Many deep clearwater BWCA lakes near Ely hold lake trout including Knife Lake, Saganaga Lake, and others in the deeper corridor. Lake trout require fishing in 40-100 feet of water in summer. Jigging in spring just after ice-out in shallower water is the most accessible season.