Outdoor Report November 17, 2014

November 17, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

By now, most (though not all!) have accepted the reality that winter has arrived and it appears to be in for the long haul. Snow and cold remain in the forecast, however a warm-up is in the works for the end of the week!

“Snow continued to pile up, temperatures continued to drop, and open water fishing season ended,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Most anglers put away their fishing gear and are readying for gun deer season.
“It is way too early for ice fishing, though some will try it. Make sure you have someone with you, as well as safety equipment including personal floatation devices. My rule is when trucks are on the lake, then it is time for me to go.
“Snowmobilers are anxious to hit the trails, but not all are open or cleared of downed trees and other obstructions.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says most Chippewa Flowage anglers have called it quits for the season.
“There are still a few hard-core muskie anglers, however. Large suckers near channels and cribs work best, and jig a Fuzzy Duzzit to call attention to your suckers.
“IF you decide to fish, go prepared for deep snow, slush, and icy ramps. Take a snow shovel and kitty litter for traction – do NOT use salt on the landing ramps – and expect to break ice.
“Walleye anglers are waiting for first ice. Bays should have decent ice in the next week or so, but remember to be ultra cautious on first ice!”
Jim at Hayward Bait says Lake Hayward ‘officially’ froze over during the night of November 11.
“I’m sure some other smaller lakes froze over as well, and it would not shock me to have some ice fishing reports later this week or next. Anglers itching to get on early ice really need to use extreme caution and be sure to take along flotation and ice picks. We do not encourage anglers to go out until there is a solid three to four inches of ice.
“From conversations with several bird hunters, it appears they are doing fairly well on grouse.”

This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter addresses walleye slot limits in the Hayward area.
“One of the most frequently asked questions I hear from anglers is why we do not use more walleye slot limits in our area. Slot limits have become a popular idea and many good walleye fisheries around North America do use them.
“The problem is that anglers assume these good walleye fisheries are due to the slot limit, when in reality the slot limit is often the result of the already good walleye fishery.
“Slot limits can be a great tool for walleye populations with consistent natural reproduction, moderate growth, and high angler harvest. A good local example is Grindstone Lake where the slot limit can and does work.
“Currently, most of our area lakes lack enough natural reproduction to make slot limits effective. However, that could change in the future and anglers could see more slot limits.”

DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says that with upwards of 12 inches of snow and nearly all boat landings inaccessible, open-water fishing season came to an abrupt end.
“A few smaller and shallow lakes developed a thin layer of ice cover last week, but the majority of lakes were still open, though with a bit of fringe ice. Early season ice will be thin and dangerous, so anglers should put any thoughts of early ice fishing on hold for a few weeks.”

The DNR is proposing a fishing regulation change on Lost Land Lake, Teal Lake, and the Teal River Flowage where walleye have a received a minimum length limit exemption since 1992. DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says the proposal would restore the statewide walleye minimum length limit of 15 inches. He notes recent surveys show walleye populations in these lakes have dropped and the growth rate has improved dramatically. The DNR will accept public comment through December 10. Send comments to Max Wolter, DNR fisheries biologist, DNR, 10220N Highway 27, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843.

In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered two antlerless deer and 24 bucks for archery season. Dennis at Shooting Star says rut is in full swing, but there are not many deer around and also not many hunters.

Gun deer season hunters should check a DNR informational packet for deer hunters that covers questions concerning rules (both old and new) and other items for the season running November 22-30. The packet addresses such things as what this year’s changes mean for the hunt, hunting forecast, the 2014 fact sheet, the chronology of deer in Wisconsin, and more. The DNR also welcomes hunters to participate in a series of informational live chats from Nov. 18-21.

The Hayward Power Sports snowmobile trail report for November 17 says Sawyer County snowmobile trails are technically always open, but the heavy snow has actually hindered trail conditions. Swamps and lakes need time to freeze over for safe crossings, groomers are not yet running, some trails still require clearing of downed trees, and some private property trails are not open yet due to hunting season. While Sawyer County snowmobiles are open, we advise snowmobilers to use caution if they choose to ride early this year!
The Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report for November 12 says some trails in Sawyer County are open in the Seeley Hills area. However, please keep in mind many of our trails run on private land or across open water and as such, we must wait for official permission and for freeze-over, both most likely after the regular gun deer season.

FISHING REPORT
Heavy snow and cold temperatures quickly shut down open water fishing in the North Woods. The 2014 season was not a bad one, but a bit abbreviated since it started late with the spring gamefish opener frozen out for the second straight year. The sudden end is not all ‘that’ early, however, as traditionally many anglers ice fished during the regular gun deer season. It looks to be a long ice fishing season, so do not push the limits by taking chances on early ice!

Upcoming Events
Nov.15: Trout and salmon fishing closed on downstream Lake Superior tributaries (see regs).
Nov.20: Seasons close: Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 20-Dec. 8: Relic Riders vintage and antique snowmobile display; Northern Lakes Co-op Cabin Shop.
Nov.22: Regular gun deer season opens.
Nov.25: Duck season closes in north zone.
Nov.30: Seasons close: Regular gun deer; Muskie; Turtle.
Dec. 1: DNR Lake Superior fisheries public meeting, 6:30-9 p.m. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland.
Dec. 1-31: Extended fall turkey season in zones 1-5.

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.