walleyemaxx
06-08-2010, 03:39 PM
Hi everyone,
Lots of things happening in the Hayward area. This detailed report is provided courtesy of the Hayward Lakes vaction and Convention Bureau.
NRA youth wildlife art contest
The National Rifle Association is now accepting entries for the 2010 George
Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest. NRA membership is not required.
The entry deadline is November 1.
Submissions may portray any North American game bird or animal that can be
legally hunted or trapped.
The wildlife art contest is open to students in grades 1-12, including
home-schooled children. Entries are placed in one of four categories based
on school grade. Category I includes grades 1-3; Category II grades 4-6;
Category III grades 7-9; Category IV grades 10-12.
Winners of each category receive $750. Second-place finishers receive $500,
and third-place receives $250. This year, the contest will award a $1,000
prize to an overall winner across all categories.
Contestants are limited to one entry each in a medium of the artist's choice
(oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, etc.) Composition
must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork
determined to have been traced or copied from an existing photograph or work
of art will be disqualified.
For more information, visit www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp, or call (703)
267-1588.
Wisconsin receives RMEF grants
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is providing grants totaling
$48,620 for wildlife conservation and public education projects in 17
Wisconsin counties, including Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Sawyer, and
Washburn.
"These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and
fundraisers staged over the past year by our Wisconsin volunteers-most of
whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists," says RMEF
president and CEO David Allen. "Since 1984, our annual grants have helped
complete 176 different projects in Wisconsin with a combined value of more
than $5.6 million."
RMEF grants will help fund the following local projects:
" Highway warning systems, including a warning light triggered by elk
radio collars, to reduce Clam Lake area vehicle-elk collisions.
" Maintain elk forage openings by mowing 55 acres, removing woody
vegetation on 30 acres, and prescribe burn five acres in Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest.
" Sponsor: Hayward High School David Brinkman 2010 Memorial
Scholarship; Hayward 2010 Outdoor Youth Day, Outdoor Adventures camp, and
Phillips Area 2010 Youth Field Day to introduce young people to conservation
and outdoor recreation.
" Research genetic variability and health of the Clam Lake elk herd.
" Provide radio telemetry equipment for Glidden High School students
to research Clam Lake area elk habitat use and movement patterns.
" Renovate/maintain Clam Lake's "Elk Capital of Wisconsin" sign.
For more information on the RMEF, visit www.rmef.org or call 1-800-call elk.
FROM THE DNR
Fish kills expected
Biologists say conditions are ripe for outbreaks of fish disease (the
bacteria columnaris) on northwest Wisconsin lakes during the next few weeks.
Columnaris known to infect only fish species and is not a human health risk.
"The bacteria is most prevalent in our lakes after water temperatures reach
65-70 degrees from late May to late June," says DNR fisheries biologist
Larry Damman.
Bluegill, crappies, yellow perch, and bullheads, already stressed from
seasonal spawning activities, are most affected by the disease. Cold or
fluctuating water temperatures during spawning can compound spawning stress
and weaken the immune system. The bacteria then erode the fishes' skin,
causing leakage of bodily fluids and a fairly rapid death.
Although columnaris can appear to produce large-scale fish losses in a
matter of several days, biologists say it usually does not have a
catastrophic impact on overall fish populations.
Anglers or landowners who have additional questions or see large numbers of
other dead fish such as carp, largemouth bass, muskie, and walleye, should
contact their local DNR fisheries biologist.
Outdoor Report
Black bears are in their breeding season, and females are pushing away
yearling cubs to be on their own. Many will look for easy meals of birdseed
or food scraps from garbage cans. You can discourage these bears by taking
down bird feeders for a few weeks and keeping garbage in a secure location.
If these tactics don't work, call USDA-Wildlife Services (1-800-228-1368.)
There are numerous reports of whitetail fawns. Does leave fawns unattended
for long periods to hide them from predators. If you see a fawn, leave it
alone and move away. The mother is nearby and will tend to it.
Some Canada geese are flying in "V" formations normally associated with
spring and fall migrations. These non-breeding sub-adults or unsuccessful
breeding geese are on a "mini molt migration" to open water where they can
safely molt their flight feathers. A large number of the geese are heading
to Lake Superior.
Painted and snapping turtles are digging nests and laying eggs.
Dragonflies and damselflies are out in great numbers. Mosquitoes, ticks, and
deer flies are also out in force - keep insect repellant or protective
clothing handy.
Ducks are hatching, and the first bluebird clutches will fledge anytime now.
New birds observed returning from their wintering ranges include indigo
bunting, veery, redstarts, and golden-winged warbler.
