Outdoor Report March 16, 2015

March 16, 2015
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

The North Woods continues to enjoy a pleasant run of above average temperatures, though the forecast does use the “s” word for Wednesday and Friday. Still, in less than a week it is “officially” spring!

“The ice is still good,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but warm weather changed ice conditions in the past week and some anglers are getting their trucks and snowmobiles stuck in slushy spots and standing water.
“Electronics are a necessity for serious crappie anglers, though finding crappies is only half the battle since each lake has its own feeding time pattern. Crappies are around deep holes and cribs and anywhere from the bottom to right under the ice. Anglers putting in time and effort jigging waxies and crappie minnows are getting some nice fish.
“Bluegill anglers report some decent catches on weedy area and on larger, deeper lakes, with waxies still best. Perch action is improving as the fish near spawning time. Waxies and minnows work best, and perch feed more consistently with warmer weather.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says crappie anglers continue to do well on the Chippewa Flowage.
“Use your electronics to look for crappies in 15-25 feet of water. This time of year they are usually suspending and can be anywhere in the water column. Crappie minnows on plain hooks will take some fish, but jigging seems more productive. Tip jigs with plastics or live bait – the hot bait is tungsten jigs tipped with waxies – and the best tactic is to fish above the fish. Work #2 Jigging Rapalas to catch larger crappies.
“Bluegills are generally mixed in with the crappies and you can target them by downsizing your offerings.”
Guide Steve Genson at Hayward Bait says excellent weather last week encouraged fishing activity.
“The panfish bite is strong, with typical patterns prevailing. Crappie fishing is good and suspending fish are moving higher in the water column. Drill numerous holes and keep on the move until you get on the fish. The bluegill bite is good on weed flats and perch have started moving shallow to spawn just after ice-out.
“There is still quite a bit of ice, but be safe – driving trucks is highly discouraged. North side landings and heavy use areas will go quickly and at best it is definitely ATV time.”

This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter talks about 2015 spring fish surveys.
“Each spring, fisheries crews statewide hit the water to take stock of the fisheries in our lakes. Every few years, on a rotation basis, we survey all lakes with reasonable public access, such as a public boat ramp of some type. Fisheries crews usually survey large lakes more frequently than smaller ones.
“This year, the Hayward fish team will survey the Chippewa Flowage, Grindstone, Tiger Cat Chain, Sissabagama, Blaisdell, Smith, Beverly, and Green lakes, starting with netting shortly after ice out. After the water warms, we typically return and electroshock the lake.
“These two types of surveys give a relatively accurate representation of the major fish species in the lake.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions on area lakes started deteriorating with the unseasonably warm weather and ice anglers should be aware of fast-changing conditions on warm, sunny days.
“Ice fishing pressure for panfish has picked up a bit with the warmer weather and anglers report some decent catches of crappie, bluegill, and perch. Perch and bluegill action is consistent, but anglers have to work hard to find crappies.
“Bluegills are suspending off the bottom in deeper water, with waxies and small plastics producing some fair catches. Perch have started moving toward shallow bays for spawning after ice-out. The best success is on small minnows fished just off the bottom of mud flats in 6-10 feet.”

Spring is just around the corner and the annual free Fishing and Outdoor Expo at Hayward Wesleyan Church March 28, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., is an excellent place to start thinking about warm-weather outdoor activities. The event covers everything from fishing, boating, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Participate in hands-on workshops for fly-tying, fly casting, and lure making. Attend seminars to learn the top 10 local family fishing spots, DNR stocking updates, “fish stake” installation, and fishing Lake Superior, the White River, and ... the Everglades! Visit displays and exhibits set up by outdoor gear retailers, resource agencies, and watershed groups. Namekagon River Partnership (NRP) and Sons & Daughters of Zebedee (SADOZ) are co-sponsoring the event. There will be games for kids, raffles, and SADOZ is providing a free lunch! The church is located on the corner of Highway 77 and Nyman Avenue. For more information, call (715) 634-4613.

Snowmobile Trail Reports
The March 12 Hayward Power Sports trail report says sledding season has come to a halt. Although most Sawyer County trails do not officially close, other than some trails on private property, conditions are very poor, with trails in the open bare of snow and not much on the forest trails. Crews pulled the stakes on most lake trails and will soon pull the remaining ones – and we recommend no travel on the lakes! Sawyer County ATV trails are open with 1-3 inches of snow on forest trails, but all snowmobile and ATV trails in Chequamegon National Forest closed for spring break-up.
The March 12 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau report says most Sawyer County snowmobile trails are open, except those crossing private property, which will soon close. Trails in open areas are bare; trails in the woods are very poor. Thank you to all the snowmobilers who visited the Hayward area and to all club members and volunteers for your work on our beautiful trails!
The Cable Area snowmobile trails report for March 11 says due to the combination of warm temperatures and lack of snow, Bayfield County closed its trails early to protect the property of private landowners. Even in the event of a snowstorm, the trails will not re-open. It was a short, sweet season and we appreciate all of your business!
The March 10 Runamuk Rides report says most snowmobile trails have closed due to lack of snow, but until a week ago it was a great snowmobiling season.

FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappie action is good to very good once you find the fish. Plan on spending time with your electronics and drilling a “few” holes in the ice – a labor of love, right? Stay on the move until you find the fish. Concentrate on depths from 10-25 feet with deep holes, cribs, and weedlines. Check the entire water column, from just under the ice to the lake bottom. Top baits and presentations include crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on plain hooks and jigs/tungsten jigs. Jigging spoons can tempt bigger crappies.

Bluegill:
Bluegills are offering anglers a good bite around weeds and/or suspending over deeper water, and often hanging with the crappies. As with crappies, check the entire water column! Waxies, small plastics, and Gulp! baits are all productive, but using smaller, lighter tackle and equipment will usually increase your catch rate.

Perch:
Perch action is improving as fish start moving toward shallower areas, preparing for their post-ice-out spawning period. For now, look for fish on/near the bottom in depths to 15 feet. Waxies and minnows are both working well for perch.

Upcoming Events
March 20: Crow season closes.
March 23: Leftover spring turkey tags goes on sale at 10 a.m.
March 25: Hayward Bass Club meeting at Hayward Rod and Gun Club, 7 p.m. (715-699-1015).
March 28: Trout season opens on some Lake Superior tributaries. (See trout regs).
March 28: Hayward Fishing Expo, Hayward Wesleyan Church, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 31: Licenses for 2014-15 expire.
April 11-12: Youth turkey hunt.
April 13: Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearings and Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15 through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
April 26: Early inland trout season closes.
April 30: Seasons close in north zone: Otter trapping; Beaver trapping.

Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 15-21; B: April 22-28; C: April 29-May 5; D: May 6-12; E: May 13-19; F: May 20-26.

Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Sawyer County Record co-sponsor this report. For more information on area events and activities, visit the HLVCB’s Calendar of Events or call 800-724-2992.