Hayward Lakes Sherry
03-29-2011, 09:47 AM
March 28, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Last week, winter extended its grip on the north woods with more than a foot of snow – accompanied by strong winds – falling in the Hayward area. Once the skies cleared, we were then treated to a few mornings of subzero low temperatures. It was a good week for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, but for ice anglers ... not so much.
“Ice fishing took a major hit last week,” notes Pat at Happy Hooker, “with a foot of snow and three-foot drifts curtailing activity.
“It is difficult enough to travel on the deep snow, but if it now forms a layer of slush, the combination will make travel even more difficult. There is also concern that where weak ice was starting to develop, the snow’s weight will further weaken those areas.
“We urge anyone going out to be cautious and do not assume ice is safe. This late in the season the ice can go bad in a matter of hours.”
Al at Pastika’s says it is important for anglers to be cautious and watch the landings with the warming weather.
“Fishing action is fair to good overall and will improve during late ice. It is particularly important at this time of year to check the entire water column.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says ice anglers are still riding ATVs and snowmobiles, but he advises against vehicle travel.
“The Brule is now open for steelhead,” Bob says, “and we are hearing good reports of action on spawn sacks, waxies, crawlers, yarn, spoons, and spinners.”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, ice depths have declined to 14-18 inches on most lakes in the area, with last week’s snowstorm adding up to 12 inches or more of snow to the ice surfaces.
“It is making travel extremely difficult on the lakes, and combined with the soft and rutted access areas, this will really curtail most late-season ice fishing except for some walk-out activity. Even then, that will be difficult with the heavy, grainy snow.”
Carolyn at Anglers All says anglers heading to Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay should bring an ice bar to check their way. She emphasizes you should NOT depend on others to tell you if the ice is safe!
“There are loads of perch to the east, as wells as some northerns and walleyes,” Carolyn says, “some trout and salmon action off the Ashland marina and coal dock, and lots of whitefish off Bono Creek on the Washburn side.”
The March 28 Cable area snowmobile trails report says trails will remain open until April 1. The winter storm that moved through the region last week dropped more than 10 inches of snow throughout area. Though we thought the season was done, Mother Nature keeps us on our toes! We removed the stick trail from the lakes, the swamps are becoming soft, and to protect the machinery, groomers will not groom the trails.
The Namakagon trails report of March 25 indicated about eight inches of snow, there is no grooming taking place. They removed the Lake Namakagon stick trail last week, the swamps are sloppy, and areas to the north received very little snow from the snow. The un-groomed trails are not that bad – and still a lot of fun.
The Sawyer County ATV trails report reminds riders that although most ATV trails are open all year, some do close at certain times. Trails on County Forest land close when highway road bans are in effect. For specific dates, contact Sawyer County Forest Department (715-634-4839.) Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests closes ATV, motorbike, horse, and mountain bike trails March 15 to April 30. Washburn County closes trails April 1 to May 31. For information on specific trail closures, see the Sawyer County ATV trails report on the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, or contact Sawyer County Forest administrator Greg Peterson (715) 634-6728.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappies are still suspending over deeper water, but as the weather warms (it has to eventually ... doesn’t it?) they will start their move toward shallower water. For now, fish the deeper water with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics, and make sure to check the entire water column.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action continues to be inconsistent, though some anglers report good catches. Look for fish around weeds and cribs in 10 feet and deeper water, as well as fish suspending over deeper water. The ‘gills are taking waxies, spikes, and plastics tipped on plain hooks, small jigs, and ice jigs and flies. Small minnows work well for larger bluegills, and downsizing equipment – especially using very light fluorocarbon line – will increase your odds for success.
Perch:
Perch fishing remains good as the fish are beginning their move to shallower water for spawning season. Target depths down to about 15 feet, between deeper water and known spawning areas. Fish on the bottom of mud flats or near weeds with fatheads, rosy reds, spikes, and waxies tipped on plain hooks or small jigs.
Upcoming Events
March 26: Trout season opened on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. (See regs.)
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 9-10: Youth turkey hunt.
April 11: Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules hearings, Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in north zone; Frog season opens.
May 7: Game fish opener.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 13-17; B: April 20-24; C: April 27-May 1; D: May 4-8; E: May 11-15; F: May 18-22.
