Outdoor Report January 26, 2015

January 26, 2015
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

This week looks to be somewhat mild and with light snow, though a cooling trend develops by next weekend. While there is still plenty of time to enjoy winter activities, we are already (almost) into February!

“Anglers report 18-20 inches of ice on Quiet Lakes area lakes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “and walleye anglers are catching fish in both the shallows and deep holes.
“There is an early morning ‘first light’ bite and a late afternoon ‘last light’ bite and tip-ups with medium golden shiners are popular. For northern pike, fish over weeds or on the edges in 5-10 feet. Use tip-ups holding shiners or walleye suckers a few feet under the ice.
“Most panfish have moved into deeper basins. Crappie and panfish action is good with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage pike anglers are doing well, especially on the natural lakes on the west side.
“Set tip-ups along weedlines in 4-10 feet, suspending sucker minnows and shiners about half way down the water column. Anglers are also catching some decent largemouth bass while pike fishing.
“For crappies, use electronics to check wooded flats in 12-22 feet, though you might have to check several areas before finding fish. Use crappie minnows or jigs tipped with plastics or Gulp! baits, and #2 or #3 Jigging Rapalas to target bigger fish. Downsize jigs and tip them with spikes or mini plastics for bluegills mixed in with the crappies.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says ice is 14-18 inches with very little snow on top and ATV, snowmobile, and vehicle travel is excellent.
“Walleye fishing is consistent in 15-30 feet on clear water lakes and 5-15 feet on stained lakes. Main lake bars and points are best, but deep weedlines and cribs are good. Fish walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups and jigging spoons tipped with fatheads. Northern action is improving. Fish large golden shiners under tip-ups on cabbage beds in 5-15 feet.
“Crappie and bluegill fishing is good on weed beds with small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes, and plastics. Crappies are suspending in deeper water. Perch action is good on small jigs and jigging spoons.”
Mike at Jenk’s says Chippewa Flowage ice is about 20 inches and crappies are suspending in 20 feet of open water.
“Avoid structure, as those places seem to be empty. The majority of action is in Moores Bay, Pine Point, and Blueberry Flats.
“Since the beginning of the year, the ice has thickened a lot, even on the east side. The West Fork is still a little iffy, but the main lake seems to be safe and some resort owners report seeing pick-ups on the lake.”

This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses Big Chetac Lake.
“Big Chetac Lake in the North Woods looks and operates much like a southern Wisconsin lake. The watershed is rich with nutrients, which leads to high biological production of plant growth and algae, but it also means the lake supports a high biomass of fish.
“Bluegills are the most popular target for Chetac anglers and a 2014 check on bluegills found encouraging results. Chetac bluegills reach 7 inches in about seven years, similar to the statewide average and much faster than many other lakes in the area.
“The abundance of prey in Chetac leads to the solid growth rate. This allows the lake to support considerable fishing pressure and harvest, while maintaining an above average bluegill size.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says fishing activity increased last week with the more seasonal weather.
“Ice depth is 12-16 inches, with 2-6 inches of windblown snow on top and deeper drifts in scattered areas. Vehicle and ATV travel is fair, with much of it limited to packed trails and plowed roads.
“Tip-up fishing for walleyes is sporadic, with many anglers searching new areas for active fish. Most action is two hours before dark with golden shiners and medium suckers in 6-12 feet. Northern fishing is best during the mid-day hours.
“Panfish anglers are on the move and report decent catches. Crappies and bluegills are suspending a couple feet off bottom and perch are on the bottom, with the best action on crappie minnows or teardrops tipped with waxies.”

A number of ice fishing contests take place in the next two weeks. Check the websites or call the contact numbers for more information. Events include Deerfoot Lodge Freeze Your Buns Off Crappie Ice Fishing Contest February 7-8 (715-462-3328); Cable Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Namakagon (headquarters Loon Saloon) February 7 (715-798-4459); and the Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin ice fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles February 14 (715-462-3559).

