Outdoor Report March 19, 2012
March 19, 2012
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Difficult as this is to believe, it was just three weeks ago the north woods received 20 inches (and more) of fresh snow on top of ten or so inches already lying on the forest floor and plows pushed snow in seven-foot and deeper piles.
Today, few remnants of snow are visible, most all in protected areas. Sunshine and record high temperatures quickly took a toll – and there is already on record one (trustworthy) report of a mosquito bite!
“In a normal year, mid to late March is usually the best time for panfish,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Fish become active and anglers enjoying late season warmth often catch their limits. That is not the case this year, given the deteriorating ice conditions. We encourage common sense and extreme caution – and keep in mind no ice is considered ‘safe’ ice.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says it is time to start scouting turkey hunting areas and he reminds hunters they now can (and should!) buy their new hunting licenses.
Carolyn at Anglers All on Chequamegon Bay in Ashland says anglers trolling Saxon Harbor, Sand Bay, Cornucopia, and off the Sioux River report good success on coho and brown trout. Anglers are also fishing the hot pond for walleyes and coho. (Remember – you cannot cast into the restricted area.) Anglers wading the hot pond and off the Sioux are also doing well. Tributary streams (up to the first barrier) open March 31.
“With the unseasonably warm weather, ice conditions have quickly deteriorated on all lakes across the north woods,” says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt. “Some lakes developed open water patches and most others have large areas of honeycombed ice that is quickly becoming unsafe for travel – and reports of anglers falling through weak areas of ice cover. As such, consider the ice extremely hazardous and we do not recommend travel.”
The DNR’s 2012 Wisconsin Fishing Report, now available on the DNR website and at DNR service centers, offers information about the number and sizes of fish on particular waters, as well as habitat and access projects that help make it easier to fish in those areas. You can download and print a color calendar with photographs of Wisconsin fish species, game fish identification tips, fishing dates, moon phases, and monthly forecasts. This year, the report’s special focus is on catfish and it includes tips on gear and when and where to find catfish.
Remaining permits for the 2012 spring turkey hunting season are now on sale on a first-come, first-served basis, with a different zone each day, and one permit purchase per day. Leftover permits cost $10 for resident, $15 for non-resident, and $5 for hunters 10 or 11 years old. Starting Saturday March 24, permits remaining go on sale until sold out or the season ends. All hunters must have a spring turkey license and stamp or hold a Conservation Patron license. Purchase leftover permits at license agents, DNR service centers, the Online Licensing Center, or toll-free 1-877-945-4236.
Summer-like weather has ATV riders anxious to hit the trails. Although most trails are open all year, some do close at certain times.
The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau ATV trail report notes that the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s ATV, motorbike, mountain bike, and horse trails close from March 15 to April 30 during the spring thaw to help protect the trail system. The closure does not affect trails on private or other public lands.
As the May 1 re-opening date draws near, trail managers monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when trails are ready for use. For more information, contact Sawyer County Forest administrator Greg Peterson (715) 634-6728 or the DNR (715) 266-7032.
Other ATV trail closures include:
Tuscobia Trail 10 from Price County line to Park Falls until April 15.
Flambeau Forest Trails 1, 36, and 25 until May 15. Trail 6 from March 15 to Nov 15.
Washburn County ATV trails from April 1 to May 31.
Trail 31 south from Trail 10 to Rusk County from March 15 to May 28.
Please protect everyone’s recreation opportunities by honoring all closures.
Sawyer County currently allows side-by-sides on all ATV trails and routes except those in Chequamegon National Forest with a 50-inch maximum width limit.
According to the Hayward Power Sports ATV trail report, the Wisconsin ATV Association voted Sawyer County ATV trails the “Best Trails” in Wisconsin.
FISHING REPORT
Ice fishing season is quickly coming to a very early end (for all but hard-core ice anglers it is already kaput) thanks to record-setting high temperatures throughout the north woods. Ice out is starting on some lakes and open water fishing will soon be a reality.
Upcoming Events
March 19: Leftover spring turkey permits on sale.
March 20: Winter crow season closes.
March 21: Deer hunter forum – Douglas/Bayfield counties (DMUs 1, 1M, 2, 4, 8, 9), Maple, 6:30 p.m.
March 22: Deer hunter forum – Sawyer County (DMU 13) Hayward High School, 6 p.m.
March 23: SCOPE fundraising banquet (715-634-2027).
March 26: Deer hunter forum – Washburn/Burnett counties (DMUs 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17), Spooner, 6:30 p.m.
March 31: Hunting, fishing licenses expire; Trout season opens on Lake Superior tributaries (see regs).
April 7-8: Youth Turkey Hunt (see regs).
April 9: Statewide DNR Spring Hearings 7 p.m.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 11-17; B: April 18-24; C: April 25-May 1; D: May 2-8; E: May 9-15; F: May 16-22.
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.
