Hayward Lakes Sherry
02-15-2011, 03:38 PM
February 14, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Hayward enjoyed a much-welcomed warm weekend with Sunday’s high in the mid-40s – reportedly the first time since November 10. Never fear – there is still plenty of snow for snowmobiling and skiing.
“This week’s expected warmer weather should provide great conditions as we move into the final phase of ice fishing season and panfish become the dominant target,” says Pat at Happy Hooker.
Al at Pastika’s says drifting snow is making driving conditions tougher, and mild weather during the weekend and forecast for this week could add to the difficulties.
At Hayward Bait, Nelson says ice conditions are good and travel conditions so-so. He advises anglers to avoid the drifts and use common sense.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions across the north woods continue to be good, with most lakes having about 16-18 inches of solid ice, but with about 7-10 inches of heavy, grainy snow cover on top of the ice.
“This is making travel difficult for all but those with four-wheel-drive, and recent strong winds that blew snow onto many packed trails and plowed roads made access a risky proposition for many vehicles. Some small areas of slush are showing up on several waters, but they are just an inch or two deep and limited in size. The constantly changing weather of the past week is also keeping fishing action in an erratic pattern.”
The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report for February 10 says groomers are running around the clock and Sawyer County trail conditions are fantastic. Trail closures for the season include Trail 29 near LCO Casino and Little Round Lake, and the section of Trail 25 south from Ashland County to the Tuscobia Trail (re-routed to Fire Road 162.) The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia Trail is open to ATV use.
According to the February 12 Namakagon Trails Report, the boys are grooming four days a week and trails are in excellent shape, with some a little rough in the high-traffic spots.
The February 9 report from Virgin Timber Resort says there is 20 inches of snow cover, groomers are smoothing out the trails, and trails are in good condition.
The Hayward Power Sports February 9 trail report says Sawyer County trails are in excellent condition and groomers are straightening the trails for the coming weekend. The next few weeks are always the best time of year for snowmobiling – get out and enjoy it! There are always many things going on in the Hayward area. Make plans to attend the ISOC National snowmobile race March 5-6 at LCO Casino. Purchase your tickets on the Alliance website or in person at Hayward Power Sports and half the proceeds go to Sawyer County snowmobile and ATV trail maintenance. Check the Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance website for other activities.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair and slowing, as expected this time of year. Shortly before and into dark are the best times, but the bite window is short and inconsistent. Depths (12-40 feet) will vary according to the lakes fished and the time you are fishing. Concentrate on weeds, sand and rock bars, muck and sand flats, cribs, gravel, drop-offs, and weed beds. If the fish in your old haunts do not hold active fish, try elsewhere. Walleyes suckers and shiners under tip-ups, and fatheads on jigs and jigging spoons, are the best baits and presentations. Downsize on the tough days – such as now!
Northern:
Northern pike action is fair to good, often depending upon the day. Target weeds in 4-12 feet of water with your bait one or two feet off the bottom. The most productive presentation is northern suckers or shiners under tip-ups. Fish shiners for the most action, but go with big northern suckers in deeper water if you are after trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie action is improving (it’s about time!) though fish can still be a bit difficult to locate. Look for them suspending over deeper water and/or near weeds in 6-25 feet of water – shallower in morning and evening. Be sure to check the entire water column, as they can hold tight to bottom or hold not too far below the ice. Best baits include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics fished on tip-downs and jigging rods.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is slow according to most reports. A lack of feedback can indicate action is very poor – or very good. If you go, look for weeds and cribs at varied depths from 5-20 feet, depending on the lake. Waxies, spikes, and plastics are the go-to baits, with minnows a good choice for bigger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch reports range from inconsistent to the most active species at this time. Fish the bottom around weeds and on mud flats, from deep to shallow water, with fatheads and minnow pieces on jigs, jigging spoons, and under tip-ups.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 15: Seasons Closed: Coyote trapping; Raccoon; Red and gray fox.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 4-6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast Lakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
March 5: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.)
March 5: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 6: Game fish season closes on inland waters.
