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

Snowbank Lake, just outside Ely, Minnesota, is a prime destination for ice anglers targeting lake trout. Known for its deep, clear waters and strong trout population, this lake produces aggressive fish that are eager to chase down baits—especially early in the season. To maximize your success, it’s important to focus on the right locations, timing, and techniques.

Early Season: Target Shallow Feeding Flats

At first ice, lake trout on Snowbank Lake tend to be shallow and actively feeding. Instead of heading straight for deep basins, focus on feeding flats in 30 to 50 feet of water. These areas hold schools of baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds for hungry trout.

Look for flats near:

• Drop-offs leading into deeper water
• Points and saddles
• Rocky or sandy areas where trout can ambush prey

Drilling multiple holes and covering different depths along these flats will help you locate the most active fish.

Best Bite Window: 9 AM to 1 PM

While lake trout can be caught throughout the day, the best action on Snowbank Lake typically happens between 9 AM and 1 PM. During this window, trout are aggressively hunting for food, making it the perfect time to present your bait.

To take advantage of this prime bite:

• Get on the ice early and have holes drilled before 9 AM.
• Stay mobile—if you don’t mark fish within 20–30 minutes, move to a new spot.
• Keep an eye on light conditions—overcast days can extend the bite, while bright sun may push fish slightly deeper.

Lake Trout Are Often Suspended—Fish the Entire Water Column

One of the biggest keys to success on Snowbank Lake is not just fishing the bottom. Lake trout here are aggressive and often suspended, meaning they’ll cruise anywhere from 10 to 40 feet below the ice, even over deep water.

To find and catch suspended trout:

• Use a fish finder or flasher to locate fish at different depths.
• Start jigging near the bottom, but work your bait upwards in slow, steady lifts.
• If you mark a fish, keep your bait at its level and use erratic movements to trigger a strike.
• Trout love to chase—if you see one following your bait, slowly reel up to mimic a fleeing baitfish.

Final Thoughts

Snowbank Lake offers fast-paced, hard-hitting lake trout action, especially in the early season when fish are shallow and aggressive. By targeting feeding flats in 30-50 feet, fishing during the 9 AM to 1 PM bite window, and working the entire water column, you’ll put yourself in the best position to land some big trout.

Get out there, drill some holes, and enjoy the action! Tight lines and good luck!