Hayward Lakes Sherry
03-09-2010, 11:12 AM
March 08, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
In general, the entire last week was a superb continuation of last Monday’s report – sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures. The Hayward 300 Snocross National and World’s Longest Weenie Roast participants could not have asked for better weather this past weekend (though perhaps cooler temps and a shot of snow.)
Bob at Hayward Bait says with the warmer weather ice anglers should be more careful where they go on the ice, observing that “a good friend will walk out first.” He adds this is a good time to service reels, spool new line, and prepare for spring. At Outdoor Creations, Brian suggests panfish anglers try the smaller lakes that receive less fishing pressure.
Pat at Happy Hooker says this is the time when water will start to pool on the ice, fishing is marked by blue skies and longer days, and sunglasses again become a part of an ice angler’s gear.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, recent mild weather settled the snow pack on lakes and the depth is down to two or three inches of grainy snow cover. Ice thickness is holding at 20 to 22 inches, and travel conditions are very good. However, with the warm and sunny conditions, anglers should be cautious when getting on and off the lakes.
Early trout season opened last Saturday, but DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says it will be awhile before the Namekagon River is in fishable condition. Pratt offers what he says is a killer stonefly imitation for big browns in the early season and for big bluegills later in the year: Size 10 tube jig hook; black marabou tail (wooly-bugger style) and black chenille body with fine gold rib. At the eye, double layer chenille over the lead head and add a pair of one-inch white rubber legs on top on each side. For the most natural appearance, variegate the legs with a black marker.
Hayward Bass Club will hold a meeting Wednesday March 10, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club on Hwy B. The club encourages anyone who enjoys bass fishing to attend the meeting. For more information, contact Wayne Balsavich (715-699-1015) or Bob Schuster at Hayward Bait.
The north woods snowmobile season is winding down, though trails remain open and (some) continue to be in good condition. Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says groomers report local trails are in good condition, with lakes firm and no slush. Namakagon Trails Report notes low nighttime temperatures are helping to maintain trail conditions, though the sun is doing damage and some fire roads are getting bare. Lakewoods reports trails are fair and have snow cover, but open areas and trails along plowed roads are suffering and riders need to be selective in trail choices.
The 2010 Hayward Lakes Vacation Guide with a full calendar of events is now available at many (most!) locations in the Hayward area, including the Sawyer County Record office, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Reminders: Game fish season on inland waters closed March 7; Turn your clocks ahead when Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday March 14; Hunting/fishing/trapping licenses expire March 31.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers report fairly consistent – and improving – panfish success. Crappies are suspending over deeper water and/or around weeds, structure, and deep holes. Depths will vary depending on the lake you are fishing. Best baits include crappie minnows, fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving, but sorting is still necessary if you want to take home enough “meat” for a meal. Fish areas with weeds and other cover in 4-18 feet of water. Waxies, spikes, mousies, plastics, and chena (sealskin) on small jigs and teardrops will all catch bluegills. Fishing deeper water with small crappie minnows is effective for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch anglers are picking up fish on the bottom in deeper water (15-25 feet) on muck/mud bottoms, with best success in the late afternoon hours. A wide selection of baits will work, including fatheads, rosy reds, crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, wigglers, plastics, and small jigging spoons such as Swedish Pimples tipped with fatheads or minnow pieces.
Upcoming Events
March 7: Game fish season closed on inland waters. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 10: New hunting/fishing licenses on sale.
March 10: Hayward Bass Club membership meeting (715-699-1015.)
March 11: Sawyer County deer management information meeting (Laine Stowell 715-634-9659, ext. 3527.)
March 13: Schultz’s Restaurant 7th Annual Turkey Bowl Northwoods Humane Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
March 14: Daylight Saving Time begins.
March 14: Ice fishing shelters must be removed from lakes north of Hwy 64.
March 20: Crow season closes.
