Hayward Lakes Sherry
04-09-2013, 09:46 AM
FISHING REPORT
Crappie:
Crappie action is good and improving as we move towards ice-out. Most are suspending in 15-25 feet of water, though some have started their move to shallower locations. Use your electronics to search varied depths until you find them, and then (surprise, surprise!) check the ENTIRE water column, from just under the ice to the bottom. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits are all effective, though not necessarily all at the same time – go prepared to offer a variety of presentations.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving with the (slowly) melting snow and ice. They are suspending in 6-15 feet of water, often holding with crappies. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits all work for bluegills, and you can increase your catch rate by downsizing line and baits.
Perch:
Perch anglers are finding some good action of nice sized fish, particularly on the deep, clear lakes. Look for the fish near the bottom, primarily in deeper water out to 20 feet of water on mud flats and bar edges, but expect them to start moving toward shallower water. Top baits include fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs and plain hooks, or tipped on jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
March 31: 2012-13 hunting/fishing licenses expired.
April 10-16: Period A spring turkey season.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
April 17-23: Period B spring turkey season.
April 24-30: Period C spring turkey season.
April 28: Early catch-and-release trout season closes at midnight.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in North Zone.
May 1-7: Period D spring turkey season.
May 4: General inland fishing opener (see regs).
May 8-14: Period E spring turkey season.
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 25: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Zone.
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Crappie:
Crappie action is good and improving as we move towards ice-out. Most are suspending in 15-25 feet of water, though some have started their move to shallower locations. Use your electronics to search varied depths until you find them, and then (surprise, surprise!) check the ENTIRE water column, from just under the ice to the bottom. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits are all effective, though not necessarily all at the same time – go prepared to offer a variety of presentations.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving with the (slowly) melting snow and ice. They are suspending in 6-15 feet of water, often holding with crappies. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits all work for bluegills, and you can increase your catch rate by downsizing line and baits.
Perch:
Perch anglers are finding some good action of nice sized fish, particularly on the deep, clear lakes. Look for the fish near the bottom, primarily in deeper water out to 20 feet of water on mud flats and bar edges, but expect them to start moving toward shallower water. Top baits include fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs and plain hooks, or tipped on jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
March 31: 2012-13 hunting/fishing licenses expired.
April 10-16: Period A spring turkey season.
April 15-July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
April 17-23: Period B spring turkey season.
April 24-30: Period C spring turkey season.
April 28: Early catch-and-release trout season closes at midnight.
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in North Zone.
May 1-7: Period D spring turkey season.
May 4: General inland fishing opener (see regs).
May 8-14: Period E spring turkey season.
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 25: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Zone.
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau website, view its Calendar of Events, or call 1-800-724-2992.