Open Water-Chequamegon Bay/Apostle Islands

[Jim Hudson]

Well another ice season has come to a close out here on this big pond... And now we will once again switch gears to our open water arsenal... While most of the Bay itself is still locked in with the remaining rotten ice, there are some spots that people are fishing already with some long rods...

A few people are starting to try their luck around the Hot Pond or warm water discharge in Ashland, but from what I have heard and seen, not too many fish are being caught as of yet. But I would have to say the bite in this area will pick up quite fast here shortly.

Most fishing is being done in the bigger stretches of water right now, mainly out of the Bayfield and Bark Bay landings. Also, Saxon harbor has boats going out of it. Great catches have been reported so far with mix bags of trout and salmon. A friend of mine today boated a 13lb brown along with some nice rainbows and cohos. Will be heading out tomorrow to try my luck!!! For Bayfield, there is still some ice around, mainly as you get close to Houghton Point and Long Island and over near Madeline Island. Be aware of changing wind conditions and any ice that gets shifted around.. Would hate to see guys stranded out there in an ice field!!!

Another week or so and we should hopefully see the ice

leave the bay itself!!!

Edit: Hit the water today and had a fine day of trolling up some fish.. 10 fish total for a half day trip.. A combo of Browns, Splake, Coho, and one Lake Trout.. Water is still very cold and the trout species were stacked up against shore. Sticks or spoons produced today at speeds anywhere from 1.5 to 2.0.. Best producers were a 3 1/2 inch Purple Trout Storm Thunderstick and a HJ8 Husky Jerk in Black over Gold... Great start to the open water season for sure...

[jig n' jerk]

Do you guide during the open water season? I would love to try and figure out the big water trolling techniques.

[outdoor ran]

Sounds like you had a good day Jim. Its just nice getting out this time of year, wow what a bonus to get a mixed bag. Is the bay mostly clear of ice now or is there still big sheets moving around? Maybe I will hit it this weekend. Hows the the ramp at Wasburn? Thanks Jim.

[Jim Hudson]

Jig

Unfortanately my guide service is only for the ice season... If things work out, I will be adding some open water adventures into my service... If you wish, I can refer you to some other local guides?

Randy, there is still ice in the bay and Washburn is still locked in.. Houghton Point is ice free now, just have to launch from Bayfield to fish it... But make sure you check for floating ice prior to setting those line... This big NE wind we are starting to get should break up the majority of the ice in the bay though... Hopefully with-in a week or so we will be ice free!!! Areas that are totally ice free and have access would be Sand Bay and Bark Bay. Have been hearing good reports from Sand Bay...

[outdoor allure]

*Here's a little more info for anyone interested, LET THE TROLLING BEGIN! Well, The bay proper is still locked in with ice, but north of Houghton Point the lake is wide open and fishing has been pretty good. You just have to launch from Bayfield or Bodins and watch for floating ice if the wind switches out of the south. Trolling shallow with stickbaits and planerboards has been producing Coho, Splake, Browns, a few Steelheads, and some Lakers. The water is still ice cold so look for fish in real shallow water around rock which absorbs solar energy and warms up quicker. There are people out bobbing (jigging) lakers out of boats too, and doing well. No reports of Smelt yet, but I'm sure people will be trying this weekend in any spot they might find free of Ice in the bay. Smelting should kick in good for next weekend. The only fishing going on in the bay right now is casting in the Hot Pond, and there have been some Walleyes showing up, especially after dark.

*Rivers are still high and muddy, but coming down, and there are some surprisingly good reports coming in from the Sioux, Fish Creek, and the Cranberry right now. Spawn and yarn are still the best bet for these very cold and sluggish steelies, but as soon as we get some warm weather and the fish become more active flyfishing and hardware should start producing better. Casting hardware in the lake off the rivermouths has been producing a good mixed bag of species as well, depending on how long you can handle standing in the ice cold lake.

* As always, keep an eye on the weather. Right now we are under a gale warning throughout the day, and into tonight. The big Nor'easter will no doubt break up most of the ice in the bay and push it around, so be prepared for varying conditions.

Craig,

Outdoor Allure Sport Shop and Guide Service

[Jim Hudson]

Ice in the bay really took a beating today and am sure the rain we received after the really warm temps made some more ice go away... Few more days and we shall be totally ice free in the bay itself.. Havent heard much reports from the smelters, but am sure they are a few giving it a go.

Trolling still has been great out of Bayfield... Trollers are finding fish near Houghton Point, Long Island, in front of the Sioux and the Onion, along the shore near Bayfield, and around the islands. Water temps should rise and the bite should get even better.

