June 01, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

The Hayward area hit a cool streak this past week, and frost warnings were issued in for a number of nights when temps were forecast to be – and were – in the 20s and 30s.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says the unseasonably low temperatures are playing havoc with his fish shocking survey crew’s schedule. Technician Russ Warwick joked they “might” get done for July 4th. Or maybe he was serious?
Free Fishing Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday June 6-7, and residents and non-residents can fish Wisconsin waters without fishing licenses, trout or salmon stamps. All other regulations apply. For more information, visit http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/fish/kids...ngweekend.html.
During State Park Open House Day Sunday June 7, visitors get free admission to all Wisconsin State parks, forests and trails, vehicle admission stickers are not required to enter state parks, forests and recreation areas, and no trail passes are required for bicyclists, in-line skaters, and horseback riders.
Spring turkey season in the north woods closed May 24 with end of Period F, the final hunting period. Shooting Star archery registered seven toms and one bearded hen for Period F, while Hillman’s Store registered one adult bird. Shooting Star’s total season registration of 44 birds included 39 toms, three jakes, and two bearded hens. Hillman’s season total of 14 birds included 13 toms and one bearded hen.
North woods turtles are starting to move to nesting areas, and the DNR encourages drivers to be on the lookout for them. Wisconsin is home to 12 turtle species, and three of them are listed as threatened or endangered.
Bass season in the Northern Zone changes from catch and release only to daily bag limits June 20.
Hayward’s 60th Annual Musky Festival is June 25-28. It’s a fun and busy weekend, with fishing and casting contests and displays, sidewalk sales, carnival, street dance, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more. Frank Pratt will host a free fishing event at Shue’s Pond that will include lure making, fly tying, and fishing. The Festival draws to a close Sunday with the Musky Festival Grand Parade.
Visit Musky Festival (www.muskyfestival.com) or call 715-634-8662 for more information, and be sure to check the Hayward Lions Club fishing contest.

Muskies:
The first week of musky fishing started slowly, but anglers are seeing quite a few fish and action is improving as the water (slowly) warms. Target bars and points in 3-12 feet of water, and look for new weeds, look for new weeds, and look for new weeds. Did I mention locating new weed growth? Small to medium jerk, twitch, and glide baits are working well, with some action on topwaters, Bull Dawgs, and live suckers.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is currently described as (your choice) “spotty, steady, sporadic, unspectacular ... and consistent.” Anglers are catching fish – and some nice ones – but it’s not a “hot” bite. Look for fish in 5-30 feet of water near new weeds and weed beds, bars, cribs, wood, and drop-offs. For live bait, use fatheads/minnows, leeches, or crawlers on jigs or plain hooks, with or without a slip bobber, and live bait harnesses. Best action is in early morning and evening hours. Trolling crankbaits in the evening can be productive, and just before dark, cast Rapalas or similar baits along shallow shorelines.

Northern:
Northern pike are active and anglers report very good success. Look for them in shallow water weeds, bays, and near spawning crappies and bluegills. Nearly any bait you throw will work, including northern suckers and large minnows on live bait rigs or under bobbers, and artificials such as surface, stick, and crank baits, Rapalas, spoons, and spinnerbaits.

Bass:
Bass season in the Northern Bass Zone switches from catch-and-release to daily bag limits June 20. For now, both largemouth and smallmouth are beginning their spawning rituals.

Crappie:
Crappies are spawning and action is very good to excellent. This won’t last long, and it could start to wind down at any time. Fish shallower water, from 4-12 feet, around weed beds, wood, and other structure. A variety of baits will work, including live bait such as crappie minnows, leeches, waxies, and worms, and artificials such as Mini-Mites, tube and feather jigs, all fished with or without a slip bobber.

Bluegill:
Bluegills are beginning their move to the shallows for spawning and anglers report action is very good. Waxies, worms, crawler chunks, and plastics are the top bait choices, but small leeches and minnows are also catching fish.

Upcoming Events
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required. All other regulations apply.
June 7: State Parks Open House Day. Free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
June 20: Northern Zone bass season goes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits.
June 25-28: Musky Festival (715-634-8662.)
June 26-27: Hayward Lions Musky Fest fishing contest.
July 24-26: 50th Annual Lumberjack World Championships (715-644-2484.)
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)

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.