Well, old man winter has taken his time in arriving to the northland. However, despite limited ice thickness, fishing is still in full swing. It might be a shorter ice fishing season but that has not slowed the catch. Any given day near the breakwater lighthouse has brought in fish of all species and size and variety. Perhaps the most valuable information I can convey in this entry is BE WARY ABOUT DRIVING ON THE ICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are at best around 12"-14" of thickness, and that is only in places where it is actually thick. Conditions change rapidly and a four wheeler or snowmobile sink a lot slower than a pickup. Stay safe!

Winter is here however, temperatures have been mild and the Big lake looks like spring conditions. The wind blows the ice in and the wind blows the ice out. Oh well, thats just how it goes. Meanwhile, inland lake fishing has been in full swing, and there are plenty of fish to be caught. The longer the bay goes un-fished, the hungrier the fish will be! Make sure there is enough ice before venturing out, especially with motorized vehicles-and always check the weather, sometimes a wind shift can break large (thick ice) pieces out into that inland lake, leaving you and all your buddies stranded over water you did not plan to fish!

Fall fishing is at its best. The smallmouth bass is in a strong feeding pattern. The bass we have been catching seem to be eager to bulk up for the winter. Fishing pressure is minimal. Sucker minnows and a hook in deeper holes seems to be the key to landing several bass in one outing. 
Meanwhile, the mouths of the rivers are reporting good catches as the fall run fish stage for spawning. With the forecasted rain, the rivers should begin to fish well for steelhead.

Summer is finally here and the hot sunny days have finally arrived. The Bass are moving to deeper water and most are done spawning. The fishing continues to be great, however, don't be surprised if you have to "angle" a little more than usual. These fish are now into feeding cycles as opposed to a focus on spawning. That being said, there will be fish that are biting when they are hungry and not when they are full.  If you are marking fish but they won't take a minnow, move to another spot, try back in an hour or two. Top water is still very effective in the shallows, you might have to cast a lot, but there are fish looking for a freebie frog snack.

Weather has been tumultuous, but fishing has been excellent. Bass are still found in their redds, and many are off to different waters. Top water action continues, otherwise look for fish in water breaks of shallow to deep water.

Warm conditions continue top-water activity persists.
A great weekend was had by all with monster smallies on zara-puppies, poppers, and clauser minnows.
Spawning action continues. Some redds contain fry. Watch for aggressive females protecting the nest, but don't expect an aggressive take -- be prepared to feel the light takes, too. 

Find your plastics and top water baits in the shop - Carolyn knows which ones are working. Some great new fishing hats are in as well, to keep you shaded from that summer sun! Stop by the shop and take a look. See you on the water.

June fishing is prime time. That is, if you can do battle with the weather. We have had high pressures followed by lows followed by highs followed by lows ad infinitum !  Lots of wind and the seche has been flowing like a river. The good news is that the Bass are on their redds and in the cut pretty thick. If the water ever clears up and the wind stops blowing there will be some ten out of ten days to be had. Meanwhile, inland lakes are fishing well as the cold weather has kept a lot of the seasonal anglers off the water, fishing pressure is down and that equals a better bite! It continues to be a good time of year to pursue trout and browns on the rivers as cooler temps keep the bugs down.

 Fishing has been great. The weather has been awful. The bass are still pre-spawn staging and starting to show up in the shallows. We are still, however, finding most of the fish in places that are close to the shallows/spawning waters, rather than on their redds. Water temps are up around 50 degrees (air temp has been cooler) and the bass are aggressive when taking a bait, or all together tight lipped.  Another common theme seems to be that when you find one hungry bass there are several others in proximity, so don't be surprised if  you stop in one place and pull out several fish.  Probably the number one factor that affects "the bight" would be pressure from other fisherman, so if you see an area with a concentration of  boats, avoid it. You may be surprised where these bass are swimming!

Smallie fishing is hot with aggressive females staging to drop their eggs, as weather stays warming, so does the activity. These bass will be up on their redds tomorrow if not already today. They are in 5-6 foot of water, in the wood and spread out. Getting your baits down to the bottom is essential as these fish are not going to come to you. Trollers are doing well on the

The Saturday opener was a beautiful but cool day on Chequamegon Bay!  Fishing was great throughout the late morning/early afternoon.  Bass tended to lie in the deeper channels and were quite heavy with eggs.  The takes were delicate, so be sure to set at any gentle bump.  If you haven't been out to the Cut yet, you really ought to put a hook in the water, but take your winter coat.

Stop by the shop and say "Hi" to Carolyn as you cruise down to 2nd Landing.  Carolyn can set you up with live bait and hints on what lures the bass best!  We have an all new spring line of gear, clothing and accessories for your outdoor pursuits!  Get it while it's hot!