Hayward Lakes Sherry
10-27-2009, 09:26 AM
October 26, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Wet, cool, and windy days are taking a toll on angler interest. Aside from the weather – and the many recreational choices to be made this time of year – it is also necessary to address pre-winter projects before the snow flies ... again.
According to Pat at Happy Hooker, fishing is slow, but large fish are on the move and can be caught. He advises anglers to dress warm and prepare for wind, rain, or snow.
“Fall fishing is not for the faint of heart,” says Pat. “Cold weather, cold water, snappy winds and nasty wind chills all take their toll – no one leaves the water because they’re overdressed – and that’s before dealing with fickle fish!”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, cool, variable weather and an abundance of hunting opportunities are limiting fishing pressure. He says water temps are in the mid- to upper-40s and turnover is complete on all but the large, deep lakes.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend its meeting Tuesday Nov. 3 at Dow’s Corner Bar, on the corner of Hwy 77 and County Road A, approximately 15 miles east of Hayward. A business meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the fall tournament and election of officers for 2010, and a fishing lure, tackle, and equipment swap will follow the business meeting. For more information, contact Mike Persson 634-4543.
A new color-coded map available on the DNR website compares deer population estimates to goals by assigning a color to deer management units (DMUs) in one of four population categories. Hunters can use the map to get a general idea of population trends in their units.
Blue DMUs are estimated to be more than 20 percent below goal, and with the intent of increasing herd numbers, very few (if any) antlerless permits are available for sale in 2009. The number of bonus antlerless permits available in green (within plus or minus 20 percent of population goal) and yellow (20 to 40 percent above goal) DMUs are set to maintain populations near goals. Red units (more than 40 percent above goal) have ample numbers of bonus antlerless permits, are designated as Herd Control units, or are CWD units in which EAB rules apply.
Hunting seasons are rolling along, but it appears few hunters are pursuing wild turkeys. In the past week, local registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 12 bucks, including one nice ten-point that should green score approximately 139 points, 22 antlerless deer – and no turkeys.
Reminder: Hayward Rod and Gun Club will host sight-in days Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 7, 8, and every day during November 14-20, the week prior to gun deer season. A Marlin XL 7 rifle is being raffled as a fundraiser. Raffle tickets ($1/each, six/$5) are available at Shooting Star Archery and at the range during sight-in days. The drawing is Nov. 20 and the winner need not be present to win.
Reminder: Waterfowlers and all other hunters whose activities are governed by legal shooting hours – turn back your clocks Sunday Nov. 1, the end of Daylight Saving Time.
Muskies:
Late fall is known as the time period for big muskies, but you can’t catch them from the comfort of a couch. Anglers are having relatively good success, and catching fish from various depths. Live bait – large suckers on quick-strike rigs – is the top draw, but be aware big suckers are in short supply. Casting Bull Dawgs, jerk and twitch baits, and trolling big minnow and stick baits, are all working, and all are readily available.
Walleye:
Walleyes are scattered, and action is slow to good, depending on the angler, lake, and day. Work deep rocks and along the edges of break lines in 18-30 feet of water (or deeper) with large minnows on jigs or under slip bobbers.
Northern:
Northern pike are around weeds and/or panfish, with best action on northern suckers.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth are getting little attention, but you can catch them with walleye suckers and medium size tubes fished in deep water, hard-bottom areas.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing continues to be fairly good. Fish for them in and near brush and weed edges in 4-10 feet water, and suspending in 15-25 feet of water, with tube jigs and crappie minnows.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 28: Public meeting on 2010 deer season proposals – Spooner.
Oct. 31: Non-resident raccoon season opens.
Nov. 1: Turn back your clocks!
Nov. 2: Woodcock season closes.
Nov. 2: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting. Dow’s Corner Bar – 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 7: Seasons Open: Beaver trapping; Otter trapping.
Nov. 8: Sharp-tailed grouse season closes.
Nov. 9: Mourning dove season closes.
Nov. 19: Seasons Close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 21-29: Regular gun deer season.
Nov. 24: Northern Zone duck season closes.
