Chequamegon Bay & Hayward Lakes Ice Fishing Report 1-24-14

FRIGID!!!  It’s cold out there folks.  No other way to put it…  Everyone seems to agree that these are the best ice fishing conditions we’ve had on Chequamegon Bay in several years, and it has translated into some great catches for those that have been able to get out there.

Last weekend provided a much needed break in the arctic conditions with some warmer weather and pleasant conditions to be on the ice.  On 1-18, Josh guided Chris, Adam, Randy, Katy and Rena from Hudson, WI.  This crew logged an outstanding day with browns up to 24″, splake up to 18″ and whitefish up to 18″ snapping throughout their trip.  Kastmaster spoons and Buckshot Rattle jigs in 15′ to 35′ of water along with tip-ups rigged with golden shiners were all that was needed to give this bunch everything they could handle on a great day to be outside.  Big smiles along with big results are exactly what we like to see!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first trip of the weekend proved to be hard to beat as the fish were in an entirely different mood for our crew on Sunday.  It was a couples weekend for Chris, Erin, Ben, and Jonnah, and they earned every fish they caught with browns up to 21″, several small splake, and a 15″ lake trout.  Bites were tough to come by and these guys worked for every fish they caught.  Sometimes you have to work at it, but it’s still fun!  They had to move around a little more to find fish in anywhere from 27′ to 60′ of water.  Kastmasters, Buckshots, and tip-ups all continue to produce fish, but it’s important to remember to be mobile on The Bay.  As we transition into a mid winter bite, fish can be here today gone tomorrow, and you might have to experiment with several different set ups before you locate the school you’r after.

Ice continues to be made throughout the bay and out to the islands with good access and travel between Washburn and Bayfield as well.  Josh reported a solid food of ice with very little slush in most places they fished last weekend.  There might be another short break in the sub zero temperatures this weekend, so get out of the house and enjoy it!  We’ll keep you posted!