Hayward Lakes Sherry
01-18-2011, 10:26 AM
January 17, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
We have snow – and more on the way. Recent snowfall was considerable, though light and fluffy. Travel on the ice is the best of the season, and snowmobile and cross-country trails are in excellent condition.
Pat at Happy Hooker says there is a silver lining to the generally crummy weather of the past.
“After the thaw, the rain, and the hard freeze, the best news is an improvement in ice conditions. We have heard no reports of slush and nor do we expect to as long as the weather stays cold.
“Walleye fishing slowed after a very strong start in December. The fish spread out and are no longer concentrated in shallower water. Anglers should target deeper weed areas with mid-sized minnows. Fishing is still best in the early morning and late afternoon into evening hours.
“Northern action is good on large minnows fished around shallow green weeds. Panfish fishing is slow and they show no real pattern. Though it is still some time away, panfish action is always better late in the season.”
Terry at Hayward Bait says walleyes are moving deeper, northerns are hitting northern suckers and shiners around weeds and structure, and panfish anglers can improve success by using downsized tackle and baits near weeds and silt bottoms in 7-10 feet of water.
At Pastika’s, Mike says walleye fishing is fair to good and best just before and after dark.
“Depths vary, but try deeper weeds in 14-17 feet of water with tip-ups and walleye suckers and shiners, or fatheads on jigs. Fish northern pike near weeds with suckers and shiners. Crappies are holding over deeper water and at various positions in the water column.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice on north woods lakes range from 12 to 14 inches thick on most waters and no slush problems.
“Increasing numbers of vehicles are on the ice, but continue to use caution – there are still small, open-water areas around springs, inlets, and some points.
“The best walleye action is near dark on cloudy and milder days. Fish small suckers or large fatheads over mud flats in 5 to 10 feet of water. For crappie and perch, fish 1 to 3 feet off bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water. The low amount of snow cover is allowing more light penetration and bumping up northern feeding activity. Use large golden shiners or suckers near deeper weeds or mid-depth break lines.”
Substantial fresh snow in recent days made for much improved trail conditions. On a side note, snowmobilers apparently now have to contend with a new riding hazard. A report out of northern Minnesota says a barred owl knocked a snowmobiler off his sled last week. The adult owl weighed less than two pounds, but the collision knocked the snowmobiler off the sled, rendered him unconscious, cracked his nose, and caused two black eyes.
Trail Conditions are excellent according to the January 17 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report. The base is thin, but rock hard, and lake trails are perfect.
Trails 3, 5, and 21 around Moose Lake are in great condition. There is some confusion on Trail 30 by the Casino, and until it is resolved, work your way through the Casino, motor home, and Subway parking lots. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the trail is open to ATV use.
Trail closures include: Trail 25 South from the Tuscobia to Big Bear Lodge on the way to Rusk County (use trail 36 as an alternate); Trail 40 from the Tuscobia mouth to Trail 25/Dead Horse (use Trail 25 as an alternate); Trail 29 from Little Round Lake to Trail 30 (use trails 9 and 3 as alternates.)
The January 17 Cable area trail report says trails are in very good to excellent condition following the seven inches or more of fresh snow that fell during the weekend. The forecast calls for additional snow, with cold temperatures following the storm. Groomers will pack and groom trails 24/7.
The Namakagon Trails Report as of Jan. 16 says trails are in excellent shape and the more than a foot of fluffy snow received in the Cable area Friday night made for much better riding on the lake.
Virgin Timber Resort report of January 15 says snow cover is 17 inches and riders indicate very good trail conditions. We have groomed trails, staked lakes, and the forecast is for more snow and cold temperatures.
The January 12 Lakewoods Resort report says trails are in good condition – snow covered, and well groomed. The Namakagon stick trail is in good condition with smooth surfaces, and without large accumulations on the surface, they are fast and perfect for ‘cleaning out the plugs.’ As always, use caution on any lakes until you are familiar with conditions.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 25: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 29: Schultz’s Resort beach party Northwoods Humane Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
Jan. 29: Northwest Relic Riders Big Boyz Toyz Vintage Ride (Winter.)
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone.
Feb. 5: Cable Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 5: Northwest Relic Riders 5th Annual Kaye Johnson Memorial vintage snowmobile ride.
Feb. 12: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921.)
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon; Red and gray fox.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 4-6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast Lakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
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
We have snow – and more on the way. Recent snowfall was considerable, though light and fluffy. Travel on the ice is the best of the season, and snowmobile and cross-country trails are in excellent condition.
