Was thinking of options for my mid-June trip to Ely area. Which lake do you think would produce fish? Size and #s. Been on Burntside a few times, but I think I'm going to shoot for Snowbank. Any thoughts?

Trout Lake would be my choice for size, not necessarily numbers. Much less pressured than Snowbank or Burntside. If you're up for a paddle, basswood is a decent option but you'll be paddling for 12 miles or so before you hit good laker water

ericinely: "Trout Lake would be my choice for size, not necessarily numbers. Much less pressured than Snowbank or Burntside. If you're up for a paddle, basswood is a decent option but you'll be paddling for 12 miles or so before you hit good laker water"

ericinely, are there any lakers in Crooked? I don't think I have ever caught one in it but it seems it should be deep enough in Thursday Bay and north of it.

Yogi I've tried B-side a few times and got totally skunked. It's a tough nut to crack. I would definitely go Trout Lake. Launch at Moccasin point on Vermillion and take the portage ride into trout.

I've read that B-side struggles are related to the crazy abundance of smelt. Locals that know how to fish it can do really well, especially in the winter. If you're ever interested in hiring a guide, Steve Foss seems like he has that lake completely dialed in. Not sure if he'll do this in the summer, but I've seen him post on Facebook that for like $200 bucks he will hop on a Zoom call with you and give you a bunch of intel on spots and tactics. Cheaper than a guided trip at least.

If you really want to chase lake trout you need to take a trip up the Gunflint trail. I would have a bunch to share with you if you ever want to head up that way.

yogi59weedr: "Was thinking of options for my mid-June trip to Ely area. Which lake do you think would produce fish? Size and #s. Been on Burntside a few times, but I think I'm going to shoot for Snowbank. Any thoughts?"

With a late ice-out (some lakes still sporting 30" of ice under 10 inches of slush), I'm hoping the water temps are cold enough in mid-june to hold lakers in the shallows. :)

Scoobs: "

yogi59weedr: "Was thinking of options for my mid-June trip to Ely area. Which lake do you think would produce fish? Size and #s. Been on Burntside a few times, but I think I'm going to shoot for Snowbank. Any thoughts?"

With a late ice-out (some lakes still sporting 30" of ice under 10 inches of slush), I'm hoping the water temps are cold enough in mid-june to hold lakers in the shallows. :) "

NOAA is still calling for a hot/dry summer, if it ever gets here things will change quickly. Last year we had days in the low/mid 90's on our mid-June trip.

Last year we were on Knife June 3-8 with 4 days in a row around 93. Crazy. Water was freezing but it was so hot it felt great, in short spurts. Thought we were cooking sitting in the canoe. I believe they set record highs while we were there. Bass fishing was off the hook though.

Law of averages say once it warms up it will be straight to summer with no spring....hotter and dryer than normal. Id buy that.

I think I'm gonna go to Snowbank. There is still a few motor permits available. Pick my day and troll and jig for a day. I have a small downrigger and planer boards.

thegildedgopher: "

Scoobs: "

yogi59weedr: "Was thinking of options for my mid-June trip to Ely area. Which lake do you think would produce fish? Size and #s. Been on Burntside a few times, but I think I'm going to shoot for Snowbank. Any thoughts?"

With a late ice-out (some lakes still sporting 30" of ice under 10 inches of slush), I'm hoping the water temps are cold enough in mid-june to hold lakers in the shallows. :) "

NOAA is still calling for a hot/dry summer, if it ever gets here things will change quickly. Last year we had days in the low/mid 90's on our mid-June trip."

Not doubting it'll get hot this summer. Just hoping it'll hold off until late June to early July. :)

Right now, there's still 30" of ice on the lakes, buried under a foot of snow and slush.