Dec 22 Outdoor Report

December 22, 2008
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Only in the north woods would plentiful fresh snow and subzero temperatures so welcome as they were this past weekend by many outdoor enthusiasts, though ice anglers would have much preferred the cold to arrive prior to the snow. Ice conditions are good and improving, but a few nights of extreme cold on bare ice can help set up thick, solid ice for the remainder of the season.
Even though we have had numerous nights well below zero already this year, Al at Pastika’s cautions there are reports of thin, slushy ice on some areas of the big lakes, and he reminds anglers venturing out to be cautious and check the ice.
Pat at Happy Hooker says he has observed some ATVs and snowmobiles out and about, but he also advises caution – and will not endorse taking vehicles on the ice.
Senior DNR fisheries biologist Pratt Report says there is plenty of ice everywhere, including the big lakes, but is quick to advise anglers to be careful and check the ice, adding, “First car on runs the risk of being first car in.”
All but one of the deer hunting seasons have run their course, with late archery the only deer season still open, and it ends January 4. In the past week, Dennis at Shooting Star Archery registered one buck and one antlerless deer, and Lonnie at Hillman’s Store reports he had no deer registrations. Sitting in a stand with -20 degree temperature and 30 mph winds can be slightly uncomfortable, and at this time only the most dedicated deer hunters continue to pursue their favorite hobby.
If you ARE a hunter with dedication, and you, too, have every intention to absolutely, positively hunt deer until the last day of the season, keep in mind participation in the Venison Donation Program is down from previous years – but the need for venison still exists. The DNR theorizes the decrease in donations is partially attributable to the decrease in deer harvest this year. Also, some hunters might have economic concerns and are choosing to keep more of their venison.
Snowmobilers, and the businesses that serve them, have reason to smile – we have snow. In fact, according to the Sawyer County snowmobile trail condition reports, “these are the best snowmobiling conditions we've seen this early in 10 years!” Check the site for up-to-the-minute reports on trail conditions, as well as any cautions (such as, in the current report, ice heaves on certain lakes) and other pertinent information of interest.
Tuscobia State Trail (southern Sawyer County) is now open and grooming was on the schedule this past weekend. Snowmobile trails in the Flambeau State Forest area are also open and groomed, as are the ski trails.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is best in the early morning and late afternoon into evening hours, but fish are being caught throughout the day. Still, early and late offers the best opportunities, though a few reports indicate the bite is hot just before sunset and then shuts down as if a switch is flipped. Depth is apparently up for debate. Start in shallower water and move deeper – try six feet to more than 20 feet – around weeds, rocks, and other structure. Fish under tip-ups with walleye suckers and shiners, and take a mix of sizes, as the ‘eyes are being a bit particular on some days.

Northern:
Northern pike action is very good all day long. Fish shallow weeds in 4-10 feet of water, and somewhat deeper weeds for larger fish. Use tip-ups with northern suckers and medium to large shiners. Pike are great fighters, excellent on the table, and can be real trip-savers when other species refuse to cooperate.

Crappie:
Crappies are suspending in deeper water (down to 20+ feet) around weeds and various types of structure and cribs. Crappie minnows are the first choice, followed by rosy reds, but waxies and plastics on teardrops are also effective baits. Your success on crappies and other panfish can often be improved by downsizing to lighter line and tackle.

Bluegill:
Panfish anglers are starting to have some good success on bluegills around shallow water weeds, down to about 15 feet. The standard fare – waxies, mousies, spikes, and plastics – on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops, are all catching fish.

Perch
Perch fishing continues to be good on minnows (fatheads, rosy reds) and waxies, both on plan hooks, ice jigs, and jigging spoons. Look for the perch to be suspended just off bottom.

Upcoming Events
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Partridge; Bobcat; Fisher; Frog.
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.