3-17-14 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
This week’s forecast calls for temperatures similar to or a bit cooler than last week, with a chance of snow nearly every day. During this same time last year, we enjoyed temperatures in the 50s and 60s!
Pat at Happy Hooker says few anglers are fishing due to the snow and slush making it difficult, if not impossible, to move around on the lakes.
“We can enjoy some good late winter ice fishing with an extended break in the weather, but this is a good time to inspect summer equipment. Check rods for missing or worn tips and eyelets, clean and oil reels, spool new line, and clean tackle boxes, disposing of rusted hooks and lures.”
Kelly at Hayward Bait says nearly all fishing is in walk-to locations due to the slush/snow conditions.
“Crappie anglers are catching fish in 6-15 feet of water in Nelson, Gull, and Long lakes with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics; bluegill action is best on waxies and plastics; and anglers are catching a few perch on Round.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says the moderating weather has a few more anglers fishing the Chippewa Flowage. Travel is still tough, so anglers should stay on marked trails to avoid deep snow and slush.
“Find areas with 15-22 feet of water and use your electronics. You might have to try several areas until you find fish. When you do, drill lots of holes and try different baits.
“Crappie minnows will take fish, but you will catch more fish on jigs tipped with plastics or waxies. For bigger fish, try a #2 Jigging Rapala. For the bluegills mixed in with the crappies, tip smaller jigs with spikes.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says trying to predict ice-out dates can be a popular game and offers some information to help you make guesses and beat your friends.
“We typically have a little challenge at the DNR office to guess the date and last year everyone’s guesses were WAY off! Each year is different, and you have to look at current conditions first and foremost, but historical data can be a good starting point.
“Whitefish Lake resident Ken Zeroth has kept immaculate records on ice-out dates going back to 1974. His records show that 84 percent of the time, the ice goes out on Whitefish between April 9 and April 28, with most ice-outs during the third week of April. Only 10 percent of the time has ice-out been earlier or later than April, with 2012 and 2013 two of those years.
“Keep in mind Whitefish is deep and ice goes out a little later than most other lakes. Thanks for the great info, Ken!”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions remain relatively unchanged on the lakes.
“Ice depths range from 22-30 inches, with the upper third several layers of slush. This continues to make very tough access conditions, as most motorized vehicles break right thru the first layer or two of slush.
“There is minimal fishing pressure, with very few panfish anglers going out with these difficult access conditions. Those who are going out report low success, catching just a few perch in 6-10 feet of water.”
A DNR Hunter Education course begins April 1 (classes April 1, 3, 5, 8), offered in conjunction with the Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) organization. To purchase any Wisconsin hunting license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course. This course is limited to 35 students and requires advance registration. The $10 fee includes all class materials. To register, email scope4youth@hotmail.com with your name and indicate you would like to register for this class. You will receive additional class information by e-mail at the address you provide. For more information, contact Chris Wunrow (715) 558-5371.
The DNR reduced the number of over-the-counter (OTC) spring turkey permits for zones 4 and 5 by 25 percent and will not issue remaining OTC permits in zones 6 and 7. This is in response to hunter concerns that winter mortality has depressed turkey numbers. DNR upland wildlife ecologist Scott Walter says the concerns are justified, since deep, persistent snow cover across the northern counties has limited turkey movements and mortality could be significant for flocks without access to adequate food sources.
The Namekagon River Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding its annual spring banquet April 11 at the Hayward VFW. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner begins at 7 p.m. The event includes numerous raffles and raffle packages, early bird, and “bring a buddy” special offers. Individual tickets for dinner and NWTF membership cost $60; couples cost $110; and Jakes (17 and younger) tickets cost $35. Other ticket packages are available. For more information, contact Brad (715-580-0792); Bruce (715-558-2496); or Tim (715-669-3401).
The Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau snowmobile trail report of March 13 says trails remain open, groomed, and in great late season condition. Chequamegon National Forest trails were open this past weekend, but they will reassess them March 17. (Disregard the note on the trail map saying Chequamegon trails close March 15.) Trails are hard and fast when temperatures are cold, but they are getting sticky and slushy as the days warm. There are slushy spots and deep snow on the lakes, so please stay on the well-worn stick trails.
The March 13 Namakagon Trail Groomers trail report says trails are holding up well, though any trails running along roads will be very dry, with little chance of lubrication from the ditch, as the snow banks are very high in spots.
The March 10 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says trails are still in very good to excellent condition, but “sticky” and fast, so be cautious in corners. While riding on the lake, stick to the heavily ridden path on the stick trail. There are reports of slushy spots on the lakes, but the ice remains very thick and safe for travel. Check out area resorts late season deals and coupons.
FISHING REPORT
Access to, and travel on, the lakes remains difficult due to layers of snow and slush. Fishing reports continue to be much like the panfish anglers – few and far between – but those who make it onto the ice report decent action. Take a variety of baits, plan to drill a good number of holes, and electronics (flashers and cameras) are invaluable for finding fish.
For crappies, concentrate on 6-22 feet of water with crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics on plain hooks or small jigs, and jigging spoons. Look for bluegills in the same vicinity as crappies and use plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops tipped with waxies, spikes, and plastics. Perch anglers are catching a few fish with crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and jigging spoons fished close to the bottom in/on/near weeds or on mud flats in 6-15 feet of water.
Upcoming Events
March 16: Deadline for removing ice fishing shelters from inland lakes north of Highway 64.
March 20: Winter crow season closes.
March 17-21: Remaining spring turkey permits on sale.
March 21: SCOPE banquet (715-634-4871).
March 29: Trout season opens on some Lake Superior tributaries (See regs for exceptions).
March 31: Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expire.
April 1: Hunter Education course begins (715-558-5371).
April 11: Namekagon River Gobblers NWTF Banquet (715-580-0792; 558-2496; 669-3401).
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureauwebsite, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.