Chequamgeon Bay Smallmouth

[Jim Hudson]

Hey guys, just thought I would sneak a post in here for all you bass fanatics. Just to let you in on what is happening up here on the big lake for these bronzies.

First, I just want to say if you have never experienced smallmouth fishing out here on the Bay, it is a must try for anyone into bass fishing. The size and numbers of these fish out here is fantastic, as we have a 22" minimum size limit and the fish are thick. And I mean thick.

So with that, the fish are still in pre-spawn mode and people are catching fish. The numbers seem to be down, but that coincides with the nasty weather we have been getting the past few weeks. The water temps are starting to rise so the fishing will get even better. The fish are concentraited in and around an area called the Sand Cut and Kakagon slough area where right now most fish are coming out of 6 to 8 feet of water on jerk baits and or a jig/plastic combo. Soon a lot of these fish will move up really shallow, in the 2 to 4 foot depth and you can sight fish them. This will coincide with the water temps reaching the upper 50's. Then people will start to fly fish for these babies too. I have never done this, but will be attempting it this year pulling big streamers and poppers, where I hope to watch a big fish bust the surface.

It literally is a blast to fish these smallies out here all times of the year. Where a few fish in the 20 to 21 inch range are common in a day of fishing with a lot of 15 to 19 inch fish. I would say the average size of the smallies out here are 18 inches and a good 3 pounds or a bit bigger. There are some out there that go 22" and bigger. Last summer, I laid my hands on a fish that taped 22 3/4 that hit a trolling presentation for walleyes. And a friend of mine, boated a fish just a hair over 24".

[Deitz Dittrich]

thanks for the post Jim.. as you know, I plan on hitting it for the first time the week of June 13th... hopefully the weather will cooperate and the fish should be hot then too... I cant wait!!! Hopefully we can meet up at that time.. as we get closer I will e-mail you.

[Jim Hudson]

Yup... It will be a blast Dietz.. I for sure will have time to take you out and explore for these critters. Like you said, the fishing should be hot.. But my main concern is for the weather to be hot... Cause man, I am sick of fall weather in the spring...

[wyldewal]

Thanks for the info, me and my buddy were just planing our trip the other night. We're thinking either a couple of days before memorial day or a couple of days after. We're trying for mid week to avoid a few poeple. hopfully the weather cooperates . I Can't Wait To Catch Them Bronze Backs.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I'm so with you on that one.. sick of the cold rain.. However, everything seems to have a silver lineing. The weather has pushed back our bass spawn here in MN and we will be pretty close here I think. Should be a good opener here this year.

[ThunderCat]

i just checked the map and wow thats kinda far. how far is it from duluth if i take hwy 2? Also i got a 12ft alum boat with trolling motor, will i be able to fish it?

[Jim Hudson]

A 12 footer could be done, but I wouldnt suggest it, as winds (especially from the east or west) can bring some waves into these shallow areas. If you want to fish the area and dont want to bring your boat let me know, I can reference you to some top guides in the area.

But the area is just under 1.5 hours from Duluth, straight east on HWY 2.

And here is a pic of one of the many smallies swimming in the area right now.

[rascalP]

Thundercat,

I would second what JKH said. The trick isn't getting out there, it's getting back! Last year we were on the other side of Oak Point and the wind switched from a light NE breeze to a strong,strong 20-25 mph wind out of the south, literally in FIVE minutes. Quickest weather change I've ever seen. Most boats were heading in with us against 3-4ft whitecaps. Been in bigger water on Mille Lacs, but when you consider Superior is just a stones throw away, the Bay should not be under-estimated. Fog nearly messed us up one year, too. GPS is almost necessary. Be careful, and keep life jackets handy. That, we learned, is the law.

Oh yeah -- have fun, and enjoy the fishin'

rascal

[wyldewal]

Definitly bring a GPS. I forgot mine a couple years back, and the fog was so thick we couldn't even see the end of the dock. We were just about ready to head home When my buddy decided to buy a new GPS from a local store. He saved the day of fishing and we ended up catching 76 smallies, the biggest being about 4.5 pounds, and a lot of cookie cutters about 3 pounds.

Definitly a great day!!!

[Captain B.R.K]

nice pic. JKH431!

Where would a guy camp if they were to stay up there for a weekend (Friday-Sunday) and what would an out of state licenses fetch a guy too?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Non-res full year licence is $40 BRK... dont know about the camping!

[rascalP]

BRK

Perch Lake Nat. Forest campground, south of Delta. It's about 35 min. SW of Ashland. Nice campground and puts you in the middle of some nice LM lakes.