By Steve Suman

FISHING REPORT
Panfish anglers showed a slight increase in fishing interest during the mild weather days last week, but travel conditions continue to present a significant challenge and the late-ice fishing days are numbered. Ice depths remain in the 20- to 30-inch range, but with shoreline ice pulling away, getting on the ice (and OFF!) can be a problem. The limited number of anglers report decent catches of crappie, bluegill, and perch in a wide range of depths, from shallow to deep, and at various points in the water column – be sure to check it all, from bottom to top!

Upcoming Events
March 31: Last year’s hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expired.
April 15 through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
April 25-27: Fishing Has No Boundaries National Convention at LCO Casino (800-243-3462).
April 27: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait and flies only.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.
May 3: General inland fishing season opener (see regs for 2014 bass zone changes).
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Beer Bellies (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874).
May 16-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
May 24: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.

Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 16-22; B: April 23-29; C: April 30-May 6; D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.

For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.