Walleye fishing Chequamegon Bay

[littletroublemaker]

Going eye hunting/release towards the end of April, out of Ashland. First time on the pond. Is live bait standard? I fish the Croix and area lakes - is the technique the same, such as depth, presentation, tolling? Also heard that I might have to watch out for the 1st Nation's nets?? Will they be in post spawn? And last- will I be able to jump from boat to boat? Thanks

[Jim Hudson]

Little, April open water fishing for 'eyes on Chequamegon can be hot or not... Usually by the end of April, you will be hitting the fish right as the spawn is occurring depending on water temps... But there is still fish to be caught... A lot of people concentrait around the power plants warm water discharge this time of year, but the fish are spread out throughout the bay... And if you want to get away from people, I would suggest searching for spawning structure away from this area... I catch a lot of fish this time of year, throwing stick baits into the shallows, or slow trolling these baits in somewhat deeper water adjacent to where I know these fish are coming in to spawn... Live bait is an option, but I think it is a better bet for post-spawn... Bascially during this time of year, most of these fish are not too interested in feeding, like say right when the ice goes, so I am trying more for reaction strikes from these fish in the shallows...

For nets, the only ones you need to worry about are the smelter's seines at night...

[littletroublemaker]

Thanks JK. That is exactly how I do it here down on the St. Croix. I have researched the pond and know what you are saying. I personally like shad raps here, but I suspect the forage is more linear up there, so longer baits would make sense. And I also figure that it will be more males that will attack at this time. With the clarity of the water, I figure color may be more of a factor. Tie/Change/switch/tie/change/switch. I know the drill.

[buzzsaw]

Any of these piggies in there??? if not, try Pool #4 on the Mississippi....

[Jim Hudson]

Little

Sounds like you have a good handle on it... It is big water and can be a bit overwhelming at first, but just try to key in on structure that will hold fish.. Superior is also a great place to have a underwater camera in your boat.. There is so many species of fish in the bay, that when you run over what looks like to be a pod of 'eyes, they also might be suckers, carps, etc etc etc... But concentrait your efforts shallow, 7 FOW or less during low light conditions, and then the first good break during off hours... The breaks are subtle around the bay... So if you can find 12 FOW to 15 FOW the fish should be around.. One good thing is, you never know what you might catch...

For cranks, I mainly throw Husky Jerks, Supending Rogues, Bomber Long A's, or Storm Thundersticks... And for trolling, I will incorporate these, along with Rebel Fast Tracs.. This again is for the pre-spawn and into spawn and even into post spawn.. A lot of males around indeed, but there are a lot of big brute females too... Plenty of fish over 30" caught in the bay during the spring.. As big and bigger then one shown in that picture..

Nice fish though!!!

[Northlander]

Ya theres plenty of that size and a bunch bigger. Jim I will have to get down there when I get back from Mexico and we can toss some sticks by the H.P.

[Jim Hudson]

When will ya be leaving and getting back Northlander?

[littletroublemaker]

Now I can use those other baits that are itching to get out of the tackle box. Plus I have an excuse to head to FFarm and pick up more. One last question: I am looking at the slough areas on the e-map and does anyone know how far you can fish into a tributary, and yet still stay in the pond? I am going to check the regs today, but with snail internet - takes awhile. Thanks again. Nice to see info to ponder on...

[Jim Hudson]

Little

Up to the first da m or obstruction I believe is the ruling... So pretty much every slough is part of Lake Superior as they are open to the big lake... I have had discussion about this with my local CO and that is what we have concurred... Bascially I feel, if there is water going in to an area from the big lake, it is governed by those regulations..