HLVCB Outdoor Report for January, 2016
Steve Suman
For people who wondered if winter weather would ever arrive this year – it is here! The sub-zero lows forecast for this week, combined with (at this time) no “major” snow events, should build good ice on the lakes and freeze the swamps so snowmobile trail crews can stake the entire system. Conditions should then be excellent for ice anglers.
Wisconsin’s Winter Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend, January 16-17, and both residents and nonresidents can fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license or trout stamp, including all inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. All other regulations apply, such as possession limits, size limits, and any seasons when you must release certain species. Visit the DNR website for more information.
Northland Area Builders Association (NABA) will host its 6th Annual Ice Fishing Event Saturday, January 16, on Nelson Lake. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the public boat landing on Gerlach Road. The entry fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and younger. The first 25 kids receive a tip-up courtesy of Hayward Home Center. The event offers a cash raffle and raffles for more than 100 prizes. Receive one raffle ticket for every non-perishable food item donation. Catch a fish and receive a raffle ticket. Raffle tickets for the Grand Prize, a Ford Escape SE 4wd, cost $1/each or 6/$5, with sales limited to 1,500 tickets (must be present to win). Food and refreshments are available in the food tent. For more information, visit www.northlandarebuilders.com or call (715) 558-1555.
“Anglers are venturing out onto the ice,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but staying relatively close to shorelines. They report four to six inches along the edges and out about 75 yards, with good ice and no slush under the snow.
“Some anglers are catching a few walleye and northern pike, but nothing consistent, and there are still no panfish reports, as most anglers are after early walleye.
“After this week’s single-digit highs and minus zero nights, anglers should be able to get to their favorite spots. Dress accordingly!”
Kelly at Hayward Bait says lakes are freezing good this week, but use caution and be safe.
“Walleyes and northern pike anglers are doing well with walleye minnows and shiners. Panfish anglers fishing for crappies and bluegills report good action with crappie minnows and plastics.”
Mike at Jenk’s says at last report the Chippewa Flowage is holding about 5-8 inches of ice, Grindstone and Round have about 5-7 inches, and Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) is holding 3-8 inches, depending the section of the lake.
“They have staked the trails on the Flowage, so getting out on your snowmobiles on the Flowage should be fine, but do exercise caution.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses the effects of late ice and plants.
“Finally, we have ice cover on all Hayward area lakes and anglers are starting to venture out to fish. According to local records, this is the second latest ice-on date for most lakes in this area. As a result, anglers may scratch their heads about how to approach the unfamiliar timing to this ice season.
“A late ice-on means aquatic plants have soaked up sunshine much later into the season than is typical, allowing them to stay green and produce oxygen, rather than dying off. That is good news for fish and those who are looking for fish.
“Keying on weeds could be a good strategy this winter, as fish will likely stay in those spots a little later into the season than normal. In addition, with water more oxygenated at this point in the winter than in past winters, suspended fish will be deeper in the water column.
Ice conditions remain extremely variable, says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, and anglers should check local ice conditions and use extreme caution when traveling on the ice.
“Walleye anglers report sporadic action, with the best success on cloudy days when temperatures reach into the mid-20s. Fish large fatheads and small sucker minnows on breaklines in 5-10 feet. With the stained water, after-dark fishing is very slow.
“Northern action is fair on large shiners fished near green weeds. Panfish anglers are catching a few nice crappie and perch suspending 1-3 feet off bottom in deeper water.
“There is a moderate amount of pressure on the managed trout lakes, with anglers landing some decent brown, rainbow, and brook trout.”
SNOWMOBILE TRAIL REPORT
The January 11 Namakagon Trail Groomers report says the groomer is out of the swamp thanks to the great efforts of Gary, Larry, Al, Greg’s Towing, and Mark Rasmussen Excavating. With the 24 degrees below zero reading this morning, the swamps and lakes should be making ice! Groomers say they will fully groom the entire trail system by Thursday!
Runamuk Rides January 9 report says the base is 12-14 inches, the previously closed section of trail 63 in northern Sawyer County and southern Bayfield County reopened, groomers are grooming, and trails are in good shape. Crews have not staked all sections of trails that run across lakes. If crews have not staked it, do NOT go on it, even if you see other tracks or traffic. It is not worth the risk. The state requires trail passes for both Wisconsin registered and non-resident snowmobiles.
The Lakewoods January 8 report says trails have about a 10-inch base and groomers are continuing to run and keep up with the traffic and keep trails in the best possible condition. All trails are open except sections that cross most lakes. Ice thickness is still inconsistent, but stick trails are up on some lakes.
The January 8 Cable Area snowmobile trails report says ice on the lakes is still inconsistent, so please look for stick trails before crossing any lakes. If the stick trail is not up, assume it is not safe to cross. You can ride about 90 percent of the trail system without crossing lakes.
The Hayward Power Sports January 7 report says Sawyer County snowmobile trails are open and groomed trails are in good condition. Crews groomed Tuscobia Trail and the spur trails off Tuscobia are open, though they could use more snow. The following lakes are frozen and staked: Moose, Nelson, Little Round, Osprey, Chief, Chippewa Flowage West side, and the east side from Cranberry Lake to Deerfoot Lodge. Stay off other lakes until they are frozen and staked.
FISHING REPORT
Ice conditions are improving with the recent subzero temperatures and ice fishing interest is starting to pick up, but with the past week relatively mild, it is important to continue to use caution when going on the ice. Walleye fishing is fair on walleye suckers, shiners, and big fatheads in depths to 12 feet. Catch northern around green weeds with walleye suckers and large shiners. Crappie fishing is fair to good with crappie minnows and plastics fished near the bottom in deep water. Catch bluegills on waxies, spikes, and plastics and perch with minnows on the bottom in deep water.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 14: Relic Riders club ride to lunch; meet at Sawmill Saloon (715-634-4608; 520-8220).
Jan. 16-17: Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and nonresidents.
Jan. 16: NABA 6th Annual Ice Fishing Event, Nelson Lake (715-558-1555).
Jan. 21: Relic Riders club ride to lunch; meet at Bar H Implements, Stone Lake (715-634-4608; 520-8220).
Jan. 24: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 26: Relic Riders club ride to lunch; meet at The Hutt, Hayward (715-634-4608; 520-8220).
Jan. 30: Elk Country ATV Club’s 8th annual ice fishing contest on Upper Clam Lake.
Jan. 30: Schultz’s Restaurant 10th Annual Beach Party (715-945-2223).
Jan. 31: Deer Run Resort 4th Annual ALL Women’s Ice Fishing Fundraiser for Kids with Cancer (715-462-3276).
Jan. 31: Seasons close: Ruffed grouse (Northern Zone); Bobcat hunting/trapping (Period 2); Squirrel.
Feb. 6: Flambeau River State Forest Candlelight Ski (715-332-5271).
Feb. 13: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin 20th Annual Family Ice Fishing Event.
Feb. 18-21: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025).
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 800-724-2992.