Hayward Lakes Sherry
04-07-2011, 04:19 PM
April 4, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
At last, a weekly forecast that includes high temperatures in the 50s (and only slight mention of the “s” word.) It could soon start looking like spring in the north woods!
“As we get to the last gasps of winter weather it becomes harder to take,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Looking at the snow as a valuable addition to lake levels makes it a little more bearable. Ice conditions on flowage lakes are beginning to move, but inland conditions are still solid. We do see more and more anglers walking to their spots.
“It is time to look at your open water tackle. Make repairs you did not do last year. Change your line. Check rod guides and tips. Lubricate reels. Get ready – perch fishing starts the minute the ice goes out! And do not forget to renew your fishing licenses that expired March 31.”
Al at Pastika’s says that not only is fishing very good, this is a great time to get out to catch some fish and have fun.
“It’s a good idea to have a flasher and check the entire water column, since sometimes the fish are holding just under the ice. It is also time to start preparing your open water fishing equipment – we are only a month away from the game fish opener!”
At Hayward Bait, Bob reminds anglers and hunters their licenses expired March 31.
“If you are fishing but have not renewed your license ... don’t do that,” he says with a laugh. “It can be an expensive oversight. This is also a good time to get new line and prep your open water tackle, and turkey season starts the middle of this month, too.”
“Unseasonably cold weather put the spring thaw on hold and ice thickness on the lakes has remained in the range of 14 to 16 inches,” says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt. “Access areas and south-facing shorelines are pretty soft, but a few anglers are still using ATVs to get to their favorite fishing spots. Late season ice anglers should be very cautious – access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with sunny skies and warm temperatures.”
The March 21 public meeting in Hayward to discuss inland trout fishing was outstanding, says DNR LTE fisheries biologist Joe Krahn.
“The DNR Bureau of Fish Management is currently reviewing statewide inland trout populations and regulations and we are interested in hearing your input about trout fishing in Wisconsin.
“It was a great meeting, with lots of interesting discussion and excellent give and take of information,” Krahn says. “Sawyer county trout anglers are very tuned in to our local trout management issues, such as low water in recent years and the negative impacts associated with beaver activity on some trout waters.”
A questionnaire distributed at the meeting gathered informal information about trout angler preferences and habits. Trout anglers who were unable to attend the meeting can provide their input by filling out the same questionnaire online at http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/trout.
For anglers interested in game fish, Roger and Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland report Chequamegon Bay is good for trout, northern pike, and the biggest perch of the year off second landing. Anglers are catching whitefish, brown trout, and coho off Bono Creek and West End Park in Washburn. Steelhead stream fishing is good on the Sioux, Brule, and Fish Creek with spawn, yarn, black stoneflies, spoons, spinners, and marabou jigs.
Hayward Bass Club invites anyone who is interested to attend a planning meeting Wednesday April 6, starting at 7 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club on Highway B. The meeting will cover necessary changes this year, establish teams, and select lakes for this summer’s league outings. For more information, call Wayne Balsavich (715) 699-1015.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Reminder: Hunting and fishing licenses expired March 31.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing can be very good once you locate the fish – but you might have to move around a bit to do so. Water should soon start running down the holes, usually leading to good action. Afternoons and evenings are producing the best bites. Fish are moving to shallower water, though some continue to suspend over deeper water, as well as just under the ice. Favorite baits include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving, with sunny afternoons (whenever that is ...) offering best for success. Concentrate on shallower water with weeds, and do not forget to check just under the ice. As per usual, waxies, spikes, and plastics are the top baits, and small crappie minnows can be very good for those larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch action continues to be both good and consistent as they continue their move to shallower water spawning areas. Look for fish from about 18 feet and shallower, on the bottom, on mud flats and near old weed beds. Use your flasher to check the entire water column – some fish are just below the ice. Use crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics.
Upcoming Events
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expired.
April 6: Hayward Bass Club meeting 7 p.m. (715-699-1015.)
