Ashland County Fishing Report
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: Access on the Ashland side of the Bay is in good shape, except for 2nd Landing where you need a machine to access.The Bay area in general has 20 plus inches but be sure and check your way with the ice bar. Machine travel has been the norm. Always remember to use caution!!!! You should always call ahead for an ice condition report. Fishing has been very good but 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. It’s really good ice fishing right now. Beware of pressure cracks!!! Conditions can change around pressure cracks. 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!!!!!
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 from River Rock reports: There has been good fishing out there with a lot of Browns and white Fish being caught by Long Island. The Bay on the Ashland side has 24 plus inches of ice. (keep in mind that some areas do vary in ice depths). The Washburn side of the Bay has approximately 24 inches of ice. There is a very large pressure crack on the Washburn side so use caution when crossing it. Ice conditions change often near pressure cracks. Machines are appearing throughout the Bay. River Rock now carries bait from a local manufacturing company, Bait Rigs Tackle Company in Ashland, owned by Tony and Sara Brown! Great White Fish Bait!!!!!! There are a lot of Smelt appearing around the Light House. If you are looking for Browns, Walleye or Perch, move away from where the Smelt are appearing. They are starting to bob for Lake Trout out beyond Basswood and Hermit Island. But use extreme caution!!!! Don’t venture out by yourself unless you’ve had experience in this area or if you are with a guide!! 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 and a few Walleye showing up. Snow cover does make it slushy on the Inlands so be aware!
Always bring your ice fishing safety equipment with you. the Ice road is open right now to Madeline Island. 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!!!!!