June 15, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Our nights are now “less cool,” water temperatures are finally starting to rise, and this should be THE week for bluegill spawning to occur. Bluegill fishing is never better than at this time of year.
Northern Zone bass season makes the switch from catch and release to daily bag limits this Saturday, June 20. The Hayward lakes area offer some of this country’s best bass fishing – for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says people should not be alarmed by the late spring fish kills, mostly crappie and bluegill, occurring on a number of area lakes.
“These fish kills are caused by post-spawning stress, coupled with other biological factors, such as thermal stress, a common bacteria known as Columnaris, and – rarely – toxic substances produced by blue-green algae. So far, all samples we’ve sent to Madison received a clean bill of health for VHS.”
This Sunday, June 21, Big Musky Resort on the Chippewa Flowage will host the Big Chip Fish Fest. Bass 14-19 inches long, and northerns less than 32 inches long, will be targeted for selective harvest. Fishing hours are 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. The fish will be cleaned, cooked, and served with potato salad and cole slaw. The first 125 kids age 12 and under receive a rod/reel combo, and the Grand Prize is a $1000 Hayward Home Center gift certificate. Entry is $5 for adults; $3 for youth 16 and younger. For more information, call event coordinator George Greenbank (715) 634-9929.
DNR spring drumming count results indicate a six percent increase in grouse numbers from last year. The season in Zone A runs Sept. 12 through Jan. 31, 2010.
Deer fawns are now seen with their mothers, feeding along the roadsides. If you see deer, slow down. The DNR says spring period is second only to rut in the number of vehicle-deer collisions.

Muskies:
As the water temperatures on local lakes are heating up, so is musky action. You will find some fish in shallow water, while some are now residing in their “summer residences” on points, bars, and the edge of weedlines. Bucktails, spinners, and surface baits are working best, with crankbaits, Bull Dawgs, and suckers also catching fish. At this time, small to medium size baits appear to be more productive than large baits.

Walleye:
Walleye action is inconsistent, but improving, and early morning and evening hours are best. DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the mayfly hatch is starting on some lakes, providing a significant source of natural food ... and limiting fishing success. Walleye are scattered from 8-25 feet and deeper. Look for main lake bars, weed edges, cribs, rock, wood, and brush. Leeches and crawlers are the most effective live baits on most lakes, though jigs with walleye suckers are working on other lakes. Casting or trolling crank and stick baits are also producing some nice fish.

Northern:
With water temperatures warming, northern pike are moving to somewhat deeper water. Look for them in 4-18 feet of water on weed lines, weed edges, and bars, and wherever panfish are spawning. Northern suckers are always a good choice, but if pike are in the area, spinnerbaits, spoons, crank and surface baits will also get their attention.

Bass:
The Northern Zone bass season changes from catch and release to daily bag limits this Saturday, June 20. Roller coaster water temperatures keep the bass moving, but action is very good. Plastic frogs/surface baits, spoons, and scented plastics are working best.

Crappie:
Crappie action is fairly good, with early morning and late afternoon hours best. The fish are post-spawn, scattering, and moving to summer holding areas. Look for fish suspending, near weedlines, along the edges of shallow weeds, and cribs, and even working the surface. Use crappie minnows, waxies, leeches, plastics, tube jigs, and topwaters. Once you locate the crappies, a bobber will hold the bait in front of their nose until they just can’t stand it. At least, that’s the theory.

Bluegill:
Bluegill spawning should start this week. Look for their beds in shallow, sandy areas, but some will be slightly deeper and along breaklines out to about 10 feet. Fished with or without a bobber, your bait options are open. For live bait, it’s waxies, worms, and small leeches on plain hooks, small jigs, and ice jigs. Artificials include plastics, small spinners, topwaters, poppers, flies, and Berkley Gulp! panfish baits.

Upcoming Events
June 20: Northern Zone bass season changes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits. (See regs.)
June 21: Big Chip Fish Fest at Big Musky Resort on the Chippewa Flowage (715-634-9929.)
June 25-28: Musky Festival (715-634-8662.)
June 26-27: Hayward Lions Musky Fest Fishing Contest.
July 1: Training dogs by pursuing bear allowed through August 31. (See regs.)
July 15: Turtle season opens statewide. (See regs.)
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.