Outdoor Report May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

This year’s transition from winter to spring is a slow one in the North Woods, delayed at every turn. This week continues the trend, with mild days, cool nights, and chances for rain and thunderstorms on tap nearly every day. Trees are budding, plants are blooming, birds are singing – the signs are there, even if the temperatures and weather mislead a bit.

“Now, with inland lakes devoid of ice, we can officially start the 2014 open water season,” says Pat at Happy Hooker.
“For walleye and northern pike, start shallow with fatheads under bobbers or on live bait rigs, shallow Rapalas, or swimming plastics. Fish on any emerging weeds, rock bars, or sandy bottoms. The walleye bite is always best in early morning and from late afternoon into dark, but pike remain active throughout the day.
“Crappies are on deep weed edges and drop-offs. Use crappie minnows under bobbers or small plastics, with light line (4- to 6-pound) and small hooks. Fish bluegills in the same areas, using waxies, worms, or small plastics.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says walleye anglers are doing well on area waters.
“Fish for walleyes in 5-15 feet of water with jigs and fatheads, leeches under slip bobbers, and crankbaits, and work shallow water during evening hours. Pike action is good on northern suckers, spoons, and spinnerbaits along shallower water weedlines and in shallow bays. Largemouth action is slow and smallmouth fishing is currently catch-and-release only in the northern zone.
“Crappie fishing is good on some lakes in a wide range of depths, from shallow, warmer water out to more than 15 feet. Look for breaklines and shallow bays and inlets. Crappie minnows, plastics, and small crankbaits work best.
“Turkey hunters report they are seeing more birds than expected, but with the change to phone and online registration we do not hear as much as in past seasons.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says most Chippewa Flowage walleye anglers are finding fish in the river channels along current edges.
“’For most anglers, jigs tipped with fatheads or mud minnows are the hot baits, with the current dictating jig size, and some are doing well with deep diving crankbaits. Both presentations produce in the shallows.
“A number of anglers are finding crappies in 15-20 feet of water, but look for the fish to move shallow as the water warms,.”
Mike at Jenk’s says anglers caught some big walleyes during opening weekend, but it appears big fish are less active.
“Anglers report they are now catching more ‘eater’ walleyes than anything else, though a few anglers also report catches of northern pike while walleye fishing. Bass activity is still a bit slow.
“Crappie action is also slow, but fish are moving into shallower water (14-16 feet) in creek and river channels and look for them to continue their move to spring habitat with the warming water.”

Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says the ice has left Chequamegon Bay and smelting has started.
“Shore anglers casting stickbaits are catching walleyes, but until May 15 you must stay 50 feet away from the discharge pipe.
“Trollers flat-lining stickbaits off boards are catching brown trout, lake trout, and coho in waters off the Sioux, Onion, and Pikes. Look for mud lines in 20-30 feet of water. Streams are high and dirty.”

DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says Chippewa Flowage fish surveys show promise for walleye.
“During our fyke netting for the Chippewa Flowage walleye population this spring, we found very encouraging numbers of young adult walleye in excellent condition. Mature males and females between 11-16 inches made up a large portion of the catch.
“Based on the size of these fish – and low natural recruitment the last few years – it is very likely many of them were stocked as extended growth fingerlings through the efforts of the Big Chip Fish Fest. An age and growth analysis will confirm the year these fish entered the system and will provide information on how fast they are growing.
“Spawning conditions on the Chippewa Flowage were close to perfect this year, thanks in large part to the drawdown and refill, and this should increase the odds for pulling off a natural year class in 2014.”

The Hayward Chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) is holding its 27th annual fishing event May 16-17. Hayward held the first FHNB event in 1988, and now 26 years later, the Hayward Chapter still has its event at Lake Chippewa Campground on the Chippewa Flowage. The two-day event hosts 150 participants fishing from fishing boats and pontoons, an experience that for some was once was only a dream. The event always needs and welcomes additional volunteers to assist with various duties. To learn more, contact Jenny Overman (715) 634-3185; hayfhnb@cheqnet.net.

FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye anglers did well opening weekend and continue to do so, though reports indicate smaller males now make up the bulk of the catches. Work depths from 3-20 feet (depending on lake and time of day), concentrating on weeds, weedlines, rock bars, brush, and river channels. Prime times are early morning and late afternoon into dark, particularly on shallow shorelines in the evening. Top baits include fatheads and leeches on jigs, slip bobbers, and live bait rigs, and Rapalas, crankbaits, and plastics.

Northern:
Northern action is decent, though the majority of catches made by walleye anglers. Look for pike along shallower weeds and weedlines, bays, and rock bars – seldom far from panfish. Baits of choice include northern suckers, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits ... and apparently fatheads on jigs (re: walleye anglers).

Bass:
For the first time in many years, anglers can harvest largemouth bass with the start of game fish season. Smallmouth bass, however, remain catch-and-release only until June 21. Whether you use artificials or live bait (artificials are easier on the fish!), slow your retrieves – the water is cold and the bass are a bit sluggish.

Crappie:
Crappie anglers are doing well on many lakes and action will improve with warming water. For now, depending on the lake and time of day, depths can range out to 25 feet of water and fish may suspend anywhere in the water column. Work warmer water bays, brush, breaklines, weed edges, and drop-offs with crappie minnows and small plastics fished on plain hooks or jigs, with or without bobbers.

Bluegill:
With most anglers concentrating on walleyes and crappies, there are few bluegill reports. The fish are in the same general areas as crappies and hitting waxies, worms, and small plastics.

Upcoming Events
May 16-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
May 17: Cable Area Off Road Classic Mountain Bike Race (800-533-7454).
May 19: Youth environmental event at Hayward Center for Individualized Learning (715-934-2112).
May 24: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
June 7-8: Free Fishing Weekend.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).

Spring turkey hunting periods
E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.

The Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Sawyer County Record co-sponsor this report. For more information on area events and activities, visit the HLVCB’s Calendar of Events or call 800-724-2992.