Fishing Outfitters for Boundary Waters Canoeing and Quetico Trips
Top-Rated Fishing Outfitters in Ely, Minnesota – Explore the Boundary Waters with the Experts and Book your Guides Today.
Looking for the best fishing outfitters in Ely, Minnesota? You've come to the right place. Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime angling adventure or a quiet weekend retreat in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Ely is your gateway to world-class freshwater fishing—and we’re the outfitter to help you get there.
At our Ely-based fishing outfitter service, we specialize in fully outfitted canoe trips, guided fishing expeditions, and discounted fishing tackle tailored for the Boundary Waters. From smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, to lake trout, stream trout or panfish, we know where the fish are biting and when.
Why Choose Us?
- Full-service Boundary Waters fishing outfitting
- Fishing gear and tackle available at our Outfitting discount in our Retail Store in Ely, Minnesota
- Expert trip planning and maps for the BWCAW
- Local experienced guides available.
- Customizable packages for solo anglers, families, and groups
Whether you're launching from Moose Lake, Fall Lake into Basswood Lake or heading deeper into the Boundary Waters up to Knife or even Quetico, our Ely MN fishing outfitter team will ensure your trip is safe, successful, and unforgettable. We have guides available including Fly Fishing Guides to be reserved for your future canoe fishing trips.
Book Your Boundary Waters Fishing Trip Today!
Discover why anglers trust us as their go-to fishing outfitter in Ely, Minnesota. Contact us now to reserve your gear, plan your menu, hire a guide, or plan your complete Boundary Waters fishing adventure.
Walleye
State record – 17 lbs, 8 oz on Seagull River in Cook County
Early spring spawn
Moving water, shallow bars and reefs
They like hard bottoms
Mid-summer -- flats, points, reefs, islands to deep water
August – toughest time
September -- can be tough, check reefs
Do not use a leader for best results, keep your bait presented as natural as possible. Be responsive to subtle vibrations of your rod or line across your finger.
Suggested lures:
Spring – crankbaits
Summer – jigs (1/8th oz) and rigs
Mid-late summer – trolling jigs and spinners deep
Smallmouth Bass (AKA Bronzeback)
State record – 8 lbs on West Battle Lake in Otter Tail County
Spawn in June – they are in the shallows, incredible action
Mid-summer – reefs and points near deeper water, structure
September – start going deep, harder to catch
Suggested lures:
Tiny torpedos, poppers, Mepps spinners, crank baits, Berkley Gulp and jigs
Northern Pike (Water Wolves)
State record – 45 lbs, 12 oz on Basswood Lake in Cook County
Early spring spawn
September and October – “Pike Fest” as they are hungry
Love weed beds, fish the edges/parallel to them
September – shallow feeders
Use a leader
Suggested lures:
Large poppers, torpedos, spinners (red/orange/nickel), Dardevle, large crankbaits
Lake Trout
State record – 43 lbs, 8 oz on Lake Superior in Cook County
Shallow in early -- mid May
Fall spawn – late September
Like rocks and rubble that drop quickly
Shallow to deep (can be very deep) back to shallow in fall
Suggested lures:
When in the shallows use crank baits. Troll during the summer with deep running crankbaits (orange, blue, chrome, chartreuse), spoons, bucktail jigs
Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish
Slip bobber fishing is the best and most fun.
Small hooks with crappie minnows and a split shot up about a foot and a half or tiny "flu flu" tied jigs with small hooks. Find the school of paper mouths and you'll have a tasty meal. Great fun for kids. Size doesn't gauge the fun here. Try 2 feet deep along the weed beds in the heat of summer when the sun is falling down to touch the tips of the treeline. Look for fallen trees and other structure. They like to hide there. If it is a hot day, remember "sunnies" or sunfish aren't like walleye, they can still be found when "ole big eyes" heads for the shadows of the deep.