April 19, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Turns out our pleasant early spring weather was NOT a temporary fluke. Everyone is moving full speed ahead with their usual spring activities – and doing so three weeks or more ahead of schedule.
“The water is warming and the crappies are starting,” says Bob at Hayward Bait. “Catch-and-release trout fishing is good, and anglers trolling Lake Superior are having super success on salmon. With the early warm-up, we’re looking forward to a great opener.”
At Happy Hooker, Pat says people are excited about spring, and sales of licenses and bait are considerably ahead of normal.
“Docks are out earlier, people are launching their boats and opening up their cabins – this could be an exciting pre-season and opener. Anglers report crappies are in for spawning and they are catching some nice big females, and most think walleyes completed spawning.”
Brian at Outdoor Creations says he is seeing good numbers of outdoor enthusiasts taking in the north woods.
“People are getting their cabins ready for summer, purchasing fishing licenses for the May 1 opener, and crappie anglers using crappie minnows, worms, and waxies are catching fish in the shallow, darker, warmer water areas.”
At Pastika’s, Al says the wind is hampering some fishing efforts, but panfish anglers continue to enjoy good action.
Randy at Jenk’s reminds anglers the Chippewa Flowage is completely closed to fishing until opening day.
“The water temp is about 50 degrees and the water level is down about two feet,” Randy says. “Walleye should now be done spawning, and if the warm weather holds, we will probably have an earlier than normal crappie spawn.”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt, anglers should expect an accelerated opener.
“Northerns and walleyes are all but done spawning, muskies and perch are right behind, and suckers are thinking about it. Barring a huge cool-down, May 1 should play out more like May 15-20, and angler should think bass and panfish.”
During May 21-23, on the Chippewa Flowage, Hayward’s Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) will hold its 23rd annual fishing event for people with disabilities.
Starting with the very first event in 1988, experienced guides, boats, bait, fish cleaning, meals, emergency medical care, awards, and prizes await the eager participants. The event always needs more volunteers to work the docks, assist participants on and off the boats, clean fish, and perform other duties; additional fishing and pontoon boats with trustworthy operators; and volunteers to sell raffle tickets throughout the summer.
If you are interested in volunteering or being an angler for this event, please call Pat Lindgren at the Hayward FHNB office (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 13 turkeys for the first spring period April 14-18, including one 24-pounder and one with a 12-inch beard and 1 1/4-inch spurs. Spring season success in Wisconsin during the past few years ranges from 23-25-percent.
Sale of leftover spring tags continues until tags sell out or the season ends. As of Friday April 16, permits remain available for periods E (May 12-16) and F (May 19-23) as follows:
Zone 1: Period E - 3619; Period F - 9226.
Zone 3: Period E - 3893; Period F - 8184.
Hunters ten years of age and older (this includes adults!) who do not possess hunter education certification are eligible for the new Mentored Hunting Program. Visit the DNR website for specific details.
The Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will host a fundraising banquet Thursday May 13 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. The single ticket cost is $45, and you can add a spouse and/or junior (up to age 15) for $25. Various dinner and raffle ticket packages are available. Ordering deadline is May 6. For tickets or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call Sabrina Morgan (715) 766-3246.
Wildfire Prevention Week is April 19-23, and the DNR says this year’s theme, “Wildfires Cost You,” is a reminder that all unwanted, human-caused wildfires cost everyone with the loss of natural resources, property, and even lives.
Fire danger levels vary from Low in areas with rain to Very High for areas experiencing a dry spell. The DNR reports 520 wildfires burned 990 acres in DNR protection areas so far this year.
Burning permit restrictions can change each day, and anyone using a burning permit must check the Current Fire Danger webpage or call 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876).

Upcoming Events
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 19-23: Wildfire Prevention Week.
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight.
May 1: Inland game fish opener (see regs for specifics); Northern Zone bass catch and release only.
May 1: Frog season opens.
May 13: Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited fundraising banquet ((715-766-3246.)
May 21-23: Fishing Has No Boundaries fishing event for persons with disabilities (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
May 29: Muskellunge season opens north of Hwy 10.

Remaining spring turkey hunting periods:
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.