March 22-26: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 27: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 12: Fish & Wildlife Spring Hearings and Conservation Congress county meetings.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
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
In general, the entire last week was a superb continuation of last Monday’s report – sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures. The Hayward 300 Snocross National and World’s Longest Weenie Roast participants could not have asked for better weather this past weekend (though perhaps cooler temps and a shot of snow.)
Bob at Hayward Bait says with the warmer weather ice anglers should be more careful where they go on the ice, observing that “a good friend will walk out first.” He adds this is a good time to service reels, spool new line, and prepare for spring. At Outdoor Creations, Brian suggests panfish anglers try the smaller lakes that receive less fishing pressure.
Pat at Happy Hooker says this is the time when water will start to pool on the ice, fishing is marked by blue skies and longer days, and sunglasses again become a part of an ice angler’s gear.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, recent mild weather settled the snow pack on lakes and the depth is down to two or three inches of grainy snow cover. Ice thickness is holding at 20 to 22 inches, and travel conditions are very good. However, with the warm and sunny conditions, anglers should be cautious when getting on and off the lakes.
Early trout season opened last Saturday, but DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt says it will be awhile before the Namekagon River is in fishable condition. Pratt offers what he says is a killer stonefly imitation for big browns in the early season and for big bluegills later in the year: Size 10 tube jig hook; black marabou tail (wooly-bugger style) and black chenille body with fine gold rib. At the eye, double layer chenille over the lead head and add a pair of one-inch white rubber legs on top on each side. For the most natural appearance, variegate the legs with a black marker.
Hayward Bass Club will hold a meeting Wednesday March 10, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club on Hwy B. The club encourages anyone who enjoys bass fishing to attend the meeting. For more information, contact Wayne Balsavich (715-699-1015) or Bob Schuster at Hayward Bait.
The north woods snowmobile season is winding down, though trails remain open and (some) continue to be in good condition. Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says groomers report local trails are in good condition, with lakes firm and no slush. Namakagon Trails Report notes low nighttime temperatures are helping to maintain trail conditions, though the sun is doing damage and some fire roads are getting bare. Lakewoods reports trails are fair and have snow cover, but open areas and trails along plowed roads are suffering and riders need to be selective in trail choices.
The 2010 Hayward Lakes Vacation Guide with a full calendar of events is now available at many (most!) locations in the Hayward area, including the Sawyer County Record office, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Reminders: Game fish season on inland waters closed March 7; Turn your clocks ahead when Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday March 14; Hunting/fishing/trapping licenses expire March 31.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers report fairly consistent – and improving – panfish success. Crappies are suspending over deeper water and/or around weeds, structure, and deep holes. Depths will vary depending on the lake you are fishing. Best baits include crappie minnows, fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving, but sorting is still necessary if you want to take home enough “meat” for a meal. Fish areas with weeds and other cover in 4-18 feet of water. Waxies, spikes, mousies, plastics, and chena (sealskin) on small jigs and teardrops will all catch bluegills. Fishing deeper water with small crappie minnows is effective for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch anglers are picking up fish on the bottom in deeper water (15-25 feet) on muck/mud bottoms, with best success in the late afternoon hours. A wide selection of baits will work, including fatheads, rosy reds, crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, wigglers, plastics, and small jigging spoons such as Swedish Pimples tipped with fatheads or minnow pieces.
Upcoming Events
March 7: Game fish season closed on inland waters. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 10: New hunting/fishing licenses on sale.
March 10: Hayward Bass Club membership meeting (715-699-1015.)
March 11: Sawyer County deer management information meeting (Laine Stowell 715-634-9659, ext. 3527.)
March 13: Schultz’s Restaurant 7th Annual Turkey Bowl Northwoods Humane Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
March 14: Daylight Saving Time begins.
March 14: Ice fishing shelters must be removed from lakes north of Hwy 64.
March 20: Crow season closes.
March 22-26: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 27: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 12: Fish & Wildlife Spring Hearings and Conservation Congress county meetings.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
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.