2-10-12 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Temperatures remain unseasonably COLD through the first part of this week, with lows pushing -25 degrees and highs in the single to low double-digits. Finally, a break arrives Wednesday, with a low above zero and a high reaching into the mid-20s!
The second annual Sawyer County fish management forum is Wednesday, February 19, from 7-9 p.m., at Hayward High School. DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says discussion topics this year include the 2013 fisheries surveys and what they mean to anglers; fish stocking in 2013 and what anglers can expect for 2014 regarding muskie, walleye, and trout; and regulation change proposals with a preview of what may appear at future Conservation Congress hearings. For more information, contact Wolter at (715) 634-9658.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin has rescheduled its 18th annual Family Fishing Event on Lac Courte Oreilles for March 1. Event organizers canceled the February 8 event due to extreme limitations on lake access. For information, call Bob (715-634-2921) or Joe (715-209-5232).
“Cold weather and deep snow has certainly slowed the number of anglers willing to spend time on the ice,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “A warming trend on the way, or at least more reasonable temperatures, should encourage more anglers.
“A tracked vehicle or snowmobile is probably your best bet, but snowmobile travel can be difficult unless you stay on the more heavily traveled areas. There are some slushy areas on the lakes and several vehicles have been rescued from being stuck in the slush or on a snow drift.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says some Chippewa Flowage anglers are doing well on panfish.
“Finding fish is the hardest part. Drill many holes in 15-22 feet of water and use your electronics to look for fish. You will probably check several spots devoid of fish, but they will be stacked when you find them.
“Try simple hook/split shot rigs with crappie minnows for neutral fish and jigs tipped with waxies or plastics for active crappies. Fish your bait just above the crappies since they generally feed upward.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says lake conditions are poor at best. Most travel is by foot or snowmobile, and while some individuals are driving on some lakes, vehicle travel is very difficult with deep snow and slush.
“Walleye fishing is fair on Grindstone and LCO, with walleye suckers and jigging spoons producing best in 15-30 feet of water. Crappie action is good on many lakes. Fish are suspending over deeper parts of the lakes and minnows and plastics are working well.”
“So far, so good,” says DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter concerning Chippewa Flowage oxygen levels.
“This winter, the Chippewa Flowage Resort Owners Association, Lac Courte Oreilles Conservation Department, and DNR fisheries teamed up to keep tabs on dissolved oxygen levels in the Chippewa Flowage during the drawdown.
“Initial data shows very healthy levels of oxygen in most parts of the flowage, particularly in the upper 10 feet of the water column. We observed the lowest dissolved oxygen levels in Crane Lake and Blueberry Flats, which is common even in non-drawdown years.
“It is important to recognize that some localized fish kills are still likely this winter, but that is by no means uncommon or unhealthy for the overall fishery.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says angling reports are quite sparse, with the combination of cold weather and difficult access conditions continuing to keep fishing pressure on area lakes at low levels.
“The heavy snow cover severely limits access to most waters, there are many areas of slush, and most ice fishing access is limited to a few plowed or packed trails. Ice depths are holding in the 16- to 18-inch range, as the 8-12 inches of snow cover is providing enough insulation to keep the ice from getting thicker.
“A good snow shovel is an important addition to an angler’s gear this winter. Not only is it a big benefit if you get stuck, but it is useful for clearing snow around ice fishing holes.”
The DNR will conduct aerial deer surveys in the Shell Lake area of Washburn County during February and March, as weather conditions permit, focusing on a 36-square-mile area surrounding the location of a CWD-positive deer harvested during the 2011 gun deer season. Test results were negative for three additional deer biologists suspected of having CWD.
The February 7 Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report says trails are receiving regular grooming and continue to be in very good to excellent condition, with temperatures in single digits during the day and below zero at night.
The Lakewoods snowmobile trail report of February 7 says trails remain in very good to excellent condition. Pick up a Brrrr Run poker card and make your way around the region. Fill your card and you will get a nifty bandanna and a chance to win $500 in cash!
The Namakagon Trail Groomers trail report for February 4 says trails are in great shape. Cold temperatures and a few inches of snow a week keep the base and they are grooming three nights a week. Trail 63 south of Trail 70 is now open and groomed. Please be respectful of all landowners when you are riding.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is slower and spotty, but anglers continue to catch fish, especially in the evening hours. Concentrate your attention on weeds, mud flats, and sand grass in 6-30 feet of water, depending on lake fished and time of day. Walleye suckers and large fatheads are the baits of choice, fished on jigs, jigging spoons, or under tip-ups.
Northern:
Northern pike action is fair to good, but probably affected by the heavy snow cover. Fish weeds, weed edges, and areas holding panfish in 6-22 feet of water. Northern suckers or shiners under tip-ups are the way to go, and try deeper water with larger bait for trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers report good action once they locate the fish and electronics are invaluable for the job. Look for fish suspending over deeper water (12-25 feet) and be sure to check the entire water column. Top producing baits include crappie minnows, plastics, and waxies tipped on small jigs or plain hook split shot rigs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is good in 10-20 feet of water. Fish are suspending, near weeds and cribs, and sometimes in with the crappies. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops are the baits of choice. Small minnows can work for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch fishing remains fair to good, with fish on soft bottom areas and sometimes in the same location as walleyes, hitting baits a few feet off the bottom. Use tip-downs with crappie minnows and rosy reds, or try tipping jigging spoons with waxies or minnow heads.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 14-17: Great Backyard Bird Count.
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Fox trapping; Coyote trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
Feb. 15: Namekagon River Valley Chapter RMEF banquet (715-634-1742).
Feb. 15: Northwest Relic Riders ‘ride in’ to DJ’s Dock Alzheimer’s fundraiser & chili cook-off.
Feb. 19: DNR Sawyer County fish management forum, Hayward High School, 7-9 p.m.
Feb. 20-23: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Mink trapping; Muskrat trapping; Cottontail rabbit.
March 1: Rescheduled Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin 18th Annual Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921).
March 1: Game fish season closes on inland waters. (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.