Snowbank Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake about 15 minutes south of Ely

Snowbank sits in the heart of the Superior National Forest, roughly 15 miles south of Ely on the Fernberg Road corridor. It's a shallow, productive lake — most of it runs 15 to 25 feet deep, with scattered deeper holes — and the weed growth is heavy enough that you'll spend as much time picking vegetation off your lure as you will casting. That's not a complaint. Weeds mean walleye and pike, and Snowbank holds both.

The lake covers about 1,100 acres and has a reputation as a solid walleye fishery, especially in spring and fall when the water cools. Pike are present year-round and grow fat on the abundant forage. Summer fishing is possible but tougher because the shallow water warms quickly and the weeds become so thick that you're limited to early morning and late evening. Winter is productive if you're willing to deal with the cold and the crowds — Snowbank is one of the more popular ice-out destinations for anglers within an hour of Ely.

Key Takeaways

  • Snowbank is a shallow, weedy lake best fished in spring and fall when walleye are most active and the vegetation is easier to navigate.
  • You'll need a Minnesota fishing license and a Superior National Forest pass to park at the public access; both are available online or at local retailers in Ely.
  • The main public landing is on the north shore and has a paved ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and vault toilets but no fuel or food.
  • Walleye respond well to live bait (shiners and crawfish) and jigs tipped with minnows; pike will take larger presentations including crankbaits and soft plastics.
  • The lake is open to motors up to 25 horsepower, so you can cover water efficiently, but many anglers use smaller boats or canoes because the shallow depth and weed growth reward precision over speed.

Getting to Snowbank and What You Need to Bring

From Ely, take Highway 169 south to Fernberg Road and follow it for about 12 miles. The main public access is well-marked on the north shore. You'll need a current Minnesota fishing license (available online at the state DNR website or at tackle shops in Ely) and a Superior National Forest pass to park. The pass is $5 per day or $30 per year and can be purchased at the parking area itself or ahead of time online through Recreation.gov.

The landing has a paved boat ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and vault toilets. There is no fuel dock, no bait shop, and no food — bring everything you need. The ramp is usable year-round, though spring and fall are when you'll see the most traffic. In winter, the parking area is plowed but the ramp itself is not, so you'll be walking your boat down.

Snowbank is open to motors up to 25 horsepower. A 16- to 18-foot boat with a shallow-water draft works well, but many anglers fish it successfully from 14-foot rigs or even canoes. The shallow water and weed growth mean you don't need speed — you need the ability to position yourself precisely and move slowly through the vegetation.

Spring and Fall: When Walleye Are Most Cooperative

Spring fishing (late April through May) is when Snowbank shines for walleye. The water is cool, the weeds haven't fully emerged, and walleye are feeding aggressively after spawning. Focus on the deeper holes and the transition zones where shallow flats meet deeper water. Live shiners or crawfish under a slip bobber work well, as do jigs tipped with minnows. Work the edges of weed beds and any hard-bottom areas you can locate with your sounder.

Fall (September through October) is equally productive. The water cools again, walleye move shallower, and the weed growth begins to die back, making navigation easier. The same presentations that work in spring — live bait and jigs — are effective in fall, and you'll often find walleye in 8 to 15 feet of water along the weed edges.

Both seasons see higher angler pressure, especially weekends. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive. Sunrise and sunset are peak times year-round, but in spring and fall you can catch walleye throughout the day if you're working the right structure.

Summer Fishing and the Weed Challenge

Summer (June through August) is when Snowbank becomes difficult. The shallow water warms quickly, walleye move deeper or become less active, and the weed growth becomes so dense that you'll spend more time clearing your line than fishing. If you do fish in summer, focus on early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset). Fish the deeper holes — the few spots that reach 30 to 40 feet — and use live bait rather than artificials, since you'll spend less time picking weeds off a bobber rig.

Pike, however, remain active in summer and will hunt in the shallows, especially in low-light conditions. If you're targeting pike in July and August, throw larger soft plastics or crankbaits in the early morning and evening, and don't be afraid to work the thickest weed cover you can find. Pike hunt in the vegetation.

Winter Ice Fishing and the Crowds

Snowbank is one of the most popular ice-fishing destinations within an hour of Ely, which means it can be crowded, especially on weekends and during the first few weeks after ice-out. The shallow water freezes solid by mid-December, and the ice is typically safe by late December. The season runs through March, though late February and early March are when most anglers fish it.

Walleye and pike both bite through the ice. Jigging with live minnows is the standard approach — work the deeper holes and the edges of weed beds. Many anglers set tip-ups with live shiners and jig with a smaller rod in the same area. The bite is often best in the first hour after sunrise and again in the last hour before sunset, though midday can produce if you're in the right spot.

The parking area is plowed, but bring a snowmobile or ATV if you want to fish far from the ramp — the lake is large enough that walking across the ice to productive water can take time. A portable shelter is essential for comfort, and the wind can be brutal on the open ice.

Pike Fishing Year-Round

While Snowbank is known for walleye, pike are abundant and often overlooked. They grow well here — 24- to 28-inch fish are common, and larger ones are caught regularly. Pike respond to larger presentations: 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, crankbaits in the 3- to 4-inch range, and live bait (larger shiners or small panfish).

Spring and fall are good times for pike, but they're active year-round. In summer, fish the weed edges and the deeper holes during low-light hours. In winter, pike will bite on larger jigging spoons and live bait fished on tip-ups. Many anglers fish for both walleye and pike simultaneously by using a larger jig or spoon that appeals to both species.

What to Know Before You Go

Snowbank is a catch-and-release lake for walleye — check the current Minnesota DNR regulations before you fish, as rules can change. Pike have a slot limit or size restriction depending on the year; verify the current rules on the DNR website. The lake is open year-round, but access is easiest from April through October.

Cell service is spotty to nonexistent on the water, so tell someone on shore where you're going and when you expect to return. The Superior National Forest is bear country — store food and trash properly if you're camping nearby. Mosquitoes are fierce in June and July; bring insect repellent.

Snowbank is part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness system, but the lake itself allows motors and is not part of the permit-required wilderness. You can fish it without a BWCA permit, though you should understand the regulations that apply to the Superior National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Superior National Forest pass if I'm just fishing from shore?

No. The pass is required only if you're parking a vehicle at the access area. If you walk in or access the lake from private property, you don't need one. However, most anglers use the public landing, which requires the pass.

What's the best time of year to fish Snowbank if I'm new to the lake?

Spring (late April through May) is the most forgiving time. The water is cool, the weeds are minimal, and walleye are actively feeding. You don't need specialized knowledge of deep structure — fish the shallower areas and the weed edges, and you'll catch fish.

Can I fish Snowbank with a canoe?

Yes. Many anglers canoe Snowbank, especially in spring and fall. The shallow water and weed growth actually favor a canoe because you can move slowly and quietly. Bring a small anchor or stake out in the weeds to hold position while you fish.

Is Snowbank good for pike fishing?

Yes. Pike are abundant and often underutilized by anglers focused on walleye. Spring, fall, and winter are all productive. Use larger lures and live bait, and fish the weed edges and deeper holes. Many anglers catch pike while targeting walleye.

What should I do if I get stuck in the weeds?

Weed growth is part of fishing Snowbank. Use a weed rake or your hands to clear vegetation from your prop and lower unit. Many anglers carry a small net or rake specifically for this. Slow, deliberate movement through the weeds is better than trying to power through — you'll get stuck less often and spook fewer fish.