walleyemaxx
10-20-2010, 08:57 AM
Hi everyone,
Here is this weeks HLVCB fishing and outdoor report.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 18, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Nearly unbelievable fine fall weather continues in the north woods. The highs are a little less high, the lows a little bit lower, but the sunny, dry days continue to be perfect for nearly all outdoor activities ... except perhaps waterfowl hunting. Get out and enjoy it - this will not last forever.
"What a weather system!" says Pat at Happy Hooker. "This incredibly unusual weather threw fishing into a real tailspin and we were all back to short sleeve shirts and suntan lotion. Water temps went back to the upper 50s and really confused the fish, though cooler weather should get things back on track."
"Beautiful weather, coupled with great fall colors, made for excellent fishing conditions last week," says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, "however the fish were not real cooperative. Though a warm, sunny day can produce some good largemouth action for die-hard bass anglers, most have put away their boats for the year."
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says walleye anglers should think deep in the natural lakes after turnover - which should happen very soon - and especially during daylight hours.
"I hiked into some Washburn County trout lakes last weekend, but there was nothing doing - just gorgeous weather and spectacular scenery."
As mentioned last week, this time of year fish patterns - locations and bait preferences - can change quickly, and we all know sooner or later we will see big weather changes (darn it.) Before you go fishing, make sure to check with your favorite bait shop for the most current information.
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's Store, Hayward Bait) registered one turkey, 34 antlerless deer, six bucks, including one nice ten point, and two bears, including one weighing 300 pounds. The Hayward area stations registered 105 bears for the season that closed October 12.
Muzzleloader hunters will be happy to hear they can now use scopes on their rifles during Wisconsin's muzzleloader deer season. According to DNR warden and hunter education administrator Tim Lawhern, in the past, it was illegal to use anything other than a one-power telescopic device. He says that with the recent rule change, it is legal to use any magnification.
The Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will host a fundraising banquet Friday November 12 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. The event includes dinner, auction, and prizes, including firearms, outfitter packages, hunting/outdoor equipment, artwork, and collectibles. All attendees receive a WTU collector mug and a $25 WTU shopping pass. Single tickets are $25; other dinner and raffle ticket packages are available. The ticket ordering deadline is Nov. 5. For tickets or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call (715) 766-3246.
Fishing Reports
Muskie:
Muskies are active and providing very good action. Work green weeds in shallow water with bucktails, Bull Dawgs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and jerkbaits, but most action is currently with medium size suckers. As the water cools, muskies will be looking for larger meals, so increase bait size to suit their appetite.
Walleye:
Walleye action is good, though inconsistent, and fish continue to be scattered. Best action is during low light hours and just before dark. On the clear lakes look for fish to be very deep (to 45 feet or deeper), particularly during the day. On other lakes, fish can be found around shallower weeds, deep weed edges, deep holes, sand and gravel, and on breaklines in depths from 10-22 feet. Fatheads on jigs, walleye suckers, and crawlers are all catching fish, and anglers casting crankbaits along the shoreline during evening hours are catching fish, too.
Northern:
Northern pike action is good around weeds/green weeds at various depths. Spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, crankbaits, bucktails, and northern suckers are all effective baits. Fish bigger baits in deeper water for trophy pike.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth are still active in the warm water, with many holding in shallow weeds and some on deeper weed lines. Spinnerbaits, plastics, and fatheads are good choices. Few anglers are pursuing bass at this time. As mentioned above by DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, except for the die-hards, most bass anglers have stored their boats for the season.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth reports range from poor to good, with evenings providing the best action. Look for fish on hard bottom areas and on shoreline breaks. Crankbaits, plastics, Shad Raps, and walleye suckers are all catching smallies.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good, though the fish continue to be scattered. They are suspending over deeper water, on weed beds at varied depths, near cribs, structure, and mid depth cover. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, small spinners, and Gulp! baits remain the baits of choice.
Bluegill:
Anglers fishing for bluegills report fair to good success. The 'gills are in green weeds, near mid-depth cover and structure, and on cribs. Productive baits include waxies, worms, minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 23: Hunters Expo at Mission Covenant Church in Poplar 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 30: Raccoon season (non-resident) opens.
Oct. 30-31: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 2: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting/lure swap at Dow's Corner (715-634-4543.)
Nov. 6: Trapping seasons open in northern zone: Otter; Beaver.
Nov. 6,7, 13-19: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 8: Woodcock season closes.
Nov. 12: Hayward Chapter Whitetails Unlimited Fundraising banquet (715-766-3246.)
Nov. 18: Seasons close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 18-19: Cable Rod & Gun Club sight-in days.
Nov. 20-28: Gun deer season.
Nov. 29-Dec. 8: Muzzleloader deer season.
Nov. 29: Archery deer season re-opens.
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.
Thanks for reading!
Sherry Beckman
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau
It's been unbelievable weather so far this fall. Get out and enjoy it while it lasts.