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
At last, a weekly forecast that includes high temperatures in the 50s (and only slight mention of the “s” word.) It could soon start looking like spring in the north woods!
“As we get to the last gasps of winter weather it becomes harder to take,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Looking at the snow as a valuable addition to lake levels makes it a little more bearable. Ice conditions on flowage lakes are beginning to move, but inland conditions are still solid. We do see more and more anglers walking to their spots.
“It is time to look at your open water tackle. Make repairs you did not do last year. Change your line. Check rod guides and tips. Lubricate reels. Get ready – perch fishing starts the minute the ice goes out! And do not forget to renew your fishing licenses that expired March 31.”
Al at Pastika’s says that not only is fishing very good, this is a great time to get out to catch some fish and have fun.
“It’s a good idea to have a flasher and check the entire water column, since sometimes the fish are holding just under the ice. It is also time to start preparing your open water fishing equipment – we are only a month away from the game fish opener!”
At Hayward Bait, Bob reminds anglers and hunters their licenses expired March 31.
“If you are fishing but have not renewed your license ... don’t do that,” he says with a laugh. “It can be an expensive oversight. This is also a good time to get new line and prep your open water tackle, and turkey season starts the middle of this month, too.”
“Unseasonably cold weather put the spring thaw on hold and ice thickness on the lakes has remained in the range of 14 to 16 inches,” says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt. “Access areas and south-facing shorelines are pretty soft, but a few anglers are still using ATVs to get to their favorite fishing spots. Late season ice anglers should be very cautious – access and ice conditions can change in a hurry with sunny skies and warm temperatures.”
The March 21 public meeting in Hayward to discuss inland trout fishing was outstanding, says DNR LTE fisheries biologist Joe Krahn.
“The DNR Bureau of Fish Management is currently reviewing statewide inland trout populations and regulations and we are interested in hearing your input about trout fishing in Wisconsin.
“It was a great meeting, with lots of interesting discussion and excellent give and take of information,” Krahn says. “Sawyer county trout anglers are very tuned in to our local trout management issues, such as low water in recent years and the negative impacts associated with beaver activity on some trout waters.”
A questionnaire distributed at the meeting gathered informal information about trout angler preferences and habits. Trout anglers who were unable to attend the meeting can provide their input by filling out the same questionnaire online at http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/trout.
For anglers interested in game fish, Roger and Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland report Chequamegon Bay is good for trout, northern pike, and the biggest perch of the year off second landing. Anglers are catching whitefish, brown trout, and coho off Bono Creek and West End Park in Washburn. Steelhead stream fishing is good on the Sioux, Brule, and Fish Creek with spawn, yarn, black stoneflies, spoons, spinners, and marabou jigs.
Hayward Bass Club invites anyone who is interested to attend a planning meeting Wednesday April 6, starting at 7 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club on Highway B. The meeting will cover necessary changes this year, establish teams, and select lakes for this summer’s league outings. For more information, call Wayne Balsavich (715) 699-1015.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Reminder: Hunting and fishing licenses expired March 31.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing can be very good once you locate the fish – but you might have to move around a bit to do so. Water should soon start running down the holes, usually leading to good action. Afternoons and evenings are producing the best bites. Fish are moving to shallower water, though some continue to suspend over deeper water, as well as just under the ice. Favorite baits include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving, with sunny afternoons (whenever that is ...) offering best for success. Concentrate on shallower water with weeds, and do not forget to check just under the ice. As per usual, waxies, spikes, and plastics are the top baits, and small crappie minnows can be very good for those larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch action continues to be both good and consistent as they continue their move to shallower water spawning areas. Look for fish from about 18 feet and shallower, on the bottom, on mud flats and near old weed beds. Use your flasher to check the entire water column – some fish are just below the ice. Use crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics.
Upcoming Events
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expired.
April 6: Hayward Bass Club meeting 7 p.m. (715-699-1015.)
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.