Ashland County Fishing Report
Fishing Report, March 22, 2018
Carolyn from Anglers all reports: Access on the Ashland side of the Bay is still in pretty good shape, except for 2nd Landing where you need a machine to access. 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. Folks are still getting around but some are getting stuck. 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. Always 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!!!!!
All permanent shacks had to be off the ice by March 15, 2018
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. 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. The bit has gotten better.
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. 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 while yet. 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!