4-7-14 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
What most people hope was the Hayward area’s final big snowstorm of the season last Friday dropped a foot or more of unwanted snow, but sunshine and mild temperatures dissolved a considerable amount of it over the weekend.
The forecast for this week is more in tune with what we have wanted for some time. The prognosticators say we can expect high temperatures in the mid- to upper-50s (even 60s!) and nighttime lows in the upper 20s and 30s. Even better, any precipitation predictions use only one term – rain.
“We lost a lot of snow early last week,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but then the late-week snowstorm tried to bring it all back! Winter will just not release its hold on us.
“The lakes still have 25-30 inches of ice and anglers are wondering what conditions will be for the May 3 opener, less than one month away. As we start losing some of the snow and slush, there might still be a chance to enjoy some good late ice panfish fishing. Just be watchful for thin ice and always err on the side of caution.
“If you are not ice fishing, this is a good time to buy your new license and prepare equipment for the upcoming open water season. Check rods for missing or broken parts, lubricate and re-line reels, clean tackle boxes, check nets for holes, and make sure your boat is water-ready.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says ice fishing is good, but it is still difficult to get on the ice.
“The crappie bite is good on the Chippewa Flowage, Nelson, Lake Hayward, Round, and Long lakes with minnows, waxies, and plastics. Fish are suspending over deeper water, but seem to be moving a little shallower. Bluegills are active in 8-15 feet of water, with waxies and spikes the best baits.
“Perch fishing is good on minnows, waxies, and plastics in 5-15 feet of water, with Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, Chetac, and Nelson the most notable lakes.
“Trout fishing opened last weekend on Lake Superior tributaries. Anglers who found open water – deep snow made getting to the river difficult – did well with brown trout and steelhead.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage anglers are still doing well on panfish.
“Check out deep flats with 15-22 feet of water. Use electronics to search for fish and you may have to try several areas. Once you find crappies, jigs tipped with waxies or plastics are the most productive baits. There are bluegills mixed in with the crappies, so if you keep missing fish, downsize the bait to take them.
“Since we are nearing the end of ice fishing season, it is time to prepare the boat and open water tackle. Do not wait until the week before opener to find out your gear is not ready to go!”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says the few anglers still fishing Chequamegon Bay report varied results due to continually changing weather patterns.
“On the ‘good’ days, anglers fishing 30 feet of water in the channel are catching loads of smelt on waxies. At the hot pond and the head of the Bay, anglers fishing 10-15 feet of water report mixed results on coho with lake shiners and waxies.
“Fishing river mouths is productive with shiners, waxies, and spawn, particularly on warmer days when the run-off draws fish closer to the streams.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses taking photos of fish anglers catch during a closed season. He asked DNR warden John Schreiber if anglers can snap a photo of fish they catch out of season, such as a big muskie caught while crappie fishing in April. Can you legally snap a photo?
“Yes” says Schreiber, “but it needs to be clear that your intent is to release the fish. Putting the fish in the livewell or taking it back to the dock to show someone else establishes possession – and puts you in violation.
“Just get the hook out quickly, take the picture, and send the fish on its way.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions remained relatively stable last week, with 22-28 inches of ice on most lakes, and the snowpack on top has melted and settled down quite a bit with the milder weather.
“This has improved access for ATVs and walking anglers, but it has not increased fishing pressure. A small number of panfish anglers venturing out report spotty success, catching a few perch and crappie that are still suspending just off the bottom near deep water areas.”
There is still time to purchase tickets for the April 11 Namekagon River Gobblers Chapter-National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) banquet. The event at the Hayward VFW includes raffles and special offers. Individual tickets for dinner and NWTF membership cost $60; couples cost $110; and Jakes (17 and younger) cost $35, with other ticket packages available. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Brad (715-580-0792); Bruce (715-558-2496); or Tim (715-669-3401).
The April 4 Hayward Power Sports trail conditions report reminds snowmobilers that Sawyer County trails never close, however, many surrounding counties have closed their trails for the season. Sawyer County groomers have stored their equipment for the year as well, and are pulling stakes off the lakes, including Hayward, Grindstone, LCO, and part of the Chippewa Flowage. If you plan to continue snowmobiling, please do so with caution.
The Cable Area snowmobile trails report for April 1 says spring closure went into effect immediately for ATV, UTV, and snowmobile traffic on all Bayfield County trails, with the exception of the Tri-County corridor. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest trails also have a spring closure in effect that prohibits ATVs, motorcycles, horses, and bikes from the Forest’s roads and trails. The closures help deter damage to the trails that can be very costly and difficult to repair. Trails will re-open as soon as conditions allow, as determined by the county.
FISHING REPORT
The foot (or more) of new snow at the end of last week did nothing to help travel conditions on the lakes, but sunshine and mild temperatures over the weekend went a long way toward making a correction. Reports remain sparse, however. Crappies are still suspending over deep water at various points in the water column, with minnows, waxies, and plastics the baits of choice. Bluegills are holding in mid-depths (to 15 feet) and taking waxies, spikes, and plastics. Perch anglers are catching fish near the bottom in various depths on minnows, waxies, and plastics. There is still time for some very good late season ice fishing for panfish, but if the weather cooperates for ice-out, it could be a very short season!
Upcoming Events
March 31: Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expired.
April 11: Namekagon River Gobblers NWTF Banquet (715-580-0792; 558-2496; 669-3401).
April 12-13: Youth turkey hunt.
April 14: Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearings and Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15 through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
April 27: Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait, barbless-hook only.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 16-22; B: April 23-29; C: April 30-May 6; D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.
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.