Outdoor Report

March 02, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

The six to eight inches or more of fresh snow (accompanied by 30 mph winds) arriving this past Thursday/Friday made ice travel less treacherous for anglers fishing the end of inland game fish season March 1, though nighttime temperatures of -25 to -30 degrees offered them little motivation to hit the ice at daybreak. However, both Saturday and Sunday were sunny and clear, and good numbers of anglers turned out to try their luck.
Panfish season remains open, and it is still legal to fish for some game fish species on specific lakes and rivers. Check the DNR Web site for those exceptions.
Early catch-and-release trout season opens at 5 a.m. Saturday March 7. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed on trout streams while fishing for any fish species. Check the DNR Web site for open waters.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says some local lakes are experiencing a winterkill, and with the new layer of fresh snow over thin ice, he will be watching other lakes. Pratt says not much can be done about it at this time, other than to hope for an early spring and a good runoff.
New hunting and fishing licenses will be available March 10. Current licenses expire March 31.
Approximately 70,900 leftover spring wild turkey hunting permits will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. March 23, however this year permits will be sold one zone per day. The permit fee is $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents. All hunters are required to purchase a spring turkey license and stamp. The 2009 spring turkey season runs April 15 through May 24, in six five-day periods. For more information, visit the Wild Turkey page of the DNR Web site.
The fast-moving winter storm last week dropped up to a foot or more of much-needed fresh snow in some areas of this region, and snowmobile trails are now in good to excellent condition, with conditions expected to hold throughout the week. Visit Sawyer County, Sno-Trails Snowmobile Club, or Namakagon Trail Groomers for trail reports, and Snowmobile and ATV Trail Maps for more trail information.
This coming weekend, March 6-8, is the Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals, held at LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center. Racing fans will get an up-close view of Pro-Stock, Semi-Pro, Sport Open, Junior 14-15, Junior 16-17, Sport Super Stock, and Sport Women Super Stock, and the “bowl” behind the casino offers fans a full track view. Live music, food vendors, product displays, and demo rides will all be available throughout the weekend. For ticket information, visit Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals or call (715) 634-8662.
If you are looking for something “different” as a way to escape cabin fever, plan to participate in Schultz’s Restaurant Turkey Bowl March 14, from noon to 4 p.m. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Northwoods Humane Society. Bowling lanes are plowed on the Chippewa Flowage ice, pins are set up – and participants bowl with frozen turkeys.
There is free food, hot chocolate, a huge raffle at 4 p.m., and trophies are awarded to top three bowlers. For more information visit Schultz’s Restaurant or call 715-945-2223.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good and improving, with mid to late afternoon offering the best bite. Fish are scattered and can be found around weeds in shallower water or suspending in some a lake’s deepest water. Finding the fish – and staying with them – can be labor intensive and require a lot of movement. Crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, plastics, whether on plain hooks, small jigs, or teardrops, are all producing fish.

Bluegill:
Look for weeds in water 6-18 feet deep and you should find bluegills. Action is fairly slow, but we are coming into a prime period for panfish fishing. Waxies, mousies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks or teardrops will all work. Again, downsizing tackle and bait will almost always work to your advantage.

Perch:
Perch action is also fairly slow, but anglers are catching fish. Much like crappie, you will have to move around to find them. Look for perch to hold near bottom in deeper water, and the mud flats continue to hold fish. When you find the perch, they are hitting fatheads, rosy reds, crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics. Berkley spikes can be particularly effective.

Upcoming Events
March 1: Game fish season closed.
March 6-8: Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals.
March 6-7: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods Resort.
March 7: Early catch and release trout season opens.
March 10: 2009-2010 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale.
March 14: Schultz’s Restaurant Turkey Bowl.
March 17: Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza at Lakewoods Resort.
March 23: Remaining spring turkey permits go on sale.
March 27: Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) banquet (715) 634-2027.
March 31: Hunting and fishing licenses expire.
April 27: Early catch-and-release trout season closes.
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.