Hayward Lakes fishing report Dec. 16 2021

FISHING REPORT by Steve Suman

Fishing action is very good for most species and many anglers are taking advantage of the mild temperatures to get on the ice. Just remember this is still early ice, temperatures and sunshine are having an effect, and the heavy snowfall is doing little to no good in helping the lakes make ice. Use caution and common sense it is early and there is a LOT of season remaining!

Walleye:
Walleye action is very good to excellent, with anglers having best success when fishing late afternoon into after dark. Set tip-ups with walleye suckers and shiners over flats, in bays, and on weedlines in 4-12 feet. Some anglers report success with Jigging Raps and jigging spoons

Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good to very good on weedlines and flats, as well as near concentrations of panfish and baitfish. Northern suckers and walleye suckers are the favorite baits, fished under tip-ups set over and along weeds, weedlines, and weed edges. Jigging baits can also entice pike into action.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good on weeds and weed edges, in lake basins, and on flats in 6-14 feet. Be sure to check the entire water column, as some fish are suspending high and others are holding near the bottom. The most productive baits include crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on jigs and/or small jigging spoons. Keep moving to find active fish.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good to very good for small fish in/on weeds and weedlines. Bigger ‘gills are on deep flats, but ice conditions are not currently favorable to reaching them. Top offerings include waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and teardrops, as well as small jigging spoons. Try small minnows to target big bluegills.