2-3-14 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
The extreme cold temperatures continue without snow this week. In addition, the extended forecast currently in play indicates a warming trend beginning about February 10 – and even a few days above freezing!
“Very few anglers are braving the bitterly cold conditions,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “The additional snow is making for more difficult travel on the lakes, with heavy trucks and four-wheelers getting stuck in snowdrifts and slush.
“The walleye bite is fair, with some surprising reports of mid-day action, though evening and after dark are best, with shiners and walleye suckers on tip-ups. Fish pike in deep weeds with shiners and northern suckers.”
Dennis at Hayward Bait says vehicle travel on the lakes is getting more difficult due to snow depths and drifting.
“Look for walleyes in 15-30 feet of water on deep weedlines and structure. Early mornings and late afternoons are best, with minnows on tip-ups or jigging spoons with minnow heads. Fish for crappies suspending over deeper water out to 30 feet with minnows, waxies, and plastics.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is little angling pressure on the Chippewa Flowage due to the frigid weather.
“The vast majority of anglers are targeting crappies. Plan to cover a lot of water and drill many holes. Look for wooded flats in 15-22 feet of water and use your electronics to look for fish. When you find them, use crappie minnows for inactive fish and jigs tipped with waxies or plastics for active fish.”
Zach at Anglers All in Ashland says fishing is good on Chequamegon Bay.
“A snowmobile is a must on the Ashland side. On the other side, people are going out on four wheelers.
“Perch are all over, with some keepers after sorting through many small ones, and walleyes there for the catching. Anglers targeting walleyes and perch usually go out off second landing. Trout and salmon are in the channel, and lake trout anglers are doing well in the islands in about 60-foot depths.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says anglers often ask about the small, black spots under the skin and in the flesh of some fish they catch, particularly panfish, rock bass, and northern pike.
“These black spots, called ‘flukes,’ are living organisms and fish are just one stop on their parasitic life journey. The eggs get into the lake in bird droppings. After hatching, they begin their lifecycle infesting snails and then burrow into the skin of fish. When a bird eats a dead fish with the flukes, they then carry the eggs to another waterbody.
“While the black spots might be a little unsightly, the fish are completely safe to eat and will not infect humans.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the brutally cold weather is keeping angling pressure and fish activity to a minimum.
“Sub-zero highs and windy conditions are keeping most anglers off of the ice. Diehard panfish and walleye anglers are finding limited action, though panfish anglers using finesse tactics are catching a few crappies and perch.”
The DNR is holding its second annual Sawyer County Fish Management Forum Feb. 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Hayward High School. Discussions will include the 2013 fisheries surveys, 2013 fish stocking, and what to expect for 2014 regarding muskie, walleye, and trout. For more information, contact Wolter (715) 634-9658.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin is host its 18th annual Family Fishing Event this coming weekend, Saturday February 8, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., on Lac Courte Oreilles, with registration at the public boat landing off Highway K. Event buttons cost $5/adults, $1/youth 13-17 years of age, and youth 12 years and younger receive free entry. Buttons and tickets are available at Hayward Bait, Outdoor Creations, Hayward Home Center, and Stone Lake Bait. Tickets for the Grand Prize raffles cost $5 each or four/$20 and you need not be present to win. Pre-event raffle ticket bundles cost $75 ($130 value, limited to 200 bundles). For information, call Hayward Bait (715-634-2921).
The January 30 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says trails are in very good to excellent condition and groomed on a regular basis. With the fresh blanket of more than four inches of snow last week, the scenery is picture perfect!
The January 28 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says snow conditions are fantastic! Pick up a Brrrr Run poker card at participating restaurants and taverns and make your way around the region on the best trail conditions in years. Fill your card and receive a nifty bandanna and a chance to win $500 in cash!
The Hayward Power Sports trail report for January 28 says trails remain in excellent condition, with continuous two- to three-inch snowfalls and cold temperatures keeping the trails flat and perfect. The weather pattern is consistent, with frigid conditions at the beginning of the week warming to single digits into the teens for the weekends.
Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club’s annual Big Boyz Toyz Vintage Snowmobile Ride is February 8 at the Winter Huskies grooming shed. Last year, more than 100 sleds made a showing. On February 15, the club will hold its ‘Ride In’ to DJ’s Dock, an Alzheimer’s fundraiser and chili cook-off.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action slowed from last week. Early morning and late afternoon until after dark remain the best times, though some anglers report catches during mid-day hours. Depending on the lake and time of day, target weeds, structure, or breaks in 8-30 feet of water. Best baits include walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups or minnow heads on jigging spoons.
Northern:
Northern pike activity also slowed a bit, but anglers are still catching fish on deep weeds and weedlines in 8-25 feet of water. Fish shiners and northern suckers under tip-ups for the best success. Go deeper with bigger baits for trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good for anglers willing to drill numerous holes and keep on the move. Electronics simplify the job, but make sure you check the entire water column. Look for fish suspending over and in 12-30 feet of water in deep holes and on wood flats. Crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics all work well, whether fished on jigs, plain hooks, or tip-downs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is good in and around weeds in 5-18 feet of water. Waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics are the top producers, tipped on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops.
Perch:
Perch action is fair to good and improving. Depending on the lake, you will find perch in 10-25 feet of water in soft bottom areas. Anglers are catching fish on tip-downs with crappie minnows and rosy reds, as well as on small jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or waxies.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Seasons closed: Ruffed grouse (Northern Zone); Squirrel; Bobcat (Period 2).
Feb. 8: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin 18th Annual Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921).
Feb. 8-9: Deerfoot Lodge Freeze Your Buns Off crappie tournament (715-462-3328).
Feb. 14-17: Great Backyard Bird Count.
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Fox trapping; Coyote trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
Feb. 15: Namekagon River Valley Chapter RMEF banquet (715-634-1742).
Feb. 15: Northwest Relic Riders ‘ride in’ to DJ’s Dock Alzheimer’s fundraiser & chili cook-off.
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 Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.