walleyemaxx
11-16-2010, 11:47 AM
Hi everyone,
Here's the HLVCB weekly report
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November 15, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Wet, heavy snow fell on the Hayward area this past weekend, changing the landscape from fine fall conditions to the proverbial “winter wonderland.” The forecast for this week predicts high temperatures in the 30s and lows in the teens. Deer hunters hope the snow holds through this weekend’s deer season opener and would appreciate a fresh coating Saturday morning.
Fishing will take a back seat to the blaze orange crowd for the next couple of weeks, says Pat at Happy Hooker.
“After that, it is possible there could be early ice on some lakes. Early ice seemed far off last week when temperatures were nearly 65 degrees, but there was a dramatic drop in air and water temperature last weekend.
“Fish do not like sudden change, and a 25- or 30-degree drop in daytime temperatures will put big fish off their feed. Keep chasing muskies with live bait, the larger the better, and slowly and methodically working big lures. Fish are hungry, but will not move quickly in November.”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says that with the current forecast we could see first ice by or before the deer season opener.
“There can be a phenomenal bite in shallow weeds at this time, but we remind anglers safety should be their first concern.”
“Now is the time to install new line, grease tip-ups, and check augers, flasher batteries, and other equipment,” says Al at Pastika’s. “If the forecast holds, we could soon see fishable ice.”
Most interest now is keying on the rut, says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, and fishing pressure is light across the north woods. He adds that nearly all waterfront property owners have removed and stored their docks on shore in anticipation of ice-up in the next few weeks.
“Brook trout spawning season is just past its peak, typical for mid-November. Male brook trout exhibit some spectacular spawning colors and are still viewable on many native brook trout streams. Look for spawning fish around gravel areas in riffles in smaller tributary streams. Watch from a distance, and not disturb the fish or these fragile spawning areas – it represents the future of that brook trout population.”
The ‘deep’ walleye bite is in progress on Round, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Grindstone lakes, according to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt.
“Anglers often ask me how they can avoid or reverse having walleyes come up with distended air bladders, or worse,” Pratt says. “This is especially a problem in Round Lake, since so many fish are just under the 14-inch minimum size limit.
“Anglers have two options. The first is to go elsewhere and try to find shallower fish – many walleyes come shallow in the evening hours. The second option is to fight the fish slowly so they have a chance to equilibrate on the way up.
“I am not a fan of fizzing. At best, the puncture hole is a potential avenue of infection. At worst, a dying fish simply sinks out of sight, and out of sight, out of mind, does not solve the problem.”
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered two turkeys, 14 antlerless deer, and 47 bucks. Buck registrations included an eight-point with a 19-inch spread, an 11-point with an 18-inch spread, a 15-point with a 20-inch spread, and a number of other nice 8- and 10-pointers.
NOTE: DNR staff will be at Shooting Star Archery Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend to age registered deer. Hayward Bait will NOT register deer during those two days, but will resume registrations the following Monday.
Fishing Reports
This is the final, formal “open water” fishing report for the season. Hard water reports begin once ice conditions are safe (relatively speaking) for travel.
Muskie:
Muskie fishing is good to very good, as it should be, since late fall is considered “trophy time.” Fish are in both deep and shallow water, on the edges of drop-offs, weed beds, and bars. While Bull Dawgs and other artificials are still working, muskies are favoring the suckers. They can be difficult to find – and do not hesitate to use those of medium size.
Walleye:
Walleye anglers toughing out the inclement weather are finding decent action both shallow and deep. Pat at Happy Hooker suggests working shallow edges when blowing winds push baitfish against the shoreline. Fatheads and walleye suckers are the baits of choice (be alert for light bites), though trolled crank and stick baits are also catching fish.
Smallmouth Bass:
Anglers fishing for smallmouth are having good success fishing walleye suckers in deeper water, hard bottom areas.
Crappie:
At last report, crappies had still not started schooling in deeper water, so if you go, be sure to try shallower areas. That said, the past weekend’s weather and this week’s forecast might produce significant changes in crappie locations. Even so, if you can find the fish, crappie minnows and Gulp! baits should produce good action.
Upcoming Events
Through Nov. 19: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 18: Seasons close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 18-19: Cable Rod & Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Nov. 19: Illegal to hunt with a firearm the day before gun deer season opens. (See regs for exceptions.)
Nov. 20-28: Gun deer season.
Nov. 23: Northern zone duck season closes.
Nov. 29-Dec. 8: Muzzleloader deer season.
Nov. 29: Archery deer season re-opens.
Nov. 30: Seasons Close: Muskie in northern zone; Turtle.
Dec. 10: Application Deadline: Spring turkey; Bear.
Good luck everyone. Be safe deer hunters.
