December 29, 2008
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Ice fishing and snowmobile activity picked up considerably during Christmas holiday. A break in the subzero temps enticed anglers to get on the ice, and excellent trail conditions brought numerous snowmobilers to the area.
Anglers are still finding ice thickness varying widely from lake to lake, and traveling conditions can be challenging. Keep in mind ice and travel conditions can change quickly – for both better or worse.
According to Pat at Happy Hooker, most of the Quiet Lakes have ice up to 12 inches. He says travel by ATV or snowmobile is probably okay, but discourages driving vehicles on the ice.
At Hayward Bait, Bob, Tim, and Roger all agree – driving on the lakes is not recommended at this time, and snowmobiles are the best transportation choice. There is enough slush on some lakes (up to six inches or more) ATVs are getting hung up on it. The guys advise anglers to check ice conditions before going on it, and to always fish with a buddy.
Al at Pastika’s says conditions at this time are making for some tough going, with lots of slush and snow ... and sometimes not much ice. He says anglers are catching fish, but cautions them to use good judgement, adding no one is driving on the lakes much right now, and most travel is by snowmobile and ATV.
The DNR says a recent statewide poll indicates anglers are not doing as much as they could to prevent the spread of VHS. The disease was first discovered in 2007 in Lake Winnebago, and was later found in Lake Michigan. So far – fortunately – it has not been found beyond those two water bodies.
The revised rules are neither complicated nor inconvenient, and adherence to them is a small price to pay for protecting the waters. Anglers can access the full listing of VHS rules online, and printed copies of “Minnows as Bait,” a brochure explaining the rules are available from DNR service centers and regional offices.
Milder temperatures at the end of last week and through the weekend increased interest in late archery deer season, which ends January 4. In the past week, Dennis at Shooting Star Archery registered three antlerless deer and two bucks, and Lonnie at Hillman’s Store registered two antlerless deer and one buck.
This area offers more than 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, but they took a hit over the weekend, with rain and mild temps doing nothing good for trail conditions. Forecasts are for a return to cold temperatures, however, with snowfall possible. For current trail conditions, visit Sawyer County snowmobile trail condition reports, or Sno-Trails Snowmobile Club trail condition reports.
Fishing information is very similar to last week. One point of warning: There were reports (not yet confirmed) of two vehicles, on different lakes, going through the ice in the past week. Don’t take unnecessary chances. In addition to risking life and limb, vehicle retrieval efforts are extremely expensive!

Walleye:
Walleye action is good, with best fishing in early morning and late afternoon. Anglers continue to catch fish throughout the day, however. No strong pattern is developing so far, with fish found at depths from 8-30 feet, and around various types of structure ... or no structure. Walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups are the best producers, but anglers are also catching fish on fatheads fished on jigs and jigging spoons.

Northern:
Northern pike action is very good during the day, and fishing for them is about as close to a “sure thing” as you will find. Even when no other species is willing to cooperate, pike will usually not disappoint. Fish northern suckers and shiners in shallow weeds and on the weed edges in 5-10 feet of water. If you like pickled fish, you will like pickled pike.

Crappie:
Crappies are fairly active, but they are scattered at different depths and locations and can be difficult to find. Look for fish in 6-20 feet of water, near deep weeds, and suspending over deeper water at various depths. Favorite baits include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics.

Bluegill:
Anglers fishing for bluegills report some nice catches taken in shallow weeds with waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics on teardrops, small jigs, and plain hooks.

Perch:
Perch action is so-so. You will find them scattered from shallow weeds to near bottom in deeper water. Crappie minnows, fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics are all catching fish. Small jigs or plain hooks will work, and jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads are producing larger fish.

Upcoming Events
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Partridge; Bobcat; Fisher; Frog.
Jan. 4: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 18: Winter crow season opens, through March 20.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (northern zone.)
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Raccoon; Fox; Coyote trapping.
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Muskrat; Mink.
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.