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walleyemaxx
04-13-2010, 11:39 AM
Hi everyone,

17 days untill the general opener, but still lots to do in the Hayward area

April 12, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Morning temperatures in the teens prior to this past weekend served as a
reminder that summer has not yet arrived in the north. Nevertheless, spring
weather is weeks ahead of normal.
"Crappie, bluegill, and redhorse anglers are all reporting good success,"
says Al at Pastika's. "I'm hearing great reports on Brule River steelhead,
phenomenal reports on Lake Superior coho fishing, and the smelt are running
in the Ashland area."
Pat at Happy Hooker reports anglers are catching crappies in about six feet
of water.
"Most are smaller fish, but they did have enough for a meal. Also, crappie
anglers should note our Quiet Lakes Crappie-A-Thon starts May 8 this year."
(See details below.)
Brian at Outdoor Creations says anglers fishing around shallow water weeds
and structure are catching panfish on minnows and crawlers.
"Redhorse are currently grouped in the rivers and offering good action,"
Brian notes. "They're a good sport fish, and edible, but very bony."
Dennis at Hayward Bait says trout anglers are catching some very nice browns
(mid-20 inches) on the Namekagon River during the catch-and-release season.
"Perch fishing is very good, and crappie action is picking up," he adds,
"but we will have to wait for bluegill."
Carolyn at Angler's All in Ashland says the best coho action is on the
Washburn side of the Bay, from Bono Creek out to the Sioux and Onion rivers,
and off Sand Bay, Cornucopia and Saxon Harbor.
"Most anglers are running stickbaits with boards and fishing the first
drop-off," Carolyn says. "Smelt, followed by northerns and walleyes, are
starting to move in on the Ashland side."
Survey crews are on the water, says DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt, and
surveys so far include the Chippewa Flowage, Barber, Lost Land, Teal,
Sissabagama, Ashegon, and Round lakes, and will soon be on Lac Courte
Oreilles.
"Everything is running so early this year," Pratt says. "Walleyes are well
along and northerns are done. Muskies are not just starting - Spooner has
their egg quota and is now updating genetic fin samples. Two of three female
muskies we netted streamed eggs, and the net leads were strewn with perch
skein. This isn't just 'early,' it's about five weeks early!"
The 2010 Quiet Lakes Crappie-A-Thon on Lost Land, Teal, and Ghost lakes
starts May 8 and runs through October 16, and offers thousands of dollars in
prizes. Tagged fish are worth up to $500 in cash prizes, and all entrants
are eligible for the year-end drawings for three Abu Garcia rod and reel
outfits. You could win a prize without catching a fish! Register before
fishing by stopping at any participating Quiet Lakes resort or bait shop to
pick up the $3 tournament badge and complimentary Tattle Tail lure.
Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's Store, Hayward
Bait) tallied eight birds for the two-day Youth Turkey Hunt this past
weekend, all adult birds with beards to ten inches.
Regular spring turkey season opens Wednesday April 14, and runs through May
23 in six, five-day hunting periods. Sale of more than 76,000 leftover tags
began March 22 and will continue through season's end or until all tags are
sold. As of Friday April 9, permits are available for periods E (May 12-16)
and F (May 19-23) as follows:
Zone 1: Period E - 4580; Period F - 9543.
Zone 3: Period E - 4586; Period F - 8381.
Zone 4: Period F - 455.
Under the Mentored Hunting Program, hunters ten years of age and older
(includes adults!) who do not possess hunter education certification are
eligible for the program. Visit the DNR website for specific details.
The Whitetails Unlimited Hayward Chapter fundraising banquet is Thursday May
13 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. The single tickets cost is $45, and you can add
a spouse or junior (to age 15) for $25. Various dinner and raffle ticket
packages are available. Ordering deadline is May 6. For tickets or more
information, call Sabrina Morgan (715) 766-3246, or visit
www.whitetailsunlimited.com.
According to the DNR Outdoor Report, anglers should check their favorite
lake prior to fishing opener, as low water levels continue to be an issue.
Be sure your boat registration is up-to-date and you meet the legal PFD
requirements, and make sure you carry a current fishing license when you are
on the water.
Wildfire danger is "High" in the northwest quarter of Wisconsin. For fire
conditions and burning permit information, visit the DNR forestry website.
National Fire Prevention Week starts April 18. Do all you can to help
prevent wildfires.

Upcoming Events
March 31: Your 2009 hunting/fishing licenses expired!
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight.
May 1: Inland game fish opener (see regs for specifics); Northern Zone bass
catch and release only.
May 1: Frog season opens.
May 29: Muskellunge season opens north of Hwy 10.

Spring turkey hunting periods:
A: April 14-16; B: April 21-25; C: April 28-May 2; D: May 5-9; E: May 12-16;
F: May 19-23.

For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of
Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call
1-800-724-2992.

Walleyemaxx