FISHING REPORTS
Pastika's (Al/Mike/Steve Genson): Musky action is sporadic, with some fish
shallow and others deep. Use twitch, glide, and topwaters on shallow to deep
weed beds, and some open water. Walleye fishing is good on the deep clear
lakes with leeches, walleye suckers, and fatheads around deep weeds. Cast
crankbaits over weed tops in the evening and after dark. Northern action is
good around weeds at varying depths with northern suckers, spinnerbaits,
spoons, and twitch baits. Fish largemouth in shallow bays, weeds, and lily
pads with twitch, crank, buzz, and spinner baits. Fish smallmouth with
X-Raps, plastics, and leeches around weeds and hard bottom areas. Crappies
are near deeper weeds, cribs, and bogs. Use crappie minnows, plastics, and
waxies. Bluegills are finishing spawn. Use waxies, small worms, leeches, and
plastics around weedy areas; deeper weeds for bigger fish.
Hayward Bait (Bob/Tom/Adam/Annie/Nelson): Musky: Chippewa Flowage, Spider,
Moose, Namakagon. Bucktails, crankbaits, surface, suckers. Weeds, rocks; to
8 feet. Walleye: Round, Flowage, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO), Lost
Land/Teal. Leech/slip bobber. Weeds; 14-18 feet. Northern: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Flowage, LCO, Lost Land/Teal, Namakagon. Spinner, crank, surface
baits, spoons, northern suckers. Shallow weeds. Largemouth: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Flowage, Callahan, LCO, Lost Land/Teal. Plastics, crankbaits.
Shallow wood, weeds. Smallmouth: Round, LCO, Sissabagama, Lost Land/Teal,
Owen. Tubes, plastics, crankbaits. Shallow, rock. Panfish: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Hayward, Round, Flowage, Lost Land/Teal. Crappie: Crappie minnows,
plastics; 8-14 feet. Bluegill: Waxies, worms, plastics, surface. Shallow
weeds, lily pads.
Happy Hooker (Pat): Quiet Lakes. On warm days with cloud cover, muskies are
often active all day. Try medium to large crankbaits, soft plastics, and
topwaters. If you find a lake with bluegills still in the shallows, fish
near them with big lures. Walleyes moved deeper and will stay there until
fall. On many lakes, they are now feeding heavily on emerging mayflies.
Still, pursue them with minnows on jigs or under slip bobbers, and we are
close to a transition to leeches. The flavored artificial leeches are also
effective. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing (still catch-and-release)
is hot. Lily pads are well developed for this early in the season and
provide good cover. Fish the edges with crankbaits and weedless frogs.
Panfish are moving deeper - try 8-12 feet for crappies and a little
shallower for bluegills.
Jenk's (Randy): Chippewa Flowage. Muskies are moving around on surface baits
and bucktails on the edges of the weed bars, but they're doing more looking
than hitting. Walleye are not in any particular pattern. Some are taken deep
on minnows and leeches, while others are caught on crawlers in the weeds.
Crappie are moving to deeper weeds and (soon) to the cribs for summer.
Minnows and tube skirts work best. Bluegill fishing is good in the shallows
on waxies, worms, and Gulp! baits.
Minnow Jim's (Cathy/Jim): Nelson Lake. The walleyes bite is steady on
crawlers and minnows on Lindy Rigs and jigs, leeches under slip bobbers, and
Beetle Spins. Northern action slowed on live bait - throw a buzz, spinner,
or surface bait. Bass action is still good for catch and release fishing.
With the mayfly hatch, crappies are feeding on the surface. Fish close to
the surface with worms, minnows, micro nymphs, small Gulp minnows, and
Thumper jigs. Bluegills are nearing the end of the spawn. Use waxies, worms,
crawler chunks on small dressed jigs, leech/bobber, and floating spiders.
Outdoor Creations (Brian): Walleye action is picking up, with good reports
on the deep clear lakes. Most action is early in the morning and in the last
hour before dark into night. Leeches, Rapalas, and walleye suckers are the
most productive baits. Flowage bluegills are hitting waxies and small worms
on plain hooks and small jigs. Bass are on the beds. Spinnerbaits will work
- present your bait with a slow retrieve.
Stone Lake Bait (John): Muskies are hitting big swim baits and large
suckers. Walleyes, small but plentiful, are hitting big leeches on floating
Lindy rigs fished at various depths. Bass are hitting jigs in 5-10 feet of
water. The panfish bite is on everywhere, with crappie minnows, small
leeches, leaf worms, and waxies the best baits in the shallows to 10 feet.
