Outdoor Report December 22, 2014

December 22, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

This week, the forecast calls for much-needed snowfall and a return to more seasonal temperatures, including sub-zero lows next weekend (maybe not so much needed?)
Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

“Anglers report 10-13 inches of clear, solid ice on most lakes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “with a thin crust on top from the rain and melting. There is some ATV and snowmobiles travel, but it is too early for vehicles.
“Walleyes are very active, taking walleye suckers under tip-ups set along weedlines in 8 feet of water, and northern pike are hitting suckers and shiners. Use small minnow for crappies and waxies on small jigs for bluegills, with fish suspending at 10-20 feet. Crappie and bluegill anglers are also catching some nice size perch.
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage anglers are doing well on northern pike.
“Set tip-ups with larger minnows (5-8 inches) along weedlines. Sucker minnows and shiners both produce, but on some days the pike show a decided preference.
“Crappie anglers are catching fish on wooded flats in 12-22 feet of water. Use electronics to locate fish, though you might have to check several areas. The best presentations are crappie minnows, jigs tipped with waxies or plastics, and Jigging Rapalas. For bluegills mixed in with the crappies, use smaller presentations. As always, use extreme caution on the ice.”
Guide Steve Genson at Hayward Bait says lake ice conditions are improving.
“Reports vary from 8-12 inches and with little snow, making great travel conditions. Some people are using ATVs, but it is too early for vehicles.
“Walleye fishing is good, with walleye suckers and medium shiners under tip-ups working well, and jigging spoons such as Swedish Pimples and Buckshot Spoons tipped with fatheads are catching some fish. Northern pike are taking golden shiners under tip-ups set on weedy flats.
“For crappies and bluegills, use waxies or spikes on small jigs for fish along and suspended near weed edges.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage ice depth is about 8 inches and northern pike are active.
“Most pike action is on the west side, with many anglers fishing Squaw Bay and other back bay areas. Golden shiners and smaller suckers are the baits of choice, but shiners will get you more action.
“Crappie fishing is steady with crappie minnows on ice jigs and Jigging Raps are popular. Try Blueberry Flats, Moores Bay, or Chief Narrows.”

This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses largemouth bass populations.
“The abundance of largemouth bass has skyrocketed to exceptionally high levels in the past 15 years. In turn, growth slowed and anglers noticed the average size of largemouth became very poor – they were catching few fish more than 14 inches long. In response, the DNR removed the length limit and encouraged anglers to the harvest more small largemouth to thin the population.
“A 2014 growth rate analysis to check on how Nelson Lake bass are doing found the overall growth rate still poor – it takes 9-10 years for a bass to reach 14 inches. The hope is that as abundance declines, growth will improve.
“The DNR still recommends the harvest of small largemouth bass in places such as Nelson, Sissabagama, Whitefish, and Chippewa Flowage until the growth rate or size of bass change in those lakes.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions showed a bit of deterioration following the rain and mild temperatures last week.
“Ice thickness now ranges from 6-8 inches on most lakes. Inlet and outlet areas and drain holes in the ice created some treacherous spots, however, and 2-3 inches of fresh snow has hidden many of these hazardous areas. Anglers should exercise caution when venturing out onto any lakes in the next few weeks.
“Walleye success is best in the late afternoon just before dark. The most productive method is tip-ups with fatheads or medium suckers fished in 4-8 feet. No specific area is best – fish are on shallow mud flats, near green-weed edges, and on gravel/rock bars edges. Northern pike anglers report good success during the mid-day with large golden shiners fished on the edge of any green weed beds.
“Panfish anglers using waxies on small teardrops report good success on crappie, bluegill, and perch, with fish generally suspending a foot or so off bottom in the deeper parts of the lake.”

In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered three antlerless deer and four bucks for archery season.

Snowmobile Trail Reports
The December 22 Hayward Power Sports snowmobile trail report says all Sawyer County snowmobile trails are officially open, although currently in poor condition with a need to rebuild the base. The good news is the Christmas forecast looks to bring heavy snow and crews are busy staking lakes. Always use caution and stay on marked trails – some lakes have ice heaves. Volunteer crews, working hard to clean debris and the many downed trees lost during the September 4 storm, have encountered delays due to soft trails. Here is a big ‘thank you!’ to the clubs and volunteers for their hard work!
The December 18 Runamuk Rides snowmobile trail report says trail conditions in southern Sawyer County are poor, but improve as you head north. Riding is poor to fair if you stay in the forests around Chippewa Flowage, Seeley Hills, Cable, and Bayfield County. The good news is the forecast calls for snow and temperatures well-below freezing.
The Tuscobia State Trail report for December 16 notes there is a special event on the trail January 1-4 that will bring approximately 150 bicycles and hikers to the Trail – at all times of the day, including overnight. Snowmobilers using the trail should be aware of this event, slow down accordingly, and watch for other trail users.
The Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report for December 15 says trail conditions are poor due to the rain and mild temperatures last week, but the forecast includes cold and snow and crews are re-staking the lakes and wetlands. Winter ATV trails are open, great for riding, and new ATV routes in the city allow access out of the city limits. Contact the Sawyer County Forest Department (715-634-4846) or DNR (715-266-7032) for more information.
The Cable Area snowmobile trails report of December 15 says crews have staked the Lake Owen stick trail. Be extra cautious as you travel across area lakes. We need significant snowfall before groomers are able to get on the trails.

FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action remains very good. The best fishing is in late afternoon into dark, but anglers are catching fish throughout the day. Depths vary from 4-25 feet and deeper, depending on the lake and time. Concentrate on green weeds/weedline edges, shallow mud flats, and the edges of gravel and rock bars. Walleye suckers, fatheads, and shiners under tip-ups work best, but anglers are catching fish on jigging spoons, both bare and tipped with fatheads.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike are showing a good bite and they are active all day long, with best action during mid-day. Best action is on northern suckers and large shiners under tip-ups set on weeds (particularly green weeds) – weedlines, weed bed edges, and flats. To catch trophy pike, fish deeper water with larger baits.

Crappie:
Crappie action is good to very good once you locate them. You will find fish suspending over deeper water, along weed edges, and on wooded flats in depths from 10-25 feet. Use your electronics and search the entire water column. Crappie minnows on plain hooks or small jigs work best, though fish are also hitting waxies, plastics, Gulp! baits, and Jigging Raps.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good on most waters. Look for them suspending over deep water – as with crappies, check the entire water column, but particularly near the bottom. For the bluegills swimming with the crappies, use teardrops, small jigs, or plain hooks tipped with waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits. Try small minnows for the big ‘gills.

Upcoming Events
Dec. 25: Bobcat hunting/trapping Period 1 season closes.
Dec. 26-Jan. 31: Bobcat hunting/trapping season Period 2 north of Hwy. 64.
Through Dec. 31: Extended fall turkey season in zones 1-5.
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 Period 2 hunting/trapping.
Feb. 19-22: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).

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.