Apostle Islands, Chequamegon Bay Fishing Reports

[Jim Hudson]

Well the wind from the last big storm knocked out most of the ice remaining the in the islands. Now all we have to contend with is huge rafts of pack ice that have pushed into different bays and such until we can get out into the boats on this end. The bay is still heavily locked in, but the shore ice is starting to break up well.

For landings and such, all were found to be iced in pretty good yet. With a good weeks worth of warm weather, we should see the landings passable for boats, or so I hope.

[Tom Linderholm]

Thanks for the up date Jim, we have a couple boats heading out of Corny (hopefully) next Sunday after we get back from Vegas. Your welcome to jump in with us if your free.

[longcaster]

thanks for the report jim, have you been to port wing?

[jerkin'm]

All the reports are appreciated...Going to try and make the run up next Monday..Hopefully conditions are good by then...

[davesfriend]

Is the bay open yet or still locked down?

[Jim Hudson]

Launches are still locked in here in Bayfield and Red Cliff... Red Cliff is the closest to being open, but maybe not until next week. Bayfield definately not till next week. And am not sure on Bodin's landing between Washburn and Bayfield.

Not sure on Sand Bay or Corny from the past few days, but am thinking the same from what I seen on Sunday.

Only place to lauch a boat right now that I am sure of, is the Sioux River landing (small boats 14 footer max).

The bay is locked in with ice still to Washburn. Areas around the hot pond are open and along the coal dock to shore cast or wade (Hot Pond).

[jerkin'm]

I heard a report that an ice breaker came into Ashland today and they anticipate a pretty good break-up by the weekend..any truth Jim?

[Jim Hudson]

Dont know about the Ice Breaker or not.. But even so, lots of ice in the bay yet.. Am sure the ice will not leave there by the weekend, but everyday the open water creeps along into the bay itself..

Now if we could just get the landings open where there is open water..

[Jim Hudson]

Quick update.. Red Cliff Landing is usable now for boats.. Had to do a bunch of pushing of ice around this morning, but I got it cleared..

Fishing wasnt too fantastic, three fish. Dingy water all throughout the areas I checked and fished today. In pockets of clear water is where I caught fish, all browns. The storm really brewed up the bottom!!!

Bayfield landing was broke open this morning as well, but the ice cakes are still prevelant in the harbor, and launching a boat wouldnt be smart right now.

Good luck this weekend for anyone who is up this way. I'll be back at it next week.

[duckhunter]

Jim,

Have you heard if the harbor is open at Sand bay yet? Thanks for the help.

[longcaster]

Bayfield ramp is open and good to go, we launched the boat there on friday and had no problems.

[davesfriend]

Is there any good forcasts for this coming weekend? I will be on there for the first time and I am hoping that it will not be too rough. I am in a 1750. Not sure how it will handle big rollers.

[walleyeguy7]

I am planning to go out wednesday, does anyone know if the harbor is open at little sand bay? or if the bay itself and raspberry are fishable? any info would be cool I'm about 4 hours south.

[Jim Hudson]

For Sand Bay.. I will check it out tomorrow for you guys.. Usually I dont get up that way often, but am running northbound tomorrow so I will be able to scope it out for you guys..

If you ever need conditions checked there (Sand Bay), dont be afraid to call the National Park Headquarters, they have a ranger station there and am sure they can get you up to date info as well.

For those who have been out, how did ya do? Just got back into town today.. Will be back out the next few days, weather permitting.

Just FYI, the bay itself is still iced over. Another week or so before it is all open down there, the hot pond area is open for small boats and shore fishing for walleyes.

[fishcanoe]

Wguy, I can drive by LSB this afternoon - I live a mile from it. I suspect the water is a bit too cold, but you never know until you get out there.

[walleyeguy7]

thanx, I am heading up tomorrow for sure (wed), I tried to call the ranger station and there was no answer. I am hoping that it is open that is the only area I know.

[fishcanoe]

Walleye - Your good to go. A few chunks of ice that can be pushed aside in the harbor. The bay itself is ice free and a beautiful evening it was. Wed. looks like a nice day - I didn't check the wind though. I should have had my boat out there tonight - it looked nice(real, real nice!). Have you fished LSB before? I'd be willing to exchange some info if your interested. I've got to go hunt some antlers before the mice chew them up... Good luck fishing and enjoy.

[davesfriend]

Is this weekend looking as nasty as they say it is? Friday 30mph gusts, rain and snow all weekend? Has the Chequamegon bay opened up at all? I have heard north of there it is.

[fishcanoe]

Red Cliff and points north are open.

[davesfriend]

Nothing south though? I am heading over on Friday. I am hoping that the waves and rollers are not so big. I don't care about rain and snow. Is it getting pretty busy there with the open water?

[Fisher_Johnson]

Things are opening up a bit on Cheq. Bay, but there is still alot of ice. I was off Bayfield on Tuesday. Everything north of Houghton Point is open. I hope to get out this weekend, despite the snow.

[davesfriend]

If you happen to see a green/white 1750 sportfish with full walk thru getting tossed around, say hi if you would. I like meeting people off this site. I don't know how many wisconsin people use it but I know in MN it is huge.. Name is Nate by the way..

[Fisher_Johnson]

I'll be in a blue 20' Lund Alaskan with Johnson motors. I hope to see you out. The ice in the bay is getting pushed around with the south wind today. There is hope.

[longcaster]

Did you guys do any good out in that nasty stuff?

[Jim Hudson]

The bay ice finally has left with the last winds we had this weekend, where you can get a boat out of Washburn Marina and out of the public landing in Ashland. Unsure about Second Landing though.

For fishing, the near shore trolling is still producing fish, and will do so until we see temps in the high 40's, long ways off yet. Now, you can find browns, splake, coho, etc etc from Ashland all the way to Superior if you wish!!! Hot, bright colors are the best this year, due to dingy water conditions that are still prevelant.

Walleyes are being caught right now in and around Ashland as well, stick baits either trolled or casted in the shallows is the ticket.

Pike are going to be post spawn now, where dead bait tactics and slow moving plastics will get you bit. Look to areas in front of backwater esturaries and creek mouths for the best action.

Bass season opens next weekend. With that, comes an important rule change for the early catch and release season. No live bait can be used and all artificials must be barbless. This law comes from a legislator (Dan Meyer) that pushed this bill, that also included the early catch and release season for musky, into the last budget process. Just be aware of this for those who come and enjoy pre-spawn and spawn fishing for bass.