Hayward Lakes Sherry
04-28-2014, 11:03 AM
April 28, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Anglers looking forward to the May 3 fishing season opener might want to avoid the weather forecast from now through Friday, skipping straight ahead to Saturday’s more encouraging predictions. Rain will help remove some of the snow and ice, but expect some challenges – and have some “PLAN B” options at the ready.
“Our rush to spring open water season has slowed to a walk,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Ice remains on the lakes, but we are beginning to see some recession from the shorelines. Areas near river and creek inlets with flowing water are open, but the main parts of lakes remains covered. It is going to be close as to whether we use boats or ice augers on opening day!
“This is a good time to finish your preparation for the season. Check over your boat and charge the boat/trolling motor batteries. Make sure you have your new license for this season – you can do this online or stop at a local DNR licensing agent. Having your expired license with you makes obtaining a new license quicker and easier since it requires no information exchange unless you had a change of address.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says as of April 25 Lake Hayward is open, though to his knowledge, no other lakes.
“We may see some smaller lakes, especially those with water flow, open prior to opener, but my guess is many lakes will have ice on them.
“If there is ice on the lake you intend to fish for the opener, do not overlook the rivers. Walleyes are abundant in many rivers and very catchable on crawlers, spinners, and stickbaits.
“We invite successful turkey hunters to visit us and share their stories, and we are happy to take their picture and provide it to the Sawyer County Record.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says the Chippewa Flowage is breaking up, the water level rising and filling fast.
“It is now less than three feet low and should be totally open and at full levels for the opener. Water temperatures should be in the mid 40s by then and anglers should find walleyes in or near the end of the spawn, with male walleyes still shallow.
“Work shorelines with jigs tipped with fatheads and you will generally find some northern pike in the same areas. Panfish are still deep and will not move shallow until the water warms.
“Expect numerous anglers out for the opener, lines at the landings, and lots of boats on the water!”
Mike at Jenk’s says the good news is that the rivers are really flowing.
“The Chippewa Flowage is continuously filling up from all the run-off from the creeks and rivers and Chief River has melted a lot of ice deep into Musky Bay. Moss and Hay creeks are continuing to fill up nicely, and ice is nonexistent in the creek bed areas. Ice is still present by Deerfoot Lodge and The Landing, however, it is soggy and slushy, suggesting full thaw is near.
“Water levels are rising more than 2.5 inches per day, and at that rate the lake will be close to full summer pool by the opener.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says as of April 25 anglers were still ice fishing on Chequamegon Bay, mainly by the Sioux and Onion river mouths and off Second Landing.
“The waters of Long and Short bridges have met at the head of the Bay, and it is said that when that occurs it will be two weeks until ice-out. The shoreline is opening in some areas, allowing the ice to move around, and the rivers, running high and dirty, are dumping into the Bay.
“If the ice goes out by the May 3 opener, the most productive trolling is usually on the edge of the dirty water with shallow running stickbaits on flat lines off boards. If the rivers calm down, steelhead fishing should be excellent with spawn, yarn, or flies.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses how various hook types influence the catching and injury of fish.
“Canadian researchers looked at four different hook types – Aberdeen, baitholder, wide bend, and circle – to see how difficult it was to catch fish with each style, as well as how much injury each type had on fish. They used rock bass as the study species.
“The researchers found it was about twice as difficult to catch rock bass on circle hooks as compared to the other types. However, circle hooks hooked fish in the jaw more often than the other hook types, minimizing injury and making for easier hook removal. Fish were more likely to ‘swallow’ Aberdeen and baitholder hooks, which can present a major risk to fish.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions continue to deteriorate on lakes across the North Woods, but most still have nearly 15 inches of ice cover.
“With current conditions, it is almost a given that many lakes across the north will have some ice cover for the May 3 fishing opener.
“The larger, deeper lakes are almost sure to be iced-up and anglers should have alternate plans in case their favorite lake is still ice covered. These alternate waters could include the smaller flowages, lakes, and spring ponds, as well as area streams and rivers – though they will be running high with snow melt water.”
A new online, interactive DNR fish mapping tool based on fish surveys dating as far back as 130 years allows anglers to find their favorite fish species. Map users can search the locations of Wisconsin’s more than 160 fish species by county or habitat, pinpointed by GPS coordinates. The website includes a tutorial video explaining map use and terminology.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. invites the public to attend its meeting Tuesday, May 6, at Beer Bellies Bar and Grill, 10 miles east of Hayward on Hwy 77. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. This month’s featured speaker is well-known local guide Mike Cookas, who will discuss how anglers can boat more –and bigger – muskies in the toughest conditions. Admission is free and anyone attending the meeting who is interested in joining Muskies, Inc. can purchase an annual membership for half price. For more information, call Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
FISHING REPORT
With only a few days to go before the “open water” game fish season opener, anglers are still ice fishing on some North Woods lakes! They report good success, which is perhaps a good omen for the coming weekend. Whatever the case, the fish are still there and still have to eat – you just might have to use “non-traditional” fishing opener means to get to and catch them! Good luck!
Upcoming Events
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in Northern zone.
May 3: General inland fishing season opener (see regs for 2014 bass zone changes).
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Beer Bellies (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874).
May 16-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
May 19: Youth environmental event at Hayward Center for Individualized Learning (HACIL).
May 24: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
Spring turkey hunting periods
B: April 23-29; C: April 30-May 6; D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.