Anglers All (Roger/Carolyn): Lake Superior/Chequamegon Bay. Smallmouth moved
to deeper water but will be shallow at certain times of the day. Slowly fish
plastics or live bait. Walleye action is good off the Hot Pond, Brush Point,
and Bad River mouth. Crawler harnesses and leeches are good producers.
Northerns are along the shoreline and weed beds. Many little fish, but you
never know when that big one will show. Trout and salmon moved deeper. Fish
the first drop early in the morning, and then switch to spoons, spoon plugs,
Spin 'n Glos, bait flies, and squids on downriggers. Fish the mud lines as
well. The Chequamegon Bay Tagged Fishing Contest ($5 pin) runs through
October 31. Two tagged fish from six species are worth money, including a
$1,000 smallmouth bass.
The Sommerfeldt Report (Skip Sommerfeldt, DNR Senior Fisheries Biologist,
Park Falls): Musky action is mediocre, with many sightings and follows, but
low numbers of hook-ups. Jerk baits and medium bucktails are most
productive. Fish walleye around structure in 8-12 feet of water with leeches
or crawlers on slip bobbers, small jigs, or bare hook/split shot rigs, and
cast Rapalas in the shallows in the hour before dark. Most smallmouth moved
to deeper water and will soon start be near shallow and mid-depth structure.
Largemouth are cruising shallow and mid-depth weed beds, and lily pads are
producing good action on topwater and soft plastics. Crappie fishing is
tough - the quick warm-up after spawning put a lot of stress on them.
Bluegills are providing most of the panfish success on bobbers and crawler
pieces.
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
June 19 - Northern Zone bass season changes from catch-and-release to daily
bag limits. (See regs.)
June 24-27 - 61st annual Musky Festival (715-634-8662.)
June 25-27 - Hayward Lions "Dr. John Ryan" Musky Fest fishing contest.
July 16-18 - Birchwood Bluegill Festival (800-236-2252.)
Through July 31 - Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
Aug. 1 - Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. Kid's Fishing Day (634-2921.)
Aug. 2 - Application Deadlines: Fall turkey; Sharp-tailed grouse; Bobcat;
Otter; Fisher; Horicon and Collins goose
Lots going on. Enjoy your stay in the Hayward area.
Walleyemaxx
Lots of things happening in the Hayward area. This detailed report is provided courtesy of the Hayward Lakes vaction and Convention Bureau.
NRA youth wildlife art contest
The National Rifle Association is now accepting entries for the 2010 George
Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest. NRA membership is not required.
The entry deadline is November 1.
Submissions may portray any North American game bird or animal that can be
legally hunted or trapped.
The wildlife art contest is open to students in grades 1-12, including
home-schooled children. Entries are placed in one of four categories based
on school grade. Category I includes grades 1-3; Category II grades 4-6;
Category III grades 7-9; Category IV grades 10-12.
Winners of each category receive $750. Second-place finishers receive $500,
and third-place receives $250. This year, the contest will award a $1,000
prize to an overall winner across all categories.
Contestants are limited to one entry each in a medium of the artist's choice
(oil, watercolor, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, etc.) Composition
must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork
determined to have been traced or copied from an existing photograph or work
of art will be disqualified.
For more information, visit www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp, or call (703)
267-1588.
Wisconsin receives RMEF grants
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is providing grants totaling
$48,620 for wildlife conservation and public education projects in 17
Wisconsin counties, including Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Sawyer, and
Washburn.
"These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and
fundraisers staged over the past year by our Wisconsin volunteers-most of
whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists," says RMEF
president and CEO David Allen. "Since 1984, our annual grants have helped
complete 176 different projects in Wisconsin with a combined value of more
than $5.6 million."
RMEF grants will help fund the following local projects:
" Highway warning systems, including a warning light triggered by elk
radio collars, to reduce Clam Lake area vehicle-elk collisions.
" Maintain elk forage openings by mowing 55 acres, removing woody
vegetation on 30 acres, and prescribe burn five acres in Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest.
" Sponsor: Hayward High School David Brinkman 2010 Memorial
Scholarship; Hayward 2010 Outdoor Youth Day, Outdoor Adventures camp, and
Phillips Area 2010 Youth Field Day to introduce young people to conservation
and outdoor recreation.
" Research genetic variability and health of the Clam Lake elk herd.
" Provide radio telemetry equipment for Glidden High School students
to research Clam Lake area elk habitat use and movement patterns.
" Renovate/maintain Clam Lake's "Elk Capital of Wisconsin" sign.
