Fishing report February 10, 2022

According to many reports, ice thickness is 15-20 inches on most Hayward area lakes. Always go with caution, however, and practice ice fishing safety protocols regarding travel and equipment.

Walleye:
Walleye action is fair, but anglers making the effort are catching fish. Most success is in early morning and from late afternoon into after dark. The fish are in deep basins, around wood, rock, and other structure, and on drop-offs adjacent to deep water. Best baits include walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads on tip-ups and dead sticks. Minnow heads on jigs and jigging baits are also producing.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good and the fish are nearly everywhere in 6-22 feet, from weeds and weedlines to drop-offs, and near concentrations of panfish and baitfish. Northern suckers, shiners, and fatheads under tip-ups and dead sticks will motivate them.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good, with best fishing in mornings and afternoons. Look for fish in deep holes in 20-30 feet, and check the entire column for suspending fish. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs, and jigging spoons.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good in basins and shallow bays in 5-20 feet. Search the entire water column for suspending fish. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs and teardrops work well, with jigging spoons also drawing interest. Modify the presentation and downsize if necessary.

Perch:
Perch fishing is fair to good once you locate the fish, dispersed from shallow to deep, on weeds, humps, drop-offs, and flats in depths to 30 feet. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and minnow heads on jigs are all productive offerings.