Ashland Fishing Report 1-04-13
Jim Hudson, Hudson's On the Spot Guide Service, 715-209-6431, hudson@fishchequamegonbay.com reports.
We are on the ice! Yup, the big pond has finally frozen over and we are full steam ahead on the first ice bite of Chequamegon Bay. Brown Trout fishing has been pretty lights out right off the bat, as has the Whitefish. Throw in some bonus Walleye, Pike and other Trout/Salmon and its been a great start to the year. Right now, we are seeing 5 to 8 inches of ice on the thickest of the ice on the bay. Then we have new ice off of this that is 2 to 4
and even some thinner stuff up by Washburn to Houghton Point. No ice to speak of here by Bayfield yet, but, should be soon. To keep up to date, daily on changing conditions always good to check our Facebook page on our website for updates.
For catching, we've done really well on Browns using Northland Buckshots and Macho Minnows. 1/4 ounce has been are go-to size. Glow Perch, Glow Rainbow and Gold Shiner have been great colors. Been catching other species on this as well. Even though this has been working for us, do not overlook other patterns and baits too. Pimples, Kastmasters, Chubby Darters, and a host of other baits are catching fish out here too. On our tip-ups, we've been running a simple set-up of 8lb Fluorocarbon leaders and a split shot with a #8 or #10 treble or single hook onto a Lake or Golden Shiner. Whitefish, chain droppers off spoons, with wax worms or shiner parts have been the ticket. Rustle up the mud a bit and then lift off the bottom and make em chase the bait to get bit.
Inland we have been seeing walleyes still pushed up on weedlines on the clear water we fish. Tip-ups in the morning and evening is best. Crappies and Bluegills in the basins have been the norm.
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 800-284-9484...www.visitashland.com encourages anglers to check the ice before venturing out on Chequamegon Bay. Use a spud to measure the ice where you will be fishing. Always call the local bait shops for a safe ice fishing report.
Upcoming winter events include:
January 12th, Northwoods Harness Club, Sleigh & Cutter Rally at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.
January 19th, the Wisconsin Army National Guard presents High School Ice Fishing “Battle of the Bay”.
There will be many High School Teams from Wisconsin participating in this great Chequamegon Bay Ice Fishing Competition.
February 9th, King of the Bay Snow Drags near Maslowski Beach in Ashland.
February 16th, Book Across the Bay XC Ski Race and Snow Shoe Trek across Chequamegon Bay Ice from Ashland to Washburn.