Hayward Lakes Sherry
04-17-2012, 03:45 PM
It is Monday afternoon, snow covers the ground, and there is a temptation (albeit slight) to include a snowmobile trail report this week. However, forecasts for Tuesday and Wednesday show highs of 54-degree temperatures both days and what might be amusing today will just seem weird Wednesday. It really is true – timing is everything.
“This weather not only slowed panfish activity and success, but also anglers’ willingness of to be out in the cold and wind,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “From a couple weeks ago up to the previous weekend, there was a very good panfish bite. There was no clear pattern, but an indication fish are moving towards the shallows.
“The abnormal temperatures in early March should have the panfish spawning well ahead of usual. The DNR says the average spawn time could be as much as one full month early this year, but recent weather has delayed movement to spawning beds.
“Concentrate on areas with weeds in six to eight feet of water. Anglers using crappie minnows under bobbers and 1/32-ounce tube jigs are making some good catches. You should find crappies along the weeds and weed edges. For perch, target the shallow flats.”
Mark at Hayward Bait says the panfish moved deeper with the cooler weather and anglers should “think small” and downsize baits (jigs) and tackle to improve their success.
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is not much angling pressure, but anglers who are getting on the water are doing well on crappies and catching some bluegills. He recommends crappie minnows and jigs tipped with plastics for crappies. Bluegills are hitting jigs and plastics, too, though on some days prefer worms and waxies. Dave says last week on the Chippewa Flowage he read surface temperatures of 49 degrees in open water and up to 54 degrees in shallow bays.
“The walleyes spawned more than a week ago,” says Randy at Jenk’s, “and water temperatures continue to run a little on the warm side for this time of year. As of a few days ago, the Chippewa Flowage water temperatures were running in the mid 40s on the main lake and low 50s in some bays.
“If this continues, crappies will have an early spawn. I’m keeping an eye on my chokecherry tree – it hasn’t been wrong in 32 years!”
At Anglers All on Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, Carolyn says the smelt were running into last weekend, but call ahead for a current report. Salmon and trout fishing is excellent for trollers flat-lining stickbaits or using bait flies and dodgers, and anglers are catching northerns and a few walleyes along the Ashland shoreline.
“This weather not only slowed panfish activity and success, but also anglers’ willingness of to be out in the cold and wind,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “From a couple weeks ago up to the previous weekend, there was a very good panfish bite. There was no clear pattern, but an indication fish are moving towards the shallows.
“The abnormal temperatures in early March should have the panfish spawning well ahead of usual. The DNR says the average spawn time could be as much as one full month early this year, but recent weather has delayed movement to spawning beds.
“Concentrate on areas with weeds in six to eight feet of water. Anglers using crappie minnows under bobbers and 1/32-ounce tube jigs are making some good catches. You should find crappies along the weeds and weed edges. For perch, target the shallow flats.”
Mark at Hayward Bait says the panfish moved deeper with the cooler weather and anglers should “think small” and downsize baits (jigs) and tackle to improve their success.
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says there is not much angling pressure, but anglers who are getting on the water are doing well on crappies and catching some bluegills. He recommends crappie minnows and jigs tipped with plastics for crappies. Bluegills are hitting jigs and plastics, too, though on some days prefer worms and waxies. Dave says last week on the Chippewa Flowage he read surface temperatures of 49 degrees in open water and up to 54 degrees in shallow bays.
“The walleyes spawned more than a week ago,” says Randy at Jenk’s, “and water temperatures continue to run a little on the warm side for this time of year. As of a few days ago, the Chippewa Flowage water temperatures were running in the mid 40s on the main lake and low 50s in some bays.
“If this continues, crappies will have an early spawn. I’m keeping an eye on my chokecherry tree – it hasn’t been wrong in 32 years!”
At Anglers All on Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, Carolyn says the smelt were running into last weekend, but call ahead for a current report. Salmon and trout fishing is excellent for trollers flat-lining stickbaits or using bait flies and dodgers, and anglers are catching northerns and a few walleyes along the Ashland shoreline.