Pat at Happy Hooker says there is a silver lining to the generally crummy weather of the past.
“After the thaw, the rain, and the hard freeze, the best news is an improvement in ice conditions. We have heard no reports of slush and nor do we expect to as long as the weather stays cold.
“Walleye fishing slowed after a very strong start in December. The fish spread out and are no longer concentrated in shallower water. Anglers should target deeper weed areas with mid-sized minnows. Fishing is still best in the early morning and late afternoon into evening hours.
“Northern action is good on large minnows fished around shallow green weeds. Panfish fishing is slow and they show no real pattern. Though it is still some time away, panfish action is always better late in the season.”
Terry at Hayward Bait says walleyes are moving deeper, northerns are hitting northern suckers and shiners around weeds and structure, and panfish anglers can improve success by using downsized tackle and baits near weeds and silt bottoms in 7-10 feet of water.
At Pastika’s, Mike says walleye fishing is fair to good and best just before and after dark.
“Depths vary, but try deeper weeds in 14-17 feet of water with tip-ups and walleye suckers and shiners, or fatheads on jigs. Fish northern pike near weeds with suckers and shiners. Crappies are holding over deeper water and at various positions in the water column.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice on north woods lakes range from 12 to 14 inches thick on most waters and no slush problems.
“Increasing numbers of vehicles are on the ice, but continue to use caution – there are still small, open-water areas around springs, inlets, and some points.
“The best walleye action is near dark on cloudy and milder days. Fish small suckers or large fatheads over mud flats in 5 to 10 feet of water. For crappie and perch, fish 1 to 3 feet off bottom in 15 to 25 feet of water. The low amount of snow cover is allowing more light penetration and bumping up northern feeding activity. Use large golden shiners or suckers near deeper weeds or mid-depth break lines.”
Substantial fresh snow in recent days made for much improved trail conditions. On a side note, snowmobilers apparently now have to contend with a new riding hazard. A report out of northern Minnesota says a barred owl knocked a snowmobiler off his sled last week. The adult owl weighed less than two pounds, but the collision knocked the snowmobiler off the sled, rendered him unconscious, cracked his nose, and caused two black eyes.
Trail Conditions are excellent according to the January 17 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report. The base is thin, but rock hard, and lake trails are perfect.
Trails 3, 5, and 21 around Moose Lake are in great condition. There is some confusion on Trail 30 by the Casino, and until it is resolved, work your way through the Casino, motor home, and Subway parking lots. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the trail is open to ATV use.
Trail closures include: Trail 25 South from the Tuscobia to Big Bear Lodge on the way to Rusk County (use trail 36 as an alternate); Trail 40 from the Tuscobia mouth to Trail 25/Dead Horse (use Trail 25 as an alternate); Trail 29 from Little Round Lake to Trail 30 (use trails 9 and 3 as alternates.)
The January 17 Cable area trail report says trails are in very good to excellent condition following the seven inches or more of fresh snow that fell during the weekend. The forecast calls for additional snow, with cold temperatures following the storm. Groomers will pack and groom trails 24/7.
The Namakagon Trails Report as of Jan. 16 says trails are in excellent shape and the more than a foot of fluffy snow received in the Cable area Friday night made for much better riding on the lake.
Virgin Timber Resort report of January 15 says snow cover is 17 inches and riders indicate very good trail conditions. We have groomed trails, staked lakes, and the forecast is for more snow and cold temperatures.
The January 12 Lakewoods Resort report says trails are in good condition – snow covered, and well groomed. The Namakagon stick trail is in good condition with smooth surfaces, and without large accumulations on the surface, they are fast and perfect for ‘cleaning out the plugs.’ As always, use caution on any lakes until you are familiar with conditions.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 25: Winter crow season opens.
Jan. 29: Schultz’s Resort beach party Northwoods Humane Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
Jan. 29: Northwest Relic Riders Big Boyz Toyz Vintage Ride (Winter.)
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse in northern zone.
Feb. 5: Cable Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Namakagon (715-798-4459.)
Feb. 5: Northwest Relic Riders 5th Annual Kaye Johnson Memorial vintage snowmobile ride.
Feb. 12: Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Family Ice Fishing Event (715-634-2921.)
Feb. 15: Seasons Close: Coyote trapping; Raccoon; Red and gray fox.
Feb. 24-26: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.)
Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping.
March 4-6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast Lakewoods Resort
March 4-6: Hayward National Snocross, LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center.
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.