Hayward Lakes Sherry
05-05-2014, 04:56 PM
May 5, 2014
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Ice covered most Hayward area lakes for the fishing opener this past weekend, but moderate temperatures made for pleasant fishing. The forecast for this week includes a mix of warm temperatures, sunshine, rain, and light wind that should quickly address any remaining ice issues.
“Opening weekend conditions were about the same as 2013, minus the 18-inch snow that fell on May 1 last year,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “For now, anglers should concentrate on the flowage lakes, such as the Chippewa, smaller open lakes, and the rivers.
“Walleye and northern pike are still in their spawning cycle, so fish along any shallow emerging weeds, rock bars, or sandy bottoms. Walleye fishing is best after dark. Use slower presentation with shallow running lures such as Rapalas, plastics, or live bait – fish in cold water will not chase fast moving baits.
“Fish panfish on the deeper edges of weeds and drop-offs with crappie minnows or small plastics under bobbers.
“For the first time in years, anglers in the northern bass zone can keep largemouth bass starting on opening day. However, they must immediately release smallmouth bass until June 20.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says it was another icy opener, but unlike last year, there was more open water.
“The Chippewa Flowage was nearly 90 percent open, drawing considerable angler attention, and many smaller lakes opened, but the deep, clear lakes were iced-up, as were those in the Cable area.
“The Chip produced some nice walleyes on jigs and fatheads worked in 5-15 feet of water. Several walleye anglers wearing waders to fish crankbaits on the big lakes’ ice lines reported success. People fishing for bluegill and crappie did okay, but water temperatures and ice limited anglers targeting these species.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations the Chippewa Flowage is mostly ice free, the water level full, and landings are all in great shape.
“Look for walleyes in shallow water along shorelines with gravel or wood, working bright colored 1/8-ounce jigs tipped with fatheads. In addition, try casting crankbaits such as Shad Raps that runs 4-6 feet deep. For panfish, concentrate on brush in 12-18 feet of water.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says during most ‘normal’ years, many fish have finished spawning by opening day. That was not the case this year – most lakes were still ice covered, with fish waiting to spawn!
“As the ice comes off, anglers will have to work a little harder to get the attention of fish with ‘birds and the bees’ on their mind.
“Northern pike, the first species to spawn, start at water temperatures of 34 degrees and peak at around 37 degrees. Walleyes start around 38 degrees and peak at 45 degrees. Perch start spawning at 45 degrees and peak around 52 degrees.
“Muskellunge, known to start at 49 degrees, peak around 55 degrees. Black crappie and bass prefer temperatures in the low 60s before they get going with their spawning activities that start with nest building. Bluegill, one of the last species to spawn, typically peak around 73 degrees.
“Of course, these all vary a bit based on other conditions in the lake.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says rivers and streams are open, but they are running high due to snowmelt and recent rains, and many of the smaller flowages have opened.
DNR wildlife officials remind people to “Keep Wildlife Wild.” It is common for wild animal parents to leave their babies hidden and unattended while they gather food, an adaptation to protect them from predators. The most common situations involve deer, rabbits, raccoons, and bird nestlings, and the best thing you can do for them is leave them alone. If you think a wild animal is in need of assistance, do not touch the animal and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the DNR Call Center (888-936-7463).
Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc. (FHNB) office manager Kathy Overman received the Warren Knowles Award during the Governor’s Fishing Opener event in Polk County this past weekend. Wisconsin Indian Head Country, Inc., the organization that annually coordinates and hosts the Governor’s Fishing Opener, presents the award. The Knowles Award, named after the former governor, honors individuals who are dedicated to the future of fishing, tourism promotion, and environmental enrichment. An FHNB volunteer since the organization’s start in 1988, Overman is always looking for ways to help people with disabilities go fishing. She educates people on the use of adaptive fishing equipment, assists rod and reel manufacturers to produce easier to use equipment, works with the DNR as an angler educator to help promote fishing in Wisconsin – and on occasion has driven halfway across the state to offer someone an opportunity to try various types of fishing equipment.
The 30th Annual Treeland Challenge May 9-11 on the Chippewa Flowage still has some openings available. The catch-and-release event, offering thousands of dollars in prizes, is limited to the first 300 adult entries. Entry fees are $90 single; $150 with spouse; and $25 for each child with parents. For more information, visit www.treelandresorts.com or call (715) 462-3874.
