Ash River Help?

[Badger_55]

I have never fished up in this neck of the woods. Don't know if there is any restrictions?

I have a 60hp with a 17ft boat, will I have trouble with the river if I go up there this year for opener?

How is the fishing in the river during this time?

[JBMasterAngler]

Your boat will be fine, the river is fairly deep. Although the fishing isn't so hot. Ash river is the main access point to namakan, so there's pretty good boat traffic going up and down the river. I would suggest just trolling down the river until you get to the lake.

[Dock Boy]

You could also stay at a resort that is right on the lake instead of the no wake river or you could launch your boat at the Kabetogama visitors center.

[JBMasterAngler]

Or just fish kabetogama itself. Chief wooden frog campground has a very nice public access.

[tearin' lips]

As mentioned your boat will be fine as the river is deep enough to support it. Fishing can be fair on the river during this time of year, but your best fishing is going to come from the main lake.

The no wake in the river can be viewed as an inconvenience, but it is really nice to just enjoy the scenery on your way up the river. And with it being a no wake it is only a couple extra minutes. If it is a big issue to get out there early then just leave a few minutes early. All the places on the river are nice and are run by great people. I encourage you to give the resorts a try on the river, you won't be disappointed. Once you get past the no-wake zone you are only a couple minutes either way from some fantastic fishing!

[JBMasterAngler]

Your right about the scenery! I've never been to a more scenic place...I think voyegeurs blows the BWCA out of the water (no pun intended). The first time I was at kabetogama I was literally in aww.

[guts]

Badger 55, your boat will be just fine for Kab, no motor restrictions. Opener fishing can be great or a great dissappointment. A good opener depends when the ice goes out which relates to water temps, which relates to spawning.

Generally a good opener would mean fishing shallower water, which favors the West end of Kab. If its cold and miserable, mid-lake towards the river could be good.

If you go out of Ash River, a sure place to fish is Sullivan Bay, your catch can then include pike and crappies, depending on water temps. Watch for upcoming posts. good luck, guts