Apostle Islands

[Handsonthepole]

Making our first trip to Apostle Islands next weekend and was wondering if I could gte some advice? I just rigged my boat up with downriggers and was hoping someone could steer me in the right direction on where to start my adventure. Mostly want to fish lakers but wouldn't mind trying for some salmon as well. We are camping north of Bayfield and using the casino marina. I don't even know what tackle to use or what pound wieghts! Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JAR JAR]

Jason I heard that they are still getting cohos off Bayfield and north trolling stick baits on boards . I haven't been out but once this year and spun a bearing on my motor coming in that day so I have not been out.

I would run 4" spoons off the riggers , as for colors I generally use pinks, oranges, and greens and the same goes for stick baits .

good luck

[Handsonthepole]

Thanks! When you are talking spoons are you talking the kind you would cast for pike or something different? I was given two tackle boxes of spoons but they are a much lighter weight and almost bendable. Any clue what trolling speed to focus on? As you can tell this is all new to me. Hopefully I will have a picture or two to share when we get back. Thanks again.

[JAR JAR]

Yes the lighter weight spoons are trolling spoons so you do have the right things and as for speed I like to troll around 2.5 -2.8 mph on the gps.

Good luck and let me know how you do

[Handsonthepole]

A little late with this report but overall I would say my first Lake Superior trip was a success. Unfortunately we didnt get to really utilize the downriggers as all the fish we caught were on the surface in less than 20 ft of water. Using planer boards and stickbaits we ended with 5 lakers, 6 coho and 1 chinook. Fished 2 days for about 5 or 6 hrs each day and the last day just for an hour as it was too nice out to pass up before heading home! We did lose a few as well and had one on that felt quite heavy. One of the coho's was pushing 5 lbs or more. I don't know if that is considered good fishing but it was definitely fun trying something new. I am really chomping at the bit to run the downriggers so pretty sure it won't be long before I head back. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the info!

[JAR JAR]

Nice report!! Glad you got into some fish, now as the water warms you will be able to use the riggers out near the islands or even west towards Port Wing wich is a good area for lakers during the july month.

John

[Handsonthepole]

Is there any camping near Port Wing? On the lake would be nice!

[JAR JAR]

There is a campground right next to the gas station in Port Wing right on HWY 13 it is called Johnson's it's about a half mile from the landing

[Handsonthepole]

John, sent you a PM. Jason