Hayward Lakes Sherry
02-17-2014, 10:57 AM
February 17, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
We have plenty of snow and more on the way, but the coming week’s forecast is for warmer and windy, though with a return to the cold temperatures next weekend. Disappointing for many, but it is only mid-February!
The DNR is holding its second annual Fisheries Management Forum Wednesday, February 19, at Hayward High school. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. (See DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter’s comments below for more information).
“There has been a lot of talk the last few weeks,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but unfortunately the topic most people want to discuss is the snow, wind, and bitter cold. Fortunately, we are in for a big break in the weather this week, but we still have to contend with the deep snow.
“As for the fishing, only a few brave people are attempting their luck. There is some slush and big snow drifts, so use caution. A reminder – game fish season closes March 2.”
Bob and Dennis at Hayward Bait say the walleye bite is tough, but anglers are catching fish on shiners and walleye suckers around weeds and structure in 15-25 feet of water.
“Crappies are suspending at varied depths and fishing is good on a number of lakes. Fish rosy reds and crappie minnows on small hooks under tip-downs or with slip bobbers. Waxies and plastics on ice jigs also work well.
“Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin will host its 18th annual Family Ice Fishing Event March 1. Call the shop (715-634-2921) for more information.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage anglers are doing well on pike and panfish.
“They are catching northerns on larger northern suckers and shiners under tip-ups along weed lines, with shiners the more productive bait.
“Look for crappies in 15-22 feet of water, drill plenty of holes, and use your electronics. You may find several areas devoid of fish, but they will usually be plentiful when you find them. Try tip-downs with crappie minnows and jigs tipped with waxies or plastics.
“To target bluegills mixed in with the crappies, downsize jigs and tip them with spikes or mini plastics.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says fishing is good, though there is little fishing pressure due to difficult travel on the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay.
“Anglers fishing 20-35 feet of water in the channel are finding good numbers of smelt and since game fish are chasing smelt, you never know what you might catch. Walleye action is good in early morning and late afternoon on the humps off Second Landing, Shopko, and the hot pond. Perch are plentiful in weed beds at varied depths.
“The Washburn side has less snow and ATV travel is possible from Bodin’s to the north. Fishing is very good off Bayfield, Red Cliff, the ice road, and in the Islands for lake trout, whitefish, splake, and brown trout.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter invites people who care about fishing in the Hayward area to come to the Fisheries Management Forum February 19 at Hayward High School, starting at 7 p.m.
“Local DNR fisheries personnel will present information on surveys of local lakes and discuss stocking and proposed regulation changes.
“This is an excellent opportunity for you to interact with the DNR and to ask questions about what is going on in our lakes and rivers.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says cold weather and difficult access conditions continue to keep ice fishing at a near standstill.
“Most waters have 18-20 inches of ice and at least 8-10 inches of snow on top. Strong winds blowing the snow created quite a bit of drifting on many lakes, producing slush areas and making for very difficult access.
“Walleye anglers using small walleye suckers and extra large fatheads under tip-ups are catching a few fish along mid-depth breaklines in 6-10 feet of water.
“Northern anglers fishing around old weed beds in water as shallow as four feet are catching some medium-size pike on large golden shiners hung just a foot or so below the ice.
The February 14 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says area trails remain in very good to excellent condition, there is more snow in the forecast, and temperatures creeping into the mid-twenties makes it ideal for winter fun. It is the perfect time to hit the trails!
The February 13 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says the trails continue to be in very good to excellent condition, with groomers out regularly during the week. We are receiving more snow and it looks like another great week of snowmobiling!
The Hayward Power Sports trail report for February 10 says Sawyer County groomers are out, conditions remain excellent, and riders are praising the trail system.
The Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club is holding a “show n’ snow” vintage and antique snowmobile show March 1, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Chief Lake Lodge on the Chippewa Flowage.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action slowed, with the best hours late afternoon until after dark. Concentrate on weeds, structure, and mid-depth breaklines in 6-30 feet of water. Use walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads under tip-ups, suspending your bait near bottom. Game fish season closes March 2, so less than two weeks remain in the season.
