Burntside Lake Trout

Burntside Lake, nestled in the heart of Ely, Minnesota, is a premier destination for ice anglers targeting lake trout. This deep, clear-water lake is known for its healthy population of trout, but catching them in the winter requires patience, finesse, and the right tactics. Unlike other aggressive winter fish, lake trout in Burntside often demand a more subtle approach. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know to increase your chances of success.

Use Smaller Baits for Better Results

While lake trout are known to chase down larger prey in open water, the cold winter months make them less aggressive. Instead of using big, flashy lures, opt for smaller baits that mimic the natural forage in Burntside Lake. Downsized tube jigs (2.5 to 3 inches), small jigging spoons, and even tungsten jigs tipped with cut bait can be highly effective. White, silver, and natural-colored baits tend to work best, as they closely resemble smelt and cisco, the primary forage in the lake.

Work Your Baits Slowly

One of the biggest mistakes ice anglers make when targeting lake trout is working their bait too aggressively. In winter, trout often exhibit more cautious behavior, inspecting lures before committing. Instead of rapid jigging, try a slower, more methodical approach:

• Start by dropping your bait down to about 10–20 feet off the bottom (trout often suspend in deeper water).
• Make slow lifts and pauses, allowing the bait to hover in place.
• If you mark a fish on your flasher, resist the urge to jig aggressively—sometimes, simply holding the bait still or giving it a slight twitch is enough to trigger a strike.
• If a trout follows but won’t commit, slowly reel up a few feet to simulate escaping prey.

Patience is key—lake trout on Burntside can take their time deciding whether to bite, so keep working them carefully.

Tip-Ups with Live Minnows Are Highly Effective

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it method, tip-ups with live minnows are an excellent way to target Burntside’s lake trout. Use a medium-sized shiner or sucker minnow rigged on a single hook or quick-strike rig. Set the bait at varying depths—some near the bottom and others 10 to 20 feet below the ice—to cover different parts of the water column.

Key tips for using tip-ups:

• Use a fluorocarbon leader (8–12 lb test) to keep your setup as invisible as possible.
• Set the minnow just above where trout are marking on your sonar.
• Check your bait frequently—live minnows need to be active to attract trout.
• When a flag pops, don’t rush! Give the trout a few moments to take the bait before setting the hook.

Final Thoughts

Burntside Lake is a fantastic winter lake trout fishery, but success requires dialing in the right presentation. By using smaller baits, working them slowly, and setting up tip-ups with lively minnows, you’ll increase your chances of landing one of these prized fish. Whether you’re jigging or running tip-ups, patience and finesse will be your best allies on the ice.

Good luck out there, and stay warm! 🎣❄️

You said:

include: if you have questions or are looking for expert guidance don’t hesitate to reach out!

ChatGPT said:

Ice Fishing for Lake Trout on Burntside Lake in Ely, Minnesota

Burntside Lake, located in Ely, Minnesota, is a prime destination for ice anglers seeking lake trout. Known for its deep, clear waters and abundant trout population, this lake offers an exciting challenge—especially in the winter months when the fish become less aggressive. To increase your chances of success, it’s important to use the right techniques. Here’s what you need to know before heading out on the ice.

Use Smaller Baits for Better Results

While lake trout are often aggressive in open water, winter conditions can make them more selective. Downsizing your bait is a great way to trigger bites. Instead of using large, flashy lures, opt for smaller options like:

• Tube jigs (2.5 to 3 inches) in white, silver, or natural colors to imitate cisco and smelt.
• Small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head for extra scent.
• Tungsten jigs paired with a soft plastic or a small chunk of cut bait.

By matching the natural forage in Burntside, you’ll have a better chance of fooling those finicky trout.

Work Your Baits Slowly

One of the most common mistakes anglers make is working their bait too aggressively. Unlike other species that will strike at fast-moving lures, lake trout in Burntside often require a more subtle presentation. Try the following approach:

1. Drop your bait to the correct depth – lake trout often suspend, so start 10–20 feet off the bottom.
2. Use slow lifts and pauses – let your bait hover, making only subtle twitches.
3. Pay attention to your sonar – if a fish follows but won’t commit, don’t jig aggressively. Instead, slowly raise your bait to imitate a fleeing baitfish.
4. Be patient – sometimes simply holding the bait still is enough to get a strike.

Tip-Ups with Live Minnows Are Highly Effective

For a passive but productive approach, tip-ups rigged with live minnows are an excellent option. Set them at different depths to cover more water, and use medium-sized shiners or sucker minnows. Here are some key tips:

• Use an 8–12 lb fluorocarbon leader for a more natural presentation.
• Keep your minnow just above where trout are marking on your sonar.
• Check your bait often—live, active minnows attract more fish.
• When a flag pops, don’t rush—give the trout a few seconds before setting the hook.

Final Thoughts

Lake trout fishing on Burntside Lake can be challenging, but with the right approach—using smaller baits, working them slowly, and setting up well-placed tip-ups—you’ll improve your chances of landing a trophy fish.

If you have any questions or are looking for expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time ice fisher, the right knowledge and techniques will make all the difference.

Good luck, and stay warm out there!