Ashland Area Fishing Report
~ 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. Ice fishing season is really underway now!
“Things are shaping up nicely on the ice after our last cold snap and we're getting out throughout Chequamegon Bay now,” commented Anglers All guide Luke Kavajecz. “As always though, take caution before heading out.”
“And be prepared for heavy pack ice along the shoreline with it being a little rough until you get out a little ways,” added Carolyn Swartz, co-owner of Anglers All in Ashland.
Luke said there really hasn't been one "hot" bite on the bay, but rather a great mix of fish coming through at most of the spots. “Perch, whitefish, brown trout and the occasional walleye can all be found in the same spots lately. Smaller jigging spoons tipped with a shiner tail have worked best, as well as Hali Jigs.”
Over in Washburn, anglers have been catching some fish off the coal dock, such as brown trout, whitefish and smallmouth bass, mostly using shiners.
On the inland lakes, people have been targeting crappies along with northerns and walleye. Extreme caution is urged, however. “Even though you see people out there, you should still use an ice bar and check your way as you go,” warned Carolyn.
“Things can change fast, so if in doubt, don’t go out,” Luke advised.
Acorn Armagost of Iron River hauled in this 29-inch walleye Jan. 20 while fishing an inland lake west of Ashland with Josh Teigen’s Guide Service in Iron River. The behemoth was caught using a Beaver Dam Tip-Up with a shiner minnow. The fish was released after the moment was preserved for posterity on film. (Photo courtesy of Josh Teigen)
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!
~ Fishing Guide Scott Bretting from River Rock Inn and Bait Shop, 715/682-3232, reports the following:
“Guys are starting to venture all over the bay now, walking off the Washburn side and taking machines (snowmobiles and four-wheelers) off the Ashland side,” said Scott Bretting, owner of River Rock Inn & Bait Shop.
“As always, use EXTREME caution on this early ice,” Scott stressed. “Check everywhere you go. Just because you might see a machine somewhere, don't ever assume it's safe!!”
He reminded anglers that fresh snow will cover up dangerous ice conditions. “With the snow cover, you can’t see the transition from new to old ice so that snow can be very deceiving.”
Scott said there seems to be plenty of bait fish around and a lot of smelt, “which is good for the longevity of the sport fish.”
“They’re getting a decent amount of perch, browns and whitefish,” he noted. “The fish are migrating and moving around all of the time in the bay, so there’s no one certain spot that’s best.”
He said rattle spoons tipped with a shiner head, and Vibratos have been getting good results. “Also the Beaver Dam Tip-Ups with a full shiner have been producing in anywhere from 15 foot of water out to 24 feet.”
Scott commented on the extensive pack ice this year and the rough, uneven surface this has created near shore. He also noted that there is still open water off the tip of Long Island. “You can see steam coming off the lake in that area.”
Scott said people are walking out from the S-curve, also known as Bono Creek Landing, between Ashland and Washburn. “The ice is getting thicker out that way, probably 4 inches or more.”
Anglers have been fishing at the head of the bay as well, typically getting “holdover” fish, some “nice browns, and the occasional steelhead and Coho salmon.”
Fishing has been steady for a variety of species on Chequamegon Bay with no single fish really standing out. “Walleyes have been around, but they've been in some out-of-the-way places,” observed fishing guide Luke Kavajecz with Ashland’s Anglers All, who didn’t seem to have any trouble locating one nonetheless. (Photo courtesy of Luke Kavajecz)
Scott explained that these are fish that didn’t spawn in the fall. “They end up staying around there because, for whatever reason, conditions weren’t right for them to spawn.”
Stop in and see their great selection of live bait, fishing tackle, gear, accessories, smoked fish, and much more at River Rock Inn & Bait Shop on West Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Highway 2)!
Please remember: No ice is ever 100% safe! Conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior in particular. 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.)
~ 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.
- The Gordon Lake Annual Ice Fishing Tournament at Northern Lure Resort & Campground, 23913 Preib Rd., Glidden, will be held Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The minimal entry fee includes lunch. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish. For more information, call 715/264-3677 or check out www.northernlure.com.