February 09, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

If throughout this winter you have vowed to “get out ice fishing” – you might want to get to it. Soon. Game fish season closes March 1, and fishing and hunting licenses expire March 31.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin expects a record crowd this weekend, Saturday February 14, for its Family Ice Fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles. Entry buttons (adults $3; youth 13-17 years $1) are available at Pastika’s, Hayward Bait, and Hayward Power Sports. Children 12 and younger get free admission (sponsored by Slumberland) and a jig rod and tackle packet. Thousands of dollars in prizes – including seven cameras, six ice shacks, ice augers, and a LOT of electronics – will be awarded in fishing contest and raffle drawings. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5. For more information, contact Hayward Bait (715) 634-2921.
Snowmobile trails are holding up well, reports say, but Monday’s mild temperatures and rain did them no good. Fortunately, snow and colder temps are in the forecast. For current conditions, visit Sawyer County, Sno-Trails Snowmobile Club, or Namakagon Trail Groomers reports. Visit Snowmobile and ATV Trail Maps for more information.
On February 19-21, more than 9,000 cross-country skiers from around the world will descend on Hayward for the 36th annual American Birkebeiner.
On March 6-8, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center will host the Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals, an International Series of Champions (ISOC) sanctioned tour event.
Ice anglers should visit the DNR Web site to view “Preserving Your Bait,” a video showing two techniques to meet state rules to prevent the spread of VHS fish disease. VHS remains a serious health threat for Wisconsin fish, and it is most active with water temperatures below 60 degrees.
Pat at Happy Hooker says fishing is on the slow side, but he expects action to improve as the sun warms the ice and cuts snow cover.
At Pastika’s, Al says driving conditions are good in general, but warns anglers to watch for pockets of slush. Leon Pastika is having success on Nelson Lake’s crappies and bluegills with crappie minnows and waxies in about 10 feet of water.
Bob at Hayward Bait says more anglers are on the lakes with the improving weather. He advises anglers to be cautious and to fish with a buddy –adding that a really good buddy will volunteer to walk out first.

Walleye:
The best walleye fishing is in the evening, but overall walleyes are presenting a challenge. Fish are scattered from shallow to deep, but anglers are doing better in deeper water. Look for weeds and structure in water 12-35+ feet deep. Rock bars, flats, weeds and weed beds, gravel – all can hold fish. If one area or presentation does not work, try another. Jigging spoons tipped with minnows or minnow parts are more productive than tip-up fishing with shiners and suckers. Subject to change at any time.

Northern:
Northern fishing is generally good, though it can be inconsistent, and it is still the best “action” fish going right now. You will find the pike in and on the edges of weeds and weed beds in 5-20 feet of water. Bait selection is easy – shiners or suckers. Shiners for smaller, “pickling” fish, and big suckers for big northern.

Crappie:
A few anglers are enjoying success with crappies, but overall action is slow. On smaller, shallower lakes, target weedy areas, while on larger, deeper lakes fish are suspending in deeper water. Depths can vary from six to more than 30 feet. Start at the bottom and work up the water column. Crappie minnows, rosy reds, fatheads, waxies, and plastics can all work on any given day, but plastics are favored over live bait on the challenging days.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action remains fair to good, but expect to do some sorting if you want a meal. Fish waxies, spikes, and plastics near cribs and weeds in 5-18 feet of water.

Perch:
Perch fishing is slow to fair, though some anglers are have good days now and then. Fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, and waxies fished just off the bottom are all working. Once you catch a perch, try using an eyeball for bait. Not only can they be very effective, they are also very durable.

Upcoming Events
Feb. 14: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin ice fishing event.
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Raccoon; Fox; Coyote trapping.
Feb. 19-21: American Birkebeiner.
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Muskrat; Mink.
Feb. 28: Namekagon River Valley RMEF banquet. (715) 699-2674.
March 1: Game fish season ends. (First Sunday in March.)
March 6-7: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods Resort.
March 6-8: Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals.
March 7: Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies, Inc. awards banquet. (715) 634-4543.
March 17: Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza at Lakewoods Resort.
March 27: Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) banquet (715) 634-2027.
March 31: Hunting and fishing licenses expire.
April 30: Northern zone trapping seasons close: Beaver; Otter.

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.