April 26, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Planning to fish the opener but don’t remember where you stored your equipment last fall? You might want to start a search. Wisconsin’s inland game fish season opens Saturday May 1. That is THIS Saturday.
Spring’s early arrival is adding a twist to this year’s opener. Experts and non-experts alike agree fish activity is running at least two to three weeks ahead of schedule for all species. Consider this when deciding where, what, and how you will fish opening weekend.
“Walleye suckers and small crankbaits fished around weeds and/or rock in 5-10 feet could be the ticket for opening weekend walleye,” says Bob at Hayward Bait. “Early morning, and evening into dark, should offer the best action. Anglers targeting northern may want to try northern suckers, minnows, spinnerbaits, and spoons in shallow water. Bass will be in very shallow weeds and could offer some topwater action, but anglers should remember bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and release only through June 18.”
At Pastika’s, Al says making predictions for this opening weekend is challenging.
“Walleyes are post-spawn and should be where they normally are two to three weeks later in the month. Depending on the lake, I suggest fishing weeds in 6-15 feet of water – and there could be a good leech and crawler bite. For northern, try live bait or twitch baits near weeds and panfish. Fish bass with plastics, and spinner and minnow baits, in shallow, protected bays. Bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and release only until June 19, so check the zone map closely and know the boundaries.”
Pat at Happy Hooker reminds anglers the Quiet Lakes Crappie-A-Thon starts May 7.
“We tagged hundreds of crappies in the lakes,” Pat says, “and a $3.00 entry fee gives participants catching a tagged fish the opportunity to win cash or other valuable prizes. All participants are eligible for the year end drawing, so you really don’t even have to catch a fish.”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt, spring survey results indicate fish are three to four weeks ahead of schedule.
“Anglers might want to think bass and panfish, though the tail end of the spring walleye feed could be good for big, fully recovered females on deep weed lines.
“Water levels are the lowest I have ever seen. Anglers should be careful at the launches – some are very shallow and have axle-eating holes – and offshore bars normally of no concern are now a danger to lower units and pocketbooks.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says northern pike and walleye finished spawning more than a week ago, and muskies are on the down side of their spawning period.
“Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid-50s on most lakes, providing an extended spawning season for muskies, and it’s possible smallmouth and crappie will soon begin their nesting period – almost unheard of for late April!”
Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) recorded 18 turkeys (six juveniles and 12 adults) for spring turkey season Period B, April 21-25. At Hillman’s, Marty registered a big 29-pound two-ounce bird with a ten-inch beard.
Leftover spring turkey tags are available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E (May 12-16) and F (May 19-23.) Sales continue until tags are sold out or the end of the season. As of April 21, tags remain as follows:
Zone 1: Period E - 3167; Period F - 9108.
Zone 3: Period E - 3544; Period F - 8060.
Hayward’s Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) fishing event for people with disabilities is May 21-23 on the Chippewa Flowage. Volunteers are always welcome (and needed!), as are additional fishing and pontoon boats and operators. For more information, call Pat Lindgren (800) 243-3462; (715) 634-3185.
The Whitetails Unlimited Hayward Chapter fundraising banquet is Thursday May 13 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. Single tickets cost $45; add a spouse or junior (to age 15) for $25. Ordering deadline is May 6. For tickets or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call Sabrina Morgan (715) 766-3246.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter - Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend its meeting Tuesday May 4 at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, ten miles east of Hayward on Highway 77. Beginning at 7 p.m., Green Bay angler Kevin Pischke will present methods for catching big fish on Green Bay and the river system.

Fishing Reports
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good as fish start to move in and prepare to spawn when water temperatures hit the upper 50. Work shallow water (out to 10 feet) in bays and on bay edges with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics/tubes fished two to three feet under a bobber. Be prepared to sort for a meal.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action is also good and in the same areas as walleye, though in shallower water. Waxies, worms, small jigs and plastics are all catching fish, and minnows will work for the larger ‘gills.

Upcoming Events
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closed.
May 1: Seasons Open: Inland game fish (see regs for specifics); Northern Zone bass (catch and release only); Frog.
May 4: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting at Dick-Sy Roadhouse. 7 p.m. (715-634-4543.)
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.

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.