I have searched this site and cherished all of the info you all share.
My group is headed up next weekend. We have predetermined to enter at Duncan lake. One of the members inquired about lake trout possibility out of Ely. He does not fish but would like to cut on driving time.
So, any suggestions about winter camping and getting into any trout lake?
3 nights, snowshoe travel.
Thanks in advance.

Snowbank is the first one that comes to mind.

I don't really know my trout lakes, but I think there are quite a few in the Ely area. But whether you are around Ely or the Gunflint, keep in mind that travel on snowshoes on the lakes right now will be a ton of work. The snow is very very deep. And all that new heavy snow may have pushed the ice down on some big deep (trout) lakes, making for more slush. I might think about a lake where you know there is an established pre-used route in, and/or you don't have to travel too far from the entry. Just a thought . . .

if by chance you decided on the GF area, i have fished Moss numerous times for Lake trout and have yet to be disappointed. Easy park at the trail head on Hungry Jack road, non bwca lake so you can take the snowmobile trail into the lake, Duncan which is adjacent (bwca lake) also has plenty of lake trout.

As I mentioned, our original plan was to go to Duncan. Moss and Partridge are in the route plan. Thanks for the snow depth warning. Ely area was an afterthought for a "maybe". Leaving on Thursday. Plenty of cold and snow to challenge us up there. Here in the NW Wisconsin is not much different:).
Thank you for taking your time and responses. Any idea if an ice auger extension in needed?
Stay warm.

if i were you id pack one just in case.

Burntside....

Use to love snowbank,but been pretty quite lately it seems.