Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report April 22, 2013
By Steve Suman
The delayed spring weather is causing irritation to both people and animals. Sandhill cranes walking through nearly a foot of snow appear somewhat befuddled – and the Monday/Tuesday forecast predicts up to another 11 inches of snow. We are already more than a month into spring and have yet to enjoy any real spring weather!
Pat at Happy Hooker says he has officially lost all hope there will be open water fishing for the May 4 fishing opener.
“Oh, of course there is always hope, but the current forecast does not look good and at last report there is still 28-30 inches of ice on the lakes. However, open water fishing is just a matter of time, so prepare now – get your license and make sure your equipment is in good operating condition.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there although there are rumors of ice-out in the future and it is time to dig out the open water fishing gear, a few Chippewa Flowage ice anglers are still catching crappies.
“Use your electronics to find fish in 18-25 feet, and then use crappie minnows or jigs tipped with waxies. If the fish are active, you will catch more with jigs with plastics.”
At Jenk’s, Randy says the Chippewa Flowage is down between three and four feet, but there should be a lot of water coming in because it will not stop snowing!
“That may mean nothing, however, if it does not start warming – fast! We have had virtually no thaw, there is still a lot of ice, and I am beginning to worry about opening weekend.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says perch anglers are still ice fishing on Chequamegon Bay, primarily off second landing.
“The ice blew out of the Sioux and Onion rivers and then blew back in again. If you are hauling a boat from a long distance, check the satellite views first. The streams have been very fishable, but it is hard telling how this weather will affect the conditions.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says it appears likely we will have ice on at least some lakes for the May 4 gamefish opener, a rare occurrence offering anglers some ‘unique’ fishing opportunities.
“As the weather warms, ice quality deteriorates, sometimes rapidly. The ice is going to go out eventually – just make sure you are not on it! If you insist on going out, use a spud bar to check ice throughout the day.
“Usually, we have concluded DNR netting surveys by the fishing opener. This year, when the ice does go out, the DNR, tribal members, and anglers will all be on the lakes at the same time. This will require all parties to be mindful and respectful of one another to ensure a safe and fun early fishing season.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says most lakes still have 20-22 inches of ice cover.
“We anticipate many lakes, if not all, will still have some ice for the gamefish opener and anglers should have alternate plans. Consider streams and rivers that should be fully open, though running high, or some smaller lakes that usually see ice-out before the larger lakes.
“A comment I often hear with late ice-out is that ‘fish will spawn under the ice.’ For the most part, this is not true.
“While some northern pike and walleye run up streams and rivers to spawn, the majority spawn in the shallows of lakes and flowages just after ice-out. Water temperature is the key to spawning for these species, and temperatures under the ice are only in the 32- to 36-degree range. Once the ice goes out, water temperatures quickly rise, triggering the spawning urge. With late ice-out, this usually happens very quickly and fish complete most spawning in a matter of days.”
Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend its Tuesday May 7 meeting, starting at 7 p.m., at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, 10 miles east of Hayward on Highway 77. Featured speaker Steve Genson, well-known local guide, TV personality, and muskie tournament angler, will present ‘Hidden Gems,’ a focus on small, overlooked muskie lakes and rivers that hold great potential in all seasons. For more information, call Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
The 26th annual Hayward Fishing Has No Boundaries event is May 17-18 at Lake Chippewa Campground. The two-day event hosts 120-150 participants for a unique boat fishing experience that for some was once only a dream. The event always needs more volunteers for various duties – guiding, cooking, assisting participants on/off watercraft, fish cleaning, emergency medical care, and more – as well as additional boats and operators. For more information, call (715) 634-3185 or (800) 243-3462; or email hayfhnb@cheqnet.net.
The Treeland Walleye Challenge still has openings available for its May 10-12 catch-and-release event on the Chippewa Flowage that offers thousands of dollars in prizes. Entry is limited to the first 300 adult entries. Entry fees are $70 single; $125 with spouse; and $15 per child with parents. For more information, visit www.treelandresorts.com or call (715) 462-3874.
FISHING REPORT
Crappie: Crappie action is good and getting better. Check depths from 5-30 feet, searching near weeds and structure and for fish suspending over the deeper water. Check the entire water column, from on the bottom to just below the ice. Crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics on jigs or plain hooks work well, jigged or under tip-ups or tip-downs. Take a bait assortment – their tastes can change from one day to the next.
Bluegill: Bluegill action is good on weeds and weed lines in depths to 20 feet, and waxies, spikes, plastics, and minnows are all effective baits. Offer variety and downsize your line and tackle to increase success.
Perch: Perch anglers are catching some big perch on the deep, clear lakes, with good action on other lakes as well. Look for weed flats out to 15-foot depths. Best baits include waxies, minnows, plastics, and jigging spoons tipped with waxies.
Upcoming Events
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.