Outdoor Report

January 19, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

You know it’s cold when ice anglers hesitate to pursue their passion, and ice fishing was not the most popular activity last week. With a few nights hitting between -30 and -40 degrees, daytime temps refusing to climb above zero, plus stiff winds, most fishing was by anglers with permanent ice shelters. The few who braved the conditions were rewarded with fairly good action. This week’s forecast of milder temps should be more attractive for most outdoor recreation.
Pat at Happy Hooker says ice is at least 10-12 inches or more on most of the Quiet Lakes. While some people are driving out with their trucks, he says that is not something he would ever recommend, preferring instead snowmobiles or ATVs.
Bob and Tim at Hayward Bait say a lot of ice was made in the past week and ice conditions are very good. Still, they recommend fishing with a buddy as a safety precaution ... “just in case.”
Al at Pastika’s says ice thickness on most area lakes is at least a foot or more, and 20 inches or more in spots on some lakes. He encourages anglers to continue to use common sense and check the ice as they go.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says the Lake Sissabagama will fall under the statewide 15-inch minimum for walleye starting with the game fish opener in May.
Ice fishing contests in the next few weeks include the Cable Rod and Gun Club contest on Lake Namakagon Saturday, February 7. The Loon Saloon on Hwy D is contest headquarters. Cash prizes are awarded for the biggest walleye, northern, crappie, bluegill, and perch, and raffle and door prizes will be distributed. Entry fee is $5.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin will host its ice fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles Saturday Feb. 14. Prizes are awarded to the first three places in adult’s and kid’s divisions for the longest walleye, northern, bluegill, crappie, and perch. Event buttons ($3 adults, $1 youth 13-17) are available at Pastika’s, Hayward Bait, and Hayward Power Sports.
According to Sawyer County snowmobile trail condition reports, all trails are in excellent condition. The report says the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV alliance – the world’s largest single owner of trail grooming equipment – is putting it all to good use this year.
Namakagon Trail Groomers report Cable, Lake Namakagon, Clam Lake, and Bayfield County trails are excellent.
For Hayward area snowmobile trail information, visit Snowmobile and ATV Trail Maps.

Walleye:
Most walleye anglers are catching a few fish, though some are having more success than others. Judging from angler reports, walleyes are not in any definite pattern. Look for fish in water as shallow as six feet and as deep as 30 feet or more, in areas containing weeds and various types of structure. Overcast days and just before dark are the “prime” times. Best success is coming on walleye suckers or fatheads under tip-ups, or jigging spoons tipped with fatheads.

Northern:
Northern action is fair to very good, with anglers enjoying the best success when the sun is shining. The pike are holding around weeds and weed edges in 5-25 feet of water, and anywhere you find suspending panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners are the baits of choice, and if you are fishing for trophies, hit deeper water with bigger baits.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good when you find the fish. They are in scattered locations and holding at various depths from 8-30 feet or more, but target weeds in deeper water – and check the entire water column. Most productive baits include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics. Fish them on plain hooks, teardrops, or small jigs, with jigging rods or tip-downs.

Bluegill:
Bluegill anglers are having decent success in and around weeds in 5-22 feet of water with waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics fished on plain hooks, teardrops, or small jigs. Small minnows can also be effective for larger fish. Downsize bait and tackle if catching is tough, and drill holes to locate the ‘gills. You can’t catch fish where they aren’t.

Perch:
Perch fishing is relatively good, though few anglers are pursing them at this time. Look for perch suspending near the bottom in areas similar to walleye, in depths from 12-28 feet or so. Fatheads, rosy reds, crappie minnows, jigging spoons with minnows, and waxies are all producing catches.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse.
Feb. 7: Cable Rod and Gun Club ice fishing contest.
Feb. 14: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin ice fishing event.
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Raccoon; Fox; Coyote trapping.
Feb. 19-21: American Birkebeiner.
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Muskrat; Mink.
March 1: Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies, Inc. awards banquet.
March 6-7: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods Resort.
March 6-8: Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals.
March 17: Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza at Lakewoods Resort.
April 30: Northern zone trapping seasons close: Beaver; Otter.

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. The trail conditions in both the Southern and Northern half of Sawyer County are in excellent condition. Prior to this cold snap all trails were groomed and are flat and rock hard. This hard base should withstand future warm ups and provide a very sustainable system for the season. Our nearly 150 miles of lake trails are also in excellent condition with safe ice and no slush. The Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV alliance is the Worlds largest single owner of trail grooming equipment and we're putting it all to good use this year. Come visit our over 600 miles of excellent snowmobile and ATV trails!