Ashland Fishing Report
By Maribeth Monroe Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce
Trout and Salmon
The trolling bite continues to be very good here in the bay and up into the islands. Coho are making up the most of the catch, and limits for most boats have been the norm. Trolling stick baits and smaller crank baits off boards has been the ticket most days - but, incorporating downriggers, lead core and dipsys with smaller spoons and dodger/fly techniques are also catching fish. Remember, its working an entire spread of lures to your advantage that is key to keeping on these fish at all times.
Walleye, Pike, Sturgeon and More
There has been quite a bit of action starting to happen around the Ashland shoreline right now. Quite a few of the fish have not spawned yet, so we are seeing a push into the shorelines of Walleyes and Pike. Shore fisherman and boat fisherman are catching quite a few more of these fish right now. Also, folks are now catching Sturgeon and other fish like Browns and Whitefish along the Ashland shoreline by anchoring and using dead bait.
In the shallow water of the Sloughs, a few perch are around and some pike. Smallmouth are just starting to show up in the shallows - opener should be REAL GOOD.
Smelt
There still are no reports of the Smelt coming in for the Annual Smelt Run. But the local Smelters say “be patient” it will happen soon!