March 30, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Deterioration of ice on area lakes not only slowed with the return of cold temps, the lakes are groaning and booming each night as they make ice! If you have never heard the sounds, they are unique, difficult to describe – and not the sounds one wants to hear the first of April.
Due to the effects of sunshine, wind, and fluctuating temperatures, anglers venturing onto the ice should wear cleats for both safety and ease of travel.
Pat at Happy Hooker says fishing is on the somewhat slow side, but anglers are reporting short windows of opportunity, primarily in late afternoon. He says main lake ice is still 15-25 inches, but there is separation on the shorelines, and he warns angler to check the ice before stepping out on it.
At Pastika’s, Al says the lakes are averaging about 12 inches of ice thickness, adding that travel is (or should be) limited to walking and ATVs – and ATV use is iffy. He encourages anglers to be careful and use common sense.
Bob at Hayward Bait says the ice as of Sunday is about 15 inches or so, but cautions anglers to know the lakes on which they are fishing.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says his earlier reports of Spring Lake’s total demise due to winterkill were a little premature, as panfish fishing on the lake is very good right now, as well as on Lake Hayward. He warns ice anglers to be cautious on this late-season ice, as it can be deceptive and offer little support. Survey crews hope to net Blaisdell and Barker lakes this week. Other lakes scheduled for netting later this spring include Knutson, Chetac, Grindstone, and the west side of the Chippewa Flowage.
The Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will hold its annual banquet Friday May 15 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. Individual tickets cost $45 (includes a one-year membership.) Additional tickets for a spouse or child (15 years or younger) cost $25. Order deadline is May 8; tickets will not be sold at the door. For more information, call 715-558-1395, or visit Whitetails Unlimited.
DNR officials remind people debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin, and anyone burning without a required permit could be issued a citation. Contact the local DNR office, fire warden, or fire department to learn if burning permits are required in your area. Know, too, according to the DNR, “Anyone found responsible for causing a wildfire on state, federal, or private lands is liable for all costs associated with fighting the fire and damage to the natural resources.”
Depending on weather patterns (as this is written a winter storm is forecast for the north woods), this could be the last “official” fishing report until the May 2 opener. However, fishing updates will continue to be included each week.

Crappie:
The hot, late-ice crappie action could begin any day now, but it will have to start soon if anglers are take advantage of it. For now, crappies are still scattered and are found anywhere from weeds and cribs to suspending at various levels in deeper water. Make sure you check from just below the ice to near the bottom. The best bite continues to be after dark. Minnows – crappie minnows and rosy reds – are the favorites, but waxies, spikes, and plastics are also producing catches.

Bluegill:
Bluegill action is fair to good on waxies, mousies, spikes, and plastics. Fish close to weeds and structure in 4-12 feet of water, though depths will vary depending on the lake you are fishing. As always, downsize baits and tackle to increase your catches!

Perch:
Perch action just isn’t “happening” yet, and no one is sure why. At this time of year the fish are expected to be in shallower water immediately adjacent to their usual spawning areas, but reports of success – at least for good size perch – are few and far between. Until the perch move, concentrate on deeper water mud flats with fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, wigglers, plastics, and jigging spoons with tipped with minnow heads.

Upcoming Events
March 28: Trout season opened 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-May 24: Spring turkey season (six, five-day periods.)
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 15: Whitetails Unlimited banquet at Lumberjack Steakhouse. (715-558-1395.)
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.