Outdoor Report April 21, 2014

April 21, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Warmer daytime temperatures, milder nights, and rain forecast for this week will help remove remaining snow and ice from the North Woods – and “the sooner the better” gets a near-unanimous vote!

Pat at Happy Hooker says last week’s winter storm dashed hopes for the start of spring, but everyone is holding on to hope fishing season will start on time May 3.
“People frustrated with ice fishing conditions are now preparing for the new season. If you are in a hurry to start it, most fishing action is on southern rivers – but check the regulations for the area you are fishing.
“As for the northland, the best guess for the start of the season is rivers and lake inlets. The rest of us may be ice fishing come opening day!”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says very few anglers are ice fishing due to travel conditions.
“They pulled the snowmobile trails markers on the Chip and shorelines on most lakes are opening due to the warm weather. It is time to think about open water fishing!
“Check your rods and reels and spool up new line. Make sure your motor starts, check trolling motors and batteries, and inspect your trailer’s tires and bearings.
“A little pre-season prep now can save you from trouble and delays at the boat landing.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says panfish anglers report some success in recent days.
“Crappie fishing is good at varied depths on Long, Nelson, and Sissabagama with crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics. Bluegill action is decent on Nelson, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Long in 5-10 feet with waxies, spikes, and plastics. Perch are active in 10-20 feet on Spring, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Springbrook, hitting fatheads, waxies, spikes, and plastics.
“Brule River trout anglers fishing spinners, yarn, spawn, and crawlers are doing well on steelhead and brown trout.
“With warmer temperatures and snow melting, it is time to think spring and prepare fishing gear and watercraft.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage water level has risen about three feet and is now down just five feet.
“The Chief River is flowing very nicely, Moss and Hay creeks have filled up considerably, and there is no ice to see from County B by the West Fork. Ice is beginning to turn a darker grey by The Landing and water is continuously pooling in the middle of the ice.”

DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says many anglers are asking about the changes to early catch and release season for bass.
“This year, anglers statewide can harvest largemouth bass starting May 3, the opening day of fishing season. As in previous years, smallmouth bass season remains catch-and-release only in the area north of Hwy 77 and northeast of Hwy 27 in Sawyer County until the third weekend in June.
“The DNR made this change after research determined the catch and release season was more beneficial to smallmouth than largemouth.
“There are certain lakes in our area where largemouth are over-abundant and slow growing. In these cases, regulations changed so that some harvest of small largemouth (less than 14 inches) can occur – and is encouraged. The lakes include Nelson, Chippewa Flowage, Whitefish, Sissabagama, and Chetac.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says as of last week, most lakes across northern Wisconsin still had 20-22 inches of ice, with 10-12 inches of solid ice underneath a soft and grainy top layer.
“A few panfish anglers are still getting out to try their late season luck, with all access limited to foot travel. They report spotty success, with just a few light catches of crappie and bluegill.
“The fish are still in deep water areas, suspending 5-10 feet off bottom – and very finicky in biting.”

Results (and the questions) from the April 14 Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings are now available on the DNR website. The Natural Resources Board (NRB) will review the results at its May 28 meeting in Green Bay.

Wisconsin’s inland fishing season opens May 3 and DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt suggests walleye anglers try rivers and smaller lakes and flowages where the ice is likely to have melted by opening day.
“Walleyes will probably be in the middle of spawning and do feed during this period. They usually spawn at dark in six inches to three feet of water and then drop back to deeper water, 6-20 feet, during the day. Try Rapalas along rocky points or jigs and minnows on gravel drop-offs.
“Look for panfish in shallow, warm bays with weedy or mucky bottoms and try small minnows or worms along weedlines or on mud flats in 2-4 feet of water.”
Wisconsin offers license discounts to resident veterans, active duty service members, first time buyers, and others. For more license information, visit the DNR website or call 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

Black bears are emerging from their dens in search of food and wildlife officials encourage homeowners to take precautions to reduce the potential for problems with hungry bears. DNR wildlife damage specialist Brad Koele says the DNR receives more than 800 complaints about bear each year. Many conflicts occur because people leave attractants such as bird feeders, garbage cans, grills, or pet food outside and accessible to bears. Highly habituated bears can be dangerous and may require euthanization. Preventing the problem in the first place is the best solution for both humans and bears. In northern Wisconsin, homeowners who are not able to resolve a bear conflict should contact USDA-Wildlife Services (800-228-1368).

The Hayward Chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) is holding its 27th annual fishing event May 16-17. This is the “Granddaddy” of them all, as Hayward held the first FHNB event in 1988. Now, 26 years later, the Hayward Chapter still has its event at Lake Chippewa Campground on the Chippewa Flowage. The two-day event hosts 150 participants fishing from boats or on pontoons, a unique experience that for some was once was only a dream. The FHNB event always needs and welcomes additional volunteers to assist with various duties. To learn more, contact Jenny Overman (715) 634-3185; hayfhnb@cheqnet.net.

FISHING REPORT
Ice fishing interest remains minimal, though it could still be the only option on some lakes for the May 3 opening of game fish season! Reports indicate panfish are holding in mid-depth to deeper water and hitting the standard baits expected for each species. Few anglers are fishing and those who do should use great caution due to the changing ice conditions. If you have not purchased your new fishing license for this year, do so now to avoid any opening day rush.

Upcoming Events
April 27: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in Northern zone.
May 3: General inland fishing season opener (see regs for 2014 bass zone changes).
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Beer Bellies (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874).
May 16-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
May 19: Youth environmental event at Hayward Center for Individualized Learning (HACIL).
May 24: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).

Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 16-22; B: April 23-29; C: April 30-May 6; D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.

For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.