Northern:
Northern pike action is good and an all-day bite on most waters. Look for fish in 4-12 feet of water, in/on/over/around weed beds and any areas holding panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners under tip-ups work well, with baits suspended just below the ice.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good for anglers once they find the fish. Electronics are invaluable and late afternoon offers the best chance for success. Look for fish suspending at various points in the water column in 12-25 feet of water. Top producing baits include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics on plain hooks, teardrops, and small jigs under tip-downs, as well as small jigging spoons.
Bluegill:
Look for bluegills in 4-15 feet of water near weeds and weed edges. Waxies, spikes, and plastics tipped on plain hooks, small jigs, teardrops, and small spoons will all catch fish. Work the deeper weed edges for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch anglers should look for fish near the bottom on mud flats in 8-25 feet of water. Baits and presentations of choice include fatheads, rosy reds, spikes; jigs with waxies, small minnows, and plastics; and Jigging Rapalas/jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 15: Seasons closed: Fox trapping; Coyote trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
Feb. 19: DNR Sawyer County fish management forum, Hayward High School, 7-9 p.m.
Feb. 20-23: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
Feb. 22: Crex Meadows winter carnivore tracks 10 a.m.-noon (715-463-2739).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Mink trapping; Muskrat trapping; Cottontail rabbit.
March 1: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin 18th Annual Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921).
March 1: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide (see regs for exceptions).
March 2: Game fish season closes on inland waters (see regs for exceptions).
March 15: Wild River Fishing Expo at Wesleyan Church 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
March 16: Anglers must remove ice fishing shelters from inland lakes north of Highway 64.
March 20: Winter crow season closes.
March 17-21: Remaining spring turkey permits on sale.
March 29: Trout season opens on some Lake Superior tributaries (See regs for exceptions).
March 31: Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expire.
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.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
We have plenty of snow and more on the way, but the coming week’s forecast is for warmer and windy, though with a return to the cold temperatures next weekend. Disappointing for many, but it is only mid-February!
The DNR is holding its second annual Fisheries Management Forum Wednesday, February 19, at Hayward High school. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. (See DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter’s comments below for more information).
“There has been a lot of talk the last few weeks,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but unfortunately the topic most people want to discuss is the snow, wind, and bitter cold. Fortunately, we are in for a big break in the weather this week, but we still have to contend with the deep snow.
“As for the fishing, only a few brave people are attempting their luck. There is some slush and big snow drifts, so use caution. A reminder – game fish season closes March 2.”
Bob and Dennis at Hayward Bait say the walleye bite is tough, but anglers are catching fish on shiners and walleye suckers around weeds and structure in 15-25 feet of water.
“Crappies are suspending at varied depths and fishing is good on a number of lakes. Fish rosy reds and crappie minnows on small hooks under tip-downs or with slip bobbers. Waxies and plastics on ice jigs also work well.
“Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin will host its 18th annual Family Ice Fishing Event March 1. Call the shop (715-634-2921) for more information.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage anglers are doing well on pike and panfish.
“They are catching northerns on larger northern suckers and shiners under tip-ups along weed lines, with shiners the more productive bait.
“Look for crappies in 15-22 feet of water, drill plenty of holes, and use your electronics. You may find several areas devoid of fish, but they will usually be plentiful when you find them. Try tip-downs with crappie minnows and jigs tipped with waxies or plastics.
“To target bluegills mixed in with the crappies, downsize jigs and tip them with spikes or mini plastics.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says fishing is good, though there is little fishing pressure due to difficult travel on the Ashland side of Chequamegon Bay.
“Anglers fishing 20-35 feet of water in the channel are finding good numbers of smelt and since game fish are chasing smelt, you never know what you might catch. Walleye action is good in early morning and late afternoon on the humps off Second Landing, Shopko, and the hot pond. Perch are plentiful in weed beds at varied depths.
