Hayward Lakes Sherry
02-13-2013, 11:27 AM
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
Walleye action is erratic, with short bite windows. Improve your odds by fishing the prime time of late afternoon into after dark and, to a lesser degree, early morning. Look for fish near weeds and structure, including sand, rock, and gravel humps, in depths from shallow to deep, depending on the lake, hour, and weather. Walleye suckers, shiners, and jigs/minnows are all catching fish, as are Jigging Rapalas.
Northern:
Northern action is consistent and pike can be a trip saver for anglers fishing during daytime hours. Look for weeds and panfish at varied depths and pike will be in close proximity. Top baits include large suckers and shiners under tip-ups, but preserved baits can also be effective at times.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers are making some good catches on many area waters. Go into a “reconnaissance” mode with your electronics, exploring until you find the schools. Concentrate on deeper water (to 25 feet or so) and search for suspending fish 4-10 feet off the bottom – and be sure to check the entire water column. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, Gulp! baits, and plastics on plain hooks or small jigs, and small jigging spoons. Try different presentations until you figure out what they want. Downsize tackle to increase success.
Bluegill:
There is a good bluegill bite, but as with crappies, use electronics and move until you find them. This is usually near weeds and structure in 20 feet or deeper water, and often near the bottom. The most productive baits include waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks. Bigger ‘gills are in somewhat deeper water.
Perch:
Anglers are catching perch on the bottom in deeper water near weeds and on mud flats with wigglers, spikes, fatheads, plastics, Gulp! baits, and jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or pieces.
Walleye:
Walleye action is erratic, with short bite windows. Improve your odds by fishing the prime time of late afternoon into after dark and, to a lesser degree, early morning. Look for fish near weeds and structure, including sand, rock, and gravel humps, in depths from shallow to deep, depending on the lake, hour, and weather. Walleye suckers, shiners, and jigs/minnows are all catching fish, as are Jigging Rapalas.
Northern:
Northern action is consistent and pike can be a trip saver for anglers fishing during daytime hours. Look for weeds and panfish at varied depths and pike will be in close proximity. Top baits include large suckers and shiners under tip-ups, but preserved baits can also be effective at times.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers are making some good catches on many area waters. Go into a “reconnaissance” mode with your electronics, exploring until you find the schools. Concentrate on deeper water (to 25 feet or so) and search for suspending fish 4-10 feet off the bottom – and be sure to check the entire water column. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, Gulp! baits, and plastics on plain hooks or small jigs, and small jigging spoons. Try different presentations until you figure out what they want. Downsize tackle to increase success.
Bluegill:
There is a good bluegill bite, but as with crappies, use electronics and move until you find them. This is usually near weeds and structure in 20 feet or deeper water, and often near the bottom. The most productive baits include waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks. Bigger ‘gills are in somewhat deeper water.
Perch:
Anglers are catching perch on the bottom in deeper water near weeds and on mud flats with wigglers, spikes, fatheads, plastics, Gulp! baits, and jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or pieces.