Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Ely - Babbitt Fishing Reports - Lake Conditions Too.


Recommended Posts

Yeah, I have to agree, the snow got pretty greasy yesterday. Was glad to be on a sled. But man, that sun! Everyone was commenting on my March sunburn today back at work.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

lots of standing water on burntside today. some areas still have snow but its slushy. ice is still good and driving is easy. hopefully is gets below freezing for long enough tonight to firm things up. time to bust out the yak t rax! no fish for me today. fished after the rain quit till around 6. i heard foss did much better. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll add to what Mike said by mentioning that the Van Vac landing is dang treacherous. About a foot of slushy dense garbage. Pretty easy to get up the landing itself with full size 4x4, but the hill from the lower to the upper landing is pretty hairy.

Yeah, it was a good day fishing. Sometimes the laker gods smile on you, sometimes they don't.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll add to what Mike said by mentioning that the Van Vac landing is dang treacherous. About a foot of slushy dense garbage. Pretty easy to get up the landing itself with full size 4x4, but the hill from the lower to the upper landing is pretty hairy.

Yeah, it was a good day fishing. Sometimes the laker gods smile on you, sometimes they don't.

i forgot to mention the hill. it took me 4 or 5 tries to get up. i would make it half way up and then would have to back all the way back down and try again. should be a little better today with the cooler temps tho.

anyone been off passi?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Appreciate the updates, Mike and Steve. I was gonna bring my 10 week old Britt out for the day tomorrow, but I think she'll stay home. Dealing with a wet/cold pup doesn't sound like the best way to spend my only day this year on Burntside.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Burntside Lodge access (about a quarter mile farther along Grant MacMahan Blvd than Van Vac Rd), is easy. Came off the lake that way today and had no trouble at all. Very gentle slope, decent driving conditions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Burntside Lodge access (about a quarter mile farther in off Grant MacMahan Blvd than Van Vac Rd), is easy. Came off the lake that way today and had no trouble at all. Very gentle slope, decent driving conditions.

where exactly is the burntside lodge access on the lake? that hill at van vac is no fun and its only gonna get worse.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Instead of turning left on 404 (Van Vac Rd) continue going straight on 88 for another 1/4 mile, then turn left into the Burntside Lodge driveway and drive to the lake.

You'll see a large, single story stone cabin/house as soon as you turn left, it will be on your right side.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Instead of turning left on 404 (Van Vac Rd) continue going straight on 88 for another 1/4 mile, then turn left into the Burntside Lodge driveway and drive to the lake.

You'll see a large, single story stone cabin/house as soon as you turn left, it will be on your right side.

thanks. might have to use that access tomorrow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

PS-If looking for the Burntside Lodge landing from the lake, it's on the mainland side of Indian Island .

You will see the point of Camp Van Vac to your right if heading there from Blueberry Island.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[Note from admin: Please see forum rules before posting again. Thank you.]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As of today on Burntside, both Van Vac and Burntside Lodge are workable for access. We went in on Bside Lodge this morning, and after checking Bside Lodge again this afternoon (it was no problem, though sloppy and wet), I chose to exit via Van Vac. The Van Vac landing itself is packed with a foot of dense slush, but the road from the lower lot to the upper lot is much better than it was a few days ago.

I have not been out on the Passi Road landing, so can't speak to that.

I would not attempt Van Van without a full-sized 4x4 SUV or pickup with good rubber and clearance. I put the pedal to the metal and labored to get up the landing in my old Chevy 1/2, but did not bog down.

There are quite a few areas where the lake is like driving on a parking lot, and other areas where there's some crust with slush or water underneath it, but at no time during the last four days did we have difficulty getting where we normally fish. It was just wet and crunchy in spots. The worst spots for main lake travel are the snowmobile trails, which tend to be pretty slushy, but are still do-able. Far better when in those spots to just follow in someone's truck tracks, which are full of water but easy to stay in, until you want to split off for whatever area you'll be fishing. You'll be driving through 6-8 inches of water in those truck tracks in places, but so far, and I mean SO FAR, the lake ice itself has not degraded.

Now, the weather. That's an interesting ballgame. We've got a few days of precip with a cooldown forecast. If we get minimal precip and the expected cooldown, I'd say things will be good for another week. But, and it's a big but, if we get a bunch of snow dumps over the next few days followed by the cooldown, it's gonna be a darn big mess all over out there. A mess at the already messy landings, and a mess on the lake.

