Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report April 15, 2013
By Steve Suman
It is mid-April, but last weekend’s weather was more akin to February, and this week the forecast again shows chances of snow nearly every day. There is not much more to say at this point, but with two feet of ice remaining on most lakes and gamefish opener only three weeks distant, we need some significant weather changes – soon!
“Hopefully, we will experience a thaw this month,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “After all, it IS spring!
“There is still time for some good panfish fun and still plenty of ice on the lakes, with reports of 28 to 30 inches, so it appears the ice will be around for quite awhile.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says anglers should not put away their tip-ups quite yet – there is still plenty of ice on most lakes.
“Reports indicate most lake have about 20 inches of ice, with up to 25 inches on the big lakes. Some access points are getting soft and there is a little honeycombing in some areas. Conditions can change quickly this time of year, so please use caution if you go on the lakes.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is little to no ice fishing pressure on the Chippewa Flowage at this time, but the few anglers fishing are catching crappies and bluegills.
“Crappies are still in 18-24 feet of water. Use jigs with plastics for active crappies, but for inactive fish, use crappie minnows or jigs tipped with waxies. Bluegill action is best with smaller presentations. Perch anglers on the big lakes are catching fish in 6-15 feet of water on jigging spoons with waxies.
“Use your electronics to locate fish – and expect to drill many holes.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says the number of Chequamegon Bay anglers is on the wane.
“Anglers retreated from the hot pond and coal dock as dirty water invaded from Fish Creek. A few coho anglers are going out to the channel areas, but walleye anglers are still searching the dirty water areas.
“Many areas are starting to open, including the head of the Bay, lighthouse, back of the breakwall, and probably others. Last weekend we had the first ‘troller’ off the Onion River – he was in his Clam, on an iceberg, and required rescue. Be careful!
“Tributary streams are fishing well. Fish Creek has many fish, but it is dark and needs to clear, while the Sioux has been perfect, but with fewer fish.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says he saw an encouraging sign at last week’s 2013 Spring Hearings and Conservation Congress meetings.
“The results of the meetings will receive considerable attention in the press, but I would like to highlight that a considerable number of young people took the time to attend the meeting and cast a ballot for how they would like to see their resources managed. These young folks deserve commendation for getting involved since so often that is not the case.
“I encourage anyone of any age to get involved through the Conservation Congress or some of the many fine groups in our area, including Muskies Inc., Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin, Hayward Bass Club, and Trout Unlimited, to name a few.
“These groups do many great conservation and youth outreach projects in our area and are always looking to welcome new members.”
The DNR is stocking nearly 330,000 catchable size rainbow, brown, and brook trout in dozens of inland trout waters across Wisconsin before the May 4 inland fishing season opener. For more information, maps, a list of stocked waters, and other resources, visit the inland trout page on the DNR website.
The Hayward Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) event at Lake Chippewa Campground, the ‘Granddaddy’ of all FHNB events, is May 17-18 – only a month away! The two-day event, started in 1988, hosts 120-150 participants, plus volunteers, for a unique fishing experience on a boat or pontoon that for some was once only a dream. The event always needs more volunteers for various duties, such as guiding, cooking, assisting participants on/off watercraft, fish cleaning, emergency medical care, and more, as well as additional boats (both pontoon and others.) For more information, to volunteer, provide a watercraft, or to become a sponsor, contact the Hayward FHNB office (715) 634-3185; (800) 243-3462; email hayfhnb@cheqnet.net.
There are still openings available for the Treeland Walleye Challenge May 10-12 on the Chippewa Flowage. The catch-and-release event, offering thousands of dollars in prizes, is limited to the first 300 adult entries. Entry fees are $70 single; $125 with spouse; and $15 for each child (with parents). For more information, visit www.treelandresorts.com or call (715) 462-3874.
FISHING REPORT
Crappie: Recent weather conditions affected ice fishing interest, but the fish are still there and anglers who are fishing are catching fish. Electronics are not required, but they certainly help you locate and catch fish. Either way, you should expect to drill numerous holes. Look for fish suspending and/or near weed edges in 15-30 feet of water, but at any time now they should start their move to shallower water areas. Top baits include crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics tipped on jigs or plain hooks, and fished on jigging poles, tip-ups, and tip-downs.
Bluegill: This is a great time of year to catch large bluegills and some panfish anglers are doing just that. Look for ‘gills around weeds or suspending in depths from five feet out to more than 20 feet. Waxies, spikes, and plastics are all catching fish, though on certain days one will work better than the others. Minnows can work well for bigger ‘gills, too, and downsizing tackle (line, baits) will produce more action.
Perch: Perch anglers continue to catch some decent perch, primarily on the big, deep, clear lakes. Target weeds and mud flats in 6-20 feet (and deeper) water with minnows, waxies, and plastics fished on jigs and jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
April 17-23: Period B spring turkey season.
April 24-30: Period C spring turkey season.
April 28: Early catch-and-release trout season closes at midnight.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in North Zone.
May 1-7: Period D spring turkey season.
May 4: General inland fishing opener (see regs).
May 4: Seasons open: Bass (catch and release only) in Northern Zone; Muskie in Southern Zone; Frog.
May 7: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Dick-Sy Roadhouse (715-634-4543.)
May 8-14: Period E spring turkey season.
May 10-12: Treeland Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874).
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 17-18: Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462).
May 25: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
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.