walleyemaxx
12-17-2010, 11:09 AM
Hi everyone,
Here's this weeks HLVCB report.
December 13, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Heavy snow this past weekend will hinder lake access for ice anglers as well as slow the ice making process, but it will bring smiles to the faces of snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. It could be an interesting week, with a few nights forecast for double-digit sub-zero temperatures. Now THAT should make some ice!
"Early ice provides a mixed bag for anglers," says Pat at Happy Hooker, "the chance for some very nice catches versus the very real possibility of breaking through thin ice and possible hypothermia. Those who think all ice is safe are kidding themselves. Two weeks into this season we have heard of a couple anglers and an ATV going through the ice."
Pat says he is hearing some reports of good walleye action on lakes with 'tolerable' ice.
"Most of the walleyes are in shallow water, and a sucker under a tip-up is the presentation of choice. Northerns are cooperative in shallow water near weeds - use large minnows and a steel leader. As for panfish, we are yet to hear any good reports."
Al at Pastika's says the ice is decent, with four to six inches of good, hard ice.
"Walleye fishing is spotty and sporadic. Action is primarily an evening bite with walleye suckers on tip-ups, though jigging is also producing catches. Anglers are catching some northerns on shiners, and there are a few good reports of crappie success."
Brian at Outdoor Creations says some bays have five to six inches of ice, but Round Lake (in the big lake) has only two inches and is not safe.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt advises all recreationalists to be aware of the variable ice conditions.
"Early season anglers should be extremely cautious when traveling on any waterbody, and especially wary around inlets, outlets, the centers of larger lakes, and any moving water."
Sommerfeldt says first-ice success is generally slow so far, but action will improve with thicker ice and a bit of snow cover making for less-spooky fish.
"Walleye anglers should target deep edges and mud flats in 6-10 feet of water. Concentrate your efforts in low light early morning and late afternoon hours, and fish small suckers or golden shiners 4-8 inches off the bottom. Pike anglers should suspend large golden shiners just over the top of any green weeds."
The DNR encourages anglers to follow the rules and help prevent the spread of fish diseases and invasive species. If you add lake water or fish to your minnow container, you can use those minnows only in that waterbody. If you use smelt or other dead bait, preserve it by methods not requiring freezing or refrigeration. Keep your fish on the ice and then carry them in a dry bucket. Carrying live fish away from a waterbody can cost $343.50. Drain all water from equipment, buckets, and containers. You may carry up to two gallons for your minnows. Failing to drain water from fishing equipment is a $243 penalty.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 11: Canada goose season closed in north exterior zones.
Dec. 18: Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club Casey Loop Enduro/club meeting.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Hungarian partridge; Bobcat hunting/trapping; Fisher trapping; Frog.
Jan. 8: Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club vintage stud run.
Jan. 9: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 25: Winter crow season open through March 20.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715) 634-5025.)
March 4-6: World's Longest Weenie RoastLakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
Have a safe weekend everyone.
Walleyemaxx
Here's this weeks HLVCB report.
December 13, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Heavy snow this past weekend will hinder lake access for ice anglers as well as slow the ice making process, but it will bring smiles to the faces of snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. It could be an interesting week, with a few nights forecast for double-digit sub-zero temperatures. Now THAT should make some ice!
"Early ice provides a mixed bag for anglers," says Pat at Happy Hooker, "the chance for some very nice catches versus the very real possibility of breaking through thin ice and possible hypothermia. Those who think all ice is safe are kidding themselves. Two weeks into this season we have heard of a couple anglers and an ATV going through the ice."
Pat says he is hearing some reports of good walleye action on lakes with 'tolerable' ice.
"Most of the walleyes are in shallow water, and a sucker under a tip-up is the presentation of choice. Northerns are cooperative in shallow water near weeds - use large minnows and a steel leader. As for panfish, we are yet to hear any good reports."
Al at Pastika's says the ice is decent, with four to six inches of good, hard ice.
"Walleye fishing is spotty and sporadic. Action is primarily an evening bite with walleye suckers on tip-ups, though jigging is also producing catches. Anglers are catching some northerns on shiners, and there are a few good reports of crappie success."
Brian at Outdoor Creations says some bays have five to six inches of ice, but Round Lake (in the big lake) has only two inches and is not safe.
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt advises all recreationalists to be aware of the variable ice conditions.
"Early season anglers should be extremely cautious when traveling on any waterbody, and especially wary around inlets, outlets, the centers of larger lakes, and any moving water."
Sommerfeldt says first-ice success is generally slow so far, but action will improve with thicker ice and a bit of snow cover making for less-spooky fish.
"Walleye anglers should target deep edges and mud flats in 6-10 feet of water. Concentrate your efforts in low light early morning and late afternoon hours, and fish small suckers or golden shiners 4-8 inches off the bottom. Pike anglers should suspend large golden shiners just over the top of any green weeds."
The DNR encourages anglers to follow the rules and help prevent the spread of fish diseases and invasive species. If you add lake water or fish to your minnow container, you can use those minnows only in that waterbody. If you use smelt or other dead bait, preserve it by methods not requiring freezing or refrigeration. Keep your fish on the ice and then carry them in a dry bucket. Carrying live fish away from a waterbody can cost $343.50. Drain all water from equipment, buckets, and containers. You may carry up to two gallons for your minnows. Failing to drain water from fishing equipment is a $243 penalty.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 11: Canada goose season closed in north exterior zones.
Dec. 18: Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club Casey Loop Enduro/club meeting.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Hungarian partridge; Bobcat hunting/trapping; Fisher trapping; Frog.
Jan. 8: Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club vintage stud run.
Jan. 9: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 25: Winter crow season open through March 20.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715) 634-5025.)
March 4-6: World's Longest Weenie RoastLakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
Have a safe weekend everyone.
Walleyemaxx