Hayward Lakes Sherry
02-22-2011, 03:54 PM
February 21, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
What a week! Warm temperatures and sunshine melted the snow, cleared the roads, improved spirits ... and then snow, cold, and strong winds returned. This week’s forecast calls for typical February temperatures and some much-needed snow for the upcoming Birkie weekend.
At Happy Hooker, Pat says ice fishing continues at a slow pace at February’s halfway point.
“Late season ice fishing is dominated by panfish and they should come on in the next weeks, driven by longer days and warmer weather. February temperatures are normally cold enough to hold ice, but warm enough for comfortable fishing. The best time is still ahead!”
Al at Pastika’s says ice conditions before the snow were good for driving but poor for walking. After warm temperatures and high winds took care of much of the snow, cold temperatures produced glare ice.
“Walleye fishing is fair, “says Nelson at Hayward Bait, “but it can be tough fishing this time of winter, similar to the dog days of summer. Anglers looking for action should concentrate on pike and panfish.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the variable, constantly changing weather continues to keep ice fishing pressure and success at mid-winter lows.
“Ice conditions are good across the north woods, with most lakes holding at 15-18 inches of ice. Mild weather compacted the snow cover making for easier travel, and more vehicles are spreading out to new fishing areas.”
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report for February 21 says trails are in good condition, snow is falling, and more snow is expected. Trail closures for the season include Trail 29 near LCO Casino and Little Round Lake. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia Trail is open to ATV use. The American Birkebeiner Ski Race with more than 8,000 participants is this weekend. Call ahead for reservations or you may not get a place to stay.
The February 21 Hayward Power Sports trail report says the temperatures returned to normal, freezing the trails and lakes to a hard ice base, and the fresh snow keeps tracks lubricated while riding. Snowmobilers say the trails are in good riding condition and should get better over the next several days.
The February 21 Lakewoods Resort trail report says that although the big storm missed us to the south, trails again have fresh snow with a bulletproof frozen ice/snow base. Trails are poor to fair around Namakagon, though certainly ride-able. Areas exposed to last week’s sun are in poor condition, but trails in heavily forested areas will be good after grooming. Stick to the trees for the best conditions. Snow helps the lake trails, but high winds left patches of bare ice. Use caution if you are not riding a studded sled, especially near areas of ice fishing where new snow now covers frozen ruts created by ATV and 4WD traffic.
The American Birkebeiner event begins Thursday Feb. 24 and continues through Saturday Feb. 25. The February 21 American Birkebeiner cross country trail report says that by noon Monday Hayward had received 5-7 inches of snow, Seeley 3-5 inches, and Cable 3-4 inches. There is a solid base (6-9 inches) and trails are de-iced and stable with sufficient snow. They will prep Lake Hayward Tuesday, and later spread and groom the ribbon of snow now lying across the lake.
For information on other area cross country ski and snowshoeing trails, visit the Northwest Wisconsin Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe report at www.norwiski.com.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Though not considered prime time for walleyes, anglers are catching fish – and some good ones at that. Best action continues to be under low light conditions, specifically just before and after dark. Look for weeds, rock, gravel, drop-offs, and other structure. Fish depths from 8-20 feet during low light, and 35 feet or deeper on clear days. Use walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups or jig with fatheads.
Northern:
Northerns are perhaps providing the most consistent action. Fish weeds with shiners and large northern suckers. Fish deeper weeds with larger baits for trophy pike.
Crappie:
Some crappie anglers are having very good success, while others ... not so much. Fish are suspending over deeper water (to 20 feet or more) and near weeds, wood, and other structure. A locator can be of great help, as fish are holding at various locations in the water column – some immediately under the ice. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action reports also range from poor to good. Look for them near weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-20 feet of water, depending on the lake you fish. Use waxies, spike, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Perch:
Perch fishing is fair to good, but inconsistent, and may require considerable moving around on the lakes. Fish on or just off bottom with waxies, spikes, and fatheads or small minnows on plain hooks, jigs, jigging spoons, or under tip-ups.
Upcoming Events
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.
March 5: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.)
March 5: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 6: Game fish season closes on inland waters.
