November 4, 2013 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
The North Wood’s weekend was a wet and windy one, and the forecast for this week predicts rain and/or snow nearly every day (with way too many mentions of snow for early November!)
“Most area lakes have turned over or are in process of turning,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “and water temperatures are around 45-50 degrees.
“Big fish put on the feed bag before the winter months and this is a good time to catch them. Muskie fishing is good and will only get better with the cooler temperatures. Muskie anglers are catching most fish with suckers on quick strike rigs on weedlines, breaks, and rock bars, though gliders, bucktails, jerkbaits, and plastics are producing a few fish.
“Walleye fishing is best during early morning or evening hours around shallower weed beds with fatheads or small suckers under slip bobbers, or minnow baits cast over weed tops. During the day, work deep structure with minnows on jig or Lindy Rigs.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says fishing should be good until freeze up, and grouse hunting is good to the north and east of Hayward.
“The fall muskie bite is good in 10-20 feet of water on most lakes, with suckers the ticket. Swim baits, gliders, Bull Dawgs, and tubes are also catching a few fish. Walleye fishing is improving – fish jigs and fatheads or stickbaits on gravel bars and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is still decent muskie action on the Chippewa Flowage.
“Work any green weeds and deeper breaks with suckers, or try Bull Dawgs and minnow baits – last week, an angler caught a 47-inch muskie on a Grandma bait. Walleye anglers are catching fish in 18-30 feet of water on jigs and fatheads and five-inch walleye suckers.
“Crappie fishing is excellent in Moores Bay, Blueberry, and Pine Point with crappie minnows and 1/16-ounce jigs tipped with tube skirts.”
Randy at Jenk’s there is now little fishing activity on the Chippewa Flowage, though a few anglers are catching some muskies deep with suckers. The water level is down about 3.5 feet and the water temperature is around 40 degrees.
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter reports a group of trout enthusiasts met at the DNR Ranger Station October 23 to provide input on new trout regulation proposals for area streams.
“Representatives from Trout Unlimited, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, and folks from all over Sawyer County came to share their concerns and hopes for new trout regulations. This was a very productive meeting and we covered a wide range of topics.
“The consensus is anglers want a mix of opportunities, from trophy trout fishing to places where they can easily harvest trout, and there is a renewed interest in more trout stocking in previously stocked small lakes and spring ponds.
“We are in the process of preparing a proposal for new trout regulations for this area and will hold several public meetings to allow public comment on the plan.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says cold, wet, windy weather last week put a damper on fishing activity.
“Water temperatures have dropped down into the low 40s and muskie anglers provide most of the fishing pressure. Nearly all anglers are dragging large suckers, though a few continue to cast artificials. Sucker anglers report fair success and action on artificials is hit or miss, with fish reluctant to hit fast-moving baits in the colder water.
“Walleye anglers report fair success on small and medium-size walleye, with minnows the best bait, whether fished below slip bobbers, or on jigs or bare hooks along the bottom.”
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 17 antlerless deer and 20 bucks for archery season.
Dennis at Shooting Star Archery says the bucks are really moving and November 4 and 5 are traditionally his top registration days for archery season.
Jim at Hayward Bait says deer registrations are somewhat down at this point, but activity is increasing.
As of November 4, the wolf harvest has reached 192 animals and zones 1, 2, and 5 have closed for the season.
FISHING REPORT
Muskie:
Muskie action is good and this is the time to catch a trophy. Concentrate on weedlines (especially green weeds) breaks, and rock bars in 10-20 feet of water, with suckers on quick-strike rigs the most productive offering. A few anglers throwing artificials are finding occasional success with Bull Dawgs, bucktails, gliders, tubes, jerkbaits, swim baits, and plastics.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is improving as we move on from the lake turnover, but the best bite is still in low light early morning hours and just before dark. Look for fish in 8-35 feet of water (shallower during the day) on structure, gravel bars, weed edges, and on the bottom in deep holes. Baits of choice include walleye suckers and fatheads fished on jigs, Lindy Rigs, and plain hooks, crankbaits, and jigs with Twister Tails.
Northern:
Northern pike, more active with the cooler water, are near weeds, breaks, and baitfish in water as shallow as three feet. As always, northern suckers get the nod, but pike are also hitting spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits. For trophy pike, fish deeper water with larger baits.
Bass:
Bass interest decreases with the temperature, though a few anglers continue their pursuit. Largemouth action is slow, with some fish found near shallower weeds, rocks, and breaks. Live bait, crankbaits, swim jigs, and jigs/plastics can be effective baits. Smallmouth fishing is very good with live bait and spoons on the deep, clear lakes.
Crappie:
Crappie action is fair to excellent. Head for the traditional fall spots (check with the bait shops) and look for weeds in 8-12 feet of water. Crappie minnows, fatheads, plastics, and tube jigs, are all catching crappies, though on a given day, one bait will work better than other baits. Go prepared with a variety of offerings – the fish will tell you what they want that day.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing (and interest) waned with the cooling temperatures, though a few anglers continue to catch some nice ‘gills. Work weed beds in 5-10 feet and look for fish suspending over deeper water. Fish small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks with waxies, worms, leaf worms, crawler pieces, spikes, and plastics, with or without bobbers.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 2: Seasons opened: Beaver trapping; Otter trapping; Non-resident raccoon.
Nov. 4: Woodcock season closed.
Nov. 9: Mourning dove season closes.
Nov. 15: Trout and salmon season closes on sections of Lake Superior tributaries (see regs).
Nov. 19: Duck season closes in North Zone.
Nov. 21: Seasons close: Early archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 22: Illegal to hunt with firearm or bow the day before gun deer season opens (see regs for exceptions).
Nov. 23: Seasons open: Regular gun deer; Archery deer.
Nov. 30: Seasons close: Muskellunge; Turtle.
Dec. 1: Regular gun deer season closes; Lake Superior lake trout season opens.
Dec. 2: Muzzleloader deer season opens.
Dec. 10: Application deadline: Bear; Spring turkey.
Dec. 16: Canada goose season closes in Northern Zone.
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.