FISHING REPORT by Steve Suman

May 9, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures this past weekend offered anglers some of the best opening-day weather in recent memory. Temps in the 70s – and even 80s – this week should jump start activity for all fish species.

“With the cool, cloudy days we experienced before the opener, water temperature on most lakes remain in the mid- to upper 40-degree range,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Live bait is definitely the way to go at this time.”
Nelson at Hayward Bait says the season is off to a slow start with water temperatures well below normal, but anglers should not get discouraged – with a week of warmer temperatures fishing will show tremendous improvement.
“Warming water will really get the crappies started,” says Steve Genson at Pastika’s, “and fishing will improve with better weather. Look for best action late in the day when general activity increases.”
Randy at Jenk’s says crappies are beginning to move shallow in search of warmer water and anglers should try minnows and Mini-Mites in 5-10 feet until it warms.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the DNR completed trout stocking on most trout lakes and streams and anglers should find good action.
“Northwest Wisconsin rivers and streams have some relatively high flows and anglers should consider the conditions. Mayfly nymph movement in many waters is a clue to what lures to use (hint: small spinners.)”

FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is fair, with best success in early morning and late afternoon until after dark. Best bet at this time is dark/stained water lakes. Target cribs, wood, rock, mud-bottom bays, and weed flats. Depths range from five feet in dark water to more than 25 feet on the clear lakes. Fatheads are the top choice, followed by walleye suckers, crawlers, and leeches. Use jigs heavy enough to keep your bait near bottom. Crank and minnow-type baits fished along shorelines in the evening can also be effective.

Northern:
Northern action was good during opening weekend, with walleye anglers making many incidental catches. Fish shallow weeds, weed lines, and over old weed beds with fatheads, larger northern suckers under bobbers, or with crank, minnow, and spinner baits.

Bass:
Bass fishing in the northern zone is catch-and-release only through June 17. Bass are holding in deeper water and showing little activity. Action will improve significantly when the water temperatures break 50 degrees. For now, fish for smallmouth with live bait in deeper water.

Crappie:
Crappie reports vary from fair to very good. Fish are starting to move toward shallower water and should spawn in the next two weeks, if not before. Until then, you will find them from 7-10 feet to suspending over deeper water. Check shallow bays on warm days. Best baits include crappie minnows, waxies, and worms on plain hooks or small jigs, Mini-Mites, Tattle-Tails, or small pink and white marabou jigs. Using light line and tackle will increase your success.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair, but as with the other species, look for action to improve with warming water. Look for the ‘gills to start spawning in shallow water within the next four weeks. For now, check for fish in shallower bays, on outside weed edges, and even suspending in more than 10 feet of the currently cold water. Downsize tackle and use waxies, small minnows, worms, crawlers, leeches, and plastics on plain hooks or small jigs.

Upcoming Events
May 13-15: 27th Annual Treeland Walleye Challenge on Chippewa Flowage. (715-462-3874.)
May 14: Quiet Lakes “Crappie-A-Thon” open on Lost Land, Teal, and Ghost lakes through Oct. 15.
May 16: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin spring meeting (715-699-1015.)
May 20-22: 24th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
May 20-22: Musky Tale Resort northern fishing tournament on Chippewa Flowage (715-462-3838.)
May 28: Muskie season opens in north zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)

Spring turkey hunting periods
E: May 11-15; F: May 18-22.

For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.