[Jim Hudson]

Well it's been awhile since I reported... And now the entire Bay is ice free, and fishing has really begun... But, the cold water that has been pushed into the bay from the non-stop NE/E winds have made the bite in the bay quite tough...Walleye fisherman should do well this weekend with the warming temps and the let up of the wind. Smelters have just recently started to get good catches and this should last a few more days. Pike action has been decent as well. Still have a few more days until the Catch and Release season starts on the smallies...

The more consistant bite still is from Houghton Point and north. Still great mixed bag catches of Trout/Salmon to be had by longlining stick baits up into the shallows.

[Jim Hudson]

This weekend marks the opening for the catch and release season on smallies out here on Chequamegon. Should be another great season on these beautiful bass. Also, along with regular inland opener and the bass opener out here, the sloughs and tributaries open as well for gamefish.

The trolling bite still has been going well. Still look shallow with your stickbaits for a mixed bag of trout/salmon. Along with that, the walleye bite is improving in the bay as well. Post spawn tactics are the name of the game.

[kingr]

I will be staying at Oak island the first weekend in June. I've never fished the bay during open water before, so I'm just looking for a little nudge in the right direction. I guess the group is going after walleyes. So, am i alright with just bringing my jig and bottom bouncer rods or should I throw my trolling rods in as well?

I don't where we're fishing, whether it's in the river or the bay, since I'm not a fellow cheesehead they won't give up the goods! Thanks for the info

[Jim Hudson]

Kingr

Oak island is a little off the beaten path for walleyes... Unless your buddies are looking to score on some early migrants from the St. Louis river... But that really doesnt start picking up until later June...

But if your searching for walleyes, you will want to concentrail in the "bay" itself, around Ashland and Washburn. Fish should still be shallow, and trolling along with live bait rigging will work. So your right in your thinking, bring it all!! You never know what the bite will turn out to be...

But where you guys are staying, you are right in the heart of Lake Trout country... Downrigging and dipsys with spoons and flasher/spin & glows will get you bit on these critters.

[kingr]

JK,

Thanks for the feedback. They claim we're going for eyes, but I was thinking it looked better for trout fishing also. Whatever, Im just the invitee right! I didn't know if the eyes ran up the river or what. Thanks again.

[Jim Hudson]

Anytime man.. and if you have any more questions let me know...

[Jim Hudson]

Well the water is starting to warm, and the inshore trolling bite is starting to die... Browns, coho, kings, splake, and brookies are starting to move from the shallows and suspend out in deeper water... Lakers still can be found throughout the water column, but the recent action has shown the best bite can be found in deeper water. The Flats along with fishing into the islands having been producing well...

Walleye fishing has been slow for the most part, but fish are being caught shallow yet pulling harnasses along with stickbaits in the shallows. Concentrait around the Ashland and Washburn areas..

The bass season is well underway, and the fishing is improving greatly. Most fish are still pre-spawn, with a few fish being seen making nests. Jerk baits, swimbaits, jig/twisters, along with live bait have been working. The Kakagon and the Sand Cut is the place to be...

Northerns are still being found relatively shallow, and with the recent warm weather the action will get better!! Check new weed growth and throw weedless spoons, jerkbaits, bucktails, and even some topwater in the early morning and late afternoon.

Good luck out there...

[rascalP]

JKH,

We'll be up to the bay 6/4-7. Looking for inshore possibilities in case the wind blows hard. Can you give me any input on Long, Half Moon, and Fire lakes near Iron River? Stained or clear? We typically fish bass, but nothing wrong with walleye and pannies, maybe even muskie (if I can talk the other guy's into it). Been to the Pike Chain -- interesting, though very clear. Any help is greatly appreciated. If you prefer, my e-mail is [email protected] Thanks, and maybe see you on the water.

rascal

[Jim Hudson]

rascal

Have never fished Half Moon or Fire (actually never heard of Fire Lake)... But Long is a pretty good lake (for walleyes, northern, and panfish), havent bassed fished it much (I really do not target bass other then on the bay), so I am no help there man... Pretty clear water..

Sorry I couldnt help you out more then that...

But the Pike Lake Chain is decent on bass, smallies and largies.. The lake actually holds some real nice smallmouth!!! Look for smallies in Hart, Twin Bear, and Millicent (relating to rock structure).. I mainly search em out with cranks and jigs/plastics. And for largies, go to Eagle and Busky Bay (definite weedline bite)... I catch a number of big largemouth here fishing for musky!!! I am sure they will be up on their beds when you are up...