For more information on the RMEF, visit www.rmef.org or call 1-800-call elk.
FROM THE DNR
Fish kills expected
Biologists say conditions are ripe for outbreaks of fish disease (the
bacteria columnaris) on northwest Wisconsin lakes during the next few weeks.
Columnaris known to infect only fish species and is not a human health risk.
"The bacteria is most prevalent in our lakes after water temperatures reach
65-70 degrees from late May to late June," says DNR fisheries biologist
Larry Damman.
Bluegill, crappies, yellow perch, and bullheads, already stressed from
seasonal spawning activities, are most affected by the disease. Cold or
fluctuating water temperatures during spawning can compound spawning stress
and weaken the immune system. The bacteria then erode the fishes' skin,
causing leakage of bodily fluids and a fairly rapid death.
Although columnaris can appear to produce large-scale fish losses in a
matter of several days, biologists say it usually does not have a
catastrophic impact on overall fish populations.
Anglers or landowners who have additional questions or see large numbers of
other dead fish such as carp, largemouth bass, muskie, and walleye, should
contact their local DNR fisheries biologist.
Outdoor Report
Black bears are in their breeding season, and females are pushing away
yearling cubs to be on their own. Many will look for easy meals of birdseed
or food scraps from garbage cans. You can discourage these bears by taking
down bird feeders for a few weeks and keeping garbage in a secure location.
If these tactics don't work, call USDA-Wildlife Services (1-800-228-1368.)
There are numerous reports of whitetail fawns. Does leave fawns unattended
for long periods to hide them from predators. If you see a fawn, leave it
alone and move away. The mother is nearby and will tend to it.
Some Canada geese are flying in "V" formations normally associated with
spring and fall migrations. These non-breeding sub-adults or unsuccessful
breeding geese are on a "mini molt migration" to open water where they can
safely molt their flight feathers. A large number of the geese are heading
to Lake Superior.
Painted and snapping turtles are digging nests and laying eggs.
Dragonflies and damselflies are out in great numbers. Mosquitoes, ticks, and
deer flies are also out in force - keep insect repellant or protective
clothing handy.
Ducks are hatching, and the first bluebird clutches will fledge anytime now.
New birds observed returning from their wintering ranges include indigo
bunting, veery, redstarts, and golden-winged warbler.
FISHING REPORTS
Pastika's (Al/Mike/Steve Genson): Musky action is sporadic, with some fish
shallow and others deep. Use twitch, glide, and topwaters on shallow to deep
weed beds, and some open water. Walleye fishing is good on the deep clear
lakes with leeches, walleye suckers, and fatheads around deep weeds. Cast
crankbaits over weed tops in the evening and after dark. Northern action is
good around weeds at varying depths with northern suckers, spinnerbaits,
spoons, and twitch baits. Fish largemouth in shallow bays, weeds, and lily
pads with twitch, crank, buzz, and spinner baits. Fish smallmouth with
X-Raps, plastics, and leeches around weeds and hard bottom areas. Crappies
are near deeper weeds, cribs, and bogs. Use crappie minnows, plastics, and
waxies. Bluegills are finishing spawn. Use waxies, small worms, leeches, and
plastics around weedy areas; deeper weeds for bigger fish.
Hayward Bait (Bob/Tom/Adam/Annie/Nelson): Musky: Chippewa Flowage, Spider,
Moose, Namakagon. Bucktails, crankbaits, surface, suckers. Weeds, rocks; to
8 feet. Walleye: Round, Flowage, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO), Lost
Land/Teal. Leech/slip bobber. Weeds; 14-18 feet. Northern: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Flowage, LCO, Lost Land/Teal, Namakagon. Spinner, crank, surface
baits, spoons, northern suckers. Shallow weeds. Largemouth: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Flowage, Callahan, LCO, Lost Land/Teal. Plastics, crankbaits.
Shallow wood, weeds. Smallmouth: Round, LCO, Sissabagama, Lost Land/Teal,
Owen. Tubes, plastics, crankbaits. Shallow, rock. Panfish: Nelson, Smith,
Spring, Hayward, Round, Flowage, Lost Land/Teal. Crappie: Crappie minnows,
plastics; 8-14 feet. Bluegill: Waxies, worms, plastics, surface. Shallow
weeds, lily pads.
Happy Hooker (Pat): Quiet Lakes. On warm days with cloud cover, muskies are
often active all day. Try medium to large crankbaits, soft plastics, and
topwaters. If you find a lake with bluegills still in the shallows, fish
near them with big lures. Walleyes moved deeper and will stay there until
fall. On many lakes, they are now feeding heavily on emerging mayflies.
