January 18, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

“Moderate” winter weather arrived in the north woods, spurring an immediate and noticeable increase in activity and traffic on local lakes and snowmobile trails.
“Fishing is good for most species,” says Dennis at Hayward Bait, “and anglers are now driving on most lakes.”
According to Pat Jones at Happy Hooker, ice conditions are improving, though while the ice is generally better, it still does not meet expectations for January. He says experienced anglers report very good ice of 11 inches or more in one spot, and then only yards away it is only a few inches thick.
“Use some caution,” Jones advises. “Do not make the assumption that all ice is safe and sound.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice depths are 12-14 inches on most lakes, with 2-5 inches of light snow on top.
“An increasing number of anglers are driving to their favorite fishing spots, and travel is pretty good,” Sommerfeldt notes. “Many rough spots filled in and smoothed over, and most slushy areas are now frozen.”
Sawyer County and southern Bayfield County offer hundreds of miles of wilderness trails through the natural beauty of this area.
The Hayward Lakes region serves as the hub of the Sawyer County trail system. Trail 31 takes riders across Lac Court Oreilles and along Sand Lake, joining Tuscobia Trail east of Birchwood. The Tuscobia Trail (also listed on maps as Corridor 10) stretches across northern Wisconsin from Michigan to Minnesota. Travel southeast through the Chippewa Flowage, Wisconsin’s largest wilderness lake, with more than 17,000 acres of water and 200 miles of natural shoreline. Trails east of Hayward wind their way toward Clam Lake.
The Hayward Power Sports trail report says groomers are running and Sawyer County trails are perfect. The base is adequate and the warmer weather should not negatively affect the trails.
The Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says groomers continue to sweep the trails each night and the trails remain in excellent condition.
Namakagon Trails Report says trails are holding up well. Lake Namakagon is smoothing out and getting better with sleds running the same path – but stay on the stick trail.
The DNR is reactivating its Snowmobile Accident Reduction Team (SART.) Formed by the DNR in 2005, the team continued until last winter when the budget could no longer support it. Team members include six conservation wardens, six marked snowmobiles, and two marked, enclosed trailers. The SART team will target excessive speed and alcohol abuse associated with fatal accidents.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing continues to be good; however, the fish can be extremely particular when it comes to the size and type of minnow. Late afternoon into night are the most productive hours, especially just before dark. Look for fish in 5-30 feet of water (or deeper), and in assorted locations – weeds and weed edges, drop-offs, break lines, bars, humps, and hard bottom areas. Walleye suckers, northern suckers, shiners, and fatheads on jigs or under tip-ups, and jigging spoons and Rapalas are all producing walleye catches.

Northern:
Anglers fishing for northern pike are finding good (though inconsistent) action, with sunny days the most productive. Look for pike near weeds, particularly green weeds and those holding panfish, and in depths from 4-20 feet. Large baits – northern suckers, walleye suckers, and shiners – fished under tip-ups will all catch northern. For trophy pike, fish larger baits in deeper water.

Crappie:
Crappie action is good and getting better, particularly in late afternoon and evening. You will find crappies near weeds and weed edges in water as shallow as four feet, and suspending over water as deep as 40 feet. Watch your flasher closely and closely check the entire water column. Crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics are the baits of choice. Fish them on plain hooks or small jigs, and if action is slow, try changing your presentation. Downsizing tackle and using fluorocarbon line can also increase your success.

Bluegill:
Bluegills are in and around weeds, weed edges, and cribs at various depths, from 4-20 feet. The smaller lakes appear to be producing the best action. Favorite baits are waxies, spikes, plastics, and Berkley Gulp! on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops/ice jigs.

Upcoming Events
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 (Zone A.)
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.
Feb. 13: 1st Annual Radar Run - Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.)
Feb. 13: Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens.
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon trapping/hunting; Red and gray fox gun/trapping.
Feb. 25-28: American Birkebeiner. (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
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.