1-20-14 Ashland Area Fishing Report
~ Fishing Guide Roger LaPenter from Anglers All, (715)-682-5754, http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com Reports: This report is about the Ashland side of the Bay. People are walking out from shore to ice fish and using snowmobiles. They are checking their way with a spud. If you are thinking of venturing out to Ice Fish in other areas you should call ahead to ask what other Anglers and Guides are saying about the ice in those areas. Fishing has been best in the 20 to 30 fow in the channel or drop-off to the channel out by the light house. The wet spots have more than likely frozen over but Anglers should always be aware that there may be some near shore. Anglers are reporting every species of fish seem to be biting. You never know what you will catch on any given day but you will catch fish!!! Be aware of snow drifts and hard packed drifts. ATV’s are mostly getting stuck right now so we advise you to use snowmobiles for easier access. The Inland Lakes in Ashland County have had decent Crappie and Pan fishing. Most of the slush is now frozen over on the Inlands. For a safe, current ice fishing report give us a call at Anglers All and we will keep you informed.
~Fishing Guide Nate Baron from Up North Guide Service and Fishing Guide Scott Bretting from River Rock Inn and Bait Shop, 715-682-3232 http://riverrockinn.net Reports:
Action continues to be good on Chequamegon Bay and Lake Superior this past week as more Anglers get out to take advantage of the warm temperatures. Ice Roads are now being maintained at Kreher Park, behind Anglers All and out of Second Landing. There is a good number of permanent Icehouses out from the Oredock and Tern Island.
PLEASE be considerate to the Icehouse owners on the Bay and not drill holes anywhere near their Shacks. It creates flooding and a lot of unwanted work and despair for the owner. Some nice Walleyes are being caught on Tip-Ups and Jig and Minnow before Dawn or right near Dusk. The Perch bite has been good in the Bay with a lot of small ones being caught. Good catches of Coho, Brown Trout and Whitefish have also been coming in on the Bay.
Near shore fishing for Browns, Coho, Splake and Lake Trout has been excellent. Cover the depths from 8 FOW out to 50 FOW on steep breaks with tip-ups and Automatic Fisherman to increase your chances on the roaming Trout.
Ice thickness varies from 8-14" off of the Bayfield Peninsula. Anglers are heading out of Bayfield and Red Cliff on Snowmobiles with good traveling and minimal snow and slush. The line of ice currently extends from Stoughton Island to Cat Island (Conditions can change rapidly with high winds and current). The Bobbers for Lakers were able to get out as far as Manitou and Stockton with reports of good success in 170-190 FOW. Good numbers of Lake Trout have also been found in 30-60 feet of water this past week near shore on steep breaks jigging large Buck-shots and Swedish Pimples tipped with a Lake Shiner head.
Ice conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior with currents and high winds, have all the necessary safety equipment and check ice as you go along.
Good luck on the ice and tight lines to all !
~ The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, visitashland.com 800-284-9484 reports: If you would like an updated ice fishing report or an updated snowmobile report, check out www.visitashland.com . Fishing is great in the Chequamegon Bay Area. February 8th is King of the Bay Snow Drag Snowmobile Races in Ashland near Maslowski Beach. February 15th is Book Across the Bay Cross Country Ski Race and Snow Shoe Trek across Chequamegon Bay Ice at night by the light of the stars and over 1000 luminary lights.