Still, pursue them with minnows on jigs or under slip bobbers, and we are
close to a transition to leeches. The flavored artificial leeches are also
effective. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing (still catch-and-release)
is hot. Lily pads are well developed for this early in the season and
provide good cover. Fish the edges with crankbaits and weedless frogs.
Panfish are moving deeper - try 8-12 feet for crappies and a little
shallower for bluegills.
Jenk's (Randy): Chippewa Flowage. Muskies are moving around on surface baits
and bucktails on the edges of the weed bars, but they're doing more looking
than hitting. Walleye are not in any particular pattern. Some are taken deep
on minnows and leeches, while others are caught on crawlers in the weeds.
Crappie are moving to deeper weeds and (soon) to the cribs for summer.
Minnows and tube skirts work best. Bluegill fishing is good in the shallows
on waxies, worms, and Gulp! baits.
Minnow Jim's (Cathy/Jim): Nelson Lake. The walleyes bite is steady on
crawlers and minnows on Lindy Rigs and jigs, leeches under slip bobbers, and
Beetle Spins. Northern action slowed on live bait - throw a buzz, spinner,
or surface bait. Bass action is still good for catch and release fishing.
With the mayfly hatch, crappies are feeding on the surface. Fish close to
the surface with worms, minnows, micro nymphs, small Gulp minnows, and
Thumper jigs. Bluegills are nearing the end of the spawn. Use waxies, worms,
crawler chunks on small dressed jigs, leech/bobber, and floating spiders.
Outdoor Creations (Brian): Walleye action is picking up, with good reports
on the deep clear lakes. Most action is early in the morning and in the last
hour before dark into night. Leeches, Rapalas, and walleye suckers are the
most productive baits. Flowage bluegills are hitting waxies and small worms
on plain hooks and small jigs. Bass are on the beds. Spinnerbaits will work
- present your bait with a slow retrieve.
Stone Lake Bait (John): Muskies are hitting big swim baits and large
suckers. Walleyes, small but plentiful, are hitting big leeches on floating
Lindy rigs fished at various depths. Bass are hitting jigs in 5-10 feet of
water. The panfish bite is on everywhere, with crappie minnows, small
leeches, leaf worms, and waxies the best baits in the shallows to 10 feet.
Anglers All (Roger/Carolyn): Lake Superior/Chequamegon Bay. Smallmouth moved
to deeper water but will be shallow at certain times of the day. Slowly fish
plastics or live bait. Walleye action is good off the Hot Pond, Brush Point,
and Bad River mouth. Crawler harnesses and leeches are good producers.
Northerns are along the shoreline and weed beds. Many little fish, but you
never know when that big one will show. Trout and salmon moved deeper. Fish
the first drop early in the morning, and then switch to spoons, spoon plugs,
Spin 'n Glos, bait flies, and squids on downriggers. Fish the mud lines as
well. The Chequamegon Bay Tagged Fishing Contest ($5 pin) runs through
October 31. Two tagged fish from six species are worth money, including a
$1,000 smallmouth bass.
The Sommerfeldt Report (Skip Sommerfeldt, DNR Senior Fisheries Biologist,
Park Falls): Musky action is mediocre, with many sightings and follows, but
low numbers of hook-ups. Jerk baits and medium bucktails are most
productive. Fish walleye around structure in 8-12 feet of water with leeches
or crawlers on slip bobbers, small jigs, or bare hook/split shot rigs, and
cast Rapalas in the shallows in the hour before dark. Most smallmouth moved
to deeper water and will soon start be near shallow and mid-depth structure.
Largemouth are cruising shallow and mid-depth weed beds, and lily pads are
producing good action on topwater and soft plastics. Crappie fishing is
tough - the quick warm-up after spawning put a lot of stress on them.
Bluegills are providing most of the panfish success on bobbers and crawler
pieces.
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
June 19 - Northern Zone bass season changes from catch-and-release to daily
bag limits. (See regs.)
June 24-27 - 61st annual Musky Festival (715-634-8662.)
June 25-27 - Hayward Lions "Dr. John Ryan" Musky Fest fishing contest.
July 16-18 - Birchwood Bluegill Festival (800-236-2252.)
Through July 31 - Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
Aug. 1 - Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. Kid's Fishing Day (634-2921.)
Aug. 2 - Application Deadlines: Fall turkey; Sharp-tailed grouse; Bobcat;
Otter; Fisher; Horicon and Collins goose
Lots going on. Enjoy your stay in the Hayward area.
Walleyemaxx