Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report – Feb. 28, 2024
Fishing Wisconsin
Chequamegon Bay/Apostle Islands
Anglers report rapidly changing ice conditions on Chequamegon Bay, with many large cracks and areas of open water present.
Boats have been launching and trolling out of Saxon Harbor, Bodin’s Resort, Bayfield and Little Sand Bay. Anglers trolling nearshore out of Bayfield and Bodin’s Resort have mainly caught coho salmon and brown trout. The few boats trolling report outstanding success, with almost all boats coming in with fish. Some limits of coho salmon and brown trout have been reported to our Creel Clerks.
Depending on the weather, conditions on the lake may not be fishable every day. Loose pack ice may be present in boat ramps, which may “firm up" with cold nights, resulting in challenging boat launching conditions the following morning. The boat launch at Bodin’s Resort is exceptionally shallow. Wearing waders may be needed to assist in unloading and loading your boat.
ICE SAFETY
There is no such thing as safe ice. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice seldom freezes uniformly and can vary significantly in different areas of the same body of water. It is important to know before you go. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers daily and often have the most up-to-date information. Check the ice often if you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time.
Before venturing onto the ice, remember these safety tips:
- Carry a charged cell phone and tell people where you are going and when you’ll return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat, to help you stay afloat and to help maintain body heat.
- Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
- Carry a few spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- If you fall in, remain as calm as possible.
- While attempting to get out of the water, call for help.
- Anyone who attempts to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through themselves.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
- Have a plan in place noting where you will be and when you plan to return.
REMINDER - Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license/stamps while fishing on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Wisconsin/Michigan, Wisconsin/Minnesota and Wisconsin/Iowa boundary waters.