April 20, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Spring has arrived in the northland (ignore forecasts of snow) and birds are doing their “spring thing.” Some are performing mating rituals, some are in the nest-building stages, some have laid eggs, and some – such as great-horned owls and bald eagles – have already assumed feeding responsibilities.
And the game fish opener is rapidly approaching.
This is the perfect time to get new line, replenish and organize tackle, and purchase necessary (and not so necessary) equipment. Also, if you have not yet done so, buy your new fishing license. Don’t get stuck in a long line of procrastinating purchasers. You can purchase licenses at DNR license vendors, online, or by calling 1-877-945-4236. Wisconsin residents, and nonresidents 16 years old or older, need a fishing license to fish in any state waters.
Conditions for opening weekend are looking much more favorable than they were as recently as a week ago. DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says ice is pretty much out and walleyes are running strong.
“When we set nets on Big Chetac we immediately found spawning walleyes,” Pratt says, “and there were tons of panfish in the shallows.”
Al at Pastika’s reports all lakes except Round are now open. Some anglers are having success on panfish on the lakes, while others are fishing the streams and rivers for suckers and redhorse.
The Governor’s Fishing Opener is on the Chippewa Flowage this year, and DNR regional fisheries supervisor Steve Avelallemant recommends flowages and other waters with rivers running through as good early-season choices for all anglers.
“These waters tend to be dark colored and relatively shallow. This allows them to warm up more quickly than deep, clear-water lakes, and fish are more likely to be in a post-spawn feeding mood or at least more active.”
The DNR has revised daily walleye bag limits on 418 lakes in the Ceded Territory in response to harvest declarations made by six bands of Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin. The revised limits, effective May 1 through March 7, 2010, are available on the DNR website and as an insert to the 2009-2010 fishing regulations pamphlet.
Reminder #1: Catch and release trout season ends April 26.
Reminder #2: Bass fishing in the north zone is catch-and-release only – with an additional barbless-hooks-only restriction – until late June. A repeal of the barbless-hook restriction awaits the governor’s signature and could occur before the opener.
Spring turkey hunting season is now in full swing in the north woods, following the Youth Turkey Hunt April 11-12 and conclusion of the first hunting period. Shooting Star Archery registered one bird for the youth season and eight birds for the first period, including one bearded hen. Five toms weighed more than 22 pounds, and the longest beard so far is 10 inches. Hillman’s Store registered three adult toms for the first period.
Fire danger continues to be Very High in the Hayward area and fire wardens are not issuing burning permits. Fire officials encourage turkey hunters, anglers, and ATV operators to be extremely careful with campfires, smoking materials, and hot vehicle exhaust /sparks. Keep in mind anyone causing a wildfire can be held responsible for the damage it causes AND the cost of suppressing the fire.
Hayward is once again welcoming the Governor’s Fishing Opener, and the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame will host pre-opener festivities on its museum grounds Friday May 1, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For information, call 1-800-724-2992.
The annual Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited banquet is Friday May 15. Single tickets cost $45; additional tickets for spouse or child cost $25. Ordering deadline is May 8. Call (715) 558-1395 for more information.
Treeland Resort’s 25th annual Walleye Challenge on the Chippewa Flowage is May 8-10. The catch and release tournament is designed for the average angler, and kids and families are welcome. Entry is limited to the first 300 adult anglers. For more information, call (715) 462-3874.
Musky Tale Resort's Northern Encounter northern pike fishing tournament on the Chippewa Flowage is May 15-17. For more information, call (715) 462-3838.
Fishing Has No Boundaries three-day fishing event for persons with disabilities is May 15-17 at the Chippewa Campground on the Chippewa Flowage. For more information, call (715) 634-3185.

Upcoming Events
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 8-10: Treeland Resort Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874.)
May 15: Whitetails Unlimited banquet at Lumberjack Steakhouse (715-558-1395.)
May 15-17: Musky Tale Resort Northern Encounter pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838; 877-533-8902.)
May 15-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185.)
May 23: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.
Through May 24: Spring turkey season (six, five-day periods.)
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.