Hayward Lakes Sherry
04-28-2009, 11:08 AM
April 27, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Does anyone really need a reminder Wisconsin’s game fish season opens this coming Saturday, May 2? If so ... there’s your reminder.
Hayward hosts the Governor’s Opener this year, and the public is invited to a kick-off event at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Friday May 1, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Get a free taste of local fish fries, fish boils, shore lunches, and West’s Dairy ice cream. Half-hour guide seminars will offer fishing tips for walleye, bass, and northern. Enjoy World Championship lumberjack demonstrations, native dancers and drummers, and stop by the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau booth to learn about upcoming events and activities. For more information, call 1-800-724-2992.
• What can anglers expect opening day? Keep in mind the following “predictions” are being offered a week in advance, and spring weather conditions change quickly – and often. For the most current recommendations, check with your favorite bait shop just before hitting the water.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says the ice is out of all of our waters, walleye spawn is all but over, perch are spawning, and muskies and sturgeon are moving toward spawning grounds.
“In 35 years, these are some of the lowest water levels I’ve seen this early in the year,” Pratt says. “While it’s doubtful the Chippewa Flowage will be up to full pool for opening day, I still expect an all-around good opener for most lakes and most species.”
“Walleye and northern on the shallower lakes should be done spawning but still around the shallows on opening day,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “On the deeper lakes, spawning could still be taking place. Use spinnerbaits for northern and fatheads for walleye. Crappies will be on weeds in 6-8 feet of water – try crappie minnows and tube jigs.”
“Walleye spawning should be finished by the opener,” says Al at Pastika’s, “but males will hang around shallow-water spawning areas. Post-spawn females will be a bit deeper, and could be actively feeding. Crawlers, leeches, and minnows should all work. For northerns, fish shallow, weedy bays with spinners, minnowbaits, and live bait. For crappies, fish crappie minnows, tube jigs, and waxies near shallower spawning areas, though cold fronts will push fish deeper.”
“Walleye will be in less than 10 feet of water,” says Bob at Hayward Bait. “Fish fatheads and walleye suckers around structure and weed edges. For northern, fish 5-10 feet of water with spinners, northern suckers, and spoons.”
“Crappie anglers on smaller lakes should fish crappie minnows, worms, and plastics in 10-15 feet of water,” adds Tim. “On deeper lakes, you’ll find them shallower.”
• A last minute bill affecting the Northern Zone eliminates the barbless hook, artificials-only restriction for catch and release bass fishing and an early catch and release musky season. Northern Zone anglers may fish for bass starting May 2, but must release all bass until June 20. Musky season in the Northern Zone (north of Highway 10) opens May 23. It is illegal to actively fish for muskies prior to that date.
• Shooting Star Archery registered eight turkeys in the past week, all 21-24 pounds and with 10- to 11-inch beards. Dennis says hunters report the toms are gobbling like crazy right now. At Hillman’s Store, Lonnie registered four toms and one bearded hen, all weighing 18-20 pounds.
• The Hayward Chapter of Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to a club meeting Tuesday May 5. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Dan Seibert, a well-known local fishing guide with more than 20 years experience guiding on the Chippewa Flowage and other area lakes, will discuss a variety of musky fishing topics. The meeting is at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, ten miles east of Hayward on Highway 77. For information, contact Mike Persson 634-4543.
• A few openings remain (a rarity!) for Treeland Resort’s 25th annual Walleye Challenge on the Chippewa Flowage May 8-10. There are thousands of dollars in prizes (visit the website.) Call (715) 462-3874.
• Musky Tale Resort's northern fishing tournament on the Chippewa Flowage is May 15-17. Call (715) 462-3838.
• Fishing Has No Boundaries event for persons with disabilities is May 15-17 on the Chippewa Flowage. For information call (715) 634-3185.
• Whitetails Unlimited fundraising banquet is Friday May 15. Ordering deadline is May 8. Call (715) 558-1395.
Upcoming Events
May 1: Governor’s Opener Fishing Expo at Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
May 2: Seasons Open: General game fish opener (check regs for exceptions); Northern zone bass catch and release only through June 20; Musky south of Hwy 10; Frog.
May 8-10: Treeland Resort Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874.)
May 15: Whitetails Unlimited banquet at Lumberjack Steakhouse (715-558-1395.)
May 15-17: Musky Tale Resort Northern Encounter pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838; 877-533-8902.)
May 15-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185.)
May 23: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.
Through May 24: Spring turkey season (six, five-day periods.)
