walleyemaxx
04-27-2010, 11:02 AM
Hi everyone,
Getting ready for the opener? Let the HLVCB's fishing report help. Many tips, and good info.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Planning to fish the opener but don't remember where you stored your
equipment last fall? You might want to start a search. Wisconsin's
inland game fish season opens Saturday May 1. That is THIS Saturday.
Spring's early arrival is adding a twist to this year's opener. Experts
and non-experts alike agree fish activity is running at least two to
three weeks ahead of schedule for all species. Consider this when
deciding where, what, and how you will fish opening weekend.
"Walleye suckers and small crankbaits fished around weeds and/or rock in
5-10 feet could be the ticket for opening weekend walleye," says Bob at
Hayward Bait. "Early morning, and evening into dark, should offer the
best action. Anglers targeting northern may want to try northern
suckers, minnows, spinnerbaits, and spoons in shallow water. Bass will
be in very shallow weeds and could offer some topwater action, but
anglers should remember bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and
release only through June 18."
At Pastika's, Al says making predictions for this opening weekend is
challenging.
"Walleyes are post-spawn and should be where they normally are two to
three weeks later in the month. Depending on the lake, I suggest fishing
weeds in 6-15 feet of water - and there could be a good leech and
crawler bite. For northern, try live bait or twitch baits near weeds and
panfish. Fish bass with plastics, and spinner and minnow baits, in
shallow, protected bays. Bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and
release only until June 19, so check the zone map closely and know the
boundaries."
Pat at Happy Hooker reminds anglers the Quiet Lakes Crappie-A-Thon
starts May 7.
"We tagged hundreds of crappies in the lakes," Pat says, "and a $3.00
entry fee gives participants catching a tagged fish the opportunity to
win cash or other valuable prizes. All participants are eligible for the
year end drawing, so you really don't even have to catch a fish."
According to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt, spring survey results
indicate fish are three to four weeks ahead of schedule.
"Anglers might want to think bass and panfish, though the tail end of
the spring walleye feed could be good for big, fully recovered females
on deep weed lines.
"Water levels are the lowest I have ever seen. Anglers should be careful
at the launches - some are very shallow and have axle-eating holes - and
offshore bars normally of no concern are now a danger to lower units and
pocketbooks."
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says northern pike and walleye
finished spawning more than a week ago, and muskies are on the down side
of their spawning period.
"Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid-50s on most lakes,
providing an extended spawning season for muskies, and it's possible
smallmouth and crappie will soon begin their nesting period - almost
unheard of for late April!"
Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's Store,
Hayward Bait) recorded 18 turkeys (six juveniles and 12 adults) for
spring turkey season Period B, April 21-25. At Hillman's, Marty
registered a big 29-pound two-ounce bird with a ten-inch beard.
Leftover spring turkey tags are available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E
(May 12-16) and F (May 19-23.) Sales continue until tags are sold out or
the end of the season. As of April 21, tags remain as follows:
Zone 1: Period E - 3167; Period F - 9108.
Zone 3: Period E - 3544; Period F - 8060.
Hayward's Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) fishing event for people with
disabilities is May 21-23 on the Chippewa Flowage. Volunteers are always
welcome (and needed!), as are additional fishing and pontoon boats and
operators. For more information, call Pat Lindgren (800) 243-3462; (715)
634-3185.
The Whitetails Unlimited Hayward Chapter fundraising banquet is Thursday
May 13 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. Single tickets cost $45; add a spouse
or junior (to age 15) for $25. Ordering deadline is May 6. For tickets
or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call Sabrina
Morgan (715) 766-3246.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter - Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend
its meeting Tuesday May 4 at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, ten miles east of
Hayward on Highway 77. Beginning at 7 p.m., Green Bay angler Kevin
Pischke will present methods for catching big fish on Green Bay and the
river system.
Fishing Reports
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good as fish start to move in and prepare to spawn
when water temperatures hit the upper 50. Work shallow water (out to 10
feet) in bays and on bay edges with crappie minnows, waxies, and
plastics/tubes fished two to three feet under a bobber. Be prepared to
sort for a meal.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is also good and in the same areas as walleye, though in
shallower water. Waxies, worms, small jigs and plastics are all catching
fish, and minnows will work for the larger 'gills.
Upcoming Events
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closed.
May 1: Seasons Open: Inland game fish (see regs for specifics); Northern
Zone bass (catch and release only); Frog.
May 4: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting at Dick-Sy Roadhouse.
7 p.m. (715-634-4543.)
May 13: Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited fundraising banquet
((715-766-3246.)
May 21-23: Fishing Has No Boundaries fishing event for persons with
disabilities (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
May 29: Muskellunge season opens north of Hwy 10.
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.
