March 29, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

March is exiting the north woods like a lamb, with sunshine, blue skies, brisk winds, and a forecast calling for mid-week temperatures in the 60s! Should this continue, all area lakes will soon be clear of ice. We need moisture, however, and the sooner the better, judging by local fire levels.
When it comes to late season ice fishing, Pat at Happy Hooker says there are two schools of thought. The first is it can still be done, with extreme caution. The second is no fish is worth risking hypothermia – or something worse.
“We subscribe to the latter,” says Pat with a laugh. “Yes, we hear of people going on the ice, but we will not recommend it. This early thaw is too pervasive and ice conditions are not good.”
“The ice is off some smaller waters,” says Al at Pastika’s. “It usually takes four or five days for the water to settle, but afterwards panfish fishing can be very good. Fish just off the first break, in 8-10 feet of water, with waxies, plastics, or crappie minnows. Some lakes can also be great for jumbo perch on minnows in 4-10 feet of water.”
Brian at Outdoor Creations says a few diehards are still ice fishing (with little success), and advises anglers to look on the bright side – the fishing opener is only a month away.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says the Namekagon River’s flow is ‘dead-on’ its long-term average for this date, and last week anglers caught some nice brown during a good stonefly hatch.
“Lake Hayward’s March 25 ice-out is the second earliest in history,” says Pratt. “Panfish should soon crank into overdrive, though it takes about a week following ice-off before re triggering their ‘on’ button.
“My Park Falls cohorts say redhorse are already biting in the Flambeau River, but I have yet to hear anything about redhorse fishing on the Namekagon downstream of Hayward. It usually starts when water temps regularly exceed 50 degrees, and is best the farther you go downstream in early season. Put half a crawler on a number six or eight hook and fish on the bottom. Early season redhorse are fine eating. To get rid of the y-bones, grind them up and make patties.”
The 2010 Fishing Report is available online, at DNR service centers and regional offices, and in the April Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. The report includes forecasts by fish biologists and technicians, and tips to improve angler success.
Sale of leftover spring turkey season permits will continue until all are sold or the season ends. Zones 2 and 7 are sold out for all time periods, but permits remain for late time periods in other zones.
On March 26, due to the “High” level of wildfire danger throughout northwest Wisconsin, the DNR suspended burning permit use in (but not limited to) the following counties: Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn. The snow is gone, the ground is covered with dry leaves, grasses, branches, and twigs, and a fire could easily ignite and rapidly spread. Restrictions will remain in effect until the area receives significant rainfall.
A permit is required for all open burning, with the exception of campfires, cooking, and warming fires (all strongly discouraged at this time.) Burning permits are free and available at any fire warden location or DNR office.
Firefighters urge operators of ATVs and other machines that could cause sparks and start a fire to use caution, and ask people to be very careful with smoking materials.
If you do not get a permit, or do not check restrictions daily, you can receive a citation. If your fire escapes and starts a wildfire, you can be responsible for all suppression costs. Debris burning is the main cause of Wisconsin wildfires.
More information and a short video about fire danger are available on the DNR website.

Fishing reports
We reached the end of ice fishing season a bit earlier than in past years, and fishing reports will return when a majority of area lakes have open water. Catch-and-release trout season is open on streams and rivers, however, and some Lake Superior tributaries are open for trout and salmon (check regulations.) This is also an excellent time to ready your tackle and boats for the inland fishing opener May 1 (only one month!)
Reminder: Your 2009 fishing and hunting licenses expire Wednesday March 31.

Upcoming Events
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire. (Buy your new one now to beat the last-minute rush.)
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 12: Fish & Wildlife Spring Hearings/Conservation Congress county meetings (7 p.m.)
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight.

Spring turkey hunting periods:
A: April 14-16; B: April 21-25; C: April 28-May 2; D: May 5-9; E: May 12-16; F: May 19-23.

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.