Hayward Lakes Sherry
01-26-2010, 10:31 AM
January 25, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
If this week’s forecast is correct, the Hayward area will again enjoy more normal winter weather. Lake travel is reasonably good, and four to six inches of fresh snow combined with seasonably cold temperatures should not cause problems.
Pat Jones at Happy Hooker says ice conditions are generally good.
“The warm, pleasant weather encouraged more anglers to get out on the ice,” says Jones, “but anglers should still be wary. While it seems late in the winter to be cautious about ice quality, we have heard of inconsistent thickness and some areas of poor ice. Never assume all ice is safe – especially this winter!”
“Travel conditions on the ice are good – for now,” says Al at Pastika’s, “but it can change quickly, especially with the current weather patterns.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says many anglers are driving to their fishing spots, but he advises anglers to use caution.
“Ice thickness across a lake is often uneven,” says Sommerfeldt, “and there are reports of some undisturbed, drifted areas with only 8-10 inches of ice.”
In the past week, local snowmobile trails took a hit from the mild temperatures and the area needs some snow. Report information listed here was submitted prior to the weekend. For the most up-to-the minute conditions, check directly with the trail report contributors.
Virgin Timber Resort says conditions are good, with a few bumpy trails and some dirty snow around road crossings, but groomers will smooth the trails this week. Lakes are staked and in good shape.
Lakewoods reports the groomers are doing a fantastic job and the trails are good despite heavy use – apparently much better than some trails outside the area.
The Hayward Power Sports trail report says the base is getting thin in some areas, but trails are flat.
According to the Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report, trails are still good, depending on where you are traveling, with only a few dirt spots showing in corners. Groomers will groom daily unless the temperatures rise above the low 20s.
Namakagon Trails Report says the base and trails are holding up well with the warmer weather. There are a very few bare spots, but they are smooth. High traffic areas are always a problem, especially with warm daytime temperatures.
Ice Fishing Report
Ice fishing in the Hayward area is good in general, but each day can bring changes. For the most up to the minute information on fish locations, baits, presentations, and ice conditions for the water (ice!) you are fishing, stop at your favorite bait shop on your way to the lake.
Walleye:
Walleye anglers report their success inconsistently ranges from fair to good. There is a very good early morning bite, equal to or even surpassing the evening bite. Look for fish in 8-30 feet of water (depending on the lake fished) on break lines, weeds, bars, mud flats, and humps. Baits and presentations of choice include walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups and jigs and jigging spoons tipped with crappie minnows or fatheads. Take a variety of baits – walleyes remain very particular in their choice of minnow and presentation.
Northern:
Northern pike action is fair to good, with bright sunny days best. The fish are near and over weeds and weed edges in 4-12 feet of water, and any place you find panfish. Northern suckers and shiners are the top two baits, but shiners are currently more effective. However, for bigger pike use large northern suckers and fish deeper water.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers are finding action fairly good and consistent – once they locate the fish. On some lakes (or areas on individual lakes), crappies are suspending over deeper water (18-30 feet) and within 10 feet of the bottom. Use your flasher to pinpoint their exact position. In other areas, the fish are holding in/on/over green weeds in shallower water. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics – on plain hooks or small jigs – are all working at this time.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action ranges from fair to good. As with crappies, to locate catchable fish requires anglers to be mobile. Target weeds, structure, and cribs, and for larger ‘gills, deeper weeds. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops will all catch bluegills.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 25: Crow season opens.
Jan. 30: Radar Run - Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (Zone A.)
Feb. 6: Cable Rod & Gun Club ice fishing tourney - Loon Saloon, Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 13: WFNW ice fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles.
Feb. 13: 1st Annual Radar Run - Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.)
Feb. 13: Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens.
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon trapping/hunting; Red and gray fox gun/trapping.
