Hayward Lakes Sherry
03-16-2010, 02:42 PM
March 15, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Mild (warm!) temperatures following three days of rain have brought an end to north woods snowmobile and cross-country ski seasons. Ice anglers are still fishing – this time period offers some of the best panfish action of the year – but ice conditions are rapidly deteriorating and some lakes have considerable water and slush.
As mentioned above, ice fishing conditions are quickly changing, and so are the best locations, baits, techniques, and presentations. Check with your favorite bait and tackle shop for the most current information – for both your safety and fishing success.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good and will continue to improve as the fish start their move to shallower water. For now, look for them at depths varying from 8-25 feet, depending on the lake you are fishing. They are suspending or holding near weeds, structure, bars, and drop-offs. Check the entire water column, especially up high and just under the ice. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, wigglers, and small plastics. Crappie minnows on tip-downs can be very effective. One report says waxies work best during the day, but a vertical jig or plain hook with a minnow is best at night.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is decent and improving. Plan on drilling some holes, and keep moving until you find them. Look for the ‘gills near green weeds and structure in shallow water down to 15 feet. Concentrate on the south-facing end of lakes that receive the most sunlight. Best baits include waxies, wigglers, spikes, mousies, plastics, and minnows. Downsize baits and use light line for the best results. If the bite is light, watch your line for the most subtle signs of movement.
Perch:
Perch success ranges from slow to good depending on the day (and the angler?) They are on (or just off) the bottom in 10-25 feet of water, on mud flats and drop-offs near spawning areas. Best baits are fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, plastics, and small jigs tipped with waxies, wigglers, or spikes. Tip-downs can also be effective for perch.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Mild (warm!) temperatures following three days of rain have brought an end to north woods snowmobile and cross-country ski seasons. Ice anglers are still fishing – this time period offers some of the best panfish action of the year – but ice conditions are rapidly deteriorating and some lakes have considerable water and slush.
As mentioned above, ice fishing conditions are quickly changing, and so are the best locations, baits, techniques, and presentations. Check with your favorite bait and tackle shop for the most current information – for both your safety and fishing success.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good and will continue to improve as the fish start their move to shallower water. For now, look for them at depths varying from 8-25 feet, depending on the lake you are fishing. They are suspending or holding near weeds, structure, bars, and drop-offs. Check the entire water column, especially up high and just under the ice. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, wigglers, and small plastics. Crappie minnows on tip-downs can be very effective. One report says waxies work best during the day, but a vertical jig or plain hook with a minnow is best at night.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is decent and improving. Plan on drilling some holes, and keep moving until you find them. Look for the ‘gills near green weeds and structure in shallow water down to 15 feet. Concentrate on the south-facing end of lakes that receive the most sunlight. Best baits include waxies, wigglers, spikes, mousies, plastics, and minnows. Downsize baits and use light line for the best results. If the bite is light, watch your line for the most subtle signs of movement.
Perch:
Perch success ranges from slow to good depending on the day (and the angler?) They are on (or just off) the bottom in 10-25 feet of water, on mud flats and drop-offs near spawning areas. Best baits are fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, plastics, and small jigs tipped with waxies, wigglers, or spikes. Tip-downs can also be effective for perch.