Chequamegon Bay is a popular fishing destination in Wisconsin, although, this area doesn’t draw nearly as many visitors as some of the other popular destinations in Wisconsin. The scenery is beautiful and the fishing is outstanding for a variety of different fish.
This area might have some of the best smallmouth bass fishing for big bass in the entire state of Wisconsin. You can also catch lake trout, walleye, salmon, brown trout, northern pike and perch.
Smallmouth Bass
Chequamegon Bay has emerged as a top destination for smallmouth bass fishing. The fish here are big and plentiful because of the DNR’s strict fishing regulations. Last we checked, you can only keep one smallmouth bass over 22 inches here per day and most anglers that come here practice catch and release. Anglers catch smallmouth bass in the 3 to 5 pound range regularly in Chequamegon Bay, which seems kind of ridiculous.
Chequamegon Bay and Sturgeon Bay in Door County might be the only 2 destinations in Wisconsin where local anglers don’t get very excited over 4 pound smallmouth. A 4 pound smallmouth bass is common here. It’s the 5 to 6 pound bass that get local anglers excited here. Some people think the next state record could come out of this area. Whether it happens or not, the bass fishing here is some of the best in all of Wisconsin.
Walleye
Chequamegon Bay has some very good fishing for walleye. The walleye often get overlooked on the bay because the smallmouth bass fishing is so good, but some anglers do target walleye. There are good numbers of walleye in the bay during most of the open water fishing season and trophy fish are also available. Most anglers are not going to consistently catch a ton of walleye in the bay, but it is definitely possible to target them and catch some walleye, especially during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler in the bay.
Salmon & Trout
Brown trout, chinook and coho salmon, rainbow trout and lake trout are available in this area. When the water temperatures are cool, you can find several species of fish in the bay, but once water temperatures warm up during the summer months, the better fishing occurs farther offshore. Most anglers troll for salmon and trout, although, casting and jigging can be effective for brown trout and lake trout. During the fall, brown trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon and rainbow trout will move into the rivers.
Northern Pike
Northern pike area available in Chequamegon Bay. Some anglers will target them, although, most anglers will catch them by accident while fishing for other species of fish. There are some very big pike in the bay, so don’t be surprised if you bump into a trophy-sized pike in the 10 pound range. Anglers that target pike will usually target the weedy areas, but don’t rule out the rocks, humps and quick drop-offs. Northern pike love weeds, but they are opportunistic feeders and they will go where they need to for a meal. Trolling is popular for northern pike on cheguamegon bay as well. Whether you cast or troll, you may be able to catch a few pike and if you do get bit, you may be able to catch one in the low to mid 30 inch range.
Perch
Chequamegon Bay has plenty of perch available with good numbers of keeper-sized fish as well. It’s not always easy to find the bigger perch, but if you move around enough, you should be able to find some schools of perch on the bay. Target the weeds, humps and rock piles. If you find a school of them, it shouldn’t take too long to get them to bite.