Walleyemaxx
Respect-Earned not given
Getting ready for the opener? Let the HLVCB's fishing report help. Many tips, and good info.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Planning to fish the opener but don't remember where you stored your
equipment last fall? You might want to start a search. Wisconsin's
inland game fish season opens Saturday May 1. That is THIS Saturday.
Spring's early arrival is adding a twist to this year's opener. Experts
and non-experts alike agree fish activity is running at least two to
three weeks ahead of schedule for all species. Consider this when
deciding where, what, and how you will fish opening weekend.
"Walleye suckers and small crankbaits fished around weeds and/or rock in
5-10 feet could be the ticket for opening weekend walleye," says Bob at
Hayward Bait. "Early morning, and evening into dark, should offer the
best action. Anglers targeting northern may want to try northern
suckers, minnows, spinnerbaits, and spoons in shallow water. Bass will
be in very shallow weeds and could offer some topwater action, but
anglers should remember bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and
release only through June 18."
At Pastika's, Al says making predictions for this opening weekend is
challenging.
"Walleyes are post-spawn and should be where they normally are two to
three weeks later in the month. Depending on the lake, I suggest fishing
weeds in 6-15 feet of water - and there could be a good leech and
crawler bite. For northern, try live bait or twitch baits near weeds and
panfish. Fish bass with plastics, and spinner and minnow baits, in
shallow, protected bays. Bass fishing in the Northern Zone is catch and
release only until June 19, so check the zone map closely and know the
boundaries."
Pat at Happy Hooker reminds anglers the Quiet Lakes Crappie-A-Thon
starts May 7.
"We tagged hundreds of crappies in the lakes," Pat says, "and a $3.00
entry fee gives participants catching a tagged fish the opportunity to
win cash or other valuable prizes. All participants are eligible for the
year end drawing, so you really don't even have to catch a fish."
According to DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt, spring survey results
indicate fish are three to four weeks ahead of schedule.
"Anglers might want to think bass and panfish, though the tail end of
the spring walleye feed could be good for big, fully recovered females
on deep weed lines.
"Water levels are the lowest I have ever seen. Anglers should be careful
at the launches - some are very shallow and have axle-eating holes - and
offshore bars normally of no concern are now a danger to lower units and
pocketbooks."
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says northern pike and walleye
finished spawning more than a week ago, and muskies are on the down side
of their spawning period.
"Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid-50s on most lakes,
providing an extended spawning season for muskies, and it's possible
smallmouth and crappie will soon begin their nesting period - almost
unheard of for late April!"
Hayward area registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's Store,
Hayward Bait) recorded 18 turkeys (six juveniles and 12 adults) for
spring turkey season Period B, April 21-25. At Hillman's, Marty
registered a big 29-pound two-ounce bird with a ten-inch beard.
Leftover spring turkey tags are available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E
(May 12-16) and F (May 19-23.) Sales continue until tags are sold out or
the end of the season. As of April 21, tags remain as follows:
Zone 1: Period E - 3167; Period F - 9108.
Zone 3: Period E - 3544; Period F - 8060.
Hayward's Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) fishing event for people with
disabilities is May 21-23 on the Chippewa Flowage. Volunteers are always
welcome (and needed!), as are additional fishing and pontoon boats and
operators. For more information, call Pat Lindgren (800) 243-3462; (715)
634-3185.
The Whitetails Unlimited Hayward Chapter fundraising banquet is Thursday
May 13 at Lumberjack Steakhouse. Single tickets cost $45; add a spouse
or junior (to age 15) for $25. Ordering deadline is May 6. For tickets
or more information, visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com, or call Sabrina
Morgan (715) 766-3246.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter - Muskies, Inc. welcomes the public to attend
its meeting Tuesday May 4 at Dick-Sy Roadhouse, ten miles east of
Hayward on Highway 77. Beginning at 7 p.m., Green Bay angler Kevin
Pischke will present methods for catching big fish on Green Bay and the
river system.
Fishing Reports
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good as fish start to move in and prepare to spawn
when water temperatures hit the upper 50. Work shallow water (out to 10
feet) in bays and on bay edges with crappie minnows, waxies, and
plastics/tubes fished two to three feet under a bobber. Be prepared to
sort for a meal.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is also good and in the same areas as walleye, though in
shallower water. Waxies, worms, small jigs and plastics are all catching
fish, and minnows will work for the larger 'gills.
Upcoming Events
April 25: Early catch-and-release only trout season closed.
May 1: Seasons Open: Inland game fish (see regs for specifics); Northern
Zone bass (catch and release only); Frog.
May 4: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting at Dick-Sy Roadhouse.
7 p.m. (715-634-4543.)
May 13: Hayward chapter of Whitetails Unlimited fundraising banquet
((715-766-3246.)
May 21-23: Fishing Has No Boundaries fishing event for persons with
disabilities (800-243-3462; 715-634-3185.)
May 29: Muskellunge season opens north of Hwy 10.
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.
Walleyemaxx
Respect-Earned not given