Hayward Lakes fishing report Dec. 23 2021

FISHING REPORT by Steve Suman

Ice conditions are improving after mild temperatures and rain took away much of the snow cover last week. Colder temperatures this week will build some ice, and we could use about a week of those cold temperatures before we receive more snow cover, but the forecast shows more than four inches of snow on the way Tuesday. Anglers are hitting the ice, regardless, and fishing is good for most species, but do be cautious and check the ice as you go.

Walleye:
Walleye action remains very good to excellent on shallow to mid-depth weedlines in most waters. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups are working well, with Jigging Raps and jigging spoons moving fish for some anglers. The best bite starts in late afternoon and continues into after dark.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is very good to excellent in a variety of depth around weeds and structure holding panfish and baitfish concentrations. Large northern suckers and walleye suckers are the baits of choice, fished under tip-ups set on and along weeds and weedlines, with some jigging baits producing success, too.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good to very good on weeds, weed edges, and flats in 8-18 feet, and lake basins in 20-35 feet. It is important to check the entire water column for fish suspending high or holding near bottom. Once you locate them, they will move and you will need to do so, too. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on jigs, and small jigging spoons, are the top producing baits.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good in/on weeds, weedlines, flats, and lake basins in 8-25 feet. Traditional panfish baits such as waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits fished on teardrops and small jigs, jigging spoons, and small minnows for large bluegills are all working well.