Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
May 27, 2013
Steve Suman
Cool, wet conditions continue in the North Woods, though the forecasts show a short, mid-week warming trend. Anglers: Forget basing fish locations on the calendar – concern yourself with the actual conditions.
The DNR increased daily walleye bag limits on 442 northern Wisconsin lakes. Check signs at boat landings, the current fishing regulations, and the Revised Ceded Territory Walleye Bag Limits on the DNR website.
“Memorial Day weekend is typically transition time from spring to summer fishing,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but this year we are a month behind schedule, with water temperatures closer to May 1 rather than June 1.”
At Hayward Bait, Jim says walleyes completed spawning and they are actively feeding, while crappies are providing excellent fishing opportunities in shallow water.
Randy at Jenk’s says the muskie opener was a mild one on the Chippewa Flowage, but the water is still chilly, creeping back into the upper 50s with some 60s in the shallows.
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says walleye fishing is decent on the Chippewa Flowage.
“Anglers are catching fish on bright jigs tipped with fatheads fished near brush in 10-15 feet of water. Crappies are thick in the shallow bays and hitting crappie minnows, feather jigs, and jig/plastic combos.”
At Anglers All in Ashland, Carolyn says smallmouth are thick in the Sand Cut area and fishing is good on light jigs tipped with plastics, crankbaits, and sucker minnows. Trout and salmon anglers are catching fish on stickbaits on the first break outside the bay.
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says news is spreading quickly throughout the North Woods about the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, a plan to increase production of large walleye fingerlings for stocking throughout the state.
“These fish will come at a crucial time, as many lakes need more walleyes to provide action for anglers and balance fish communities. We are determining how many walleyes to stock into area lakes based on need and probability of success, and not all lakes will receive fish.
“While stocking is a useful temporary tool, it is important to continue to pursue effective fishing regulations and strive for naturally reproducing populations.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says recent heavy rains increased flows on area streams and rivers and water levels on most lakes and flowages.
“Last week’s erratic weather made for variable water temperatures, ranging from the upper 40s on large, deep lakes, to upper-60s on small, stained-water lakes where the first largemouth bass spawning activity is occurring.”
The Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest May 31 through June 2 is open to all current and former soldiers. The registration fee is $5 and all proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. For information, contact Mike Heath (715) 266-4203, 492-6407, or email phantomlures4u@yahoo.com.
During Free Fun Weekend June 1-2, Wisconsin residents and non-residents can fish, hike and bike state trails, and ride public ATV trails for free. On Sunday June 2, visitors to state parks and forests receive free admission. For more information, search ‘free fun weekend’ on the DNR website.
The Great Divide Ranger District-U.S. Forest Service invites young anglers through 15 years of age to the free Hayward Kids Fishing Derby Saturday morning June 1 at Lake Hayward City Beach and Park, behind the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and events continue until noon. An adult must accompany each participant. For information, call Kathy Moe (715) 634-4821.
Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. invites the public to attend its meeting Tuesday, June 4, at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, 10 miles east of Hayward on Highway 77. DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter will discuss statistical catch analysis of 25 years of the Hayward Chapter’s fall tournament, and Muskies Inc. International youth activities vice-president Kevin Bushnick will show video and slides of an annual September kids fishing day on Moose Lake. The general meeting starts at 7 p.m., and admission is free. For information, call Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
FISHING REPORT
Muskie:
Muskie season in the Northern Muskie Zone opened this past weekend with cool temperatures and limited reports. Concentrate on shallow water holding panfish out to mid-depths, slowly working small to medium size bucktails, jerkbaits, and crankbaits.
Walleye:
Walleye action is on the upswing. Look for fish around weeds/weed lines, brush, and humps from shallower water out to about 18 feet. There is still a good evening bite along shorelines. Take a bait assortment, including fatheads, walleye suckers, crawlers, and leeches for use on jigs, live bait rigs, and slip-bobbers, as well as Rapalas, crankbaits, and Twister Tails. Early, late, and overcast days are best, but you can’t catch ‘em from the couch (unless your couch is in the boat!)
Northern:
Northern pike action is very good in depths to about 10 feet, particularly around shallower weeds and/or panfish. Live bait such as walleye and northern suckers work best, but walleye and crappie anglers fishing fatheads and crappie minnows are making many incidental catches. Spinnerbaits, spoons, stickbaits, and plastics will also work well for pike.
Bass:
Reminder: Bass fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth is catch-and-release only until June 15.
Largemouth are pre-spawn in many waters and spawning in the shallows of lakes with warmer water. Top baits include plastic worms, jigs/plastics, spinner and stickbaits, crankbaits, and live bait. Pre-spawn smallmouth are staging in mid-depths just outside their spawning areas. Action is great on tubes, jigs/plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
Crappie:
Crappies are in pre-spawn or spawning, fishing is very good to excellent, and now is the time for fish for them. Look for crappies in shallow water out to about eight feet, especially bays with dark bottoms that quickly warm, and near weeds and brush. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, live bait and plastics on jigs or plain hooks, and Gulp! baits. When crappies are spawning, they are a bit less selective than at other times of the year.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving and will continue to do so as the water warms into the low 60-degree range and the ‘gills start spawning. For now, you will find fish shallow out to about 10 feet or so, with bigger fish in the deeper water. Best baits include waxies, worms, crawlers, leeches, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Upcoming Events
May 31-June 2: Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest (715-266-4203; 492-6407).
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 1: Free Kids Fishing Derby (715-634-4821).
June 4: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Dick-Sy Roadhouse (715-634-4543).
June 7: Flambeau River State Forest headquarters open house (715-332-5271).
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
June 20-23: 64th Annual Musky Festival (715-634-8662).
June 20: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin meeting (715-462-3559).
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.