Meeting location change:
Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. invites the public to attend its Tuesday May 6 meeting, starting at 7 p.m., at Dow’s Corner Bar (previously scheduled at Beer Bellies), 14 miles east of Hayward at the intersection of Highway 77 and Upper A. Well-known local guide Mike Cookas 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 a majority of Hayward area lakes ice covered, challenging conditions continued through the weekend’s inland gamefish opener. Anglers caught fish – crappie, walleye, and northern pike lead the way – though perhaps not in the numbers or frequency desired. Still, moderate temperatures mixed with sunshine and wind made for a reasonably comfortable fishing experience. Look for ice cover to disappear within the next week or so, though weather is the ultimate decision maker. IF predictions come to fruition, warm temperatures with rain will expedite ice-out. Due to these rapidly changing conditions, stop by your favorite bait shop as you head to the lake to get the most up-to-the-minute information concerning boat access and the most productive baits and presentations.
Upcoming Events
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Dow’s Corner Bar (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland 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
D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.
The Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Sawyer County Record co-sponsor this report. For more information on area events and activities, visit the HLVCB’s Calendar of Events or call 800-724-2992.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
Ice covered most Hayward area lakes for the fishing opener this past weekend, but moderate temperatures made for pleasant fishing. The forecast for this week includes a mix of warm temperatures, sunshine, rain, and light wind that should quickly address any remaining ice issues.
“Opening weekend conditions were about the same as 2013, minus the 18-inch snow that fell on May 1 last year,” says Pat at Happy Hooker. “For now, anglers should concentrate on the flowage lakes, such as the Chippewa, smaller open lakes, and the rivers.
“Walleye and northern pike are still in their spawning cycle, so fish along any shallow emerging weeds, rock bars, or sandy bottoms. Walleye fishing is best after dark. Use slower presentation with shallow running lures such as Rapalas, plastics, or live bait – fish in cold water will not chase fast moving baits.
“Fish panfish on the deeper edges of weeds and drop-offs with crappie minnows or small plastics under bobbers.
“For the first time in years, anglers in the northern bass zone can keep largemouth bass starting on opening day. However, they must immediately release smallmouth bass until June 20.”
Jim at Hayward Bait says it was another icy opener, but unlike last year, there was more open water.
“The Chippewa Flowage was nearly 90 percent open, drawing considerable angler attention, and many smaller lakes opened, but the deep, clear lakes were iced-up, as were those in the Cable area.
“The Chip produced some nice walleyes on jigs and fatheads worked in 5-15 feet of water. Several walleye anglers wearing waders to fish crankbaits on the big lakes’ ice lines reported success. People fishing for bluegill and crappie did okay, but water temperatures and ice limited anglers targeting these species.”
Guide Dave Dorazio at Outdoor Creations the Chippewa Flowage is mostly ice free, the water level full, and landings are all in great shape.
“Look for walleyes in shallow water along shorelines with gravel or wood, working bright colored 1/8-ounce jigs tipped with fatheads. In addition, try casting crankbaits such as Shad Raps that runs 4-6 feet deep. For panfish, concentrate on brush in 12-18 feet of water.”
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says during most ‘normal’ years, many fish have finished spawning by opening day. That was not the case this year – most lakes were still ice covered, with fish waiting to spawn!
“As the ice comes off, anglers will have to work a little harder to get the attention of fish with ‘birds and the bees’ on their mind.
“Northern pike, the first species to spawn, start at water temperatures of 34 degrees and peak at around 37 degrees. Walleyes start around 38 degrees and peak at 45 degrees. Perch start spawning at 45 degrees and peak around 52 degrees.
“Muskellunge, known to start at 49 degrees, peak around 55 degrees. Black crappie and bass prefer temperatures in the low 60s before they get going with their spawning activities that start with nest building. Bluegill, one of the last species to spawn, typically peak around 73 degrees.
“Of course, these all vary a bit based on other conditions in the lake.”
DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt says rivers and streams are open, but they are running high due to snowmelt and recent rains, and many of the smaller flowages have opened.
DNR wildlife officials remind people to “Keep Wildlife Wild.” It is common for wild animal parents to leave their babies hidden and unattended while they gather food, an adaptation to protect them from predators. The most common situations involve deer, rabbits, raccoons, and bird nestlings, and the best thing you can do for them is leave them alone. If you think a wild animal is in need of assistance, do not touch the animal and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the DNR Call Center (888-936-7463).
Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc. (FHNB) office manager Kathy Overman received the Warren Knowles Award during the Governor’s Fishing Opener event in Polk County this past weekend. Wisconsin Indian Head Country, Inc., the organization that annually coordinates and hosts the Governor’s Fishing Opener, presents the award. The Knowles Award, named after the former governor, honors individuals who are dedicated to the future of fishing, tourism promotion, and environmental enrichment. An FHNB volunteer since the organization’s start in 1988, