Hayward Lakes Sherry
02-03-2011, 12:08 PM
January 31, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Temperatures continue to be slightly colder than average and the forecast calls for more snow, but nothing resembling predictions to our south. Yet another good reason to visit and enjoy all the outdoor recreation in the Hayward area.
Al at Pastika’s says walleyes have moved a bit deeper and action is fair.
“The best fishing continues to be just before and after dark. On tough fishing days, some anglers have some success by downsizing their baits. Downsizing is true for crappies, too, and switching to plastics can make a significant difference.”
At Happy Hooker, Pat says walleye action is slow, though anglers are catching some fish.
“There are still fish to be had, however, and northerns currently offer the best action.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says lake ice thickness varies from 12-17 inches.
“Recent snows added one to two inches on top of the six inches already on the ice, making travel a bit difficult. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are almost a necessity.”
Cable Rod and Gun Club’s 21st annual ice fishing contest on Lake Namakagon is February 5. The contest offers raffles, door prizes, and cash prizes for the biggest walleye, northern, perch, bluegill, and crappie. For more information, call (715-798-4459.)
Bob at Hayward Bait reminds anglers to mark their calendars for February 12 and the 15th Annual Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin (WFNW) Family Ice Fishing Event on Lac Courte Oreilles.
“Official fishing hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but registration and event button sales will start at 8 a.m. at the boat landing off Highway K. Buttons cost $5 for adults and $1 for youth 13-17 years of age. Youth to age 12 again fish free thanks to Slumberland, and the first 200 receive a jigging rod and reel.
“This year anglers can practice catch-and-release and we will award fish prizes by drawings rather than size. Anyone buying a Grand Prize raffle ticket has a chance to win a chance to win a 2011 Toyota 4x4 truck. Also new this year, all drawing winners must be present to claim their prizes.”
For more information, visit www.wfnw.org or call Hayward Bait at (715-634-2921.)
The January 28 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report says trail conditions are excellent and there is 12-18 inches of snow cover. Trails 3, 5, and 21 around Moose Lake remain in great condition. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia State Trail is open to ATV use. Trail closures include Trail 29 from Little Round Lake to Trail 30. Use trails 9 and 3 as alternates.
The January 31 Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says trails are in very good condition. During heavy weekend traffic, groomers spend Saturday night and Sunday hitting all trails. Midweek riding is typically best with fresh trails and less traffic.
Lakewoods Resort’s January 28 trail report says trails in all directions are snow covered, well groomed, and in good to great condition. Lake Namakagon trails are in good condition with smooth surfaces. Be alert around ice fishing areas for ruts created by ATV and four-wheel-drive traffic.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair but erratic, with the best action in the hour before dark night. As is true with all species reports, depths and locations will vary from lake to lake. In general, look for weeds, rock and gravel bars, mud and sand flats, and break lines, and fish depths from 5-30 feet. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, jigged fatheads, and jigging spoons tipped with a minnow piece are all catching fish.
Northern:
Northern action varies from fair to good. Work weeds and areas holding panfish in 6-20 feet of water with tip-ups and northern suckers or shiners. Shiners produce more action, but big northern suckers attract trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie action is inconsistent, with the best time early morning or just before dark. Look for fish suspending over weeds or deeper water from 12-30 feet. Move until you find them, and then use your flasher to pinpoint their location in the water column. They could be close to the bottom to 15 feet or more off the bottom. Use crappie minnows, rosy reds, fatheads, waxies, and plastics on small jigs or plain hooks. If the bite is slow, try plastics, and sometimes smaller is better.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is fair to good and also requires moving around on the ice. Concentrate on weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-20 feet. Depths depend upon the lake and structure. Waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics on teardrops and small jigs will work, and smaller minnows can be good for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch action is very good. Fish on the bottom, but reports on locations vary from 15-25 feet of water to mud and sand flats in less than eight feet of water. If you do not find them in once place, try another. Top baits include fatheads, rosy reds, shiners, and waxies. Presentations include tip-ups, teardrops, jigs, and jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Seasons Closed: Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Squirrel.
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
Temperatures continue to be slightly colder than average and the forecast calls for more snow, but nothing resembling predictions to our south. Yet another good reason to visit and enjoy all the outdoor recreation in the Hayward area.
Al at Pastika’s says walleyes have moved a bit deeper and action is fair.
“The best fishing continues to be just before and after dark. On tough fishing days, some anglers have some success by downsizing their baits. Downsizing is true for crappies, too, and switching to plastics can make a significant difference.”
At Happy Hooker, Pat says walleye action is slow, though anglers are catching some fish.
“There are still fish to be had, however, and northerns currently offer the best action.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says lake ice thickness varies from 12-17 inches.
“Recent snows added one to two inches on top of the six inches already on the ice, making travel a bit difficult. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are almost a necessity.”
Cable Rod and Gun Club’s 21st annual ice fishing contest on Lake Namakagon is February 5. The contest offers raffles, door prizes, and cash prizes for the biggest walleye, northern, perch, bluegill, and crappie. For more information, call (715-798-4459.)
Bob at Hayward Bait reminds anglers to mark their calendars for February 12 and the 15th Annual Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin (WFNW) Family Ice Fishing Event on Lac Courte Oreilles.
“Official fishing hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but registration and event button sales will start at 8 a.m. at the boat landing off Highway K. Buttons cost $5 for adults and $1 for youth 13-17 years of age. Youth to age 12 again fish free thanks to Slumberland, and the first 200 receive a jigging rod and reel.
“This year anglers can practice catch-and-release and we will award fish prizes by drawings rather than size. Anyone buying a Grand Prize raffle ticket has a chance to win a chance to win a 2011 Toyota 4x4 truck. Also new this year, all drawing winners must be present to claim their prizes.”
For more information, visit www.wfnw.org or call Hayward Bait at (715-634-2921.)
The January 28 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report says trail conditions are excellent and there is 12-18 inches of snow cover. Trails 3, 5, and 21 around Moose Lake remain in great condition. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia State Trail is open to ATV use. Trail closures include Trail 29 from Little Round Lake to Trail 30. Use trails 9 and 3 as alternates.
The January 31 Cable Area Snowmobile Trail Report says trails are in very good condition. During heavy weekend traffic, groomers spend Saturday night and Sunday hitting all trails. Midweek riding is typically best with fresh trails and less traffic.
Lakewoods Resort’s January 28 trail report says trails in all directions are snow covered, well groomed, and in good to great condition. Lake Namakagon trails are in good condition with smooth surfaces. Be alert around ice fishing areas for ruts created by ATV and four-wheel-drive traffic.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair but erratic, with the best action in the hour before dark night. As is true with all species reports, depths and locations will vary from lake to lake. In general, look for weeds, rock and gravel bars, mud and sand flats, and break lines, and fish depths from 5-30 feet. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, jigged fatheads, and jigging spoons tipped with a minnow piece are all catching fish.
Northern:
Northern action varies from fair to good. Work weeds and areas holding panfish in 6-20 feet of water with tip-ups and northern suckers or shiners. Shiners produce more action, but big northern suckers attract trophy pike.
Crappie:
Crappie action is inconsistent, with the best time early morning or just before dark. Look for fish suspending over weeds or deeper water from 12-30 feet. Move until you find them, and then use your flasher to pinpoint their location in the water column. They could be close to the bottom to 15 feet or more off the bottom. Use crappie minnows, rosy reds, fatheads, waxies, and plastics on small jigs or plain hooks. If the bite is slow, try plastics, and sometimes smaller is better.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is fair to good and also requires moving around on the ice. Concentrate on weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-20 feet. Depths depend upon the lake and structure. Waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics on teardrops and small jigs will work, and smaller minnows can be good for larger ‘gills.
Perch:
Perch action is very good. Fish on the bottom, but reports on locations vary from 15-25 feet of water to mud and sand flats in less than eight feet of water. If you do not find them in once place, try another. Top baits include fatheads, rosy reds, shiners, and waxies. Presentations include tip-ups, teardrops, jigs, and jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Seasons Closed: Ruffed grouse in northern zone; Squirrel.
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.