I will be in Ely for a couple days toward the end of January and I'd like to get some ice fishing in for lake trout. I will be walking out, pulling a small Otter sled with my gear and a one-man shelter.

For a person who's strictly on foot, which lake provides the easiest access to some decent structure and deep water where I might find some trout? I'm in good shape and enjoy a nice hike out, but I don't want to spend all day hiking either. I see there are several public access points on Burntside. For Snowbank maybe not as many?

Alternatively -- do any of the lodges or outfitters do any shuttling in the winter? I don't want to rent a fish house but wouldn't mind paying for a ride out to good structure.

I should also add -- I'm not expecting to be able to make use of the ice roads as I'm in a Subaru Outback.

Thanks!

Both are pretty easy, and it’s not to long of a walk to get to Laker territory on either lake . Depending on the weather, you might be able to drive on Burntside. The road is like a highway if conditions are right. Those guys do a great job of keeping it clear. There is good fishing close to the landing. Snowbank also has some good fishing within a half hour walk. Look for sticks stuck in the snow on the lake, lots of guys mark their spots this way. Mike Stark will have his house out on Burntside by that time. I’ve used him a couple times. The house is reasonably priced, and he will take you out to it. Pretty nice option if it’s below zero. He will know where the fish are.

thanks for the info Wallee!

Love to hear any other tips from folks. Many thanks!

thegildedgopher: "I should also add -- I'm not expecting to be able to make use of the ice roads as I'm in a Subaru Outback.!"

Fellow Outback owner here - you'd be surprised what those things can do. Deep snow is eventually an issue, sure, but if you keep your momentum up they can handle a foot of it or so. I tool around on White Bear Lake here in the Cities in it. An actual semi-plowed ice road would be easy-peasy.

tonyyarusso: "

thegildedgopher: "I should also add -- I'm not expecting to be able to make use of the ice roads as I'm in a Subaru Outback.!"

Fellow Outback owner here - you'd be surprised what those things can do. Deep snow is eventually an issue, sure, but if you keep your momentum up they can handle a foot of it or so. I tool around on White Bear Lake here in the Cities in it. An actual semi-plowed ice road would be easy-peasy."

Yes, thanks for the reminder. I think if conditions are right it sounds like I could get where I need to get on B/S in the Outback. I really wasn't aware the road would be so well-plowed. Still, I definitely worry about getting stuck and being "that idiot who brought a car out on burnt and had to be towed off." I'll just have to hope for a good ice report before I go.

Do any of the lodges offer a map or suggest spots if you pay them to drive out? I really don't want to hire a guide and sit in a shack but it'd be nice to have a starting point or two.

thegildedgopher: "

tonyyarusso: "

thegildedgopher: "I should also add -- I'm not expecting to be able to make use of the ice roads as I'm in a Subaru Outback.!"

Fellow Outback owner here - you'd be surprised what those things can do. Deep snow is eventually an issue, sure, but if you keep your momentum up they can handle a foot of it or so. I tool around on White Bear Lake here in the Cities in it. An actual semi-plowed ice road would be easy-peasy."

Yes, thanks for the reminder. I think if conditions are right it sounds like I could get where I need to get on B/S in the Outback. I really wasn't aware the road would be so well-plowed. Still, I definitely worry about getting stuck and being "that idiot who brought a car out on burnt and had to be towed off." I'll just have to hope for a good ice report before I go.


Do any of the lodges offer a map or suggest spots if you pay them to drive out? I really don't want to hire a guide and sit in a shack but it'd be nice to have a starting point or two."

Stop at Babes bait shop and talk to Russ. He will mark a map for you. Great guy, and is on top of the fishing.

Thanks Wallee!