Hayward Lakes Outdoor Report March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Well that was a short, early spring ... or maybe not. A somewhat significant change to cooler weather is in the works this week, but the forecasts still indicate temperatures will be warmer than the norm for this time of year.
Although is a little disheartening to see high temperatures drop nearly 20 degrees and the use of “snow” in the forecast (yes, your read that correctly), but really, now – who can complain about mid-50 highs at the end of March? In many years, this would bring a big smile to most faces in the north woods! Do not be discouraged – warmer temperatures return this area again next week.
“If history is any indication, we should expect good panfish action soon.” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but this year seems to be ignoring any respect for history. Lake ice departed a full month ahead of normal and late season ice fishing did not happen. It has just been that kind of a month.”
Mark at Hayward Bait says panfish anglers should concentrate on the shallow, south-facing back bays holding darker, warmer water.
“Try casting parallel to shore and don’t be afraid to try topwater or sub-surface flies and baits. The fish could be shallower than you might think for this time of year. They are moving and might spook in the shallow water, so you will have to move to stick with them.”
Brian at Outdoor Creations says some anglers are taking advantage of the open water and reporting success for crappie, bluegill, and perch with the usual baits. He adds that this is the time – rather than the day before the fishing opener – for anglers to organize and do maintenance on their fishing gear. With the first turkey hunting period just two weeks away, it is also time for turkey hunters to organize their equipment.
“Ice has gone out or is currently going out on nearly all lakes across the north woods,” says DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, “making it one of the earliest ice-offs in recent history. DNR fisheries crews are very busy gearing up and starting on surveys of early spawning species such as northern pike and walleye. With the very early ice-out, angling pressure is generally light, with just a few sucker anglers trying their luck. Sucker fishing is fair, but anglers report making some decent catches of redhorse and white suckers in the deeper holes of the Flambeau and Chippewa Rivers.”
The Wisconsin DNR’s recently released final numbers for the 2011 deer seasons show hunters registered 347,711 whitetails for all seasons. This total includes 257,511 deer registered for all gun seasons, and 90,200 deer registered during archery season. The harvest totals for 2011 are available on the DNR website. Biologists break down harvest by buck and antlerless deer and by deer season type in each of 136 DMUs. Through April 1, hunters can participate in an online deer survey and provide written comments.
The Conservation Congress, in conjunction with Dr. James Kroll, will hold six town hall meetings around the state April 16-21 to gather citizen’s ideas and solutions for Wisconsin’s deer management practices. Wisconsin contracted Dr. Kroll as a whitetail deer trustee to conduct an independent, objective, and scientifically based review of Wisconsin’s deer management practices. One of the six meetings is Wednesday April 18, from 7-10 p.m., at Hayward Intermediate School gymnasium on West 5th Street in Hayward.
The 2012 DNR Spring Hearings are Monday April 9 at 72 locations, one in each county. The DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress host the hearings and all begin at 7 p.m. A list of meeting locations and a booklet with the questions citizens can vote on is available on the DNR website and at DNR service centers. The Sawyer County hearings alternate each year between Hayward and Winter, and this year the meeting is at Winter High School.
According to the DNR, spring wildfire season is well underway. Last year’s grass, leaves, and flowering plants are prime fuel and officials are urging extra caution with anything that could start a wildfire. Since debris burning is the main cause of Wisconsin wildfires, the DNR encourages the composting or chipping of leaves and fallen brush rather than burning those materials. Information on burning permits and restrictions are available on the DNR website.
Upcoming Events
March 31: Hunting, fishing licenses expire; Trout season opens on Lake Superior tributaries (see regs).
April 7-8: Youth Turkey Hunt (see regs).
April 8: Easter Sunday.
April 9: Statewide DNR Spring Hearings 7 p.m.
April 18: “Dr. Deer” town hall meeting at Hayward Intermediate School 7-10 p.m.
April 29: Early inland trout season closes.
May 5: General game fish season opener (see regs).
May 18-20: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
June 2-3: Free Fishing Weekend.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 11-17; B: April 18-24; C: April 25-May 1; D: May 2-8; E: May 9-15; F: May 16-22.
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.