Ashland County Fishing Report
Anglers All reports: We have had reports that the Ashland side of the Bay has more than a foot of ice. There are anglers using ATV’s, snowmobiles and walking out. We encourage you to always bring your ice bar and have flotation with you for safety. Be cautious and check your way. The ice off of second landing has produced some nice catches of Perch, Walleys, Northerns, Whitefish and Trout. The water clarity is pretty good right now. The Ashland side of the Bay is great to bring the kids fishing where they can just walk out. Shoreline fishing is good right now and lots of Perch are being caught. The Washburn side of the Bay has approximately 10-12 inches of ice, however, there are more pressure cracks to deal with. Brown Trout, Whitefish and Splake are being caught on the Washburn side. There are anglers fishing the Bayfield, Onion River, and Red Cliff area but we stress to bring your ice bar and check your way at all times and call ahead for current information. It’s a good year for catching fish!
Scott Bretting from River Rock Inn & Bait Shop reports: We’ve had cold nights and the ice has firmed up! We have received more fresh snow so be cautious. The water clarity is better on the outer side of Bayfield toward Houghton Point where the ice gets very thin! The snow covers up the outer edge and is thin so use EXTREME caution with the change of ice in that area. Call ahead or stop in and we will keep you updated on ice conditions. Always use caution and think safety! Anglers are catching a mixed bag of fish including Browns, Splake and Walleyes. White fish are being caught in front of Washburn now that the water clarity is getting better. There was a 33 inch Walleye caught recently and a nice Brown. For pictures go to River Rock Facebook page. There is 10-12 inches of ice in Ashland and 8-plus inches in front of Washburn and then it tapers off east of the Washburn coal dock toward Houghton Point. Be ware of a pressure crack in that area and use caution when crossing it. There is no safe ice in the islands yet and no ice beyond Houghton Point yet. There are people taking out machines in front of Washburn and at second landing. We stress using caution! There are anglers getting out on the Inland Lakes where the slush is starting to firm up with the colder temps.