Ashland Area Fishing Report 1/18/2013
Fishing Guide Roger LaPenter from Anglers All, (715)-682-5754, http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com reports:
Roger says the anglers are all saying ice fishing is still great! Anglers are taking machines on the ice but it is still advised to know your ice and where you are fishing. Call for ice conditions. There are reports of many species of fish being caught right out on the bay in Ashland. Perch have been extremely plentiful and there are some nice size Browns being caught. Walleyes, Northerns and `White Fish are biting.
There are some cracks in the ice so it's advised to be cautious. Overall, on the Ashland side of the Bay the ice is in good ice fishing shape.
Jim Hudson, Hudson's On the Spot Guide Service, 715-209-6431, hudson@fishchequamegonbay.com reports:
We are in full swing here in the north country. The ice in the bay is good. On ice conditions, we are seeing 12 to 15 inches on our oldest ice, that stretches from Second Landing to the head of the Bay (south of Bono Creek). This is outlines by a line of pack ice that runs across the entire bay. Past this, 8 to 10 inches is the norm, which runs half way down the channel to Long Island and over to half way to Houghton Point off Washburn. North of here the ice is variable, from 1 to 6 inches and EXTREME caution is needed! No ice anywhere north of Houghton, yet. We have mainly been catching Browns, Coho, Whitefish and a few odd ball species on our trips. Also, the Perch fishing has been good all around the Bay.
Fishing Guide Scott Bretting from River Rock Inn and Bait Shop, 715-682-3232 reports:
Ice wise, here in the bay, we are seeing a foot or more from Second Landing to the head of the bay and just south of Bono Creek. North of here, 8 to 10 inches is the norm and this goes up to about half way between Washburn and Houghton Point. From here north, the ice is variable from 1 to 7 inches, due to current. We recommend everyone still use a lot of caution, as cracks are bad at times, and so are those variable ice conditions we see in certain areas. Always check in here at the shop or keep up to date on our face book page for current conditions as well. For snow cover, we have just a dusting, so ATV travel is best (but be careful around those cracks) but is doable by Snowmobile, fan cooled the best. Bring some dish soap for the slides and you are good to go.
Fishing wise, it’s still been a hodge podge of fish to be caught. Right here in front of Ashland, folks are still doing good in the "basin" area of the mud flat out from the Ore Dock to the Lighthouse. A lot of perch around and still some Whitefish, Browns, Coho, Walleye and Pike cruising as well. 25 feet of water or deeper has been best. Out off Second Landing, the perch bite has been good, with an occasional walleye mixed into the fishing as well. 14 FOW or deeper. Look for spots with some weeds on the bottom to hold the roaming fish in a spot for awhile. Head of the Bay and north, folks are still catching some nice Whitefish and Browns, with this, certain areas seem to be holding the fish the best. Turns, holes and points seem to be key. Moving around a bit to find these key spots is the name of the game. Depth ranges are from 20 to 50+ depending on the area you are fishing. One tip with the Whitefish, use waxies on a small jig or dropper style set-up.
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 800-284-9484...www.visitashland.com Check out our website for a complete listing of lodging and dining in Ashland.
Fish...Shop...Dine...Stay in Ashland, Lake Superior's Hometown, the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin!
Upcoming winter events include:
February 9th, King of the Bay Snow Drags near Maslowski Beach in Ashland. www.kingofthebay.com
February 16th, Book Across the Bay XC Ski Race and Snow Shoe Trek across Chequamegon Bay Ice from Ashland to Washburn. www.batb.org