Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Following a mild, wet, and windy weekend, some weather changes are in store and it appears likely deer hunters will have some snow on the ground for this weekend’s gun deer season opener.
“As we approach Thanksgiving,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “many anglers are now thinking about other outdoor activities, such as the start of gun deer season this weekend.
“Muskies are scattered in 4-20 feet of water and hitting suckers on quick-strike rigs, and walleye action improved for anglers fishing minnows on the bottom in 16-20 feet of water.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says few anglers are on the water, grouse hunting continues to be good northeast of Hayward, and deer hunting is picking up, with bowhunters registering some nice bucks.
“Most muskie lakes are producing good numbers of nice fish with suckers on quick-strike rigs in 10-20 feet of water. Walleye anglers are catching fish on jigs tipped with fatheads in 12-20 feet of water.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says Chippewa Flowage muskie anglers are working deeper water, 15-22 feet, with live bait or Bull Dawgs.
“This is the time of year for a trophy muskie, but do not expect fast action.
“Walleye anglers should work the deep holes near Popple Island with jigs and fatheads or large walleye suckers. For crappies, fish the deep flats in Moores Bay and Pine Point with crappie minnows on split shot rigs or jigs and tube skirts.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says Chequamegon Bay still holds many fishing opportunities, but few anglers are on the water, with many scouting the woods preparing for gun deer season.
“Bowhunters report increased deer activity, evidenced by the registration of several big bucks in the past week.
“This is also a good time to prepare for ice fishing season, checking the new electronics, shelters, ice rods, and baits.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says The American Naturalist recently published an interesting paper by DNR research scientist Andrew Rypel.
“Rypel looked at state and provincial fish records from across North America to determine if the maximum size of different species is bigger in the north or the south.
“Even though fish generally grow slower in the north, cool and cold water species such as brook trout, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch had bigger maximum sizes at northern latitudes. Warmwater species such as catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie had bigger records in more southern states and territories.
“This research gives us an indication of which species are likely to do well in the future if the climate continues to warm.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the deer rut and recent cold, breezy weather basically brought an end to open water fishing season.
“There are a few muskie anglers still dragging suckers, but with no reports of any catches. Last week, a few small lakes and ponds developed a thin covering of ice and the back bays of some large lakes had a bit of fringe ice, but it appears the start of ice fishing is still several weeks away.”
The DNR is hosting three online chats this week, Nov. 19- 21, to help hunters prepare for deer season. The chats will cover what you can expect for the season; how you can easily find land where you want to hunt; and changes to rules and regulations. To participate, visit Ask the Experts on the DNR website, or visit the DNR Facebook page and click ‘cover it live chat’ on the top of the page.
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 24 antlerless deer and 26 bucks for archery season, with a noticeable lack of big bucks for this point in the season. During opening weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the DNR will take aging samples at Shooting Star Archery and Hayward Bait will not start registering deer until Monday.
Hayward Rod & Gun Club’s annual sight-in days are November 16-22, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with a $6/firearm fee. Cable Rod & Gun Club’s sight-in day is November 22, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with a $5/firearm fee.
The Wisconsin wolf harvest reached 209 animals (statewide quota 251) as of November 17 and Zone 3 (harvest 27; quota 71) remains the only zone open for wolf hunting and trapping.
FISHING REPORT
Muskie:
Late fall is trophy muskie time, but the Northern Zone closes Nov. 30. Muskies are scattered, in depths from 4-25 feet, and suckers on quick-strike rigs are the primary bait. Though a fish might follow but not hit a Bull Dawg, it will often hit the live sucker you have in the water ... don’t you?
Walleye:
This can be a rewarding time for walleye anglers willing to endure the weather. Action is improving and anglers are catching some nice fish. Concentrate on depths from 12-30 feet and deeper, using jigs and fatheads or large sucker minnows for bigger fish.
Northern:
Northern pike are providing good action, often for anglers targeting muskie, walleye, and crappie. Work weeds from shallow to mid-depths with spinnerbaits, spoons, crankbaits, and northern suckers on live bait rigs or under bobbers.
Bass:
Most largemouth anglers called it quits for this season, but a few anglers continue to fish for smallmouth and this is a great time to catch big fish on prime smallmouth lakes. Use walleye suckers, spoons, and plastics on jigs or drop-shot rigs.
Crappie:
Crappies are suspending in/over deeper water, with the baits of choice crappie minnows, fatheads, and plastics. Fish them on jigs or split shot rigs, with or without bobbers.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action (for those anglers still pursuing them) is best with waxies, worms, crawlers, and plastics in 5-10 feet of water.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 15: Trout and salmon season closed on sections of Lake Superior tributaries (see regs).
Through Nov. 22: Hayward Rod & Gun Club sight-in days 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; fee $6/firearm.
Nov. 19: Duck season closes in North Zone.
Nov. 21: Seasons close: 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. 22: Cable Rod & Gun Club sight-in day, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., fee $5/gun (715-798-3099).
Nov. 23: Seasons open: Regular gun deer; Archery deer.
Nov. 30: Seasons close: Muskellunge in North Zone; Turtle.
Dec. 1: Regular gun deer season closes; Lake Superior lake trout season opens.
Dec. 2-11: Muzzleloader deer season.
Dec. 10: Application deadline: Bear; Spring turkey.
Dec. 12-15: Antlerless-only firearm hunt in Herd Control and CWD DMUs.
Dec. 16: Canada goose season closes in Northern Zone.
Dec. 25: Period 1 bobcat season closes.
Dec. 26: Period 2 bobcat season opens north of Hwy 64.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Turkey (zones 1-5); Fisher; Frog; Hungarian partridge.
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view itsCalendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.