Outdoor Report December 1, 2014

December 1, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

This week starts with subzero temperatures and wind chill advisories, but the forecast shows few chances for snow AND calls for a nice warming trend through the end of the week!

“Winter definitely set in early again this year,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “All Quiet Lakes waters iced up, with a few open spots only on the largest, deepest lakes. Based on last year and this year’s early start, there will be plenty of ice.
“Ice fishing has started in the bays and along shorelines, with anglers catching some walleye, northern pike, and perch. Several deer hunters gave up on the hunt and turned to ice fishing. According to reports, ice thickness is 6-8 inches, but no ice is safe, so when venturing out, use caution.
“Some ski trails are open and groomed and our snowmobile trails are ‘technically’ always open. However, the heavy snow actually hindered trail conditions, swamps and lakes need time freeze over before they are safe to cross, and groomers are not yet running.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says the Chippewa Flowage has iced over and many anglers are taking advantage of some great ice fishing, but he warns many areas have unsafe ice due to currents and other factors!
“Be sure to check ice conditions thoroughly as you go, and use extreme caution when on the ice.
“Fishing is decent in many areas, from Chief Lake to Moss Creek, and tip-ups are the best presentation. Set up your tip-ups along weedlines in 4-8 feet of water, using 4- to 6-inch sucker minnows or large shiners. Northern pike bite throughout the day – they seem to prefer shiners – and there are many reports of large catches of decent pike.
“Walleye season closed on the Flowage November 30, with the largest walleye reported last week 9 1/2 pounds.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says the walleye bite has been very good on Nelson Lake and the Chippewa Flowage, though the Flowage closed to walleye fishing November 30.
“The big, clear lakes are getting close, but so far there is not much to report on them. Fish are in 5-15 feet of water and hitting walleye suckers and fatheads on tip-ups, as well as jigging spoons. Northern pike action is good on most lakes, with anglers using northern suckers and shiners on weedlines in 5-15 feet.”
Bob says Nelson Lake, Smith Lake, and the Chippewa Flowage are all good for crappie and bluegill.
“Anglers should look for crappies suspending over deeper water and use crappie minnows, waxies, and small plastics. For bluegills, fish waxies, leaf worms, and small plastics near weeds in 5-15 feet of water.”
Mike at Jenk’s says ice depths are approximately 2-5 inches on the Chippewa Flowage.
“Not many people are heading out yet, but there is some fishable ice on the Flowage and Round Lake. If you go, dress warm and be careful. When in doubt, err on the side of caution!”

The Wisconsin wolf season continues, with four of the six zones closed to hunting and trapping. Zones 3 and 6 remain open as of November 30.

In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 43 antlerless deer and 217 bucks for the regular gun deer season, and one archery buck taken with a vertical bow.

The regular gun deer season closed November 30, but deer hunting opportunities continue. The 10-day muzzleloader deer season Dec. 1-10 is open statewide to anyone with an unfilled buck or antlerless tag (restricted to zone and county where antlerless permit is valid). Hunters can use muzzleloaders, bows and arrows, or crossbows, but muzzleloaders are the only firearms hunters may use. A Central Forest and Central Farmland Antlerless Hunt takes place Dec. 11-14, followed by a Southern Farmland Zone Holiday Hunt for antlerless deer Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Archery and crossbow deer seasons remain open through Jan. 4. For more information, see “deer” on the DNR website.

County Deer Advisory Councils (CDAC) in every county will hold their final 2014 meetings in December to finalize their recommendations regarding three-year deer population objectives. The meetings provide the public an opportunity to provide input before the councils advance their recommendations to the DNR, and the DNR encourages public participation in these local meetings. An online survey is available through December 5.

December 10 is the application deadline for 2015 black bear and spring turkey permits.
The DNR received 108,271 bear permit applications in 2014 and wait times may reach several years for some zones. However, statewide hunter success rates remain high at approximately 50 percent. Bear hunters can apply for permits or preference points, but applicants must apply at least once during any consecutive three-year period or lose all accumulated points. Preference points reset to zero for hunters successful in the February drawing, even if they do not purchase the harvest permit.
The DNR holds the spring turkey permit drawing in late December or early January and sends successful applicants postcard notification by late January. Wisconsin eliminated state park turkey management zones by including them in the larger turkey management zones. Hunters who submitted applications for state park hunting zones can alter their application status through the Dec. 10 deadline. The DNR will offer leftover permits for purchase in late March.

FISHING REPORT
Both ice conditions and fishing success are improving, but it is still early and all anglers should use extreme caution when going on the ice.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good in 4-15 feet of water along weedlines, shorelines, and in bays. Medium to large walleye suckers, fatheads, and shiners on tip-ups are producing the most catches, but Jigging Rapalas and other spoons are also producing. Walleye anglers -- please note the Chippewa Flowage closed to walleye fishing November 30.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good and they bite all day. Work weedlines in 4-15 feet of water with medium to large northern suckers and shiners on tip-ups.

Largemouth Bass:
Anglers report largemouth are active and hitting walleye suckers along weedlines in 5-10 feet of water.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good, with fish suspending over deeper water. Use crappie minnows, waxies, and small plastics.

Bluegill:
Look for bluegills around weeds in 4-18 feet of water. Waxies, leaf worms, and small plastics will all catch ‘gills.

Upcoming Events
Nov.30: Seasons closed: Regular gun deer; Muskie; Turtle.
Dec. 1: DNR Lake Superior fisheries public meeting, 6:30-9 p.m. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland.
Through Dec. 8: Relic Riders vintage and antique snowmobile display; Northern Lakes Co-op Cabin Shop.
Dec. 1-10: Muzzleloader deer season.
Dec. 1-31: Extended fall turkey season in zones 1-5.
Dec. 7: Lake Superior lake trout season opens.
Dec. 8: Ruffed grouse season closes in Zone B.
Dec. 10: Permit application deadline: Spring turkey; Bear.
Dec. 10: Seasons close: Muzzleloader deer; Bobwhite quail.
Dec. 11-14: Antlerless-only firearm hunt in Central Forest and Central Farmland Zones.
Dec. 16: Canada goose seasons close in North Exterior Zone.
Dec. 25: Bobcat hunting/trapping Period 1 season closes.
Dec. 26-Jan. 31: Bobcat hunting/trapping season Period 2 north of Hwy. 64.
Dec. 31: Seasons close: Pheasant; Turkey; Hungarian partridge; Fisher trapping; Frog.
Jan. 4: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 25-March 20: Winter crow season.
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Bobcat hunting/trapping Period 2.

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.