Outdoor Report

[Hayward Lakes Sherry]

May 16, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Signs of spring are slowly showing up in the north woods, impeded by unseasonably cold nighttime lows. This week’s forecast predicts warmer nights and daytime highs in the 70s, great news for all anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

“Early spring fishing is all about walleyes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “and there is a lot of fishing enthusiasm after a long winter. We have some favorable reports from anglers, though they vary from one lake to the next. The shallower, dark-water lakes warm earlier and many are producing good numbers of fish.
“Even an occasional musky has taken the bait – some anglers have the scars to prove it!”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says fishing during the next two to three weeks should be outstanding as water temperatures rise, improving action. He reminds anglers to know the bag limits for the lake they are fishing.
“The next two to three weeks can be one of the most fun fishing times,” says Al at Pastika’s. “In the evening, fish shallow, rocky shorelines with Husky Jerks, X-Raps, floating Rapalas, and Smithwicks for a great time catching walleye, northern, and bass.”
Weather conditions have made walleye fishing a little tough on the Flowage, says Randy at Jenk’s.
“Fishing deep with minnows is best during the day, and working the shallows with Rapalas and Rattlin’ Rogues in the evening is productive. For crappies, fish the shallows with minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits on warm, sunny days.”
Kyle at Outdoor Creations says fishing is picking up with the improving weather and angler’s walleye catches are increasing every day. He adds that he is hearing reports of muskies in the shallows preparing to spawn.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, fishing success was good for most anglers who ventured out during the opening week of game fish season.
“Angling pressure is light to moderate, with the heaviest use on managed trout lakes and the more popular walleye lakes,” Sommerfeldt says. “The stocked lakes and spring ponds are providing most of the trout action, with quite a few brook and rainbow trout and limits. Fishing pressure on streams and rivers is exceptionally light.”

Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) recorded two jakes and six adult birds for spring turkey season Period E May 11-15, including one tom with a 10-inch beard and one bearded hen.

A 30-mile section of Tuscobia State Trail east of Winter is now clear of storm damage and open for all users, according to DNR reports. The 74-mile trail runs west from Park Falls to Wild Rivers State Trail north of Rice Lake, cutting through portions of Barron, Price, Sawyer, and Washburn counties, and passing through the Blue Hills and Flambeau River State Forest.

FISHING REPORT
Fishing conditions and patterns change quickly this time of year. For the most current perspective, check with the staff at your favorite local bait shop before hitting the water.

Walleye:
Walleye action is decent, but weather fronts and cold water temperatures keep it challenging. Early mornings, and evenings into and after dark, offer the best chances for success, though some anglers are catching fish during the day. On the shallow, dark, stained-water lakes, target 2- to 15-foot depths, and on clear water fish 6- to 20-foot depths. Concentrate on rock, gravel, weeds, and mud flats. A jig tipped with a fathead remains the top-producing presentation, with walleye suckers and leeches also catching fish. Use light tackle and slow bait movement. In the evening, cast stick and crank baits near shallow water around weeds and rock shorelines.

Northern:
There is no shortage of northern pike, action is good, and they can be trip savers. Look for them in shallower weeds and warmer water bays, especially those holding panfish. Northern suckers, spoons, spinners, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and more will all tempt these non-selective eaters.

Bass:
Bass action is improving as the water warms. Fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the northern zone is catch and release only until June 18. (Part of Sawyer County is in the southern zone.) Fish largemouth near shallow weeds, rocks, bars, and warm bays with plastics, spinnerbaits, artificial worms, and live bait. For smallmouth, work plastics, X-Raps, and tubes on humps, rock, and sand bars in 8-14 feet of water. On warm days, move to shallower water.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to very good, with fronts affecting the bite. Cold water temperatures are affecting the spawn, though there are credible reports of spawning crappies observed in some water. Concentrate on shallower depths from 5-10 feet, with some fish still suspending over somewhat deeper water. Crappie minnows and Gulp! one-inch minnows are the top producers, but waxies, plastics, Mini-Mites, and Tattle-Tails are also catching good numbers of fish.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action is fair to good, though currently few anglers are pursing them. Still a few weeks away from spawn, the fish are holding near weeds and shallow water spawning areas. The standard bluegill fare of waxies, worms, small leeches, plastics, poppers, and Gulp! baits are all producing catches.

Upcoming Events
May 14: Quiet Lakes “Crappie-A-Thon” opened and runs through Oct. 15.
May 18-22: Turkey season Period F (final period).
May 20-22: 24th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
May 20-22: Musky Tale Resort northern fishing tournament on Chippewa Flowage (715-462-3838.)
May 28: Muskie season opens in north zone.
June 24-26: 62nd Annual Musky Festival; Dr. John Ryan Lions Club fishing contest. (715-634-8662).
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)

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.

[Ric Soens]

Any news on Lake Winter or is it Winter Lake?

Thanks

R Soens

[Hayward Lakes Jim]

Lake Winter is ready for the fisherman. Reports have been fairly good with some very active fish off and on. Bluegills and other pan fish have been getting caught. other action I do not have any info on. Good Luck. Hayward Lakes Jim