March 23, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Winter is (grudgingly) releasing its grip on the north woods, and signs of spring are (slowly) starting to appear. Rain this week should remove most if not all snow cover, and if milder temps continue there should be no concern about ice-out for the opener.
“We are eagerly awaiting the consistent warmer weather we expect in March,” says Pat Happy Hooker. “We get some warm weather but it’s immediately followed by a cold spell. There are reports of shoreline melting, but the lake ice is slippery and cleats are recommended.”
According to Al at Pastika’s, the ice is not bad, but anglers should watch current areas, landings, and shorelines, and he suggests walking or ATV as the best travel choices. He says ice conditions will vary from day to day, and anglers should use good judgement.
Remaining spring turkey permits went on sale Monday. Permits remaining after March 27 will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday March 28, and continue until all permits are sold or the season ends. All hunters are required to posses a spring turkey license and stamp. Leftover permits cost an additional $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents, available at DNR service centers, license vendors, the Online Licensing Center, or calling 1-877-945-4236. For more information, visit the Wild Turkey page of the DNR website.
The 2009 spring turkey season consists of six, five-day periods, and runs April 15 through May 24.
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame will host its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday April 11, from 10 a.m. until noon. Admission is free, and everyone is invited. Doors open and games begin at 10 a.m. The Easter egg hunt will start at 11 a.m. and continue until the eggs are gone. Prizes awarded for each age group include a tricycle, bicycles, stuffed animals, fishing equipment – and big chocolate Easter bunnies. Games include egg drop, spoon and egg, egg decorating, and free throw and casting contests. Bring your camera and get a photo taken with the Easter Bunny.
For more information, visit the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame or call (715) 634-4440.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener is in Hayward this year, and the public is invited to kick off the season at the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Friday May 1, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Festivities will include a free taste of Hayward’s famous fish fries, boils, and shore lunches; fishing tips from local guides for walleye, bass, and northern; World Championship lumberjack demonstrations; native singers and drummers; free West Dairy ice cream; and boat and motor displays. Stop at the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau booth to learn about the wealth of activities available in this area. For more information, call 1-800-724-2992.
The Sawyer County snowmobile trail report says the season has “pretty much come to an end,” but ATV season will soon begin. Trail openings and closings can be confusing, so check ahead on trail status. Visit Snowmobile and ATV Trail Maps for more information.

Crappie:
When the water starts running back down the holes action should get hot, but for now it is erratic, with the best bite after dark. Fish are scattered at various depths, from 10-30 feet depending on the lake, and at any location within the water column. (Hint: Check just under the ice.) Baits of choice continue to be crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics.

Bluegill:
Bluegill reports range from “the best panfish action” to fair, with difficulty finding decent size, active fish. The ‘gills can be in depths from 5 to 30 feet and around weeds. Check the entire water column. Waxies are producing the most catches, but mousies, spikes, and small plastics are producing catches.

Perch:
Perch action is fair to good, but most anglers are finding it inconsistent. At this time you should find perch in shallower water adjacent to spawning areas, but anglers are also finding them near bottom on deeper water mudflats. When you find them, fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, wigglers, and jigging spoons will all catch fish. When you find them.

Upcoming Events
March 23-27: Remaining spring turkey permits on sale.
March 27: Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) banquet. (Sold out.)
March 28: Trout season opens on some Lake Superior tributaries. (See regs.)
March 31: 2008-09 hunting and fishing licenses expire.
April 11: Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Easter egg hunt (715-634-4440.)
April 11-12: Youth turkey hunt.
April 13: Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearings and Conservation Congress meetings
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. See regs.
April 26: Early catch-and-release trout season closes.
April 30: Northern zone trapping seasons close: Beaver, Otter.
May 1: Governor’s Opener Fishing Expo at Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
May 2: Seasons Open: General game fish opener (check regs for exceptions); Northern zone catch and release only bass season; Musky south of Hwy 10; Frog.
May 24: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.

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.