Ashland Area Fishing Report for Feb. 12, 2015
~ Fishing Guide Roger LaPenter and wife Carolyn Swartz from Anglers All, 715/682-5754 (http://www.anglersallwisconsin.com), report the following:
This report is about the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay. The mid-season ice fishing is really great with plenty of opportunities to haul in just about everything that swims out there.
Travel conditions on the bay and to points north remain excellent, though the recent high winds have caused some drifting so just be aware and watch for that.
There is a large pressure crack that has developed out at Second Landing. Anglers should be wary before venturing out from there or using it as a vehicle access point. Snowmobiles and ATVs may be the better option for travel to and from Second Landing at the moment.
As always, conditions can change rapidly on Lake Superior. For your own safety and especially if you are unfamiliar with the area you will be fishing, hire a local guide or check with a bait shop prior to venturing out on any ice.
North of Ashland, nearshore fishing for trout has been pretty good with some days better than others. Whitefish are being caught out in 70-80 foot of water (FOW) as well as the occasional herring.
“A lot of whitefish are being caught off of Red Cliff and out near Bayfield,” said Carolyn Swartz from Anglers All, “and some have been caught in the bay here, too.”
In Chequamegon Bay proper, smelt fishing has been good out near the lighthouse and in the deeper water of the channel. If you can find a good weedbed, you can catch smelt all day long on some days. Use a super-light rod rigged with a Hali jig tipped with waxies or a minnow head.
The perch fishing off of Second Landing has been good in anywhere from 10-12 FOW. And once again, look for weedbeds because they like a bit of cover.
On the inland lakes, anglers continue targeting crappies, Carolyn said.
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.
The 19th annual Book Across the Bay 10K cross-country ski and snowshoe trek over the frozen surface of Lake Superior will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14. This year the 6 p.m. race starts at Maslowski Park in Ashland and, as usual, ends at Thompson’s West End Park in Washburn. For more information, please go to www.batb.org or call the Ashland Chamber at 715/682-2500.