Fishing report 12-29-22

Lake ice conditions and access remain a huge issue in the Hayward area. Most lakes have layers of ice and slush under heavy snow cover. Mild temperatures in the mid- to upper-30s late this week, with rain possible, could improve the situation ‑ or worsen it. At present, snowmobile trails remain closed.

Walleye:

Walleye fishing is somewhat quiet, as fish have moved to deeper water where ice conditions are unsafe for anglers. If you can find shallow weeds on bars, humps, rock, and along shorelines with reasonable ice thickness, try fishing from late afternoon into after dark. Shiner and suckers on tip-ups work well, though spoons and jigging baits also catch fish.

Northern Pike:

Northern pike fishing is good, though heavy snow cover on the ice prevents sun penetration, causing weeds to die, which affects pike location, and in turn, angler access. Unsafe ice conditions prevent anglers from venturing over deeper water, but anglers continue to catch pike on weeds, humps, bars, and around baitfish and panfish concentrations. Best action is with suckers and shiners on tip-ups, though jigging baits are also catching fish.

Crappie:

Crappie fishing is fair around shallow weeds for anglers using crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and bloodworms on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks. Some fish moved to deep basins, but those areas are NOT safe for angler access. Conditions will improve eventually, but for now, do not take unnecessary risks!

Bluegill and Perch:

Bluegill and perch fishing is fair to good, with both species in and around shallow weeds and other structure where they find food and protection. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, work well for both bluegill and perch, with minnow heads and tails on jigs and spoons attractive to perch.