Help on Ely, Minn.

[Jim Lotarski]

I want to fish the Ely, Minn. area this June (for approximately 2 weeks)and would like information on some of the better fishing lakes to consider.

I am looking for lakes which have a good reputation for walleye, pike, smallmouth and crappies.

I have been looking at Shagawa Lake, Fall Lake and the White Iron Chain of Lakes. If, you would rate these lakes as with any others in the area, I would greatly appreciate your expertise. Also, cottages.

Also, any recommendations for other lakes in this area would also be appreciated.

Thanks
jjl@voyager.net

[Fishnut]

I have fished the Ely area for many years. The lakes that you mention are very familiar.

All of the resorts are very eager to help you find fish, so asking at any of the lodges will probably be productive as far as finding the current hot spots. It would probably help if you spent some money in their establishment. Stop and have a beer and a burger or something and ask the bartenders or other employees. They are usually eager to help. Hint... Bring a map and a pecil for them to draw on it with. It is a lot easier for them to point than to tell you how to get there.

As far as someplace to stay (cottages?). I would check out Silver Rapids Lodge. They have a nice location at the narrows between White Iron and Farm Lake. From there, you can fish a lot of territory without ever leaving the water with your boat.

I would suggest that you try the area around the mouth of the Kawishawi River in White Iron Lake. It is a pretty spot, and there are usually some nice 'eyes' around there. Sometimes it gets a little crowded there on weekends, but that whole section of the lake is good for slow trolling, and you can get away from the other boats pretty easily.

[CJW]

Try Big Lake just north of Ely they have walleye,northern, and some nice perch action if nothing else is biting. There are 2 resorts there but can't lay my hands on the names of them. Craig

[slick2526]

http://www.ely.org hope this helps

[Raybob]

The Silver Rapids chain is very good. I have a friend who I retired with, Gene Hicks, who is their Guide .. here is a little info on the chain:
http://www.silverrapidslodge.com/activities.cfm

Ray Wise

[The Great Guide]

Ely has been covered pretty well thus far. If you would like to get a little more remote try Basswood or Snowbank Lakes. They are in the BWCA and you will need a permit. Basswood is also limited to 25HP. Guides and boats are available from just about any outfitter in the area, but you will still need to get a permit. I would recommend a guide for the first day on Basswood is really big and a newcommer can waste a good deal of time tracking down the W's. Snowbanks is fairly easy water to locate fish. Permits can be reserved online, but do it in early Jan. Also, there are some excellent canoe only lakes that are easily accessible. Gabbro and Bald Eagle are good lakes. Lake One is good in June. Outfitters can help you with these. Day access permits can be issued on the spot.