Hayward Lakes Sherry
05-14-2013, 09:12 AM
FISHING REPORT
Walleye:
The walleye bite is inconsistent and there are various reports on the stage of walleye spawning. Depending on the lake, look for fish from shallow to more than 20 feet of water. A jig and minnow is the most effective bait, but working the shallows with crankbaits and stickbaits in the evening hours can also produce action.
Northern:
Northern action is decent in shallow water to mid-depths with Rapalas, stickbaits, spoons, and spinnerbaits, but you will likely have better success with live bait.
Bass:
Until June 15, bass fishing – for both largemouth and smallmouth – is catch and release only in the Northern Bass Zone. Concentrate on shallower, warmer water areas with plastic worms, jigs with plastics, and spinnerbaits.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing continues to be slow, with fish still holding in deeper water out to 15 feet or so. Jigs and crappie minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits will all work on stubborn slabs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action also remains slow, with best chances around weeds and cover in shallower, warmer water. Waxies, worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits are the top bait choices.
Perch:
Perch fishing, too, continues to be slow, with fish in depths out to 12 feet or so. Try minnows, waxies, and plastics to temp the reluctant perch.
Upcoming Events
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 17-18: Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462).
May 17-19: Musky Tale Resort’s Northern Encounter northern pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838).
May 18: Cable Area Off Road Classic Mountain Bike Race (800-533-5474).
May 25: Muskie season opens in the Northern Muskie Zone.
May 31-June 2: Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest (715-266-4203; 492-6407).
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 1: Free Kids Fishing Derby (715-634-4821).
June 7: Flambeau River State Forest headquarters open house (715-332-5271).
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
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.
Walleye:
The walleye bite is inconsistent and there are various reports on the stage of walleye spawning. Depending on the lake, look for fish from shallow to more than 20 feet of water. A jig and minnow is the most effective bait, but working the shallows with crankbaits and stickbaits in the evening hours can also produce action.
Northern:
Northern action is decent in shallow water to mid-depths with Rapalas, stickbaits, spoons, and spinnerbaits, but you will likely have better success with live bait.
Bass:
Until June 15, bass fishing – for both largemouth and smallmouth – is catch and release only in the Northern Bass Zone. Concentrate on shallower, warmer water areas with plastic worms, jigs with plastics, and spinnerbaits.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing continues to be slow, with fish still holding in deeper water out to 15 feet or so. Jigs and crappie minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits will all work on stubborn slabs.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action also remains slow, with best chances around weeds and cover in shallower, warmer water. Waxies, worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits are the top bait choices.
Perch:
Perch fishing, too, continues to be slow, with fish in depths out to 12 feet or so. Try minnows, waxies, and plastics to temp the reluctant perch.
Upcoming Events
May 15-21: Period F spring turkey season.
May 17-18: Fishing Has No Boundaries (800-243-3462).
May 17-19: Musky Tale Resort’s Northern Encounter northern pike fishing tournament (715-462-3838).
May 18: Cable Area Off Road Classic Mountain Bike Race (800-533-5474).
May 25: Muskie season opens in the Northern Muskie Zone.
May 31-June 2: Winter Area Armed Forces Fish Fest (715-266-4203; 492-6407).
June 1-2: Free Fishing Weekend.
June 1: Free Kids Fishing Derby (715-634-4821).
June 7: Flambeau River State Forest headquarters open house (715-332-5271).
June 15: Bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
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.