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Hayward Lakes Sherry
12-21-2011, 04:09 PM
December 19, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Merry Christmas!
No two ways about it, winter activities in the north woods are off to a slow start so far this season. While daily high temperatures are running about average, the lows are above average – and not much different from the highs each day.
Ice depths are slowly building, but minimal snowfall (subject to change at any time!) is impeding the recreational efforts of snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

Pat at Happy Hooker says ice conditions continue to affect interest in fishing, though the few anglers who are hitting the ice are having some success.
“Some anglers are catching a few walleyes from late afternoon into after dark, while others say they are catching some northern pike and a number of small perch and bluegills, but not what they are after – walleye. They warn the ice is not ‘that’ good right now, and to stay away from the black ice. Apparently, someone got wet feet.
“Ice thickness is six to seven inches at best on the Quiet Lakes, but it is inconsistent. Trail staking will begin soon, but the swamps are still not frozen so they could not groom trails even with adequate snow on the ground.”
At Pastika’s, Al says ice conditions are improving, with ice thickness up to eight inches in some areas, though it can vary from lake to lake and spot to spot on the same lake.
“We are still a ways from driving conditions, though I’ve heard a few anglers are taking ATVs on some areas of some lakes – mostly smaller lakes and bays. Make sure you know what you are on – check the ice thickness as you go!
“There is a good walleye and northern bite on walleye and northern suckers and shiners under tip-ups. Panfish action is so-so, according to most reports.”
Dennis and Jim at Hayward Bait say they are hearing reports of ice up to seven inches, while some of the larger lakes have either just frozen over or still have some open water. In general, each lake presents greatly varied conditions and anglers should use extra caution. Northern fishing offers the best action on northern suckers and large shiners under tip-ups. Walleye fishing is decent on walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads. Crappie action is good on crappie minnows, plastics, and waxies, while bluegills are taking waxies.
“Ice conditions showed a big improvement in the past week and most lakes now have three to five inches of fairly solid ice,” says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt. “The snow on top has melted down and refrozen to form a fairly slick surface. However, any anglers venturing out should be very cautious as there is still quite a bit of variability to the ice on many lakes. Some areas near shore may have a solid five to six inches of ice, but areas over deeper water just a short distance away may have only two to three inches of ice. In addition, the slick surface makes for treacherous walking and the use of traction devices is very helpful.
“With the improving ice conditions, a few anglers are venturing out to try their luck. Initial walleye success is generally slow, with catches a bit tough to come by and many anglers getting only three or four flags per trip. The lucky ones are able to land one or two 11- to 16-inch fish. A few nicer fish are showing up, however, with a couple 25-inchers caught in local waters. The most productive areas are mud/muck flats and gravel/rock drop-offs. Use medium-size suckers at depths anywhere from five to 14 feet.”

Although late archery deer season is open through January 8, interest continues to wane. In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, and Hayward Bait) registered only eight deer – four antlerless and four bucks, including one big-bodied, wide-antlered nine-point.

According to the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau trail report, as of December 16 snowmobile trails are still not rideable. Continue to check the site for updated trail conditions.

Upcoming Events
Dec. 25: Period 1 bobcat season closes.
Dec. 22, 27, 29: Northwest Relic Riders snowmobile safety course in Hayward (715-638-9701).
Dec. 26: Season Opens: Period 2 bobcat hunting/trapping north of Hwy. 64.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Fall turkey; Hungarian partridge; Bobcat; Fisher; Frog.
Jan. 7: Stone Lake Pub Ice Fishing Contest (715-865-2141).
Jan. 8: Archery deer season closes.
Jan. 14: Namakagon Sno-Fest at Lakewoods Resort (800-255-5937).
Jan. 14: Track Training class at Crex Meadows. Free, registration required (715-463-2739).
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Gray and Fox squirrel; Bobcat period 2.
Feb 4: Cable Rod & Gun Club Ice Fishing Tourney on Lake Namakagon (Loon Saloon 715-798-4459).
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Fox; Raccoon.
Feb. 18: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Family ice fishing contest (715-634-2921).
Feb. 23-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
Feb. 29: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping; Muskrat.

For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.