February 01, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is fair (typical for this time of year), but there is a good bite in very early morning and in late afternoon until after dark. The bite windows are short, however, and you have to be there when they are open. Concentrate on water 8-30 feet or deeper (8-12 feet during low light conditions) on mid-lake humps and points. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, and jigging spoons tipped with fatheads or shiners, continue to the baits of choice.

Northern:
Northern pike are providing some good, though somewhat inconsistent action, with most anglers having their best success in late afternoon. Target weeds in 4-18 feet of water, and a bit deeper for bigger pike. Favored baits continue to be northern suckers and shiners on tip-ups, and shiners on jigs.

Crappie:
You might have to keep on the move to find feeding crappies, but anglers are finding some good bites at various times, especially in late afternoon. Depths (here’s the kicker) range from 5-40 feet. Fish can be suspended over deeper water (check the entire water column) but will also be found in and over weeds. The good news is crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics are all catching fish. If action is slow, try downsizing line and equipment. Plastics can be the most effective bait on days with tough bites.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action is inconsistent, but anglers are making good catches on some days. Fish shallower weeds in 4-20 feet of water (bigger ‘gills are deeper) with waxies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, teardrops, or small jigs.

Perch:
Perch fishing is picking up and on some lakes is the best panfish action. Crappie minnows, walleye suckers, fatheads, rosy reds, sliver wigglers, waxies, spikes, and plastics will all work for perch. Depths vary from 15-30 (more or less) and work your baits on soft bottoms where the perch are feeding.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Seasons Closed: 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.