January 04, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

No question about it – winter is here in all its glory. Considerable snow depths continue to hinder ice making on the lakes, but thickness is slowly improving. Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are groomed and in good to excellent condition. Snowmobile lake trails can be a bit rough in some areas, however, due to the previous slush conditions.
“Do not assume lake ice is safe for travel by motorized vehicle,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Ice conditions are inconsistent in thickness and soundness on many lakes. Be careful, and treat all ice with caution.”
DNR senior fisheries biologist Frank Pratt spent some Christmas vacation time researching why people fish.
“The top motivators appear to be rest, recreation, escape, outdoors, friends and family,” Pratt says. “And ‘fish’ are usually down the list in fourth or fifth place, and usually about anticipation of the catch rather than fish to kill and eat.”
Late archery deer season came to a close January 3. In the past two weeks, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 17 antlerless deer and 14 bucks, including four 9- to 13-point Pope & Young class and one 10-point that should green score 170 or more.
The Stone Lake Pub ice fishing contest (715-865-2141) is January 9.
Lakewoods Resort will host its 11th annual Lake-Link Ice Fishing Jamboree (715-794-2561) January 23. Register now – no admission tickets will be sold the day of the jamboree.
Cable Rod and Gun Club’s 20th annual ice fishing contest (715-798-4459) is February 6 on Lake Namakagon. The contest offers raffles, door prizes, and cash prizes for the biggest walleye, northern, perch, bluegill, and crappie.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin (WFNW) will host its 14th annual Family Ice Fishing event February 13 on Lac Courte Oreilles. Event buttons are available at Pastika’s, Hayward Bait, Hayward Power Sports, and AAA Sports in Spooner. For more information, contact Bob at Hayward Bait (634-2921.)
On January 16, snowmobile speed runs will be held at Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.) Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club will hold a stud/poker run starting at Big Musky Resort.
According to Hayward Power Sports snowmobile trail report, trail conditions are the best in 12 years. Slush and unstable ice are not a problem if you stay near the staked trails.
Namakagon Trail Groomers says the trails are in good shape, the trees are heavy with snow, the scenery beautiful.
Cable area snowmobile trail report says trails are packed and groomed, and snowmobilers are enjoying some of the best trails in years. The 2010 Cable area snowmobile maps are available at area businesses or by e-mail.
Trails are in good to excellent condition, says the Lakewoods trail report. Stick trails now include traffic barrels for visibility and new directional signs.
Virgin Timber Resort on Moose Lake says the trails have 15-20 inches of snow. Riders report good riding conditions, though lake trails are rutted and slushy with some bare spots.

Walleye:
Walleye success is somewhat inconsistent and ranges from fair to good. Your best chances for catching fish will be in the early morning and late afternoon until after dark – low light conditions are always to your benefit. Ice conditions are improving, and even with the cold temperatures, slush continues to limit access to some good walleye areas. Concentrate on rock bars, weeds, structure, hard bottom areas, and depths can vary from 6-25 feet. Walleye suckers, fatheads, and shiners are the top three baits, whether on tip-ups, jigs, or jigging spoons.

Northern:
Northern action is fair to good. Look for them on shallower weed lines out to deeper water where the larger pike will be holding. If you find the panfish it is likely northern are nearby. Northern suckers and shiners are the ticket, making for simple bait selection.

Crappie:
Crappie action is picking up on most lakes, but depths and locations will vary depending on the lake you are fishing. Fish could be holding over deeper water and/or muddy flats, in shallow weeds, or near/in cribs. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics are the baits of choice. Plastics can be more effective on days when there is a slow bite.

Bluegill:
Once again, depending on the lake, fish can be found in shallow water to mid-depth weeds to deeper water (where you will find the larger ‘gills), but weeds are key. Waxies, plastics, mousies, and plastics are all working for bluegills.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 9: Stone Lake Pub Ice Fishing Contest (715-865-2141.)
Jan. 16: Snowmobile Speed Runs - Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.)
Jan. 16: Vintage Stud Run - Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club.
Jan. 23: Lakewoods Resort Ice Fishing Jamboree (715-794-2561.)
Jan. 25: Crow season opens.
Jan. 30: Radar Run - Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (northern zone.)
Feb. 6: Cable Rod & Gun Club ice fishing tourney - Loon Saloon, Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 13: WFNW ice fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles.
March 5-7: Hayward 300 Snocross National.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.

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.