Snowmobile Trail Reports
The January 26 Hayward Power Sports report says Sawyer County snowmobile trails are open and the northern part of the county received about two inches of snow Sunday night. Trail conditions along roads are fair; trails in the woods are fair to good. Chippewa Flowage trails and other lake trails are in good condition. Tuscobia Trail and trails in southern Sawyer County are in poor condition.
The Runamuk Rides report for January 26 says Sawyer, Bayfield, Iron, Washburn, and Ashland county trails are open. Central and northern Sawyer, Ashland, and southern and northeast Bayfield are in good shape; Washburn and southwest Sawyer are fair. Trails in southeast Sawyer into Price towards Winter, Loretta, etc., are in good shape. Good condition means good snow pack and trails are generally excellent, with only occasional bare spots, icy corners, and rough spots. Fair means some snow pack on the trails, but also some bare, rough spots. Groomers work hard and have nearly 1000 miles of trails to groom! The best trails are 77, 8, 31, and 22 to the north and east of Hayward between Nelson Lake and Seeley towards Lake Namakagon. Trail 9 towards Round Lake and trails 30, 3, 5, and 21 towards/on the Chippewa Flowage and Moose Lake are in good shape.
The January 26 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau report says all Sawyer County snowmobile trails are open and crews have staked most lakes. Some lakes formed ice heaves, so stay on marked trails. Reminder: The ATV trails are also open and great for riding!
The Cable Area snowmobile trail report for January 20 says trails are fair to good, though with a thin base. Trail groomers will groom twice weekly if conditions allow. Trail 90 north of Pioneer Bar has a large, exposed rock in the middle of the trail, so be cautious. Crews will remove the rock in the near future. Take marked detours for (temporarily closed) Trail 63 south of Cable. Reminder: It is illegal to ride in the road ditches and violators are subject to a fine.

LCO Casino, Lodge & Convention Center is hosting the FREE AWSC Celebrate WI Snowmobiling Sport Show Sunday February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include meeting Miss Snowflake 2014-15; racing snowmobiles display; vintage and antique snowmobiles display; a learn to ride and safety area; snowmobile dealer booths; trail grooming equipment display, and more. For information, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau website or call 800-724-2992 or 715-634-4801.

FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action continues to be fair to good, with early morning and late afternoon into dark offering the best bite. Depths vary from 4-30 feet and deeper, depending on the lake and time. Work bars, points, weedlines, cribs, and deep holes with walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups and jigging spoons tipped with fatheads.

Northern Pike:
Northern fishing is improving and they often offer an all day bite. Fish weeds, weed edges, weedlines, and cabbage beds in 4-18 feet. Use large golden shiners and walleye suckers under tip-ups, trying various points in the water column.

Crappie:
Crappie action is good to very good once you take time to find the fish. Concentrate on 12-20 feet of water with weeds or wood, but many fish are suspending just off the bottom in open water areas. Check the entire water column. The most productive baits include small jigs and plain hooks tipped with crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits. Do not overlook tip-downs! For larger crappies, try Jigging Raps.

Bluegill:
Bluegill anglers report good success after moving around to find fish that are suspending a few feet off bottom in and around deeper weed beds. Use small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks tipped with waxies, spikes, and plastics. Try small minnows to tempt larger ‘gills.

Perch:
Perch action is fair to good, with anglers fishing on the bottom in deeper water. Best baits include jigs, teardrops, plain hooks, and jigging spoons, all tipped with crappie minnows, waxies, or plastics.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 27: Relic Riders “Ride to Lunch”; The Fireside, Hayward, 10:30 a.m. (715-634-4608; 520-8220).
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Bobcat Period 2 hunting/trapping.
Feb. 5: Relic Riders “Ride to Lunch”; Snowshoe Saloon, Hayward, 10:30 a.m. (715-634-4608; 520-8220).
Feb. 7: Flambeau River State Forest 23rd Annual Candlelight Ski (715-332-5271).
Feb. 7: Relic Riders 9th Annual Kaye Johnson Memorial Ride. Trails End Resort 9:30 a.m. (715-634-2423).
Feb. 7-8: Deerfoot Lodge Freeze Your Buns Off Crappie Ice Fishing Contest (715-462-3328).
Feb. 7: Cable Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest; Lake Namakagon, Loon Saloon (715-798-4459).
Feb. 8: AWSC Celebrate WI Snowmobiling Sport Show; LCO Convention Center. Free. (800-724-2992).
Feb. 14: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Ice Fishing Tournament on Lac Courte Oreilles (715-462-3559).
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon trapping/hunting; Red and gray fox trapping/hunting.
Feb. 19-22: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 7: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide (see regs).

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.