February 08, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Anglers and snowmobilers, encouraged by mild temperatures and clear skies, hit the lakes and trails in large number during this past weekend.
John at Stone Lake Bait says anglers are catching a lot of nice northerns, and many are full of bluegills.
At Hayward Bait, Nelson says ice is 14-24 inches thick and most lakes are driveable. He advises anglers to always use caution, especially along shorelines.
Pat at Happy Hooker says that although we are a long way from late season angling (which can be very good) there are signs of changes in the season.
At Pastika’s, Al says ice conditions are good and just about perfect for four-wheelers. Anglers are driving nearly everywhere, but it’s always wise to be cautious.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin’s 14th annual Family Ice Fishing Event is this Saturday Feb. 13 on Lac Courte Oreilles. Event buttons ($5 adults; $1 youth ages 13-17) are available at Pastika’s, Hayward Bait, Hayward Power Sports, Outdoor Creations, Stone Lake Bait, AAA Sports in Spooner, and Sportsman's Headquarters in Minong. Slumberland is sponsoring children ages 12 and younger, and they get free admission, a Scooby Doo tackle pack, and a Frabill wood tip-up. Organizers will also draw raffle tickets ($1/each; six/$5) for thousands of dollars in prizes. For information, call Hayward Bait (715) 634-2921.
The Namekagon River Valley Chapter - Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation membership banquet is Saturday February 20 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. Ticket prices start at $65. For information, call Chris Rugowski (715) 634-1742.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter - Muskies, Inc. award banquet is Saturday March 6 at Mariachi’s. Everyone is welcome; reservation deadline is Feb. 27. For information, call Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
March 5-7 is the Hayward 300 Snocross National at LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center. Organizers intend to make the Hayward 300 the largest “ride-to” event in the United States. For information, visit Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals or call (715) 634-8662.
The 37th annual American Birkebeiner is February 25-28. The event attracts thousands of cross-country skiers from around the world. For information, visit American Birkebeiner or call (715) 634-5025.
Virgin Timber Resort reports 20 inches of snow cover and good trail conditions, with some bumpy areas. Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says trails are groomed daily and in excellent condition. Lakewoods reports word is out about the fantastic trail conditions and the increased traffic is keeping groomers busy.

Walleye:
Walleye action is fair to decent. Concentrate on the deep, clear lakes in late afternoon until after dark – be there when the bite window is open. Target points, bars, humps, gravel, flats, rock, and weed edges in 6-30 feet of water, moving shallower as darkness descends. Fish walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups, or jig fatheads and crappie minnows on jigging spoons.

Northern:
Northern pike fishing is good and perhaps provides the most “consistent” action at this time, particularly in the middle of the day. Pike are in/on/along shallow weeds (4-18 feet) and any location you find panfish. Large northern suckers and shiners are the baits of choice, with some reports indicating a preference for suckers at this time.

Crappie:
Crappie action, as with walleye, isn’t hot, but anglers are catching fish, and there is a good late afternoon bite. Crappies are in depths from 5-40 feet. Some are suspending over deep water (check the entire water column); others are holding around shallower water weed beds. The most productive baits include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, plastics, and small jigging spoons. For a tough bite, there is a good chance plastics will be the best choice.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing at this time requires moving around to find active fish, and considerable sorting if you want to take home a meal. Even then, fishing success is only fair for most anglers. Work shallower weeds (4-15 feet) with waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics on small jigs and teardrops. Light tackle and minimal test fluorocarbon line can make a difference.

Perch:
Perch action is fair – the best fishing is still ahead – and as with bluegills, it will require some sorting for a meal. Work deeper water (down to 30 feet) bars, points, and soft bottoms. In general, the same areas as for walleyes. Fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, jigging spoons/Rapalas, and tip-downs are all effective. Use minnows to catch bigger perch.

Upcoming Events
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. 20: RMEF fundraising banquet. (715-634-1742.)
Feb. 25-28: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 5-7: Hayward 300 Snocross National.
March 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.)
March 22: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
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.