Walleyemaxx
Here is this weeks HLVCB fishing and outdoor report.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 18, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Nearly unbelievable fine fall weather continues in the north woods. The highs are a little less high, the lows a little bit lower, but the sunny, dry days continue to be perfect for nearly all outdoor activities ... except perhaps waterfowl hunting. Get out and enjoy it - this will not last forever.
"What a weather system!" says Pat at Happy Hooker. "This incredibly unusual weather threw fishing into a real tailspin and we were all back to short sleeve shirts and suntan lotion. Water temps went back to the upper 50s and really confused the fish, though cooler weather should get things back on track."
"Beautiful weather, coupled with great fall colors, made for excellent fishing conditions last week," says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, "however the fish were not real cooperative. Though a warm, sunny day can produce some good largemouth action for die-hard bass anglers, most have put away their boats for the year."
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says walleye anglers should think deep in the natural lakes after turnover - which should happen very soon - and especially during daylight hours.
"I hiked into some Washburn County trout lakes last weekend, but there was nothing doing - just gorgeous weather and spectacular scenery."
As mentioned last week, this time of year fish patterns - locations and bait preferences - can change quickly, and we all know sooner or later we will see big weather changes (darn it.) Before you go fishing, make sure to check with your favorite bait shop for the most current information.
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's Store, Hayward Bait) registered one turkey, 34 antlerless deer, six bucks, including one nice ten point, and two bears, including one weighing 300 pounds. The Hayward area stations registered 105 bears for the season that closed October 12.
Muzzleloader hunters will be happy to hear they can now use scopes on their rifles during Wisconsin's muzzleloader deer season. According to DNR warden and hunter education administrator Tim Lawhern, in the past, it was illegal to use anything other than a one-power telescopic device. He says that with the recent rule change, it is legal to use any magnification.
The Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will host a fundraising banquet Friday November 12 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. The event includes dinner, auction, and prizes, including firearms, outfitter packages, hunting/outdoor equipment, artwork, and collectibles. All attendees receive a WTU collector mug and a $25 WTU shopping pass. Single tickets are $25; other dinner and raffle ticket packages are available. The ticket ordering deadline is Nov. 5. For tickets or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call (715) 766-3246.
Fishing Reports
Muskie:
Muskies are active and providing very good action. Work green weeds in shallow water with bucktails, Bull Dawgs, crankbaits, stickbaits, and jerkbaits, but most action is currently with medium size suckers. As the water cools, muskies will be looking for larger meals, so increase bait size to suit their appetite.
Walleye:
Walleye action is good, though inconsistent, and fish continue to be scattered. Best action is during low light hours and just before dark. On the clear lakes look for fish to be very deep (to 45 feet or deeper), particularly during the day. On other lakes, fish can be found around shallower weeds, deep weed edges, deep holes, sand and gravel, and on breaklines in depths from 10-22 feet. Fatheads on jigs, walleye suckers, and crawlers are all catching fish, and anglers casting crankbaits along the shoreline during evening hours are catching fish, too.
Northern:
Northern pike action is good around weeds/green weeds at various depths. Spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, crankbaits, bucktails, and northern suckers are all effective baits. Fish bigger baits in deeper water for trophy pike.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth are still active in the warm water, with many holding in shallow weeds and some on deeper weed lines. Spinnerbaits, plastics, and fatheads are good choices. Few anglers are pursuing bass at this time. As mentioned above by DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, except for the die-hards, most bass anglers have stored their boats for the season.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth reports range from poor to good, with evenings providing the best action. Look for fish on hard bottom areas and on shoreline breaks. Crankbaits, plastics, Shad Raps, and walleye suckers are all catching smallies.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good, though the fish continue to be scattered. They are suspending over deeper water, on weed beds at varied depths, near cribs, structure, and mid depth cover. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, small spinners, and Gulp! baits remain the baits of choice.
Bluegill:
Anglers fishing for bluegills report fair to good success. The 'gills are in green weeds, near mid-depth cover and structure, and on cribs. Productive baits include waxies, worms, minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 23: Hunters Expo at Mission Covenant Church in Poplar 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oct. 30: Raccoon season (non-resident) opens.
Oct. 30-31: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 2: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting/lure swap at Dow's Corner (715-634-4543.)
Nov. 6: Trapping seasons open in northern zone: Otter; Beaver.
Nov. 6,7, 13-19: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 8: Woodcock season closes.
Nov. 12: Hayward Chapter Whitetails Unlimited Fundraising banquet (715-766-3246.)
Nov. 18: Seasons close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 18-19: Cable Rod & Gun Club sight-in days.
Nov. 20-28: Gun deer season.
Nov. 29-Dec. 8: Muzzleloader deer season.
Nov. 29: Archery deer season re-opens.
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.
Thanks for reading!
Sherry Beckman
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau
It's been unbelievable weather so far this fall. Get out and enjoy it while it lasts.
Walleyemaxx