Feb. 25-28: American Birkebeiner. (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 5-7: Hayward 300 Snocross National.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
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.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
If this week’s forecast is correct, the Hayward area will again enjoy more normal winter weather. Lake travel is reasonably good, and four to six inches of fresh snow combined with seasonably cold temperatures should not cause problems.
Pat Jones at Happy Hooker says ice conditions are generally good.
“The warm, pleasant weather encouraged more anglers to get out on the ice,” says Jones, “but anglers should still be wary. While it seems late in the winter to be cautious about ice quality, we have heard of inconsistent thickness and some areas of poor ice. Never assume all ice is safe – especially this winter!”
“Travel conditions on the ice are good – for now,” says Al at Pastika’s, “but it can change quickly, especially with the current weather patterns.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says many anglers are driving to their fishing spots, but he advises anglers to use caution.
“Ice thickness across a lake is often uneven,” says Sommerfeldt, “and there are reports of some undisturbed, drifted areas with only 8-10 inches of ice.”
In the past week, local snowmobile trails took a hit from the mild temperatures and the area needs some snow. Report information listed here was submitted prior to the weekend. For the most up-to-the minute conditions, check directly with the trail report contributors.
Virgin Timber Resort says conditions are good, with a few bumpy trails and some dirty snow around road crossings, but groomers will smooth the trails this week. Lakes are staked and in good shape.
Lakewoods reports the groomers are doing a fantastic job and the trails are good despite heavy use – apparently much better than some trails outside the area.
The Hayward Power Sports trail report says the base is getting thin in some areas, but trails are flat.
According to the Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report, trails are still good, depending on where you are traveling, with only a few dirt spots showing in corners. Groomers will groom daily unless the temperatures rise above the low 20s.
Namakagon Trails Report says the base and trails are holding up well with the warmer weather. There are a very few bare spots, but they are smooth. High traffic areas are always a problem, especially with warm daytime temperatures.
Ice Fishing Report
Ice fishing in the Hayward area is good in general, but each day can bring changes. For the most up to the minute information on fish locations, baits, presentations, and ice conditions for the water (ice!) you are fishing, stop at your favorite bait shop on your way to the lake.
Walleye:
Walleye anglers report their success inconsistently ranges from fair to good. There is a very good early morning bite, equal to or even surpassing the evening bite. Look for fish in 8-30 feet of water (depending on the lake fished) on break lines, weeds, bars, mud flats, and humps. Baits and presentations of choice include walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups and jigs and jigging spoons tipped with crappie minnows or fatheads. Take a variety of baits – walleyes remain very particular in their choice of minnow and presentation.
Northern:
Northern pike action is fair to good, with bright sunny days best. The fish are near and over weeds and weed edges in 4-12 feet of water, and any place you find panfish. Northern suckers and shiners are the top two baits, but shiners are currently more effective. However, for bigger pike use large northern suckers and fish deeper water.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers are finding action fairly good and consistent – once they locate the fish. On some lakes (or areas on individual lakes), crappies are suspending over deeper water (18-30 feet) and within 10 feet of the bottom. Use your flasher to pinpoint their exact position. In other areas, the fish are holding in/on/over green weeds in shallower water. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics – on plain hooks or small jigs – are all working at this time.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action ranges from fair to good. As with crappies, to locate catchable fish requires anglers to be mobile. Target weeds, structure, and cribs, and for larger ‘gills, deeper weeds. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops will all catch bluegills.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 25: Crow season opens.
Jan. 30: Radar Run - Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (Zone A.)
Feb. 6: Cable Rod & Gun Club ice fishing tourney - Loon Saloon, Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 13: WFNW ice fishing event on Lac Courte Oreilles.
Feb. 13: 1st Annual Radar Run - Nelson Lake Landing (715-634-4175.)
Feb. 13: Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens.
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon trapping/hunting; Red and gray fox gun/trapping.
Feb. 25-28: American Birkebeiner. (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 5-7: Hayward 300 Snocross National.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
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.