Ashland County fishing report
Luke from Anglers All reports: Fall is definitely here. We have had a beautiful autumn week in the Chequamegon Bay Area. Local rivers are coming down. There should also be some good mudlines forming up out in the lake for those looking to troll. Fishing the edges of those mudlines can be very productive. Some of the best trolling of the year is upon us, and it's also some of the easiest fishing. Planer boards, or flatline trolling is most productive. Floating rapalas, scatter raps, flicker shads and bombers are all popular lures to run. Fish have been caught in the 15-20 ft depth range trolling lures about 5-10 feet down. Some days the fish are out over deeper water, but still high in the water column.
On light tackle, the fishing has been great for near shore trout right up shallow in the rocks. Throwing spoons, x-raps, or soft jerk baits has put some nice splake, browns and even a few Steelheads in the boat.
Smallmouth fishing is getting better by the day, water temps are still hanging right near mid-50 degrees, but its cooling down a little bit everyday now. In the fall, look for schooling fish near deep breaks, rocks, or places of current. If you find one, there will be others. Dropshotting, jigging spoons and live bait work best.
River Rock Inn and Bait Shop reports: This last week has been unseasonably warm in the Chequamegon Bay Area, but it will cool down fast. So get out there while you can!!. Small Mouth have been active in the 15 foot area. Anglers are catching fish on the East End of the Break Wall, The Rock Pile, Tip of Long Island, Around the End of Houghton Point, and even off of the area of Oak Point in 13 to 15 feet of water. Sucker Minnows with artificials have been a good choice. We have picked up an occasional Northern and a few Walleyes in these areas also. Mid-day we have even seen a few perch. We are seeing Salmon all over and along the Bay and Shorelines.
We are seeing fish in the rivers now and having a good fall run! There are a lot of fish in Chequamegon Bay. The water is a bit dirty right now but clearing up daily. There are very nice fresh fish in the Rivers and the Bay!!!
Inland fishing has been productive. The Blue Gills, Crappies, Perch and Bass are very active on the Inlands using crawlers. Fall Musky fishing has been great. Shore fishing off the Marina Sea Wall, Power Plant and the Base of the Ore Dock has brought in many fish from Rock Bass to Walleyes. Anglers are soaking Smelt and catching fish! Don’t be afraid to switch up gear mid-day. We are having awesome fall fishing! Enjoy!!!!!
It won’t be too long and you will need to get your ice fishing gear together. River Rock will have their ice fishing gear out soon! Welcome to the fall hunters!