Fishing Report - Saturday, July 18th

Walleye are being caught between 10-25 ft. You will want to drift along structures working from shallow to deep. The best result has been with leeches on Lindy rigs.

You will want to look for deep weed lines to bring in pike. Most are being caught when trolling shad raps or casting spinners and spoons.

Small mouth bass can be netted when using top water lures in the weeds, or if you are reef fishing use jigs and crawlers.

Crappies are the hardest to catch right now. They are traveling in smaller schools dispersed throughout the lakes. Most anglers are using crappie minnows at depths from 15-25 ft.

Fishing report - July 13, 2013

If you are willing to do a bit of paddling for excellent walleye and bass fishing; travel out to Insula Lake. Enter the BWCA at Lake One, #30F, paddling through Lake One, Two Three, Four, Hudson and finally the 105 rod portage into Insula. The southern shore of Insula was affected by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, but what a neat place to visit looking at the regeneration of ground cover and wildlife.

Move onto the northeastern section of the lake working the reefs and drop-offs with jigs and leeches. Bass are hitting on top water lures right in the weed beds. A father and son reported today catching 5-28+ inch walleyes, 3-4 lb bass and more. Pictures to follow when they are able to get email access.

Gabbro and Bald Eagle, entry #33, have been producing plenty of walleyes, bass and 30+ inch pike.An Ohio group reported catching a 38 inch pike that grabbed the lure, dove to the bottom and the fisherman dropped his rod in the excitement, grabbed the line and pulled the fish in hand over hand. What a great memory of fishing the BWCA.

There is still time to travel and fish the Boundary Waters this summer and into the fall. Permits are still available with some limitations for dates and entry points. Make lifetime memories this summer. Call Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN at 800-950-2709 for more details on fishing the BWCA, reserving your permit and outfitting needs

Check out our website Special Offers for August-September. Visit www.elycanoetrips.com

Turtles are laying eggs

One of our guests reported painted turtles and snapping turtles are laying their eggs. A bit later than normal.
The painted turtles moved onto sandy/gravel shore, laid their eggs and then a snapper moved in; trashed the painted turtle's nests and laid her own eggs over the top.  Sounds like a bully momma to me.

Painted turtles sunning themselves

Snapping turtle laying her eggs

Shagawa Lake and a kid from Indiana

Tommy D from Indiana and his dad were fishing Shagawa Lake this past week. Dad pulled in a 6.25 lb walleye (on the right) and bragged to his son..."what do you think of this one?"  Tommy then pulled in an 8Lb 8 oz, 28 3/4 inch walleye, topping his dad's catch. This is the biggest walleye Tommy has caught yet.  Sounds like he is not done.

Great fishing.

Fish registered at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, Ely, MN. Submitted to Ely Angler fishing contest.

Basswood Lake produces again, Mayflies on White Iron

 Walleyes, bass and northern pike are biting on Basswood. Use a gold jig with a leech or Gulp. We've been told northern pike in this area do not have any manners: they are stealing walleyes directly off stringers! Taking the end one and biting through the stringer and releasing the others.

Mayflies are hatching on White Iron. Walleyes are gorging themselves. Night crawlers are a bait of choice this week.

Stop in at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, Ely, Mn for an up-to-date fishing report and for all your live bait and tackle needs. Open 6am-9pm daily with fresh bait arriving twice a week. We offer minnows, leeches, crawlers and wax worms. Check us out at www.elycanoetrips.com