Hayward Lakes Sherry
03-22-2011, 12:20 PM
March 21, 2011
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Temperatures are warming, snow is melting, ice conditions are deteriorating, and migrant birds are arriving, but a winter storm forecast for this week indicates Old Man Winter is reluctant to release his grasp. Apparently, he does not read the calendar – spring officially arrived this past Sunday.
“We are not yet to the end of ice fishing season,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but the days are numbered. Above normal temperatures and a warm sun are enough to degrade ice from here on out. Our concern is that inconsistent ice formation last December will start to open some areas earlier than usual. Anglers should use some caution – at this point in the season, ice conditions can change dramatically in a short time.”
Al at Pastika’s says anglers should watch the landings following last week’s warmer weather.
“Fishing action is generally fair to good overall – be sure to check the entire water column – and it should improve with the late ice conditions. Early season trout anglers are having good success with nymphs and flies.”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says the ice is still good, though there is water on top of it and landings are weakening. He says early season trout anglers report the streams and rivers are producing good trout action. Adam notes that travel conditions on the ice are quickly deteriorating. Annie says plastics are currently the best choice for both crappies and bluegills.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, ice conditions on most north woods lakes are holding steady at between 18-22 inches of ice, but many access areas are becoming rutted and south-facing shorelines are getting soft with the warm temperatures. He advises late season ice anglers to be aware of fast-changing conditions on warm and sunny days.
Anglers who would like to continue pursuing game fish can make the short drive to Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay. Anglers All reports the ice could hold for another week or so, but landings are sloppy and they advise against vehicle travel. Anglers are catching perch, walleye, coho, brown trout, whitefish, and herring. Take cleats – the ice is slick.
Reminder: Hunting and fishing licenses expire March 31. New licenses are now available at all license agents and DNR service centers, through the Online Licensing Center, or toll-free 1-877-945-4236. New this year are one-day fishing licenses ($8 resident; $10 non-resident) that anglers can later upgrade to a reduced rate annual license at any time during the year.
This week the DNR is selling leftover permits for spring turkey season. Sales are on a zone-per-day, first-come, first-served basis, and continue through midnight or until all permits are sold. The scheduled sales dates as follows: Zone 1: Monday March 21; Zone 2: Tuesday March 22; Zone 3: Wednesday March 23; Zone 4: Thursday March 24; Zones 5-6: Friday March 25. Check the DNR website for the number of permits available for each zone and time period. Remaining permits go on sale Saturday March 26 and continue until sold out or the season ends.
Snowmobile season is rapidly coming to a close as rain, sunshine, and mild temperatures take their toll on the trails. Significant fresh snow and cold temperatures forecast for this week “could” extend the season for a short time, but the writing is on the wall (in the snow?)
The March 20 snowmobile trail conditions report from Virgin Timber Resort says snow cover is at two to four inches and trails are not rideable. The March 17 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report says trail conditions are in poor condition. If you go, watch for icy patches and exposed spots on hills, and stay on the marked trails.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappie reports vary, from good and consistent to hard to find. Apparently if you can find the crappies, fishing is good. Fish are suspending over deeper water at various locations in the water column, starting with just under the ice. Use crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics tipped on plain hooks or small jigs and fished on jigging poles and under tip-downs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action never met expectations this winter, but it is improving with changing ice conditions. Fish weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-12 feet and deeper water. Some ‘gills are just off bottom; others are just below the ice. Check the entire water column. Just because you cannot find them does not mean they are not there. Best baits continue to be the standards – waxies, spikes, plastics, and small minnows for bigger fish.
Perch:
Perch fishing is good and getting better as ice-out approaches and they move toward shallower water to spawn. Look for perch on the bottom on mud flats and in locations between deep water and shallow spawning bays. Depths vary from 5-25 feet and deeper. Best baits include fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, plastics, and artificial grubs.
Upcoming Events
March 20: Winter crow season closed.
March 21-25: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. (See regs.)
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 9-10: Youth turkey hunt.
April 11: Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules hearings, Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in north zone; Frog season opens.
May 7: Game fish opener.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 13-17; B: April 20-24; C: April 27-May 1; D: May 4-8; E: May 11-15; F: May 18-22.