Nov. 24: Musky season closes in Northern Zone.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Wet, cool, and windy days are taking a toll on angler interest. Aside from the weather – and the many recreational choices to be made this time of year – it is also necessary to address pre-winter projects before the snow flies ... again.
According to Pat at Happy Hooker, fishing is slow, but large fish are on the move and can be caught. He advises anglers to dress warm and prepare for wind, rain, or snow.
“Fall fishing is not for the faint of heart,” says Pat. “Cold weather, cold water, snappy winds and nasty wind chills all take their toll – no one leaves the water because they’re overdressed – and that’s before dealing with fickle fish!”
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, cool, variable weather and an abundance of hunting opportunities are limiting fishing pressure. He says water temps are in the mid- to upper-40s and turnover is complete on all but the large, deep lakes.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend its meeting Tuesday Nov. 3 at Dow’s Corner Bar, on the corner of Hwy 77 and County Road A, approximately 15 miles east of Hayward. A business meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the fall tournament and election of officers for 2010, and a fishing lure, tackle, and equipment swap will follow the business meeting. For more information, contact Mike Persson 634-4543.
A new color-coded map available on the DNR website compares deer population estimates to goals by assigning a color to deer management units (DMUs) in one of four population categories. Hunters can use the map to get a general idea of population trends in their units.
Blue DMUs are estimated to be more than 20 percent below goal, and with the intent of increasing herd numbers, very few (if any) antlerless permits are available for sale in 2009. The number of bonus antlerless permits available in green (within plus or minus 20 percent of population goal) and yellow (20 to 40 percent above goal) DMUs are set to maintain populations near goals. Red units (more than 40 percent above goal) have ample numbers of bonus antlerless permits, are designated as Herd Control units, or are CWD units in which EAB rules apply.
Hunting seasons are rolling along, but it appears few hunters are pursuing wild turkeys. In the past week, local registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) registered 12 bucks, including one nice ten-point that should green score approximately 139 points, 22 antlerless deer – and no turkeys.
Reminder: Hayward Rod and Gun Club will host sight-in days Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 7, 8, and every day during November 14-20, the week prior to gun deer season. A Marlin XL 7 rifle is being raffled as a fundraiser. Raffle tickets ($1/each, six/$5) are available at Shooting Star Archery and at the range during sight-in days. The drawing is Nov. 20 and the winner need not be present to win.
Reminder: Waterfowlers and all other hunters whose activities are governed by legal shooting hours – turn back your clocks Sunday Nov. 1, the end of Daylight Saving Time.
Muskies:
Late fall is known as the time period for big muskies, but you can’t catch them from the comfort of a couch. Anglers are having relatively good success, and catching fish from various depths. Live bait – large suckers on quick-strike rigs – is the top draw, but be aware big suckers are in short supply. Casting Bull Dawgs, jerk and twitch baits, and trolling big minnow and stick baits, are all working, and all are readily available.
Walleye:
Walleyes are scattered, and action is slow to good, depending on the angler, lake, and day. Work deep rocks and along the edges of break lines in 18-30 feet of water (or deeper) with large minnows on jigs or under slip bobbers.
Northern:
Northern pike are around weeds and/or panfish, with best action on northern suckers.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth are getting little attention, but you can catch them with walleye suckers and medium size tubes fished in deep water, hard-bottom areas.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing continues to be fairly good. Fish for them in and near brush and weed edges in 4-10 feet water, and suspending in 15-25 feet of water, with tube jigs and crappie minnows.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 28: Public meeting on 2010 deer season proposals – Spooner.
Oct. 31: Non-resident raccoon season opens.
Nov. 1: Turn back your clocks!
Nov. 2: Woodcock season closes.
Nov. 2: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting. Dow’s Corner Bar – 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 7: Seasons Open: Beaver trapping; Otter trapping.
Nov. 8: Sharp-tailed grouse season closes.
Nov. 9: Mourning dove season closes.
Nov. 19: Seasons Close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 21-29: Regular gun deer season.
Nov. 24: Northern Zone duck season closes.
Nov. 24: Musky season closes in Northern Zone.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.