“The Washburn side has less snow and ATV travel is possible from Bodin’s to the north. Fishing is very good off Bayfield, Red Cliff, the ice road, and in the Islands for lake trout, whitefish, splake, and brown trout.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter invites people who care about fishing in the Hayward area to come to the Fisheries Management Forum February 19 at Hayward High School, starting at 7 p.m.
“Local DNR fisheries personnel will present information on surveys of local lakes and discuss stocking and proposed regulation changes.
“This is an excellent opportunity for you to interact with the DNR and to ask questions about what is going on in our lakes and rivers.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says cold weather and difficult access conditions continue to keep ice fishing at a near standstill.
“Most waters have 18-20 inches of ice and at least 8-10 inches of snow on top. Strong winds blowing the snow created quite a bit of drifting on many lakes, producing slush areas and making for very difficult access.
“Walleye anglers using small walleye suckers and extra large fatheads under tip-ups are catching a few fish along mid-depth breaklines in 6-10 feet of water.
“Northern anglers fishing around old weed beds in water as shallow as four feet are catching some medium-size pike on large golden shiners hung just a foot or so below the ice.
The February 14 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says area trails remain in very good to excellent condition, there is more snow in the forecast, and temperatures creeping into the mid-twenties makes it ideal for winter fun. It is the perfect time to hit the trails!
The February 13 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says the trails continue to be in very good to excellent condition, with groomers out regularly during the week. We are receiving more snow and it looks like another great week of snowmobiling!
The Hayward Power Sports trail report for February 10 says Sawyer County groomers are out, conditions remain excellent, and riders are praising the trail system.
The Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club is holding a “show n’ snow” vintage and antique snowmobile show March 1, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Chief Lake Lodge on the Chippewa Flowage.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action slowed, with the best hours late afternoon until after dark. Concentrate on weeds, structure, and mid-depth breaklines in 6-30 feet of water. Use walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads under tip-ups, suspending your bait near bottom. Game fish season closes March 2, so less than two weeks remain in the season.
Northern:
Northern pike action is good and an all-day bite on most waters. Look for fish in 4-12 feet of water, in/on/over/around weed beds and any areas holding panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners under tip-ups work well, with baits suspended just below the ice.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good for anglers once they find the fish. Electronics are invaluable and late afternoon offers the best chance for success. Look for fish suspending at various points in the water column in 12-25 feet of water. Top producing baits include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics on plain hooks, teardrops, and small jigs under tip-downs, as well as small jigging spoons.
Bluegill:
Look for bluegills in 4-15 feet of water near weeds and weed edges. Waxies, spikes, and plastics tipped on plain hooks, small jigs, teardrops, and small spoons will all catch fish. Work the deeper weed edges for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch anglers should look for fish near the bottom on mud flats in 8-25 feet of water. Baits and presentations of choice include fatheads, rosy reds, spikes; jigs with waxies, small minnows, and plastics; and Jigging Rapalas/jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 15: Seasons closed: Fox trapping; Coyote trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
Feb. 19: DNR Sawyer County fish management forum, Hayward High School, 7-9 p.m.
Feb. 20-23: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
Feb. 22: Crex Meadows winter carnivore tracks 10 a.m.-noon (715-463-2739).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Mink trapping; Muskrat trapping; Cottontail rabbit.
March 1: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin 18th Annual Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921).
March 1: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide (see regs for exceptions).
March 2: Game fish season closes on inland waters (see regs for exceptions).
March 15: Wild River Fishing Expo at Wesleyan Church 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
March 16: Anglers must remove ice fishing shelters from inland lakes north of Highway 64.
March 20: Winter crow season closes.
March 17-21: Remaining spring turkey permits on sale.
March 29: Trout season opens on some Lake Superior tributaries (See regs for exceptions).
March 31: Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expire.
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.