Ashland Area Fishing Report for Dec. 23, 2015
~ Fishing guides Roger LaPenter and Luke Kavajecz from Anglers All, 715/682-5754, report the following:
This report is about the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay. Well, we sure could use a blast of that polar vortex right about now! Even though shoreline ice has finally started to form in the bay during the last few days, anyone who asked Santa for ice-fishing is going to be disappointed.
Diehard anglers are still going out in their boats – weather permitting – and doing pretty well. “When conditions allow, there’s plenty of fish to be had,” noted Luke Kavajecz, fishing guide with Anglers All in Ashland.
In addition, there are still some great fishing opportunities sans boat with decent walleye action reported along the Ashland shoreline. The Xcel Energy “hot pond” and the coal dock in Washburn are also productive places to fish from shore as well as the mouths of the Sioux and Onion rivers, according to Luke.
If you must get your ice-fishing mojo on, you should try one of the area’s smaller inland lakes. Luke said they now have 3-5 inches of ice on them. “I’m talking about the pothole lakes, not the big inland lakes,” Luke explained. “Folks are catching panfish – crappies and bluegills – on those tiny lakes.”
And please remember: No ice is ever 100% safe! Conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior. Please have all the necessary safety equipment with you such as ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case, a life jacket and length of rope. For your own safety and especially if you are unfamiliar with the area you will be fishing, hire a local guide or check with a bait shop prior to venturing out on any ice.
Ice safety: Did you know?
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly‑formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially‑thawed ice may not.
Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
(Ice safety information taken from Wis. and Minn. DNR websites.)
And even if you’re holding out for the Big Lake to freeze, it’s definitely time to at least prepare for ice-fishing season. By ensuring that your equipment is in good working order now, you will be able to head out onto the ice as soon as it forms!
These items should be among those on your readiness checklist: review ice safety information, inspect your portable ice shack, check your ice auger, and invest in a good pair of ice cleats. Anglers All has numerous items in stock for hard-water season with more gear on the way, so be sure to stop in.
For the most complete and up-to-date fishing report, just give them a call at Anglers All and they will gladly keep you informed!
~ The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-284-9484, reports:
Fishing is always a thrilling adventure in the Ashland area! Chequamegon Bay is famous for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing. The 12-mile-long bay’s rock piles and breakwater structures make for perfect bass habitat.
A very Merry Christmas to you and those you love from the Ashland Area Chamber!!
The 20th Annual Book Across the Bay, a cross-country ski and snowshoe race across the frozen surface of Lake Superior, is set for Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Book Across the Bay is held at night (the race begins at 6 p.m.) and the 10K course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route, truly a magical sight to behold. Visit www.batb.org to learn more and to register.
Ashland’s 6th Annual King of the Bay Snowmobile Drag Races will be Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at Maslowski Beach. Held on the ice of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, this exciting event offers hot snowmobile racing action with 660-foot tracks on both shaved ice and groomed snow. King of the Bay also features raffle prizes, concessions and awards in more than 60 classes. Go to www.ashlandkingofthebay.com for more details.