Ashland Area Fishing Report for April 24, 2014
~ 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), report the following:
Fishing pressure on Chequamegon Bay has been very minimal this past week. The fishing will improve as melting snow and runoff rejuvenates oxygen levels, but it also means deteriorating ice. Exercise extreme caution in the days ahead as ice conditions can change rapidly.
Late ice is the most dangerous, as you can no longer judge ice strength by thickness. "I've seen an ice chisel go through 24 inches of ice in one hard thrust during late ice,” notes Ashland fishing guide Nate Baron.
Ice fishing is winding down and we would no longer encourage anyone to venture out on the ice. If you must, please have all the necessary safety equipment and use good judgment and common sense. Always bring a fishing partner, ice picks, a flotation device or life jacket, rope and a throwable PFD (personal flotation device) while fishing late in the season. Driving vehicles on the ice at this time of year is an accident waiting to happen.
This is a great time to pack up the ice gear and make a list of equipment and tackle needed for the next season. Now is the time to start getting the boat and gear ready for open water and the fast approaching fishing season opener on May 3rd.
The bluegill and crappie fishing is really picking up on the area’s inland lakes. Exercise extreme caution in the upcoming weeks as the shorelines will deteriorate quickly.
If you are unfamiliar with the area you will be fishing, hire a local guide, talk with local fishermen or check with a bait shop prior to venturing out on the ice.
Good luck on the ice and tight lines to all!
~ Fishing Guide Roger LaPenter from Anglers All, 715-682-5754 (http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com), reports the following:
This report is about the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay. Fishing is good right now in the bay’s shallower waters, but not many anglers are venturing out because everyone is tired of the ice fishing and they are anxious for spring to arrive.
People are still walking out from shore to ice-fish and using snowmobiles. We strongly urge you to use snowmobiles or bring a snowmobile with you for easier access. We don’t recommend the use of four-wheelers because of the slush pockets out on the ice.
The ice on the big lake is still good. However, the snow cover has started to melt and turn slushy. The area around the landings is very slushy. If you are thinking of venturing out to ice-fish in other areas, it is very important to call ahead to ask what other anglers and guides are saying about the ice in those areas.
The wind cannot carry the ice out of the bay yet because it’s still locked in there tight. There needs to be more space between the ice and the shoreline and the ice pack needs to be looser before this can happen.
Fishing had been good near the Xcel Energy hot pond, but with the warmer temperatures recently the water in that area is very muddy now and no one is going there. Although the smelt run will not happen for probably at least two more weeks, some smelt are being caught in 20-30 FOW in the bay. Anglers are also having some luck fishing perch off Second Landing.
The fishing pressure has been very low this winter, which means the fish are really well-fed and rested. This should make for a great spring and summer as we can expect to see larger fish out there. Another good thing coming out of this severe winter is the fact that the inland lakes have hardly been touched, which should also make for some great catches once the warmer weather arrives.
For the safest and most up-to-date ice fishing report, give us a call at Anglers All and we will keep you informed.
~ The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, www.visitashland.com, 1-800-284-9484, reports:
Fishing is always great in the Chequamegon Bay area! Don’t miss the upcoming Ashland Gun & Knife Show happening this weekend, April 25-27, at the Bay Area Civic Center, 320 W. 4th Ave. Hours for the event are: Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 715/682-2221.