[rascalP]

JKH,

Thanks for the info. Now I got my muskie juices flowing! If the wind pushes us off the bay, I may opt for some 'ski' fishin'. Any tips on the Pike Chain? I usually fish waters with some "color", and if I remember right, these lakes are REAL clear. I really favor topwaters, but use gliders alot too. Would we be up against the odds if we missed dawn/dusk on these waters? I figure a good chop might help if we can't get there early or stay late. What do you usually throw here? Sorry for all the questions -- can't help but ask.

Thanks again!

rascal

[Jim Hudson]

For bass, especially smallies, I opt usually for a jig of some sort... Searching out rock... Basically all I ever use, unless I am with someone who wants to livebait rig.. Where then it is sucker minnows or a slip bob and a leech... And if they are up on beds.. your typical pitching stuff will work... And yeah, this chain is a typical early and late bite... Very clear water...

For musky, I usually throw cranks, jigs, smaller jerk baits, and top water... Brown or a shade close to brown is a good bet on the chain... Stay natural for the most part in your lure selection...

Oh, here is a preview to your smallie trip.. The fish were on fire today!!! Lots and lots of fish found their way to the boat!!!

[rascalP]

JKH,

THAT'S why we come to the bay. When they get that big, their tails get big and broad. Now I'm REALLY pumped!!

Wind willing, we'll be on the water Sun. afternoon, Mon., Tues., and maybe Wed.

Thanks again for all the tips! Maybe see you out there.

Now It's time to FISH!!!

rascal

[Jim Hudson]

Well I made it out trolling again today, after a long full day stint of musky fishing on Wed... Found fish out into the islands, where 70FOW produced the best near rock... Fished by myself, and put a few fish in the boat for the 4 hours I went out... Highlight of the day was this fish.. Another big toad of a Laker!!!

For the majority, most trolling is now concentraiting on Lake Trout. But there are a few salmon still being caught, the majority of these fish are suspended out over deeper water near areas they were found this spring.

In the bay itself, smallies are really rocking. A lot of fish are up on the beds, some are still filtering in, and some are even done with the spawn. Topwater action is just starting!!!

The walleye bite really never materialized this spring, a few fish here and there. Hopefully when the fish get into their summer pattern, the bite will get better...

The larger pike are starting to move towards deeper water now.. This warm spell has certainly sent them out of the shallows, but the small hammerhandles are still up shallow in the emerging weeds.

[Tony Boshold]

WOW!!!

Nice "work" Jim.

I don't believe we are gonna get to make that smallie bite after all. Too much goin on here, Mikes's camping this weekend and heading to Canada next week. I'll be at the fundraiser tourney then, duty calls.

[outdoor ran]

Jim, thats a dandy! Did you put a tape to her or throw it on a scale? Sure makes me want to tow the big boat over there for a day. What did that laker get fooled by?

[Jim Hudson]

Tony

Thats too bad.. The bite has really been going well!!! I suspect the spawn this year will be done and over with fast with the recent spike in water temps, but the top water bite should be improving each day now!!! Maybe next year man!!!

Randy

I would estimate the fish to be mid 20's or so.. My guess is all... It took a Spin&Glow behind an Opti Dodger.. What about them big lakers up your way? You ever connect with those fish? Oh, and is anyone doing anything out by the Aminicon/Brule yet for walleyes?

[Jim Hudson]

Well, the bay has definately fallen into it's summer patterns... After the recent heat wave and now a cooling spell, the Bay's water temps are holding in the lower 70's again... All species of fish are giving anglers action and the bite can be pretty furious at times...

Smallies have moved to offshore structure now, but there was a push of some fish back into the Kakagon/Sand Cut areas for a minnow bite a few days ago... But for me, I would concentrait on off shore humps, weed edges, rocks, and shoreline areas adjacent to deep water... Work these fish with jig/plastic combo's, big spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and even lindy rigging a sucker minnow...

Walleyes are spreadout throughout the bay where the most consistant bite has been weed related and using trolling tactics... Running diving cranks over the tops of weedbeds have been producing...If you connect with a few fish off one weedbed, it will pay to slowdown and work over the area with some casting techniques too... Also, checking the shallower portion of the break line to the shipping channel into Ashland would be a good bet as well...

Pike are using weed edges as well and we have been catching a few using trolling techniques, but the game is open to however you want to catch em... I do encourage catch and release with these guys though.. Our size structure is getting smaller and smaller and we need to get some big fish back into this body of water...

Trout and salmon action is pushes us over into the islands, with Lake Trout giving the best action... A few coho are showing up here and there, but not a very consistant bite... Lakers are being caught throughout the islands, the flats, and in the south channel... 80 FOW or deeper has been good as of late, where a variety of spoons and spin&glows behind dodgers have been catching fish...

Good luck and if you have any questions, shoot me an e-mail...

Here are a few photos from today's fishing excursion w/ Dave and his son...