March 21: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31:Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
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
Hayward enjoyed a much-welcomed warm weekend with Sunday’s high in the mid-40s – reportedly the first time since November 10. Never fear – there is still plenty of snow for snowmobiling and skiing.
“This week’s expected warmer weather should provide great conditions as we move into the final phase of ice fishing season and panfish become the dominant target,” says Pat at Happy Hooker.
Al at Pastika’s says drifting snow is making driving conditions tougher, and mild weather during the weekend and forecast for this week could add to the difficulties.
At Hayward Bait, Nelson says ice conditions are good and travel conditions so-so. He advises anglers to avoid the drifts and use common sense.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions across the north woods continue to be good, with most lakes having about 16-18 inches of solid ice, but with about 7-10 inches of heavy, grainy snow cover on top of the ice.
“This is making travel difficult for all but those with four-wheel-drive, and recent strong winds that blew snow onto many packed trails and plowed roads made access a risky proposition for many vehicles. Some small areas of slush are showing up on several waters, but they are just an inch or two deep and limited in size. The constantly changing weather of the past week is also keeping fishing action in an erratic pattern.”
The Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report for February 10 says groomers are running around the clock and Sawyer County trail conditions are fantastic. Trail closures for the season include Trail 29 near LCO Casino and Little Round Lake, and the section of Trail 25 south from Ashland County to the Tuscobia Trail (re-routed to Fire Road 162.) The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia Trail is open to ATV use.
According to the February 12 Namakagon Trails Report, the boys are grooming four days a week and trails are in excellent shape, with some a little rough in the high-traffic spots.
The February 9 report from Virgin Timber Resort says there is 20 inches of snow cover, groomers are smoothing out the trails, and trails are in good condition.
The Hayward Power Sports February 9 trail report says Sawyer County trails are in excellent condition and groomers are straightening the trails for the coming weekend. The next few weeks are always the best time of year for snowmobiling – get out and enjoy it! There are always many things going on in the Hayward area. Make plans to attend the ISOC National snowmobile race March 5-6 at LCO Casino. Purchase your tickets on the Alliance website or in person at Hayward Power Sports and half the proceeds go to Sawyer County snowmobile and ATV trail maintenance. Check the Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance website for other activities.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair and slowing, as expected this time of year. Shortly before and into dark are the best times, but the bite window is short and inconsistent. Depths (12-40 feet) will vary according to the lakes fished and the time you are fishing. Concentrate on weeds, sand and rock bars, muck and sand flats, cribs, gravel, drop-offs, and weed beds. If the fish in your old haunts do not hold active fish, try elsewhere. Walleyes suckers and shiners under tip-ups, and fatheads on jigs and jigging spoons, are the best baits and presentations. Downsize on the tough days – such as now!
Northern:
Northern pike action is fair to good, often depending upon the day. Target weeds in 4-12 feet of water with your bait one or two feet off the bottom. The most productive presentation is northern suckers or shiners under tip-ups. Fish shiners for the most action, but go with big northern suckers in deeper water if you are after trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie action is improving (it’s about time!) though fish can still be a bit difficult to locate. Look for them suspending over deeper water and/or near weeds in 6-25 feet of water – shallower in morning and evening. Be sure to check the entire water column, as they can hold tight to bottom or hold not too far below the ice. Best baits include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics fished on tip-downs and jigging rods.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is slow according to most reports. A lack of feedback can indicate action is very poor – or very good. If you go, look for weeds and cribs at varied depths from 5-20 feet, depending on the lake. Waxies, spikes, and plastics are the go-to baits, with minnows a good choice for bigger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch reports range from inconsistent to the most active species at this time. Fish the bottom around weeds and on mud flats, from deep to shallow water, with fatheads and minnow pieces on jigs, jigging spoons, and under tip-ups.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 15: Seasons Closed: Coyote trapping; Raccoon; Red and gray fox.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 4-6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast Lakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
March 5: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.)
March 5: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 6: Game fish season closes on inland waters.
March 21: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31:Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
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.