Ashland Area Fishing Report for July 9, 2015
~ Fishing guides Roger LaPenter and Luke Kavajecz from Anglers All, 715/682-5754 (http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com), report the following:
This report is about the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay. Smallmouth fishing has been steady and the bass have transitioned nicely into their summer fishing patterns.
“The weather has been up and down lately, with a nice stretch of good weather followed by storms and wind,” observed Luke Kavajecz, fishing guide with Anglers All in Ashland.
“This time of year, the fish are located on rockpiles, current points and deep edges. Structures in and around Ashland hold fish as well,” Luke noted.
The walleye have remained in the bay and the fishing is still good in the drop-offs into the channel and over the weed beds and humps.
As for trout, browns and lakers are being caught by trollers using mainly spoons, spin-and-glows and mayflies, according to Carolyn Swartz, co-owner of Anglers All.
“There have been reports of good trout fishing out into the Apostle Islands with some really nice fish being caught recently,” said Luke. “We've even seen a few schools of brown trout roaming around some of the smallmouth spots, chasing baitfish early in the morning.”
“People are telling us they are having the best lake trout fishing season this year they’ve ever had,” Carolyn added.
Meanwhile, the streams continue to fish pretty well. Anglers are using overall-type imitators or wet flies like a pass lake, Carolyn said.
“On spinning tackle, small soft jerk baits rigged on light jigs work well to find active fish,” Luke said. “On the fly fishing side, it's hard to beat a Clouser Minnow right now, but big, white baitfish patterns like the Murdich Minnow have been great when the water is rough.”
Thomas Thompson of Antioch, Ill., caught this huge northern pike out on Chequamegon Bay this past week while fishing with Nate Baron of Ashland’s Up North Guide Service. (Photo courtesy of Nate Baron)
As far as daytime hatches, there’s always a caddis hatch. Many anglers are having good results fishing a dry fly as an indicator with a nymph dropper, Carolyn said.
The Hex hatch continues on warm nights along the White and Brule rivers. (For the uninitiated, “the Hex hatch” refers to the emergence of Hexagenia limbata or mayflies, a favorite treat for trout.)
“The fish will go through feeding windows this time of year,” Luke explained, “so if you're not getting a bite, either wait them out or switch spots and look for active fish.”
Josh Teigen of Iron River (left), owner of Teigen Guide Service, and Mark Stahl of Illinois enjoyed “an awesome day on Chequamegon Bay” with Nate Baron of Up North Guide Service. “ Josh teamed up with me for two days and also put a 40-inch northern pike in the bag today,” said Nate. “Lots of laughs and good times. Thanks for the memories, guys!” (Photo courtesy of Nate Baron)
For the most complete and up-to-date fishing report, just give them a call at Anglers All and they will gladly keep you informed!
~ The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, www.visitashland.com, 1-800-284-9484, reports:
Fishing is always a thrilling adventure in the Ashland area! Chequamegon Bay is famous for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing.
Celebrate the centennial of Ashland Harbor’s Breakwater Light and the newest lighthouse in the national park system on Saturday, July 11. Come witness the official transfer of the Breakwater Light from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service. The event will feature an opening ceremony, live music by Big Top Chautauqua founder Warren Nelson, a sailboat parade, outdoor movie, and much more! Ashland’s Historical Society Museum is also planning a weekend of special activities July 11-12 in honor of the lighthouse centennial, including an art display and historical re-enactment.