Fishing Report

Fishing Brochure

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

Check out Angler’s All and River Rock Inn & Bait Shop for bait, tackle, and the latest information about fishing on the bay and inland. River Rock also has fresh fish including smoked fish. They are Ashland’s local 365 days bricks and mortar businesses that are here year round to help with fishing advise, needs, bait, tackle, and guiding so we thank you for supporting our local fishing businesses!!

Fishing Report – 06-9-2021

Fishing has been Phenomenal on the Bay. With the hastening of warmer water temperatures spawning has started and will happen fast. Bug hatch has also been very active, so bring bug spray! Good top water for smallmouth as well.

The Walleye bite is starting to turn on in the bay

Trolling has been excellent off the mouth of rivers and in the near shore of the bay. Surface fishing are producing Browns, Lake Trout, and Salmon. Good reports from Madeline Island, Basswood, and Oak islands as well.

Not a lot of commercial pressure yet, so nets are not an issue.

With the early warm water temps, we may see larger bug hatches, and more weeds in the inland lakes which makes for better production. With everything open, be ready to catch Walleye, Crappies, Bass, and Northern inland. Make sure to check out the new Ashland County Inland Fishing Map. They seriously have “Paint by Number” type areas that you can explore via walking in and dropping a line, or taking a non-motorized boat. Whatever type of fishing you enjoy, Ashland County has a place for you!! To order your map, send your name and mailing address to info@visitashand.com

Baycam from Northern State Bank and River Rock Inn & Bait Shop showing real-time images of of Chequamegon Bay.

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.

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. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/regulations/hookline.html

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

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.

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.

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.

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 this week 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)

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)