Outdoor Report December 15, 2008

December 15, 2008
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Frigid temperatures, as well as stiff winds, freezing rain, and six or more inches of snow, arrived in the Hayward area Sunday evening. Forecasts indicate sub-zero lows for most of the week, so the lakes will have more than ample time and conditions to increase ice thickness.
Pat at Happy Hooker says 8-10 inches of hard, clean ice has set up on most of the Quiet Lakes. He adds there are always exceptions, however, and anglers should use caution and test the ice as they work their way out on the lake.
Al at Pastika’s says most lakes have six or more inches of ice, and some more than ten inches, depending on the lake. He, too, cautions anglers to be careful and to not assume the ice is safe.
Whether you plan to fish, x-country ski, snowmobile, or hike, it’s a good idea to check with bait shops or other businesses familiar with the lake where you plan to recreate. They can warn you about – and help you avoid – any possible trouble areas you might encounter.
Muzzleloader season and the December antlerless-only deer hunt continued the trend of reduced harvest compared to last year.
Dennis Meyer at Shooting Star archery registered 11 bucks and 32 antlerless deer for the 2008 muzzleloader season, compared to 17 bucks and 49 antlerless in 2007. He registered 66 deer for the Dec. 11-14 antlerless only hunt, compared to 117 in 2007. In the past week, Meyer registered two bucks and three antlerless deer for late archery season, which runs through January 4.
In the past week, Lonnie at Hillman’s Store registered 18 deer for the December antlerless-only season, and one bow-killed buck.
DNR Northern Region wildlife supervisor Ken Jonas says Sawyer County’s deer harvest is down about 20 percent compared to last year, but notes the 2007 statewide harvest was Wisconsin’s second-highest on record.
“It appears we are nearing our population goals,” says Jonas. “Goals are based on the number of deer an area’s food and habitat can support, and set to minimize mortality during a severe winter. The over-winter goal for Unit 13, which includes much of Sawyer County, is 15 deer per square mile.”
According to Jonas, Unit 13 deer populations were estimated at 31 per square mile in 2000, and 19 per square mile last year.

Walleye:
Walleyes are getting most of the ice fishing attention. Action is good, with a decent number of 20-inch fish being caught. Best fishing is in the early morning and late afternoon hours, though anglers are catching fish throughout the day. Depths vary from lake to lake. Anglers are fishing water from five to 25 feet deep – and all depths in-between – and on assorted bottoms, from weeds to mud flats. Tip-ups are the rule, though some anglers are now jigging, and the favorite baits are walleye suckers and shiners, suspended from a few inches to a few feet off bottom.

Northern:
Northern action is very good at this time, and reports indicate the catching process is extremely easy. Use tip-ups and fish northern suckers and shiners in shallow weeds. That’s it. (Northern is excellent on the table. If you can find a copy, the Sawyer County Record’s 2008 Fall Fun Guide contains a simple, three-step procedure for Y-bone removal.)

Crappie:
Crappie action is fair to good, but as is often the case, you have to first locate them. This can be tricky, as they are scattered and locations will vary with the lake fished. Some are in deep weeds and some are suspending over deep water – which could be just off bottom or a few feet up the water column. Oh, and they will move, too, so once you do find them don’t get too comfortable. On the up side, crappies are hitting a variety of baits – crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, mousies, spikes, and plastics – though maybe not all on the same day. Go prepared to offer a few choices.

Bluegill:
While most anglers are keying on walleye, panfish action is good for those targeting bluegills and perch. Fish weed areas with waxies or spikes on teardrops, and try small minnows in somewhat deeper water for larger ‘gills. Light line and tackle will increase your hooking success.

Perch:
Perch fishing is currently good in shallower water on crappie minnows, fatheads, plastics, and ice jigs tipped with waxies. Look for fish suspended just off bottom.

Upcoming Events
Dec. 15: Tuscobia State Trail opens for ATV use in Sawyer County.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Partridge; Bobcat; Fisher; Frog.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Jan. 4: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 18: Winter crow season opens, through March 20.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (northern zone).
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Raccoon; Fox; Coyote trapping.
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Muskrat; Mink.
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.