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 are warming, snow is melting, ice conditions are deteriorating, and migrant birds are arriving, but a winter storm forecast for this week indicates Old Man Winter is reluctant to release his grasp. Apparently, he does not read the calendar – spring officially arrived this past Sunday.
“We are not yet to the end of ice fishing season,” says Pat at Happy Hooker, “but the days are numbered. Above normal temperatures and a warm sun are enough to degrade ice from here on out. Our concern is that inconsistent ice formation last December will start to open some areas earlier than usual. Anglers should use some caution – at this point in the season, ice conditions can change dramatically in a short time.”
Al at Pastika’s says anglers should watch the landings following last week’s warmer weather.
“Fishing action is generally fair to good overall – be sure to check the entire water column – and it should improve with the late ice conditions. Early season trout anglers are having good success with nymphs and flies.”
At Hayward Bait, Bob says the ice is still good, though there is water on top of it and landings are weakening. He says early season trout anglers report the streams and rivers are producing good trout action. Adam notes that travel conditions on the ice are quickly deteriorating. Annie says plastics are currently the best choice for both crappies and bluegills.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt, ice conditions on most north woods lakes are holding steady at between 18-22 inches of ice, but many access areas are becoming rutted and south-facing shorelines are getting soft with the warm temperatures. He advises late season ice anglers to be aware of fast-changing conditions on warm and sunny days.
Anglers who would like to continue pursuing game fish can make the short drive to Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay. Anglers All reports the ice could hold for another week or so, but landings are sloppy and they advise against vehicle travel. Anglers are catching perch, walleye, coho, brown trout, whitefish, and herring. Take cleats – the ice is slick.
Reminder: Hunting and fishing licenses expire March 31. New licenses are now available at all license agents and DNR service centers, through the Online Licensing Center, or toll-free 1-877-945-4236. New this year are one-day fishing licenses ($8 resident; $10 non-resident) that anglers can later upgrade to a reduced rate annual license at any time during the year.
This week the DNR is selling leftover permits for spring turkey season. Sales are on a zone-per-day, first-come, first-served basis, and continue through midnight or until all permits are sold. The scheduled sales dates as follows: Zone 1: Monday March 21; Zone 2: Tuesday March 22; Zone 3: Wednesday March 23; Zone 4: Thursday March 24; Zones 5-6: Friday March 25. Check the DNR website for the number of permits available for each zone and time period. Remaining permits go on sale Saturday March 26 and continue until sold out or the season ends.
Snowmobile season is rapidly coming to a close as rain, sunshine, and mild temperatures take their toll on the trails. Significant fresh snow and cold temperatures forecast for this week “could” extend the season for a short time, but the writing is on the wall (in the snow?)
The March 20 snowmobile trail conditions report from Virgin Timber Resort says snow cover is at two to four inches and trails are not rideable. The March 17 Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau trail report says trail conditions are in poor condition. If you go, watch for icy patches and exposed spots on hills, and stay on the marked trails.
ICE FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappie reports vary, from good and consistent to hard to find. Apparently if you can find the crappies, fishing is good. Fish are suspending over deeper water at various locations in the water column, starting with just under the ice. Use crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, and plastics tipped on plain hooks or small jigs and fished on jigging poles and under tip-downs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action never met expectations this winter, but it is improving with changing ice conditions. Fish weeds, cribs, and other structure in 5-12 feet and deeper water. Some ‘gills are just off bottom; others are just below the ice. Check the entire water column. Just because you cannot find them does not mean they are not there. Best baits continue to be the standards – waxies, spikes, plastics, and small minnows for bigger fish.
Perch:
Perch fishing is good and getting better as ice-out approaches and they move toward shallower water to spawn. Look for perch on the bottom on mud flats and in locations between deep water and shallow spawning bays. Depths vary from 5-25 feet and deeper. Best baits include fatheads, crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, plastics, and artificial grubs.
Upcoming Events
March 20: Winter crow season closed.
March 21-25: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits.
March 26: Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. (See regs.)
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 9-10: Youth turkey hunt.
April 11: Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules hearings, Conservation Congress meetings.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to run dogs on DNR and WPA lands. (See regs.)
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in north zone; Frog season opens.
May 7: Game fish opener.
Spring turkey hunting periods
A: April 13-17; B: April 20-24; C: April 27-May 1; D: May 4-8; E: May 11-15; F: May 18-22.
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.