Ashland County Fishing Report
February 28, 2019
Anglers All, located at 2803 E. Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Highway 2) in Ashland, is a full-service tackle and fly shop offering a huge selection of baits and tackle for year-round fishing. For the most complete and up-to-date fishing report, just give them a call at 715/682-5754, and they will gladly keep you informed! Carolyn from Anglers All reports: Reports are that there seems to be a little more slush on the Washburn side of the Bay and further out. We have had a lot of snow and wind lately so we do have a lot of drifting and some slush inside the bay. Suggested travel, a long track snowmobile. Ice conditions change daily so make sure to check your way and check the weather conditions. The Ashland side of the Bay has up to 20 inches and the Washburn side of the Bay is reported to have up to 18 inches in spots. People are fishing the deep water for lake trout, and if you have never fished the apostle islands area, the safest route is to get a guide. Always check your way. Reports are saying a good mixed bag of fish are being caught! Browns, Splake, and White Fish are being caught all over the Bay right now. Call us at Anglers All and we will give you an update on what we are hearing about the ice condition. Be smart, call ahead. Know the area you are ice fishing. Bring your ice bar and safety equipment including flotation equipment at all times. There are people fishing the Inland Lakes in both Ashland and Bayfield County and they are catching fish! Check for safe ice at all times!!! Be cautious.
River Rock Inn & Bait Shop, located at 1200 W. Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Highway 2), in Ashland where you can stop in and see their wide variety of live bait, fishing tackle, gear, accessories, fresh and smoked fish from Lake Superior, local meat sticks, and microbrews, and much more. Call them at 715/682-3232 for the most current fishing report. Scott Bretting reports: Lots of snow making it tough to get around, use a snowmobile or something with tracks. Houghton Point has around 12 inches plus of ice. There is a pressure crack you have to cross just out of Washburn about 1/2 mile East of the Coal Dock, where travel is not recommended with a wheeled vehicle. Be aware that the South Channel between Long Island and Madeline Island is never safe ice! Be familiar with that area before venturing out. Anglers are fishing the Basswood and Hermit Island area and catching White Fish, Browns, Coho’s, Splake Lake Trout and more. It is advised to either use a Fishing Guide or experienced Angler before going to these areas! Anglers on the Ashland side of the Bay report 24 plus inches of ice. However, you need to check your own ice as you go. By the Breakwater lighthouse there are Sturgeon’s being caught. Folks are taking machines out on the S-Curve and catching some nice Browns, Splake and Cohos. Reports of 15 plus inches of ice in front of Washburn now. Anglers are fishing off the Sioux and Onion catching nice fish in that area. The ice road to Madeline Island is open for now to light vehicles. We have a lot of snow around the Islands and reports are saying there is a lot of slush. Keep in mind that slush will make the ice deteriorate faster so be aware. The Inlands have fish able ice and there have been reports of a good mix of fish being caught including some nice Walleyes and Northern’s. Check out River Rock Inn and Bait Shop FB page or the Rod and Gun Club FB page. Always remember no ice is safe ice. The Neighborly Bar, Mellen, and the Rod and Gun Club all have ice fishing contests coming up.
03/02-03/2019
ICE-O-RAMA – Contestants can fish anywhere in the Chequamegon Bay. Held by the North Wisconsin Rod and Gun Club. Begins Saturday at 5am, ends Sunday at 12pm. All fish must be registered by 12pm on Sunday. No frozen fish registered. $10 entry fee. 1st place: $2,500, 2nd place: $1,000, 3rd place: $250, 4th place: $200, 5th place: $100. Additional cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd place. Tickets are available at River Rock Inn & Bait Shop, Neighborly Bar, Anglers All, Barrel Inn, NWRGC Members, Office Bar, and Sparky’s Bar & Grill. Proceed fund Kid’s Fishing Contest held in August. For more information, call 262-689-0536 or email contactnwrge@gmail.com.