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
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.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Does anyone really need a reminder Wisconsin’s game fish season opens this coming Saturday, May 2? If so ... there’s your reminder.
Hayward hosts the Governor’s Opener this year, and the public is invited to a kick-off event at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Friday May 1, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Get a free taste of local fish fries, fish boils, shore lunches, and West’s Dairy ice cream. Half-hour guide seminars will offer fishing tips for walleye, bass, and northern. Enjoy World Championship lumberjack demonstrations, native dancers and drummers, and stop by the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau booth to learn about upcoming events and activities. For more information, call 1-800-724-2992.
• What can anglers expect opening day? Keep in mind the following “predictions” are being offered a week in advance, and spring weather conditions change quickly – and often. For the most current recommendations, check with your favorite bait shop just before hitting the water.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says the ice is out of all of our waters, walleye spawn is all but over, perch are spawning, and muskies and sturgeon are moving toward spawning grounds.
“In 35 years, these are some of the lowest water levels I’ve seen this early in the year,” Pratt says. “While it’s doubtful the Chippewa Flowage will be up to full pool for opening day, I still expect an all-around good opener for most lakes and most species.”
“Walleye and northern on the shallower lakes should be done spawning but still around the shallows on opening day,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “On the deeper lakes, spawning could still be taking place. Use spinnerbaits for northern and fatheads for walleye. Crappies will be on weeds in 6-8 feet of water – try crappie minnows and tube jigs.”
“Walleye spawning should be finished by the opener,” says Al at Pastika’s, “but males will hang around shallow-water spawning areas. Post-spawn females will be a bit deeper, and could be actively feeding. Crawlers, leeches, and minnows should all work. For northerns, fish shallow, weedy bays with spinners, minnowbaits, and live bait. For crappies, fish crappie minnows, tube jigs, and waxies near shallower spawning areas, though cold fronts will push fish deeper.”
“Walleye will be in less than 10 feet of water,” says Bob at Hayward Bait. “Fish fatheads and walleye suckers around structure and weed edges. For northern, fish 5-10 feet of water with spinners, northern suckers, and spoons.”
“Crappie anglers on smaller lakes should fish crappie minnows, worms, and plastics in 10-15 feet of water,” adds Tim. “On deeper lakes, you’ll find them shallower.”
• A last minute bill affecting the Northern Zone eliminates the barbless hook, artificials-only restriction for catch and release bass fishing and an early catch and release musky season. Northern Zone anglers may fish for bass starting May 2, but must release all bass until June 20. Musky season in the Northern Zone (north of Highway 10) opens May 23. It is illegal to actively fish for muskies prior to that date.
• Shooting Star Archery registered eight turkeys in the past week, all 21-24 pounds and with 10- to 11-inch beards. Dennis says hunters report the toms are gobbling like crazy right now. At Hillman’s Store, Lonnie registered four toms and one bearded hen, all weighing 18-20 pounds.
• The Hayward Chapter of Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to a club meeting Tuesday May 5. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., Dan Seibert, a well-known local fishing guide with more than 20 years experience guiding on the Chippewa Flowage and other area lakes, will discuss a variety of musky fishing topics. The meeting is at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, ten miles east of Hayward on Highway 77. For information, contact Mike Persson 634-4543.
• A few openings remain (a rarity!) for Treeland Resort’s 25th annual Walleye Challenge on the Chippewa Flowage May 8-10. There are thousands of dollars in prizes (visit the website.) Call (715) 462-3874.
• Musky Tale Resort's northern fishing tournament on the Chippewa Flowage is May 15-17. Call (715) 462-3838.
• Fishing Has No Boundaries event for persons with disabilities is May 15-17 on the Chippewa Flowage. For information call (715) 634-3185.
• Whitetails Unlimited fundraising banquet is Friday May 15. Ordering deadline is May 8. Call (715) 558-1395.
Upcoming Events
May 1: Governor’s Opener Fishing Expo at Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
May 2: Seasons Open: General game fish opener (check regs for exceptions); Northern zone bass catch and release only through June 20; Musky south of Hwy 10; Frog.
May 8-10: Treeland Resort Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874.)
May 15: Whitetails Unlimited banquet at Lumberjack Steakhouse (715-558-1395.)
May 15-17: Musky Tale Resort Northern Encounter pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838; 877-533-8902.)
May 15-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185.)
May 23: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.
Through May 24: Spring turkey season (six, five-day periods.)
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
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.