Walleyemaxx
Here's the HLVCB weekly report
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 15, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Wet, heavy snow fell on the Hayward area this past weekend, changing the landscape from fine fall conditions to the proverbial “winter wonderland.” The forecast for this week predicts high temperatures in the 30s and lows in the teens. Deer hunters hope the snow holds through this weekend’s deer season opener and would appreciate a fresh coating Saturday morning.
Fishing will take a back seat to the blaze orange crowd for the next couple of weeks, says Pat at Happy Hooker.
“After that, it is possible there could be early ice on some lakes. Early ice seemed far off last week when temperatures were nearly 65 degrees, but there was a dramatic drop in air and water temperature last weekend.
“Fish do not like sudden change, and a 25- or 30-degree drop in daytime temperatures will put big fish off their feed. Keep chasing muskies with live bait, the larger the better, and slowly and methodically working big lures. Fish are hungry, but will not move quickly in November.”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says that with the current forecast we could see first ice by or before the deer season opener.
“There can be a phenomenal bite in shallow weeds at this time, but we remind anglers safety should be their first concern.”
“Now is the time to install new line, grease tip-ups, and check augers, flasher batteries, and other equipment,” says Al at Pastika’s. “If the forecast holds, we could soon see fishable ice.”
Most interest now is keying on the rut, says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, and fishing pressure is light across the north woods. He adds that nearly all waterfront property owners have removed and stored their docks on shore in anticipation of ice-up in the next few weeks.
“Brook trout spawning season is just past its peak, typical for mid-November. Male brook trout exhibit some spectacular spawning colors and are still viewable on many native brook trout streams. Look for spawning fish around gravel areas in riffles in smaller tributary streams. Watch from a distance, and not disturb the fish or these fragile spawning areas – it represents the future of that brook trout population.”
The ‘deep’ walleye bite is in progress on Round, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Grindstone lakes, according to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt.
“Anglers often ask me how they can avoid or reverse having walleyes come up with distended air bladders, or worse,” Pratt says. “This is especially a problem in Round Lake, since so many fish are just under the 14-inch minimum size limit.
“Anglers have two options. The first is to go elsewhere and try to find shallower fish – many walleyes come shallow in the evening hours. The second option is to fight the fish slowly so they have a chance to equilibrate on the way up.
“I am not a fan of fizzing. At best, the puncture hole is a potential avenue of infection. At worst, a dying fish simply sinks out of sight, and out of sight, out of mind, does not solve the problem.”
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered two turkeys, 14 antlerless deer, and 47 bucks. Buck registrations included an eight-point with a 19-inch spread, an 11-point with an 18-inch spread, a 15-point with a 20-inch spread, and a number of other nice 8- and 10-pointers.
NOTE: DNR staff will be at Shooting Star Archery Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend to age registered deer. Hayward Bait will NOT register deer during those two days, but will resume registrations the following Monday.
Fishing Reports
This is the final, formal “open water” fishing report for the season. Hard water reports begin once ice conditions are safe (relatively speaking) for travel.
Muskie:
Muskie fishing is good to very good, as it should be, since late fall is considered “trophy time.” Fish are in both deep and shallow water, on the edges of drop-offs, weed beds, and bars. While Bull Dawgs and other artificials are still working, muskies are favoring the suckers. They can be difficult to find – and do not hesitate to use those of medium size.
Walleye:
Walleye anglers toughing out the inclement weather are finding decent action both shallow and deep. Pat at Happy Hooker suggests working shallow edges when blowing winds push baitfish against the shoreline. Fatheads and walleye suckers are the baits of choice (be alert for light bites), though trolled crank and stick baits are also catching fish.
Smallmouth Bass:
Anglers fishing for smallmouth are having good success fishing walleye suckers in deeper water, hard bottom areas.
Crappie:
At last report, crappies had still not started schooling in deeper water, so if you go, be sure to try shallower areas. That said, the past weekend’s weather and this week’s forecast might produce significant changes in crappie locations. Even so, if you can find the fish, crappie minnows and Gulp! baits should produce good action.
Upcoming Events
Through Nov. 19: Hayward Rod and Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Nov. 18: Seasons close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 18-19: Cable Rod & Gun Club sight-in days. ($5/gun; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Nov. 19: Illegal to hunt with a firearm the day before gun deer season opens. (See regs for exceptions.)
Nov. 20-28: Gun deer season.
Nov. 23: Northern zone duck season closes.
Nov. 29-Dec. 8: Muzzleloader deer season.
Nov. 29: Archery deer season re-opens.
Nov. 30: Seasons Close: Muskie in northern zone; Turtle.
Dec. 10: Application Deadline: Spring turkey; Bear.
Good luck everyone. Be safe deer hunters.
Walleyemaxx