Ashland Area Fishing Report for May 8, 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:
This makes two years in a row that we have been ice-covered going into the month of May. Last year the ice went out of Chequamegon Bay on May 13, tying the record set in 1972. Several of the area’s inland lakes are also not open at this time. However, the ice is moving around and deteriorating fast out on the bay, especially around structures and the mouths of rivers and streams.
There is open water now at Bayfield and over by Bodin’s Resort in Washburn, but anglers can get caught on the lake if the ice shifts and they might not be able to return from their starting point because of the ice moving in there. In addition, the Washburn coal dock is locked up again. Anglers out trolling are catching some browns along the shorelines.
Ice fishing is NO LONGER an option! Unfortunately, it looks like it may be another 5-6 days or so before we see any large stretches of open water. The Phillips area and some lakes just south of us are open. Check with the local bait shops in the area prior to venturing out.
The streams and rivers in the area are up to their banks following the recent rains and snowmelt. The water is very high and dirty and may remain that way for another week or so. If you do decide to chase steelhead or trout this weekend, be extremely careful wading as the currents are very strong at this time.
Good luck and tight lines to all!
~ Fishing Guide Roger LaPenter from Anglers All, 715/682-5754 (http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com), reports the following:
Fishing is pretty much on hold right now in the Ashland area. Although there is some open water in various spots along Ashland’s shoreline, there is still a lot of ice floating around out there on Chequamegon Bay. Last weekend’s fishing opener was a bust with poor conditions and most anglers not even bothering to go out.
Many of the inland lakes are open now, however, including Lake Namakagon. Hopefully by the beginning of next week, the landings will be open as well. Currently, Second Landing is jammed in with ice and it looks like the ice is all the way out to Long Island now.
Carolyn LaPenter suggests anglers traveling here from a long distance might want to wait until the ice is gone for sure because, for example, even though there is open water in several spots at the moment, the ice could come right back in if the winds shift.
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 finally arrives.
For the safest and most up-to-date 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 an adventure in the Ashland area! And outdoors enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 8th annual Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival coming right up on May 15-17 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. For more information or to register, call 715/682-2500 or visit www.birdandnaturefest.com.