Lake Superior Outdoor Fishing Report – April 6, 2026
Fishing Wisconsin
Apostle Islands/Chequamegon Bay
With the deteriorating ice conditions around the Chequamegon Bay area, ice fishing activity is coming to an end soon. There is little ice remaining from Washburn (Houghton Point) north. South of Washburn and into Ashland, a few anglers are still fishing. With the forecasted warm temperatures later in the week, every day could be the last day for the ice fishing season.
No boat ramps are currently open in the Washburn/Bayfield/Red Cliff/Saxon area.
Ice Safety
There is no such thing as safe ice. You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor such as its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice seldom freezes uniformly and can vary greatly in different areas of the same water body. 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 every day and often have the most up-to-date information. If you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time, check the ice yourself and check it often.
Ice Safety Tips:
- Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof case, a life jacket and a length of rope.
- Dress warm in layers.
- Don’t go alone. Head out with friends or family. Carry a cell phone with you and make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
- Know before you go. Don’t travel in areas you are not familiar with, and don’t travel at night during reduced visibility.
- Avoid inlets, outlets or narrows that may have current that can cause thin ice.
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.