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
Last week, winter extended its grip on the north woods with more than a foot of snow – accompanied by strong winds – falling in the Hayward area. Once the skies cleared, we were then treated to a few mornings of subzero low temperatures. It was a good week for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, but for ice anglers ... not so much.
“Ice fishing took a major hit last week,” notes Pat at Happy Hooker, “with a foot of snow and three-foot drifts curtailing activity.
“It is difficult enough to travel on the deep snow, but if it now forms a layer of slush, the combination will make travel even more difficult. There is also concern that where weak ice was starting to develop, the snow’s weight will further weaken those areas.
“We urge anyone going out to be cautious and do not assume ice is safe. This late in the season the ice can go bad in a matter of hours.”
Al at Pastika’s says it is important for anglers to be cautious and watch the landings with the warming weather.
“Fishing action is fair to good overall and will improve during late ice. It is particularly important at this time of year to check the entire water column.”
Bob at Hayward Bait says ice anglers are still riding ATVs and snowmobiles, but he advises against vehicle travel.
“The Brule is now open for steelhead,” Bob says, “and we are hearing good reports of action on spawn sacks, waxies, crawlers, yarn, spoons, and spinners.”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, ice depths have declined to 14-18 inches on most lakes in the area, with last week’s snowstorm adding up to 12 inches or more of snow to the ice surfaces.
“It is making travel extremely difficult on the lakes, and combined with the soft and rutted access areas, this will really curtail most late-season ice fishing except for some walk-out activity. Even then, that will be difficult with the heavy, grainy snow.”
Carolyn at Anglers All says anglers heading to Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay should bring an ice bar to check their way. She emphasizes you should NOT depend on others to tell you if the ice is safe!
“There are loads of perch to the east, as wells as some northerns and walleyes,” Carolyn says, “some trout and salmon action off the Ashland marina and coal dock, and lots of whitefish off Bono Creek on the Washburn side.”
The March 28 Cable area snowmobile trails report says trails will remain open until April 1. The winter storm that moved through the region last week dropped more than 10 inches of snow throughout area. Though we thought the season was done, Mother Nature keeps us on our toes! We removed the stick trail from the lakes, the swamps are becoming soft, and to protect the machinery, groomers will not groom the trails.
The Namakagon trails report of March 25 indicated about eight inches of snow, there is no grooming taking place. They removed the Lake Namakagon stick trail last week, the swamps are sloppy, and areas to the north received very little snow from the snow. The un-groomed trails are not that bad – and still a lot of fun.
The Sawyer County ATV trails report reminds riders that although most ATV trails are open all year, some do close at certain times. Trails on County Forest land close when highway road bans are in effect. For specific dates, contact Sawyer County Forest Department (715-634-4839.) Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests closes ATV, motorbike, horse, and mountain bike trails March 15 to April 30. Washburn County closes trails April 1 to May 31. For information on specific trail closures, see the Sawyer County ATV trails report on the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, or contact Sawyer County Forest administrator Greg Peterson (715) 634-6728.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappies are still suspending over deeper water, but as the weather warms (it has to eventually ... doesn’t it?) they will start their move toward shallower water. For now, fish the deeper water with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics, and make sure to check the entire water column.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action continues to be inconsistent, though some anglers report good catches. Look for fish around weeds and cribs in 10 feet and deeper water, as well as fish suspending over deeper water. The ‘gills are taking waxies, spikes, and plastics tipped on plain hooks, small jigs, and ice jigs and flies. Small minnows work well for larger bluegills, and downsizing equipment – especially using very light fluorocarbon line – will increase your odds for success.
Perch:
Perch fishing remains good as the fish are beginning their move to shallower water for spawning season. Target depths down to about 15 feet, between deeper water and known spawning areas. Fish on the bottom of mud flats or near weeds with fatheads, rosy reds, spikes, and waxies tipped on plain hooks or small jigs.
Upcoming Events
March 26: Trout season opened on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. (See regs.)
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 9-10: Youth turkey hunt.
April 11: Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules hearings, Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in north zone; Frog season opens.
May 7: Game fish opener.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 13-17; B: April 20-24; C: April 27-May 1; D: May 4-8; E: May 11-15; F: May 18-22.
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.