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.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Anglers looking forward to the May 3 fishing season opener might want to avoid the weather forecast from now through Friday, skipping straight ahead to Saturday’s more encouraging predictions. Rain will help remove some of the snow and ice, but expect some challenges – and have some “PLAN B” options at the ready.
“Our rush to spring open water season has slowed to a walk,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “Ice remains on the lakes, but we are beginning to see some recession from the shorelines. Areas near river and creek inlets with flowing water are open, but the main parts of lakes remains covered. It is going to be close as to whether we use boats or ice augers on opening day!
“This is a good time to finish your preparation for the season. Check over your boat and charge the boat/trolling motor batteries. Make sure you have your new license for this season – you can do this online or stop at a local DNR licensing agent. Having your expired license with you makes obtaining a new license quicker and easier since it requires no information exchange unless you had a change of address.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says as of April 25 Lake Hayward is open, though to his knowledge, no other lakes.
“We may see some smaller lakes, especially those with water flow, open prior to opener, but my guess is many lakes will have ice on them.
“If there is ice on the lake you intend to fish for the opener, do not overlook the rivers. Walleyes are abundant in many rivers and very catchable on crawlers, spinners, and stickbaits.
“We invite successful turkey hunters to visit us and share their stories, and we are happy to take their picture and provide it to the Sawyer County Record.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations says the Chippewa Flowage is breaking up, the water level rising and filling fast.
“It is now less than three feet low and should be totally open and at full levels for the opener. Water temperatures should be in the mid 40s by then and anglers should find walleyes in or near the end of the spawn, with male walleyes still shallow.
“Work shorelines with jigs tipped with fatheads and you will generally find some northern pike in the same areas. Panfish are still deep and will not move shallow until the water warms.
“Expect numerous anglers out for the opener, lines at the landings, and lots of boats on the water!”
Mike at Jenk’s says the good news is that the rivers are really flowing.
“The Chippewa Flowage is continuously filling up from all the run-off from the creeks and rivers and Chief River has melted a lot of ice deep into Musky Bay. Moss and Hay creeks are continuing to fill up nicely, and ice is nonexistent in the creek bed areas. Ice is still present by Deerfoot Lodge and The Landing, however, it is soggy and slushy, suggesting full thaw is near.
“Water levels are rising more than 2.5 inches per day, and at that rate the lake will be close to full summer pool by the opener.”
Carolyn at Anglers All in Ashland says as of April 25 anglers were still ice fishing on Chequamegon Bay, mainly by the Sioux and Onion river mouths and off Second Landing.
“The waters of Long and Short bridges have met at the head of the Bay, and it is said that when that occurs it will be two weeks until ice-out. The shoreline is opening in some areas, allowing the ice to move around, and the rivers, running high and dirty, are dumping into the Bay.
“If the ice goes out by the May 3 opener, the most productive trolling is usually on the edge of the dirty water with shallow running stickbaits on flat lines off boards. If the rivers calm down, steelhead fishing should be excellent with spawn, yarn, or flies.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses how various hook types influence the catching and injury of fish.
“Canadian researchers looked at four different hook types – Aberdeen, baitholder, wide bend, and circle – to see how difficult it was to catch fish with each style, as well as how much injury each type had on fish. They used rock bass as the study species.
“The researchers found it was about twice as difficult to catch rock bass on circle hooks as compared to the other types. However, circle hooks hooked fish in the jaw more often than the other hook types, minimizing injury and making for easier hook removal. Fish were more likely to ‘swallow’ Aberdeen and baitholder hooks, which can present a major risk to fish.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says ice conditions continue to deteriorate on lakes across the North Woods, but most still have nearly 15 inches of ice cover.
“With current conditions, it is almost a given that many lakes across the north will have some ice cover for the May 3 fishing opener.
“The larger, deeper lakes are almost sure to be iced-up and anglers should have alternate plans in case their favorite lake is still ice covered. These alternate waters could include the smaller flowages, lakes, and spring ponds, as well as area streams and rivers – though they will be running high with snow melt water.”
A new online, interactive DNR fish mapping tool based on fish surveys dating as far back as 130 years allows anglers to find their favorite fish species. Map users can search the locations of Wisconsin’s more than 160 fish species by county or habitat, pinpointed by GPS coordinates. The website includes a tutorial video explaining map use and terminology.
The Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. invites the public to attend its meeting Tuesday, May 6, at Beer Bellies Bar and Grill, 10 miles east of Hayward on Hwy 77. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. This month’s featured speaker is well-known local guide Mike Cookas, who will discuss how anglers can boat more –and bigger – muskies in the toughest conditions. Admission is free and anyone attending the meeting who is interested in joining Muskies, Inc. can purchase an annual membership for half price. For more information, call Mike Persson (715) 634-4543.
FISHING REPORT
With only a few days to go before the “open water” game fish season opener, anglers are still ice fishing on some North Woods lakes! They report good success, which is perhaps a good omen for the coming weekend. Whatever the case, the fish are still there and still have to eat – you just might have to use “non-traditional” fishing opener means to get to and catch them! Good luck!
Upcoming Events
April 30: Otter trapping season closes in Northern zone.
May 3: General inland fishing season opener (see regs for 2014 bass zone changes).
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Beer Bellies (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland Walleye Challenge (715-462-3874).
May 16-17: Fishing Has No Boundaries (715-634-3185).
May 19: Youth environmental event at Hayward Center for Individualized Learning (HACIL).
May 24: Muskie season opens in Northern Zone.
Through July 31: Illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal WPA (see regs for exceptions).
Spring turkey hunting periods
B: April 23-29; C: April 30-May 6; D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.
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.