Given the NWS batting average, no one has a clue, really, what the next several days' weather will bring. crazy

Conditions can deteriorate this time of year in a matter of hours, so even more than usual, caution is the order of the day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for the update.

what happened to resting today foss??? grinjust couldnt resist could you. grin

how was the fishing?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a hard time resisting clients, Mike. smile

Tougher fishing today. Got twin 6s, with lots of lookers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with Steve's assessment of travelling ON the lake as condition do differ dramatically.

However, due to the fact he needed a pretty good run to get off the lake at Van Vac,(which was in terrible condition at 3 yesterday afternoon) and what I saw at the Burntside Lodge landing, I would not use either one.

You may luck out and get on the lake, but getting off today will be much different than yesterday, as it remained above freezing all night and conditions will only have gotten worse.

I have not checked the Passi Road, or the North Arm landing so do not know what the slush (if any) looks like.

Be very careful driving on Burntside if you do decide to take a chance with a full size truck.

Personally, I would not chance it.

Use an ATV until/if these conditions change with the lower temps being predicted later in the week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with Steve's assessment of travelling ON the lake as condition do differ dramatically. However, due to the fact he needed a pretty good run to get off the lake at Van Vac

For the record, I did not make a good run at it. I approached the landing itself at about 5 mph like normal and gave it full gas when it hit the slope.

Just wanted that clear. smile

It would have been a piece of cake with no effort at all if I'd have spent 5 minutes with a snow shovel to clear all the slushy snow off the landing itself. The on-ice approach had some water, but not too much. But bottom line is it's going to be worse today as G.O. noted, and it's an open question whether we'll get enough snow to insulate things and prevent a temporary tightening up with the colder temps as the week progresses. Best case scenario, we get almost no precip and the three days that follow with lows near zero and highs below freezing tighten everything up. Worst case is we get significant snow. That will effectively end the season on Bside for most everyone, regardless of the temps that follow. frown

Odds are my last few trips this year will be on foot, since I don't have a wheeler. Good thing there's excellent laker water within walking distance of the landings. Time to get out the tow sled! smile

Be careful out there no matter what mode of travel you opt for!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just caught the tail end of a weather report and heard the possiblity of 8-14 inches of snow from late Tuesday evening, all through the night, and continuing into Wednesday morning. cry

Man, I was bummed when I heard an earlier forecast of 3 inches!

I hope that was just a cruel joke in very poor taste, courtesy of the weatherman mad

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any snow is good snow. I was hoping for more over the weekend but even the trace on Friday help footing for both me and the dogs. Sat AM was setup nice but the wet snow Sunday just made everything wet. The trails have gotten some rough use. If the snow and some cold happens then one more weekend may, too. It wasn't lookinfg good as of yesterday though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It'll be interesting to see how much actually falls. Hope it's not like a coupla years back when we got 40" the first week of April!!! shockedshocked

As of now, the NWS has Ely with a 40-60 percent chance of snow tomorrow and Wednesday, with no accumulation forecast given. I think they're waiting until they get a better sense of which way the storm will track before predicting accumulation ranges. Hopefully they don't wait until the snowfall's actually over to make a prediction. crazy

Good thing I didn't summerize the snowmobile yet. Could get back in the game later this week. gringrin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At this point I don't know if I'm envious you're getting more snow or not! It's sad to see the season melt away but there's a few things to do in the Spring I guess. I have as much grass showing as snow in my yard and pushed the sleds back into the corner and pulled the wheelers out. frown Not that they'll get much use...

My turkey season is just a tick over a month away and two weeks after that will be the opener of fishing again. Better get the boat ready...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I feel your pain, Tracy!!

In fact it hurts so much, think I'll head out on Burntside and see if 401TE's spot is as good as he reported grin

I'll let you know later this evening!! wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

made it out on burntside for a few hours today. no fish. lots of lookers but no takers. pretty much the same driving report as foss gave yesterday. there is A LOT of water at the base of the van vac landing. i had no issues getting up the landing and the hill to the upper parking lot.

the amount of water at the landing makes me a bit nervous about the ice there. i dont think it will hold up much longer unless we get a good freeze without a dumping of snow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Latest NWS forecast is for total accumulation of 1-3 inches. I suppose that might change a time or two before it starts snowing tomorrow. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now the latest NWS forecast is calling for 60 percent chance of snow, with accumulation of around 1 inch.

Boy, I hope that pans out!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steve,

Read my post on the Duluth forum, and you'll see that my plow struggles are already paying off!!! gringringrin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.