What Garden Lake offers anglers

Garden Lake sits about 15 miles south of Ely and runs roughly 1,200 acres of shallow, weedy water that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake averages 15 to 20 feet deep with extensive cabbage beds, wild rice, and lily pad fields — the kind of structure that makes pike fishing predictable and walleye fishing seasonal. If you're coming from Ely and want to stay close to town but fish a different character than the deep, clear lakes nearby, Garden Lake is worth the short drive.

The lake's shallow nature means water temperature swings fast with the seasons. Spring and fall are prime walleye times because the fish move into the weeds to hunt. Summer pushes walleye deeper or into the thickest cover, and winter ice-out can be explosive if you time it right. Pike are present year-round and don't mind the weedy chaos — they hunt in it.

Key Takeaways

  • Garden Lake is a shallow, weed-choked system best fished in spring and fall when walleye move into the cabbage and wild rice beds.
  • Northern pike thrive in the heavy cover and can be caught on large swimbaits, bucktail spinners, and live baitfish throughout the open-water season.
  • Summer fishing requires patience and a willingness to work the densest weed edges and holes; many anglers skip this season.
  • The lake has public access via a boat launch on the south end, and several resorts and cabins line the shoreline if you want to stay nearby.
  • Largemouth bass are present but not the primary draw; most anglers target walleye and pike.

Spring walleye fishing in the weeds

As soon as the ice goes out — typically mid-to-late April — walleye move shallow to spawn and feed. Garden Lake's extensive weed beds become the main event. Fish the edges of cabbage, the inside turns of wild rice, and any hard-bottom transition you can find with a depth finder. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work best; cast parallel to the weed lines rather than straight into them, and work slowly.

The bite can be fast in May and early June. Water clarity is moderate, so don't shy away from slightly heavier jigs (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) and brighter colors — chartreuse, white, and orange stand out in the stained water. Early morning and late evening are prime, but the bite often holds through midday because the weeds provide shade and cover.

Northern pike and the summer weed challenge

Pike fishing on Garden Lake is straightforward: they live in the weeds, and you fish the weeds. Large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), bucktail spinners, and live baitfish all work. Cast to the thickest cover you can reach without snagging, and be ready for a violent strike. The fish here are not subtle.

Summer brings the densest weed growth, which makes pike fishing harder but not impossible. Many anglers switch to topwater lures early and late in the day, or they work the few open-water holes and deeper channels that cut through the beds. If you're willing to fish the chaos, you'll catch pike; if you want easy casting and open water, save this lake for spring and fall.

Fall transition and late-season walleye

September through early November is Garden Lake's second-best walleye window. As water cools, walleye move back into the shallows to feed before winter. The same jig-and-minnow approach works, but the fish often hold slightly deeper than in spring — 12 to 18 feet rather than 6 to 10. Work the weed edges and any rocky or sandy bottom you can locate.

Fall also brings clearer water as the lake cools and weeds begin to die back. This means you can see structure better and fish can see your lure more clearly, so downsize slightly and use more natural colors — browns, blacks, and greens. The bite window is often shorter — a few hours in early morning or late evening — but the fish are aggressive and the weather is usually more pleasant than summer.

Access and where to launch

The main public boat launch is on the south end of Garden Lake, accessible via County Road 24. The ramp is maintained and has parking for trailers. Several resorts and cabin rental operations line the lake, and most allow day-use access for a small fee if you want to fish from shore or rent a boat.

The lake is about 15 minutes from Ely by car, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip from town. If you're staying in Ely and want to explore a different water type without driving far, Garden Lake fits the bill. Cell service is spotty on the water, so download maps or use a GPS unit.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring heavy tackle for pike — 7-foot medium-heavy rods with 15- to 20-pound braid are standard. For walleye, a 6-foot medium rod with 8- to 10-pound mono or braid works fine. The weeds mean you'll lose lures; bring extras of whatever you plan to throw. A good depth finder is nearly essential because the bottom is soft and featureless in many spots, and the weeds hide structure.

Expect to see other anglers, especially on weekends in spring and fall. The lake is popular with locals and visiting anglers from Ely. Weekday mornings are quieter. Bugs are heavy in June and July, so bring insect repellent even if you're only out for a few hours.

Winter ice fishing

Garden Lake freezes solid by late November and stays frozen through March. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular, and the shallow depth means the ice is usually safe by early December. Tip-ups work well for pike; jigging with live minnows targets walleye. The weed structure remains, so fish the same edges and holes you would in open water — just drill through the ice to reach them.

Winter access is via the same south-end launch area, which is plowed for ice fishing. Several local guides and resorts offer ice-fishing packages if you want instruction or want to rent equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Garden Lake good for beginners?

Yes, if you're comfortable with weed fishing. The pike are aggressive and forgiving, and spring walleye fishing is straightforward — jig and minnow, work the weed edges, and be patient. Summer is harder because the weeds are thick, so plan your first trip for May or September.

What's the difference between Garden Lake and the deeper lakes near Ely?

Garden Lake is shallow and weedy; lakes like Shagawa and Burnside are deeper and clearer. Garden Lake's structure makes it better for pike and for anglers who like to work cover. The deeper lakes are better for walleye in summer and for anglers who prefer open-water casting.

Can I rent a boat on Garden Lake?

Yes. Several resorts on the lake rent boats by the day or half-day. Call ahead to reserve, especially on weekends. If you have your own boat, the public launch is free.

What's the best time to fish Garden Lake?

May through June and September through October. Spring offers fast walleye fishing in the shallows; fall offers cooler weather and aggressive fish. Summer is possible but requires patience with thick weeds.

Do I need a Minnesota fishing license?

Yes. You need a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish Garden Lake. Licenses are available online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, at sporting goods stores, and at many resorts in Ely.