Walleye fishing at Ely

Start shallow in spring: walleye sit in 4 to 15 ft that time of year. Summer pushes them deeper, 15 to 35 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 40 ft. The spot to know is Break off the point, a drop-off in about 15 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. Warm-month bites cluster around the evening and early morning. Throw a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) until the fish tell you otherwise.

Yellow Perch fishing at Ely

Spring puts yellow perch in skinny water — 3 to 12 ft is the zone. As the season builds they drop to 10 to 30 ft, wintering in 15 to 35 ft. Summer yellow perch concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 15 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning. A drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm covers the summer program.

Northern Pike fishing at Ely

Spring northern pike on Ely hold shallow, usually 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. The chart's best answer is Break off the point — drop-off, 15 ft, prime for fall. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Ely

Spring smallmouth bass on Ely hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 45 ft. The chart's best answer is Break off the point — drop-off, 15 ft, prime for summer. Prime time lands in early morning and the evening. The summer box starts with a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Ely

Early season largemouth bass use the shallows, holding in 2 to 10 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 15 ft that grades prime for winter. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait and you're in the game.

Rock Bass fishing at Ely

Spring puts rock bass in skinny water — 2 to 10 ft is the zone. Warm water sends them out to 5 to 20 ft; cold water stacks them in 12 to 30 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 15 ft, rated prime for fall rock bass. Plan around the evening in the warm months. A ned rig (small) or a marabou jig covers the summer program.

How deep is Ely?

Ely is about 70 ft (21 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1986 (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Ely?

Anglers target walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead on Ely.

Where is the best fishing spot on Ely?

Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 15 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. Scroll up to the map for the complete spot list by species and season.

When is the best time to fish Ely?

For walleye, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Ely stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Ely was most recently stocked 2025 with 2,535 walleye (fingerlings). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Ely?

Fishing on Ely is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.