February 23, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Sunshine and blue skies are uplifting at this time of year, but subzero temperatures remind us it is still winter. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers would appreciate some quantities of fresh snowfall, but ice anglers are enjoying some of the best travel conditions of the season.
According to Pat at Happy Hooker, there is some slush but ice thickness is good, and he advises anglers to get their auger blades sharpened – there is still 25-30 inches of ice – and there is only one weekend left of game fish season.
“The best ice fishing of the year is coming up,” Pat says. “March is the time when you can almost go out there in shirtsleeves.”
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says trout are biting on the managed trout lakes, but most are less than the nine-inch minimum. He says changing the regulations from the current three-bag, nine-inch minimum to a five-bag, seven-inch minimum is under consideration.
Early catch and release trout season opens at 5 a.m. March 7 and runs until midnight April 26, a week prior to game fish opener. Most trout streams are open, but anglers should check the regulations for confirmation.
DNR coldwater ecologist Larry Claggett says an estimated 230,000 anglers fish for trout, based on sales of inland license stamps, with a smaller proportion fishing the early season. More information on the early season, including fishing tips, is available on the early trout season page on the DNR Web site.
Snowmobile trail conditions are reported as poor to fair, and fresh snow is needed. Lake trails are good at this time. Visit Sawyer County, Sno-Trails Snowmobile Club, or Namakagon Trail Groomers for trail reports, and Snowmobile and ATV Trail Maps for more trail information.
The Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals presented by LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center is coming up March 6-8. The Hayward 300 features up-close Pro-Stock, Semi-Pro, Sport Open, Junior 14-15, Junior 16-17, Sport Super Stock, Sport Women Super Stock, with exciting track jumps, live music, food vendors, product displays, and demo rides.
For ticket information, visit Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals or call (715) 634-8662.

Walleye:
With game fish season closing Sunday March 1, only one weekend remains for you to pursue walleye. Action is fair to good, with the evening bite the most consistent, however the bite windows appear to be fairly short. Look for fish on mud flats, deep break lines, and structure in 8-40 feet of water, with shallower water surprisingly good after dark. Baits and presentations remain the same: walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads. In general, jigging spoons with minnow heads are out-producing tip-ups, and anglers are finding mayfly nymphs in some walleyes.

Northern:
Northern pike action is also fair to good. You will find northern in 5-20 feet of water around the weeds, or on the mud flats feeding on perch and other panfish. Northern suckers, large shiners, and jigging spoons tipped with walleye suckers are all effective.

Crappie:
According most reports, crappie anglers are having a tough go of it right now as they scurry around the lakes trying to locate their quarry. Fish are spread from shallow weeds to deeper water, depending on the lake, as well as dispersed in assorted locations in the water column. Crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics will all catch fish. Don’t overlook the mud flats – some crappies will be found feeding on mayfly nymphs.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action is picking up and is generally good, but if you’re looking for a meal expect to do some sorting. The ‘gills are in the weeds, and perhaps shallower than you might expect. Waxies, mousies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, or teardrops are all catching fish. Downsizing bait and tackle will almost always be to your advantage. For larger bluegills, fish somewhat deeper water with small minnows.

Perch:
Perch are on or near bottom, particularly on the mud flats at this time, feeding on mayfly nymphs. Fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, worms, and plastics are all catching perch. As previously mentioned, walleye, northern, and even crappies are on these mud flats, so a mixed bag is very possible.

Upcoming Events
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 7: Early catch and release trout season opens.
March 10: 2009-2010 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale.
March 17: Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza at Lakewoods Resort.
March 20: Remaining spring turkey permits go on sale.
March 27: Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) banquet (715) 634-2027.
March 31: Hunting and fishing licenses expire.
April 27: Early catch-and-release trout season closes.
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.