Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
According to forecasts, the rain, drizzle, and dense fog will soon give way to snow and temperatures that are “more seasonal.” We had a nice break, but ... we need colder weather and snow to thicken ice and pack snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.
“Ice is 10-13 inches deep on the Quiet Lakes,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but we still recommended foot travel.
“Fish walleyes tight to bottom out to 25 feet with shiners or walleye suckers under tip-ups. Action peaks in the evening. The northern bite is good all day. Fish out to 10 feet with walleye suckers or shiners a foot above weed tops.
“Crappie, bluegill, and perch are on break and weed edges in less than 15 feet or on mud flats in more than 15 feet Crappies and bluegills are low in the water column; perch are tight to bottom. Use crappie minnow and waxies on small jigs or under slip bobbers.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says northern action is hot on the Chippewa Flowage, with anglers catching good numbers of 30- to 36-inch pike.
“Set tip-ups on weed edges and open areas in weed beds in 4-10 feet. Take both suckers and shiners – some days pike show a decided preference.
“Look for crappies on wooded flats in 12-20 feet of water. Use electronics to locate fish, which might require drilling several holes. Crappie minnows and jigs with waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits all work. Try #2 or #3 Jigging Rapalas for larger crappies.
“For bluegills in with the crappies, downsize to smaller jigs tipped with mini plastics or spikes.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says ice conditions continue to improve, with 6-12 inches on most area lakes.
“Walleye fishing is good on most lakes, with anglers catching fish in 5-30 feet on walleye suckers and medium shiners under tip-ups. Main lake bars and points are best and deep weedlines and cribs good. Northern action is decent on large shiners under tip-ups fished on cabbage beds in 5-15 feet.
“Crappie and bluegill fishing is good on small jigs tipped with waxies or spikes fished on smaller lake weed beds.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses Chippewa Flowage walleye recruitment.
“Walleye recovery on the Chippewa Flowage has been ongoing for several years and the 2014 spring survey offered DNR crews a chance to check on the progress of those efforts. They found the 2011-year-class very well represented.
“In 2011, the Big Chip Fish Fest stocked 20,000 extended growth (EG) walleye fingerlings, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe stocked an additional 8,000 EG walleye, and there was a small natural-born year class. These fish from 2011, now 11-15 inches long, were abundant in the spring sample. The fish are growing at an excellent rate and many will be more than 15 inches next year – the perfect size for a fish fry!
“Fish stocked in 2013 also appear to be doing well and will be 9-12 inches long next year.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says most lakes across the North Woods have 6-8 inches of ice – some larger lakes have only 3-4 inches – with 2-3 inches of snow on top.
“This early season ice is still quite variable, so all ice anglers should continue to use caution. Ice picks and spuds are must-have items, and we still recommend against motorized vehicles, especially on the larger lakes.
“Fishing success is fair and sporadic, with walleye the primary target for most early anglers. The most productive areas are mud/muck flats and weed edges in the late afternoon hours, with small suckers or large fatheads fished in 5-8 feet of water.
“Anglers are catching a few nice 11- to 13-inch crappies that are suspending just off bottom in 16-20 feet. Perch are hitting small minnows in a variety of depths, from 4-20 feet.
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered three youth-harvested antlerless deer and seven bucks for archery and muzzleloader seasons.
The Runamuk Rides snowmobile trail report for December 14 says Sawyer, Bayfield, and Ashland county trails are mostly open, but in poor shape. Above-freezing temperatures caused a lot of snow to melt, especially in open areas where the trails are poor and muddy. This is a temporary thaw and we expect trails to be in good shape again soon. There is still a decent base in the forests and this week’s forecast calls for up to 8 inches of new snow. Our proximity to Lake Superior produces a lot of lake-effect snow and weather can change quickly and frequently. Before crossing a lake, always check with local businesses and authorities. Do not attempt to cross any un-staked lake or swamp that is not clearly marked as “okay.”
The December 10 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says Sawyer County snowmobile trails are “technically” always open, but lakes and swamps need more time to totally freeze over for safe crossing. Groomers are not yet running and some trails still need clearing, so if you choose to ride early, be careful and use caution!
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye success remains good to very good on most lakes. Anglers are catching fishing during the day, with the best bite window in late afternoon into the evening. You will find fish near the bottom in 5-30 feet of water on weedlines, weed edges, points, bars, cribs, and mud flats. Walleye suckers, medium shiners, and large fatheads fished under tip-ups are all producing catches.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good and getting better, and they will hit throughout the day. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish, many 30 inches and longer, especially on the Chippewa Flowage. Work weed/cabbage beds and edges in depths from 3-18 feet. Tip-ups with northern suckers, walleye suckers, and shiners are all working well, but the “hot” bait can change from day to day.
Crappie:
Crappie action is good on the smaller lakes, with fish on weed and break edges and mud/wood flats in depths to more than 20 feet. Check the entire water column, but particularly for fish suspending just off the bottom. The most productive baits include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on plain hooks or small jigs. Use Jigging Raps to target bigger crappies.
Bluegill:
Anglers fishing the smaller lakes are catching bluegills on weed beds and edges, break edges, and mud flats from shallow water out to more than 20 feet. Check the entire water column and for ‘gills running with the crappies. Bait choices include waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, fished with or without slip bobbers.
Perch:
Look for perch on the bottom, out to 25 feet, on weed/break edges and mud flats. Use crappie minnows, fatheads, and waxies on plain hooks or small jigs, with or without slip bobbers.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 16: Canada goose seasons closes in North Exterior Zone.
Dec. 25: Bobcat hunting/trapping Period 1 season closes.
Dec. 26-Jan. 31: Bobcat hunting/trapping season Period 2 north of Hwy. 64.
Through Dec. 31: Extended fall turkey season in zones 1-5.
Dec. 31: Seasons close: Pheasant; Turkey; Hungarian partridge; Fisher trapping; Frog.
Jan. 4: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 25-March 20: Winter crow season.
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Bobcat Period 2 hunting/trapping.
Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Sawyer County Record co-sponsor this report. For more information on area events and activities, visit the HLVCB’s Calendar of Events or call 800-724-2992.