2-24-14 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Participants in the 41st annual Birkebeiner this past weekend found no shortage of cold or snow for their event. A major winter storm late Thursday afternoon through Friday morning dropped more than 18 inches of snow in some areas, blown by 40 mph winds. It did not stop the Birkie, but it did not help the already poor conditions for ice anglers.
“Cold, snow, and slush are hampering most anglers from getting on the lakes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “With knee-high snow limiting movement and the ability to locate fish, ice fishing is almost at a standstill.
“However, snowmobile and ski trails remain in excellent condition throughout the county. Traffic volume is noticeably higher during the day on weekends, but slows dramatically after dark and during the weekdays.”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says travel on the lakes is difficult, limited to either foot travel or a tracked vehicle. Kelly says walleye anglers – those who are able to get on the ice, particularly Grindstone and Lac Courte Oreilles – are catching fish in 10-20 feet of water with walleye suckers and medium shiners. Crappie action is decent on Nelson and the Flowage with crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics fished at various depths.
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says pike anglers are finding some decent fish on the Chippewa Flowage.
“Use large shiners or sucker minnows and set the tip-ups along the weedlines, keeping your bait two to three feet off bottom. On some days, bigger baits produce bigger fish.
“Most anglers are chasing panfish, drilling many holes and using electronics to check for crappies. Jigs tipped with waxies or plastics are the best producers, though crappie minnows are taking some fish.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says anglers are still able to get out on Chequamegon Bay – with a snowmobile.
“Fishing is spotty throughout the channel areas in 25-30 feet of water. Anglers report big numbers of smelt one day and none the next. There is better activity a little shallower, off the humps and closer to the coal dock and hot pond, with the better bites in early morning and late afternoon.
“Fishing reports from the Islands vary. While many bobbers are trying to go as deep as they can, we have great reports from some areas with 15 feet of water for brown trout, coho, whitefish, splake, and lake trout.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says anglers will see some changes in the northern bass zone this year.
“In 2014, largemouth and smallmouth will have separate regulations and this split should allow us to manage both species more effectively.
“Largemouth bass harvest season in northern Wisconsin will open May 3, along with other gamefish species. Smallmouth bass will be catch and release only until June 21, as in past years.
“There are several lakes where we encourage the harvest of small largemouth (less than 14 inches) and the extended season should help those efforts in places such as the Chippewa Flowage, Sissabagama, Whitefish, Nelson, and Chetac.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says difficult access conditions and deep snow and slush severely limiting travel on the lakes continue to minimize ice fishing pressure.
“Walleye action is spotty, with most action on small fish, though anglers have landed a few nicer walleye. Medium suckers and extra large fatheads are the most productive baits, fished just off bottom in 8-14 feet of water.
“Panfish action is erratic, with perch providing the most action on small minnows fished in 6-12 feet of water.”
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin is hosting its 18th annual Family Ice Fishing Event March 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Hayward Bait (715-634-2921).
Early catch-and-release trout season opens at 5 a.m. March 1. Most (but not all) trout streams are open to early fishing (check trout regulations for specific waters) and anglers must use artificial lures and flies. DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter in Hayward says the Namekagon River is a good bet.
“Brown trout up to 18 inches are abundant and during electrofishing surveys we regularly see fish up to 22 inches. For brook trout, look to the tributaries and mouths of tributaries.”
It is nearing the time (March 16, the first Sunday following March 12) for anglers to remove ice fishing shelters from waters north of Highway 64. They can continue to use portable shelters, but must remove them each day and/or when the shelters are not occupied or in active use.
The Cable Area snowmobile trails report for February 21 says “Snowpocolypse 2014” hit the Cable area with a minimum of 18 inches of heavy, wet snow falling from Thursday night through Friday morning. Trails are in excellent riding condition and groomers will continue grooming through March on their own operating budgets. Do not miss the World’s Longest Weenie Roast March 1 at Lakewoods Resort.
The February 18 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says Sawyer County trails continue to be in very good to excellent condition and groomers are grooming regularly during the week.
Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club is holding a vintage and antique snowmobile show March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Chief Lake Lodge on the Chippewa Flowage. A club meeting and election is March 8, starting at 10:30 a.m., at Anglers Haven.
FISHING REPORT
Reminder: Game fish season closes March 2 on inland waters. Check the fishing regulations for exceptions.
Walleye:
Walleye action is inconsistent, but anglers are catching a few fish, even during the day. Work 8-20 feet of water with walleye suckers, medium shiners, and large fatheads, positioning your bait near the bottom.
Northern:
Northern pike action is good in 6-16 feet of water around weeds, weedlines, and locations holding panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners are the top producers, fished under tip-ups holding the bait a few feet off bottom. Fish bigger baits in deeper water for trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers are making good catches once they locate the fish. Use your flasher or locator and be sure to check the entire water column, from near bottom to just under the ice. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, or try jigging spoons.
Bluegill:
Look for bluegills around weeds, weedlines, and structure in 5-18 feet of water. Waxies, spikes, and plastics will all catch fish. Try small minnows in deeper water for bigger ‘gills.
Perch:
Anglers pursuing perch are picking up fish in 6-15 feet of water on crappie minnows, fatheads, and rosy reds fished a few feet off the bottom.
Upcoming Events
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 1: World's Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods Resort (715-794-2561).
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.-5 p.m., free admission.
March 16: 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.