Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report 5-13-13
By Steve Suman
This week’s weather forecasts indicate we might at last experience more spring-like, warmer temperatures. Yes, those forecasts include rain, but it will be a nice change to receive precipitation in the liquid form!
Pat at Happy Hooker says anglers should always check walleye bag limits at the boat landings since they may change as the season progresses, and read the fishing regulations to learn of special rules regarding area lakes and flowages.
“Walleyes may or may not yet be spawning in the shallows, anglers looking for panfish should work weed areas in 5-10 feet of water, and northern pike will also be in the weeds. Remember that muskie season does not open until May 25 and all bass are catch and release until June 15.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says he has heard some reports of walleyes spawned out and others saying females are still full of spawn.
“Either way, it is a spotty bite. As the lakes continue to warm and as the ice goes away, expect the bite to really pick up over the next week or so.”
Randy at Jenk’s says there is still considerable water coming into the Chippewa Flowage.
“Walleye action is pretty good with minnows on the river and anglers are catching some fish on the lake in 15-20 feet of water. Northern action is fair in the bays with minnows. Most crappie success is still in 12-15 feet of water.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says the usual fishing opener challenge is finding the fish. This year, it was finding open water!
“Walleyes are in current areas in anywhere from 4-20 feet of water. The fish will move shallower under cloudy or low light conditions. A jig tipped with a fathead is the most productive bait. Try 1/8- or 1/4-ounce jigs, depending on depth, and bright colors work best.”
At Anglers All in Ashland, Carolyn says the hot pond is yielding some walleyes – when it is free of ice.
“As of Saturday, all boat landings except Ashland were open, but the ice was shoved in from the head of Chequamegon Bay to the landing behind Anglers All.
“Trollers outside the bay are doing well running stickbaits off planer boards or using Dipsey Divers and downriggers. Anglers are catching mainly brown trout and coho, with an occasional lake trout. Streams are running high, dirty, and fast. Things can quickly change, so call ahead for current conditions.
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says that as many anglers know, it has been some time since we have had strong natural walleye year classes on many area lakes.
“There is a variety of possible reasons for the poor year classes, including predation, competition, climate, and water levels.
“Walleye can produce good year classes with high, dark water conditions during the spawn and consistent warming temperatures afterward. The first part of the equation is coming into place this year as the lakes receive a boost in water level from the late snowmelt.
“Of course, a big walleye hatch does not always translate into a strong year class. For young walleye to survive their first year, they must have available prey and low predation.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says anglers fishing the rivers and open lakes report mixed success.
“The early walleye bite is erratic, but anglers are making catches on jig and minnow combinations and crankbait action should improve as the water warms. River walleye fishing seems especially slow, but the sucker run is providing some good action.”
Anglers attending a free fishing electronics seminar Thursday May 16 at the Hayward Veterans Community Center will learn about down imaging, side imaging, and interfacing between Humminbird locators, Minn Kota trolling motors, and LakeMaster maps. Anglers using other brands can also gain valuable insights into their electronics. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Sponsors include WRLS, Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin, Hayward Bait, and Hayward Power Sports.
The Hayward Fishing Has No Boundaries 26th annual fishing event is this weekend, May 17-18, at Lake Chippewa Campground. The event always needs more volunteers to work the docks, assist participants on and off boats, clean fish, and other duties, as well as additional fishing and pontoon boats. For more information, call (715) 634-3185 or (800) 243-3462; or email hayfhnb@cheqnet.net.
The Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest is May 31 through June 2, with headquarters at Doc Smith Park in Winter. The event is open to all current and former soldiers and all proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Register by May 15 ($5 fee). For more information, contact Mike Heath (715) 266-4203, 492-6407, or email phantomlures4u@yahoo.com.
The Cable Area Off Road Classic Bike Race running from Lakewoods Resort on Lake Namakagon to downtown Cable is this Saturday May 18. For information, visit www.caorc.com or call the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce (800) 533-5474.
FISHING REPORT
Walleye: The walleye bite is inconsistent and there are various reports on the stage of walleye spawning. Depending on the lake, look for fish from shallow to more than 20 feet of water. A jig and minnow is the most effective bait, but working the shallows with crankbaits and stickbaits in the evening hours can also produce action.
Northern: Northern action is decent in shallow water to mid-depths with Rapalas, stickbaits, spoons, and spinnerbaits, but you will likely have better success with live bait.
Bass: Until June 15, bass fishing – for both largemouth and smallmouth – is catch and release only in the Northern Bass Zone. Concentrate on shallower, warmer water areas with plastic worms, jigs with plastics, and spinnerbaits.
Crappie: Crappie fishing continues to be slow, with fish still holding in deeper water out to 15 feet or so. Jigs and crappie minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits will all work on stubborn slabs.
Bluegill: Bluegill action also remains slow, with best chances around weeds and cover in shallower, warmer water. Waxies, worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits are the top bait choices.
Perch: Perch fishing, too, continues to be slow, with fish in depths out to 12 feet or so. Try minnows, waxies, and plastics to temp the reluctant perch.
Upcoming Events
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 17-18: Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462).
May 17-19: Musky Tale Resort’s Northern Encounter northern pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838).
May 18: Cable Area Off Road Classic Mountain Bike Race (800-533-5474).
May 25: Muskie season opens in the Northern Muskie Zone.
May 31-June 2: Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest (715-266-4203; 492-6407).
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 1: Free Kids Fishing Derby (715-634-4821).
June 7: Flambeau River State Forest headquarters open house (715-332-5271).
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (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.