January 10, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Foremost in this week’s outdoor news is long-time DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt’s announcement his retirement is effective this week. Whether or not you agreed with his management decisions, you always knew they came from the heart and based on what he believed was best for the area’s waters and anglers.
“After 37 years of service, I will officially retire Thursday January 13, my 62 birthday,” says Pratt. “Thank you for letting me serve you – it has been an honor.”
We wish Pratt the best of luck as he begins his new life of leisure (Ha! Anyone who knows him knows he is not about to live a leisurely lifestyle. Expect him to be even more active!)

Ice conditions are now very good, says Al at Pastika’s, and people are driving all over the lakes. However, he advises extreme caution for anyone venturing onto the ice.
“Walleye fishing is best on the big lakes, but there is a shorter bite window. The best fishing is early morning and late evening into dark, with about equal success jigging or using tip-ups. Northern and panfish action are both good.”
Pat at Happy Hooker notes the slush is gone and bitter cold following the rain froze the lakes solid.
“That is good for ice anglers, but the iced-up trails are bad for the snowmobilers. Some anglers are catching northerns along the weeds and perch on the drop-offs, but I have heard few success reports for walleye or panfish.”
At Outdoor Creations, Brian says the best walleye success is with suckers, though shiners are also producing fish.
“You will find the walleyes around weed edges in 10-15 feet of water and on humps and bars during the evening. Use big suckers for northerns in the weeds, and panfish are hitting waxies near cribs, weeds, and structure.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions across the north woods show vast improvement.
“The best walleye success is on small to medium suckers fished near break lines in 5-10 feet of water. Cloudy days are best, and the hour before dark is prime time, but fishing after dark is slow on the stained lakes.
“Northern action is slow. Crappies and bluegills, suspending just off bottom in 15-24 feet of water, are taking waxies and small minnows. For perch, work waxies and small minnows in as shallow as four feet out to more than 15 feet.”

In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered six antlerless deer and two bucks for the late archery season ending January 9. For the entire late archery season, the stations registered 32 antlerless deer and 22 bucks.

Hayward Power Sports trail conditions report for January 8 says the groomers are out and doing what they can with what is there – about three inches of snow in the past few days and ice left remaining from the holiday rain. It is so cold equipment is experiencing a lot of damage, but things are starting to return to normal. With no slush after the rain, lake trails are in great condition.
Cable area trail report for January 7 says trails are in fair to good condition, though they will vary by location. Trails in southern Bayfield County are mostly wooded and protected, and lakes are in good condition. Until conditions improve, Ashland County Snowmobile Alliance closed their trails to protect the farm fields.
According to the Lakewoods Resort January 7 report, groomers are now grooming fresh snow and most trails around Namakagon and to the south are in good or better condition. Cold temperatures improved wetland trails, and with this cold snap, they are now grooming most swamp trails. Lakes are getting the needed snow cover, but watch travel unless you use studs. We had to plow and shave ice for American Snowmobiler magazine’s sled testing by last week.
The January 6 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report says the trails are open (they never close!) but it is not good riding. The lakes leveled out, the ice conditions are smooth and hard, and there is no slush. Snow on most land trails is marginal, but passable.
Virgin Timber Resort report of January 8 indicates 12 inches of snow cover but poor trail conditions. Groomers are grooming, but trails are thin and riders report icy corners and limited snow on the lakes. Slush is gone but lakes are rutted.
The Namakagon Trails Report as of January 9 says Cable area trails around the lake are in excellent condition. They are grooming some trails and others will not be accessible to groomers until the swamps freeze. The Namakagon stick trail is up and the rain helped smooth it. Trail 15 to Grandview is good until crossing Camp 8 road where the trail is down to dirt and riders should take the long route.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 9: Late archery deer season closed.
Jan. 15: Radar run (barnyard style) at Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.)
Jan. 25: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 29: Schultz’s Resort beach party Northwoods Humane Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone.
Feb. 5: Cable Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 5: Northwest Relic Riders 5th Annual Kaye Johnson Memorial vintage snowmobile ride.
Feb. 12: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921.)
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
March 4-6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast Lakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.

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.