Apostle Islands, Chequamegon Bay Fishing Reports

[2thepointsetters]

JarJar-

Wow nice job. My buddy and I got skunked out in the deep water. So did the 15 or 20 other guys that set up all around us. (I went to the spot I showed you on my map) How about trading some ice fishing lessons for a trip out of Duluth in my Baha this spring. I wil be out there Saturday again also. I picked up a new rod and reel that need to be broke in.

[JAR JAR]

I'll be back out with a group this Saturday .... We will be leaving Poplar around 5:30 am ... you are more than welcome to follow along ... probably be at Outdoor Allure around 6:15

Jar

[2thepointsetters]

Sounds good. I will see you at Allure. I might be by myself this weekend.

[JAR JAR]

Shoot me an E jwicklund at manionswholesale dot com

[Jim Hudson]

Conditions have certainly changed a bit out in the islands - and could be changing as I type due to the massive winds after this long warm spell. Am sure that the ice from Bayfield out to the South End of Hermit should be safe, but ya never know with how much momentum the waves can build as it is windy all the way to Superior. Be sure to definately check for rolling ice tomorrow if you are coming and spots the ice may have left.

OVerall, fishing has been consistant the past few days. Been finding fish relatively shallow and deep, so a good mixture of depths for Lakers.. Same goes for the size of the fish - some WHOPPERS and some good eating fish too. Whitefish have been biting well too. Shallow water fish perked up just a bit during the warm-up and I hope that continues!!

[Jim Hudson]

Our latest report..

[WalleyeBIZ]

Finally got out in the boat on sunday! Too bad there was some pretty bad waves out on superior so we had to fish out of washburn. We didn't do to bad. Picked up some salmon and a few browns with a 27.5 inch steelhead to end the day!

[Jim Hudson]

So, a bit of warmer weather around - lets hope it continues that way.. It has definately been a cold spring. Windy too..

But, we still caught fish - trolling has been good still, mainly coho with some trout mixed in. And now, the smallies are starting to snap - a little bit of everything for everyone.

Anyone else been making it out lately?

[Jarrid Houston]

http://www.fox21online.com/greatoutdoors/fishing-guides-help-catch

[Quetico]

How would Chequamegon Bay be for a 14' boat with a 7.5 horse? Is it an issue of pick the day? Or would you avoid it?

I am heading up that direction to stay at my future brother in laws cabin near Cornucopia. I will likely be bringing my buddies little boat. I'm looking to catch whatever.

We had planned to do a day with a guide like Jim but work has been slow this moth.

Any ideas would help. Thanks

[Jarrid Houston]

If the weather stays calm, and winds are around the 10-11 MPH I would think you would be okay. Just might want to hug the calmer shore lines to stay peaceful. Not sure how the fishing may be, but I know they have been doing good for smallies..Drop me a PM if you want some details on a few other area lakes I know of....Gd Luck!

[Jim Hudson]

I would make sure you had the best of days.. But, certainly can fish out there with a 14 footer - lots of people do.. Just be cautious, especially now that we are in the windy time of year.

[dfeste]

Am looking to make a trip down next week and am wondering what you guys would recommend. Ideally we would like to find a mixed bag of trout and salmon but would be happy with either. Is it too early to fish in front of the rivers for salmon? Any lure colors or technigues working better than others? Any help would be appreciated.

Dave

[Jarrid Houston]

Know the regs, pretty sure that lakers season is over. Not for sure though cause I am a walleye guy...

[Jim Hudson]

Dave,

Havent been around for a bit and just caught this.. Hope I am not too late - if I am, sorry about that.

But, fish are in front of the rivers right now - a bit slow the past few days, but it was gang busters for me last week. Think we need another wave of fish to come in, which should be happening soon. The fish are there, but just not as many as last week. Overall though, this week into next week has always been my best for catching on Salmon in the river areas.

Bright colors have been best - oranges, chart, etc on spoons or sticks. And Flasher and or Dodger/Fly combos have been taking fish. Fish the top half of the water column, no matter the depth.

Good luck.

[Xplorer]

Jim,

Not sure if you'll see this, but if so, have you heard anything out of the Saxon harbor area? I'll be down there fishing tomorrow with my son and father in law for the day. Will be looking for coho and browns and maybe a stray eye if we get down toward the bad river area. Temps will be a bit cool but winds are supposed to lay down nicely.

[photo]

Are you guys still catching salmon over there? I am thinking about one last trip over from Duluth next week...unless the salmon have left the area:)

[Jim Hudson]

Sorry, am late on this again.. Just been pretty busy on the water..

Anyhow, still some salmon around. Not huge numbers, but if you put your time in, you will catch a few still.. Browns, Steelhead and Splake mixed in a bit too - again not huge numbers.

We went 5 for 7 the other day and 2 for 2 the next. But, as of late, pretty much on the bass hunt - fall smallies are a blast!!

[photo]

Thanks for the update Jim. I think we are going to make our way over there one more time and give those salmon another shot this week.

[magic_minnow]

Hi! I'm planning an ice trip (Yes I said it, ICE!!!) to Cheq Bay. Was wondering if anyone can suggest an outfitter whom rents ice houses on the lake? With possible plowed roads? Any info is much appreciated, thanks much!

[Jim Hudson]

Photo- should be a few fishes around still. Was out last Sunday and put some nice fish in the boat. Havent been out since though, on the road.

For those coming to the area, wanting to sneak out for some late season SmallMouth, I put together a video explaining on what I use out here and what I look for to find the fish.

[gardn184]

Anyone have an ice report for the bay on the Ashland side of things I saw quite a few guys out Wednesday when I drove by would like to know how thick and consistent the ice is thanks!

[Jim Hudson]

Its still a bit iffy, especially with this last warm-up.. There is some fishable ice, but, its something that you need to check for yourself right now... From Second Landing to a small strip along the Ashland Shoreline..

Alot more ice blew out with the warm weather and strong winds.Hopefully with the next cold snap, things will get back going..

[Jim Hudson]

So, yeah - we are rocking out here on the big water now... From Ashland over to Washburn, we finally have a sheet of ice that is locked in (hopefully will stay for the season now). North of there, everything is still a bit iffy with the wind that is here, despite the cold.

Atv and Snowmobile travel on the Ashland side and walking from Bono Creek and north today - but by the weekend, I would say those spots should be able to support machine travel as well. As always, check as you GO!!!

And with that, here is a short video about gearing up for our water..

[Jim Hudson]

Building more and more ice..

With that - we are now starting our fish house rentals on the bay!! Check them out here: