Fishing Report, April 5, 2018
Smelt Season 2018
Due to cold temps at night there is still a lot of ice on the Bay so at this time there is no Smelting going on yet in the Chequamegon Bay area. As soon as the ice is out of the Bay Smelt season will start. We will keep you posted as soon as we see/hear the ice is out!
Carolyn from Anglers all reports: We still have ice on the Bay and anglers are still ice fishing at this time! The temps are going to be in the 40's next week. The Bay area in general has good ice however, please give the bait shops a call before going out and if they have heard anything they will keep you posted. As it warms up the approaches are getting soft. Always remember to use caution!!!! You should always call ahead for an ice condition report. Conditions can change rapidly depending on the weather! Fishing has remained steady on both sides of the bay with a mixed bag of Browns, Splake, Whitefish, Trout, Perch, Walleye, Northerns and Smelt are being caught. Always beware of pressure cracks!!! Conditions can change around pressure cracks. Areas adjacent to the stream mouths have seen Steelheads, Brown Trout and Coho action. Winds and up and down temps can cause pressure cracks and they have been appearing around the landings. For safe ice fishing, bring an ice bar to check your way…Bring safety equipment, like ice picks. Call for current ice conditions before venturing out and ask what the popular baits are being used!!!!!
All permanent shacks needed to be off the ice by March 15, 2018
Scott Bretting from River Rock reports: There are still people out there ice fishing!! The approaches are starting to deteriorate. There is a very large pressure crack on the Washburn side so use caution when crossing it. Ice conditions change often near pressure cracks. There are a lot of Smelt appearing around the Light House and at the end of the ore dock. They seem to be moving in closer. If you are looking for Browns, Walleye or Perch, move away from where the Smelt are appearing. There is a big pressure crack off of 2nd landing, making it difficult to access the lake from that area.
There are reports on the Ashland side of the Bay of nice Walleye, Perch and White Fish being caught. Use caution in front of Bono Creek (S-Curve) as cracks have appeared. Use your ice bar!!!! Inlands have had some reports on some nice size crappies being caught.
The Tributaries that feed into Lake Superior have opened up to the first barrier. With the inland water being closed for Northerns and other species, the Chequamegon Bay is not closed… So try the big bay! Just because you see tracks, does not mean the ice is safe so be sure and check the ice!!!!! With the freezing temps continuing at night, the ice will be around for a short while yet depending on weather. Keep checking with us. The New License’s are now available for the year. Always bring your ice fishing safety equipment with you. USE CAUTION at all times! Remember to always check your own ice conditions!!!! Bring an ice bar with you at all times!!! Just remember…No ice is safe ice!!!!! The Coast Guard Cutter is coming in on Saturday, April 7th to open up the Ferry Channel.