Fishing report 12-21-22

Wet, heavy snow fell on the Hayward area at least three times last week, dropping 20 inches or more in total. The storms took out power, broke down trees, made a mess, and the effects linger. The deep, heavy snow is affecting ice conditions, access, and safety. Anglers are getting out, though travel conditions are poor, but fortunately, most fish are in shallower areas with the “better” ice (hint: not all ice was good before the storms). Frigid temperatures this week, with single- to double-digit subzero lows, combined with winds to 30 mph some days, make safety THE priority. Subzero temperatures will help with ice building, but it will not happen overnight.

Walleye:

Walleye action is fair to good, with the best fishing during the low light hours from late evening through sunset into after dark. Fish are around weeds and baitfish in depths to 12 feet. Anglers are doing well using walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads under tip-ups, as well as jigging spoons, Jigging Raps, and similar baits.

Northern Pike:

Northern pike action is good to very good, and pike provide an all-day bite, which can be a trip saver. Sunny days can be excellent, unlike for some other predatory fish. Pike are in and around shallow weeds and panfish and baitfish concentrations in depths to 12 feet. Use sucker minnows and large shiners under tip-ups set on weed edges.

Crappie:

Crappie fishing is good to very good, with fish spread from shallow weed areas out to deep basins. Look for most fish to hold near the bottom and/or to suspend less than 10 feet from the bottom. Use your electronics to check the entire water column. Crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, spoons, and plain hooks all work.

Bluegill and Perch:

Bluegill and perch fishing is good, with the major bite window in late evening to just before dark. Fish are somewhat scattered from shallow weeds to basins in 8-22 feet. Waxies, spikes, small minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, and small spoons, are all drawing the attention of panfish.