12-16-13 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Subzero low weekend temperatures in the North Woods have given way to a welcome warm-up accompanied (as is often the case) by more snowfall. This brings a smile to many people ... to others, not so much. Whether or not you love it, snow-covered pine trees make for picture-perfect Christmas scenery!
This might bring a smile – please note winter does not officially begin for another week!
“Temperatures climbed back up into single and double digits above zero,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “and maybe this will allow some anglers to get back out on the ice. The good news for snowmobilers is that groomers are grooming trails, clearing fallen trees as they go, and December 21 is the tentative date for riding.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says there is minimal outdoor activity due to the recent deep freeze.
“Ice conditions are fair on most lakes, with very little slush reported, and even with the heavy snow cover the cold weather increased ice thickness on most lakes. Thickness varies from lake to lake, with most reports 5-12 inches, but use caution on the big, deep lakes as there may be areas with less ice.
“Muzzleloader season is now over and it appears registrations are down for that season. Many hunters did not want to go out in the frigid weather – and I am one of those hunters.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there are currently few anglers fishing the Chippewa Flowage.
“With the extreme cold and snow, anglers are waiting for more moderate weather before heading out to ice fish. They should then use extra caution on the ice – the foot of snow made for some dangerous areas. Avoid current areas and check the ice depth and quality before venturing out on the ice.
“Anglers should remember walleye fishing is now closed on the Flowage, but bass, northern, and panfish are still fair game.”
At Anglers All in Ashland, Carolyn says Chequamegon Bay has a lot of ice for so early in the season, but depths vary.
“On the Ashland side, there are reports of thickness from 10 inches by the channel to 16 inches near the Ashland coal dock. The Washburn side has about five inches by the ‘S’ curve and coal dock. We have snow cover, but it is all light snow and we do not have the slush issue found on most inland lakes.
“Anglers are using ATVs and snowmobiles and out as far as the Washburn coal dock. Fishing reports are slow except for small perch that seem to be all over the bay, a few trout and whitefish caught off the ‘S’ curve, and a few trout and northern caught off the Ashland side.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says aquatic plants are key structure to look for when fishing and that remains true for ice fishing season. Understanding the daily cycle of plants can help anglers pattern the fish they are chasing.
“During the day, plants absorb sunlight and take in CO2 and use them to create sugars and oxygen. However, during low light conditions, including nighttime, plants actually use oxygen to create energy.
“In late winter, when snow cover on lakes limits light penetration, plants start to use more oxygen than they create, begin to die, and the decomposition process uses up oxygen.
“In the summer, the upper water column is continually replenished with oxygen from the atmosphere. Ice cover during winter prevents that ‘recharge’ of oxygen, however, and plant respiration and decomposition can leave shallow areas without oxygen.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says unseasonably cold weather continued to thicken ice cover on lakes in the North Woods, though the cold temperatures also limited fishing pressure.
“Some reports say lakes have 8-10 inches of ice; others report just 5-6 inches under the insulating layer of snow. As such, early season anglers should be cautious and always test the ice before heading out – especially when traveling with ATVs or snowmobiles.
“A few walleye anglers report fair success on tip-ups, with mud and sand flats the most productive areas. Work small suckers or large fatheads just off bottom in 4- to 8-foot depths. The late afternoon bite is considerably better than early morning.”
In the past week, Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 13 antlerless deer for the special antlerless-only season, two antlerless deer and seven bucks for muzzleloader season, and one antlerless deer for archery season.
Wisconsin’s wolf harvest reached 230 animals (statewide quota 251) as of December 16 and Zone 3 (quota 71; harvest 48) is the only zone now open for wolf hunting and trapping.
The December 11 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says the lakes are freezing up great with the cold weather. The Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance will meet December 17 to make final decisions on ice safety and lake trail staking. There are hundreds of trees on the trails from the ice and snow and the goal is to have the trails groomed and lakes staked by December 21.
The December 16 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says the 16 inches of wet, heavy snow during the first storm created a great solid base for this snowmobile season and Cable area trails are officially open. The Lake Owen stick trail is up and the Namakagon stick trail goes up Thursday. Namakagon Trail Groomers started rolling trails Friday, but had slow going as they encountered many tree limbs and branches. Groomers anticipate having trails cleared and ready for riding this weekend, however, riders should be cautious of debris on trails. As of Monday morning, Trail 15 from Pioneer to Grand View has large trees across it and is not passable.
The December 15 Lakewood’s Resort trail report says snowmobile trails opened today (Dec. 16). Groomers are packing the trails, but they require additional maintenance due to down trees and branches from heavy snowfall earlier this month. We suggest waiting until lake trails are marked before traveling on lakes, but if you choose to go, please use extreme caution. Hazards and thin ice are not marked and there are areas of slush and poor ice, common for early ice conditions.
FISHING REPORT
Aside from too-brief breaks, subzero temperatures and snowfall continue to deter the majority of ice anglers. Although some of the more dedicated are braving the elements (and some taking risks on areas with questionable ice), there are few detailed reports. Comprehensive ice fishing reports for all species will begin when angler activity increases. For now, check the above reports and chat with bait shop personnel for current fishing and ice conditions.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 16: Canada goose season closed 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.
Jan. 5: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 5: Relic Rider’s Paul Wick Memorial Snowmobile Ride; 1 p.m., Anglers Haven Resort.
Jan. 18-19: Free Fishing Weekend.
Jan. 18: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Ruffed grouse (Northern Zone); Squirrel; Bobcat (Period 2).
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.