1-6-14 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Yes, it is cold in the North Woods (-20 Monday night, but it is winter), however, trails and conditions are some of the best ever for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The forecast for the week ahead shows temperatures becoming “less cold” through the week and – get this – highs in the 30s (above zero) by Friday and the weekend!
The Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. will hold a business meeting January 7, beginning at 7 a.m., at Dows Corner Bar, 15 minutes east of Hayward on the corner of Highway 77 and Upper A road. As always, the club welcomes the public to attend and new members can get a half-price membership. For more information, call (715) 634-4543.
“There is plenty of ice for the anglers, 15-18 inches on most lakes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but we still recommend travel only by snowmobile or ATV. It is too early for heavier vehicles such as cars and trucks.
“The evening walleye bite is fair, with anglers catching some nice size fish. In late afternoon, before walleyes move shallow to feed, set your tip-ups over 8-10 feet of water with walleye suckers or shiners. Northern pike are active all day in the weeds, hitting suckers or shiners. Some crappie anglers are doing well once they locate the fish.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says fishing is good, though few people are venturing out due to the frigid weather.
“Use caution – in the past week, four vehicles went through the ice in this area.
“Walleye action is good on the big, clear lakes, with Lac Courte Oreilles and Grindstone the most consistent. Tip-ups with walleye suckers or jigging spoons tipped with fatheads produce well.
“Panfish fishing is good on the Chippewa Flowage, Nelson, Long, and other small area lakes. You can catch them in 12-25 feet of water with waxies, spikes, and plastics.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is little fishing pressure due to the extreme cold.
“Northern anglers venturing out on the Chippewa Flowage are finding some nice pike, mostly in the natural lakes such as Chief and Scott. Fish along weed edges with large (5- to 8-inch) northern suckers or shiners under tip-ups.
“Crappie anglers are catching fish in 18-22 feet of water with crappie minnows or jigs tipped with waxies or plastics. Downsize your offering to target the bluegills mixed in with the crappies.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says frigid temperatures firmed up everything and anglers are starting to get around on Chequamegon Bay.
“Trucks are going out below Anglers All and according to reports, the ice is about 18 inches in the channel. Catch reports include walleye, northern, perch, and trout. Second landing is currently limited to snowmobiles and ATVs, with walleye, northern, and perch reported from this area. The Washburn side is producing consistent catches of brown trout.
“Anglers walking off Bodin’s, the Sioux, and Onion areas are having good success fishing less than 30 feet of water, with some anglers venturing further out in search of whitefish and lake trout. NEVER assume the ice is safe, check your way with a spud, and take flotation!”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says that with the arrival of the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, 2013 was a very interesting year for stocking.
“Hatchery crews really scrambled and dealt with late ice-out to get all the eggs necessary to raise more large walleye fingerlings than ever before. When the dust settled, there were more than 440,000 large fingerling walleye stocked into 100 lakes around the state.
“In Sawyer County, the DNR stocked 85,225 large fingerling walleye and private groups stocked another 33,012 – for a total of 118,237! Chippewa Flowage received 34,352 fish from DNR hatcheries and 23,000 from private groups, by a wide margin the largest stocking of large fingerling walleyes anywhere in the state.
“The Wisconsin Walleye Initiative continues in 2014, with plans for production of even more large fingerlings.”
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 10 antlerless deer and three bucks for the late archery deer season that closed January 5.
The Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report for January 3 says there is plenty of snow, a substantial base, and all trails are open and groomed, including lake trails. Watch for ice heaves on lakes and for stumps on the Chippewa Flowage. Trail conditions are the best in a long time.
The December 30 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says trails are in very good condition, with a few soggy spots on Lake Namakagon from pressure cracks, so ride the stick trail. The snow is soft immediately after grooming until it sets up, so slow down for a few miles after passing a groomer to ensure everyone can have smooth trails.
The Hayward Power Sports report for January 3 says volunteers are working night and day to prepare trails for riders. With this cold snap, groomers should be able to get across the swamps that had not frozen prior to Christmas. Trees still full of ice and snow continue to drop on trails, so keep a watchful eye. Lakes are staked and safe, but watch for a few ice heaves and for stumps on Chippewa Flowage. Stay on marked trails and you will be fine.
The Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club is holding a membership meeting Thursday January 9 at LCO Casino, starting at 10 a.m., followed by a club ride and lunch. On January 11, the club is holding a vintage poker run on the Chippewa Flowage. Register at Pat’s Landing at 9:30 a.m. and the ride starts at 10:30 a.m. The entry fee is $10, you can draw cards until 5 p.m., and you do not have to be present to win.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action continues to be a bright spot, particularly on the deep, clear lakes, with a good, consistent evening bite in 6-12 feet of water. Use walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups, or try jigging spoons with fatheads.
Northern:
Northern action is fair to good and they offer an all-day bite. Fish in/on/over/near weeds with northern suckers or large shiners under tip-ups, hitting deeper water with larger baits for trophy pike.
Crappie/bluegill:
Crappie anglers are doing well once they locate the fish, with mobility and electronics key. Fish 10-26 feet of water with crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics. Bluegills are in many of the same areas where you will find crappies, but smaller baits will be more effective.
Perch:
Perch action is good on Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Chetac. Fish the weed edges and on the bottom in 12-20 feet of water with crappie minnows, fatheads, and waxies.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 5: Late archery deer season closed.
Jan. 7: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. 7 p.m. business meeting at Dow’s Corner (715-634-4543).
Jan. 11: Relic Rider’s Sno-Trails Vintage Stud Run on Chippewa Flowage.
Jan. 18-19: Free Fishing Weekend.
Jan. 18: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 18: Relic Rider’s Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Show at Chief Lake Lodge.
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Ruffed grouse (Northern Zone); Squirrel; Bobcat (Period 2).
Feb. 15: Seasons close: 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. 28: Seasons close: Mink trapping; Muskrat trapping; Cottontail rabbit.
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureauwebsite, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.