March 21: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31:Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
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
What a week! Warm temperatures and sunshine melted the snow, cleared the roads, improved spirits ... and then snow, cold, and strong winds returned. This week’s forecast calls for typical February temperatures and some much-needed snow for the upcoming Birkie weekend.
At Happy Hooker, Pat says ice fishing continues at a slow pace at February’s halfway point.
“Late season ice fishing is dominated by panfish and they should come on in the next weeks, driven by longer days and warmer weather. February temperatures are normally cold enough to hold ice, but warm enough for comfortable fishing. The best time is still ahead!”
Al at Pastika’s says ice conditions before the snow were good for driving but poor for walking. After warm temperatures and high winds took care of much of the snow, cold temperatures produced glare ice.
“Walleye fishing is fair, “says Nelson at Hayward Bait, “but it can be tough fishing this time of winter, similar to the dog days of summer. Anglers looking for action should concentrate on pike and panfish.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says the variable, constantly changing weather continues to keep ice fishing pressure and success at mid-winter lows.
“Ice conditions are good across the north woods, with most lakes holding at 15-18 inches of ice. Mild weather compacted the snow cover making for easier travel, and more vehicles are spreading out to new fishing areas.”
Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report for February 21 says trails are in good condition, snow is falling, and more snow is expected. Trail closures for the season include Trail 29 near LCO Casino and Little Round Lake. The Sawyer County-Washburn County segment of the Tuscobia Trail is open to ATV use. The American Birkebeiner Ski Race with more than 8,000 participants is this weekend. Call ahead for reservations or you may not get a place to stay.
The February 21 Hayward Power Sports trail report says the temperatures returned to normal, freezing the trails and lakes to a hard ice base, and the fresh snow keeps tracks lubricated while riding. Snowmobilers say the trails are in good riding condition and should get better over the next several days.
The February 21 Lakewoods Resort trail report says that although the big storm missed us to the south, trails again have fresh snow with a bulletproof frozen ice/snow base. Trails are poor to fair around Namakagon, though certainly ride-able. Areas exposed to last week’s sun are in poor condition, but trails in heavily forested areas will be good after grooming. Stick to the trees for the best conditions. Snow helps the lake trails, but high winds left patches of bare ice. Use caution if you are not riding a studded sled, especially near areas of ice fishing where new snow now covers frozen ruts created by ATV and 4WD traffic.
The American Birkebeiner event begins Thursday Feb. 24 and continues through Saturday Feb. 25. The February 21 American Birkebeiner cross country trail report says that by noon Monday Hayward had received 5-7 inches of snow, Seeley 3-5 inches, and Cable 3-4 inches. There is a solid base (6-9 inches) and trails are de-iced and stable with sufficient snow. They will prep Lake Hayward Tuesday, and later spread and groom the ribbon of snow now lying across the lake.
For information on other area cross country ski and snowshoeing trails, visit the Northwest Wisconsin Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe report at www.norwiski.com.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Though not considered prime time for walleyes, anglers are catching fish – and some good ones at that. Best action continues to be under low light conditions, specifically just before and after dark. Look for weeds, rock, gravel, drop-offs, and other structure. Fish depths from 8-20 feet during low light, and 35 feet or deeper on clear days. Use walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups or jig with fatheads.
Northern:
Northerns are perhaps providing the most consistent action. Fish weeds with shiners and large northern suckers. Fish deeper weeds with larger baits for trophy pike.
Crappie:
Some crappie anglers are having very good success, while others ... not so much. Fish are suspending over deeper water (to 20 feet or more) and near weeds, wood, and other structure. A locator can be of great help, as fish are holding at various locations in the water column – some immediately under the ice. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action reports also range from poor to good. Look for them near weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-20 feet of water, depending on the lake you fish. Use waxies, spike, plastics, and Gulp! baits.
Perch:
Perch fishing is fair to good, but inconsistent, and may require considerable moving around on the lakes. Fish on or just off bottom with waxies, spikes, and fatheads or small minnows on plain hooks, jigs, jigging spoons, or under tip-ups.
Upcoming Events
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.
March 5: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.)
March 5: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide. (Check regs for exceptions.)
March 6: Game fish season closes on inland waters.
March 21: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits begins.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31:Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
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.