Outdoor Report March 9, 2015

March 9, 2015
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

It is truly amazing how quickly, and significantly, weather conditions can change! Only a few days ago the morning low was 27 degrees below zero and now we have highs in the 50s for the entire week! We will see, but the month of March looks to be mild, according to long-term forecast.

“Cold weather early last week increased ice depths on the Quiet Lakes and most have 20-26 inches,” says Pat at Happy Hooker.
“With game fish season closed, anglers are turning to panfish. Panfish success showed signs of improvement over the weekend as anglers reported some fair crappie, bluegill, and perch catches. Action should get better with the longer, warmer days.
“The 2014-15 licenses expire March 31, but 2015-16 licenses are on sale now – get your new license early to avoid the last minute rush!”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says with game fish season’s close March 1, it is time for Chippewa Flowage anglers to target panfish.
“Most anglers are after crappies and using electronics to locate fish. This time of year, crappies are usually suspending and easy to see with electronics, and you will find more than one area holding fish.
“Try suspending crappie minnows just above the fish, or work small jigs tipped with waxie, plastics, or Gulp! baits; #2 Jigging Rapalas will produce larger fish. If crappies are slow to respond, downsize offerings. A smaller jig tipped with a single spike will take both fussy crappies and bluegills mixed in with them.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says inland game fish season closed March 1, but panfish fishing remains open and anglers report some good catches.
“Crappies are suspending outside the flats over deeper basins and waxies and crappie minnows on tungsten jigs work well. Target bluegills in cabbage beds and on flats with waxies, mousies, and spikes on small jigs. For perch, fish along mid lake bars and mudflats with small spoons tipped with waxies, spikes, or minnow heads.
“Expect all fish species to start moving shallow as the weather warms and the ice begins to melt.”
Mike at Jenk’s says Chippewa Flowage ice is about 22 inches thick and crappie anglers are doing very well in the deep holes off Popple Island.
"Anglers less inclined to compete for spots can try the cribs off Pine Point, the shorelines off Menard’s and Moores bays, and Blueberry Flats.”

This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses walleye spawning areas.
“Many lakes across the Midwest and Wisconsin are struggling with walleye recruitment issues. Jake Richter, a researcher formerly with UW-Stevens Point and now with the DNR, looked at whether a lack of good spawning area played a role in declining walleye recruitment.
“Richter used side-scan sonar to determine how much suitable spawning area, such as cobble and rock, existed in several study lakes. Study results showed most good spawning habitat was within eight feet from shore – and the amount of spawning habitat was similar between lakes with and without good walleye recruitment.
“This indicates that a lack of spawning area is not the limiting factor for walleye in most northern Wisconsin lakes. Other factors, such as water clarity, temperature, fish community, and prey availability, may be more influential in determining walleye recruitment.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says last week’s cold weather increased ice depths and most lakes have 18-22 inches. Deep drifts make vehicle travel difficult, however, and snowmobiles remain the best travel method.
“Gamefish season ended March 1 on a quite note, but panfish action shows signs of improvement, with fair catches of crappie, bluegill, and perch. Good electronics are a key to finding panfish, and waxies, wigglers, and small minnows are all producing action.
“Look for panfish fishing to improve with the longer days and warming temperatures.”

Snowmobile Trail Reports
Sunshine, warm days, and snowmobile traffic took a toll on trails this past weekend. Trails are open, but call ahead for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions. Though March can bring heavy snow, current long-term forecasts show moderate to warm temperatures.
The March 9 Namakagon Trail Groomers report says trails are in poor condition after the warm weekend and the forecast is for temperatures in the upper 40s all week. This may be the last of the season unless we get significant snowfall and colder temperatures. The groomers did a great job with the limited snow this season, pleasantly surprising all riders!
The March 9 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau report says it was a great snowmobiling season, but with the much warmer temperatures and sunny skies, it appears trails will be more dirt than snow by mid-week.

Lakewoods Resort is holding its annual Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally and Braveheart Midwest Snowshoe Racing Championships this coming weekend, March 13-15. Hot air balloonists from Wisconsin and Minnesota come to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Rally for Charity to raise money for the Cable Area Lions Heart Benefit. Weather permitting, the event schedules flights in the seven-story high balloons for mornings and afternoons. On Saturday night, there is an after-dark “glow” when balloons illuminated from the inside look like giant luminary candles.

Pat’s Landing on the Chippewa Flowage will host Lanes and Links on the Lake March 14, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The third annual event includes “on the lake” turkey bowling ($5/game) and ice golf ($5/round), with prizes for the highest bowling score and lowest golf round. Numerous raffles offer tons of prizes, food and drinks are available, and all proceeds benefit the Glut1 Deficiency Foundation. For more information, call (715) 945-2511.

FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappie action is fair to good and improving. Fish are suspending in/over deeper water, sometimes over structure, so you might find them in a mix of areas. Anglers are making some nice catches once they locate the fish – and electronics can make a substantial difference in your success rate! Baits of choice include crappie minnows, waxies, wigglers, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small/tungsten jigs or plain hooks fished on tip-ups and tip-downs. Jigging Rapalas work well for larger crappies. If action is slow, try smaller, lighter baits and tackle.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing it getting better and anglers report some decent action. You will find bluegills holding and suspending at various depths on flats, weedlines, and cabbage beds. Top baits include waxies, wigglers, mousies, spikes, and small minnows on small jigs and teardrops.

Perch:
As it is with other panfish species, perch action is improving with the weather changes. Look for perch on mud flats, mid-lake bars, and along weedlines in mid-depths to deeper water. Use small jigs and jigging spoons tipped with waxies, wigglers, spikes, minnows, and minnow heads.

Upcoming Events
March 13-15: Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally, Lakewoods (715-794-2561).
March 14: Lanes and Links on the Lake; turkey bowling and ice golf, Pat’s Landing (715-945-2511).
March 15: Remove ice fishing shelters from inland lakes north of Highway 64.
March 17: Sno-Trails annual picnic, 12-4 p.m., Lac Courte Oreilles boat launch.
March 20: Crow season closes.
March 23: Leftover spring turkey tags goes on sale at 10 a.m.
March 25: Hayward Bass Club meeting, 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.

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.