Fishing Report

Check out the Chequamegon Bay FISHING Brochure. It has everything from fish species, places to fish, tying knots and much more. Stop by our office or order your brochure today! info@visitashland.com

Fishing opener is this weekend and it’s going to be BEAUTIFUL!  This is a communique from the Department of Natural Resources –
THE 2020 WISCONSIN FISHING OPENER FAQ
CAN I STILL FISH?
Yes! Under Gov. Evers Safer at Home order, outdoor recreation is listed as an essential activity. As such, the fishing season opener will proceed as normal. We encourage anglers to use waterbodies close to home and in their community.
DO I NEED A LICENSE?
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents who are 16 years or older need a valid 2020-2021 fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. You can easily purchase a fishing license on the DNR Go Wild Web page.
WHERE CAN I FISH?
As of May 1, all State-owned launches and access points are open. Please check with individual parks regarding changes to shore fishing access and boat launches. Anglers are encouraged to use the DNR boat and shore fishing access tool to locate access points close to home and within their community. Anglers should contact their local municipalities for more information regarding localized closures and access changes to boat launches outside of state parks and properties.
WHAT CAN I FISH?
All regulations and season dates still apply. Check the 2020-2021 Guide to Wisconsin Hook & Line Fishing Regs for specific information about where you plan to fish.
WHAT KIND OF BAIT CAN I USE?
It depends on your fishing location and the species you are pursuing. Make sure to check the regulations for your location.
WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MYSELF/FAMILY SAFE?

• Avoid crowded locations and set out with backup fishing locations in mind.
• Give other anglers space and maintain 6 feet between yourself and members outside of your household. Measure your fishing rod and use it as a gauge.
• Don’t travel in the same boat or vehicle as another angler unless they reside in your household.
• Wash and sanitize your hands especially after touching public surfaces such as handrails on boat launches or piers.
• Don’t share equipment with other anglers.
• If you are feeling sick, stay home.

ARE YOU ENFORCING SOCIAL DISTANCING?
Parks staff and DNR wardens continue to monitor social distancing on state owned lands to support the Safer at Home order. We all must follow DHS & CDC guidelines and stay at least 6 feet apart from others outside of your household. This includes all travel from your vehicle to your fishing location and throughout the return trip. Safe distancing is your responsibility.
ARE THE BOAT LAUNCHES IN STATE PARKS NOW OPEN?
Yes, boat launches within open state parks are open. However, all state parks have updated hours of operation from 6am to 7pm and will be closed on Wednesdays. As such, anglers who want to fish within a state park on Wednesday may still do so that day but will be required to walk in if they are accessing water via the state park. Hour of operation restrictions will still apply. All restrooms, water fountains, buildings, and facilities are also closed on all state parks. Northern forests, flowages, and the Lower Wisconsin Riverway system are exempt from these changes and remain open from 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
I DON’T SEE ANY TRASH BARRELS AT PARKS/LAUNCHES?
The DNR urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park or boat launch. Most Wisconsin state parks, forests, launch sites and other day-use areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit a park or launch, you will need to take your garbage, pet waste, and recyclables home with you. We all play a vital role in taking care of our natural resources.
CAN I FISH IN WISCONSIN IF I AM A NON-RESIDENT?
All anglers must hold a valid 2020-2021 fishing license. Non-residents can easily purchase a license at DNR Go Wild web page. Make sure to check with your state’s emergency orders and travel restrictions. Under Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home order we encourage the public to fish within your local community

For a Fishing Report call

Anglers All, Located at 2803 E. Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Highway 2) in Ashland, is a full-service tackle and fly shop offering a huge selection of baits and tackle for year round fishing. For the most complete and up-to-date fishing report, just give them a call at 715/682-5754, and they will gladly keep you informed!
If you need some of our Specialized Great Lakes tackle please leave a message on our Facebook page or email me at lapenter@charter.net. I can ship!  Be safe and see you soon

River Rock Inn & Bait Shop, Located at 1200 W. Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Highway 2), in Ashland where you can stop in and see their wide variety of live bait, fishing tackle, gear, accessories, fresh and smoked fish from Lake Superior, local meat sticks, and microbrews, and much more. Call them at 715/682-3232 for the most current fishing report.

We want you safe when you are out exploring Chequamegon Bay in the winter.  Always check with a local Bait Shop, Anglers All or River Rock Inn and Bait shop for the best accesses onto the lake.  Please review this Ice Safety Brochure.

• Northern State Bank Live Cam – Marina Area
• River Rock Inn & Bait Shop Live Cam – Hot pond area.  Make sure you click the link once in the page.

Smelt information 2020

Fishing is always a thrilling adventure in the Ashland area!
Chequamegon Bay is famous for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing. The 12-mile-long bay’s rock piles and breakwater structures make for perfect bass habitat.

• Wisconsin residents and non-residents 16 years of age and up will need a fishing license to fish any waters in the state. An annual license costs $20.  Go online at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/regulations/hookline.html for more details.
• Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927, don’t need a fishing license. They do need to carry proof of their age when fishing, however.
• State residents who are members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty are entitled to obtain a free license when they go on furlough or leave.

New this year

• Motor trolling is now legal on all inland waters with one hook, bait, or lure and – depending on location – with up to three hooks, baits, or lures, according to the DNR website.
• Most inland lakes and rivers within the Ceded Territory (which includes Ashland County) have a daily bag limit of 3 walleye.

More on fishing in the Chequamegon Bay region

Entertaining viewing:

Check out this great episode of “John Gillespie’s Waters & Woods” from Feb. 6 focusing on ice fishing near Ashland.  Josh Teigen of Josh Teigen’s Guide Service in Iron River took the amiable TV host out on Chequamegon Bay where Gillespie said he had one of his “most enjoyable ice fishing trips of the year.”

Don’t miss this episode of “Larry Smith Outdoors” as the Berlin, Wis., guide and outdoorsman teams up with Tommy Hicks of Ashland and Beyond the Catch Guide Service to tackle Chequamegon Bay. Trout are on the menu along with whitefish when Larry and Tommy head out on the ice in “one of the prettiest parts of the state.”

Highly recommended reading:

Check out this wonderful article by Andrew Ragas of NorthwoodsBass.com about the excellent smallmouth bass fishery right here in Chequamegon Bay!  Ragas spent a day out on the water with Ashland native Nate Baron of Up North Guide Service.

A very well-written story by Tom Hazelton about a day spent fly-fishing out on Chequamegon Bay with Luke Kavajecz of Anglers All.  Hazelton calls it “Unsalted.”

Another great article on bass fishing Chequamegon Bay saltwater-style, this one by Duluth News Tribune outdoors writer Sam Cook. Read all about “Barefootin’ the bay.”

Read about Roger LaPenter’s 2014 induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

Learn more about the great fishing in Chequamegon Bay!

Chicagoans Meredith and Claire had some good fun on Chequamegon Bay last July catching smallmouth and enjoying some beach time out at Long Island. “Hard to ignore swimming when the water is 75 degrees,” said their guide, Luke Kavajecz of Ashland’s Anglers All. “It was a fun day for sure!” (Photo courtesy of Luke Kavajecz)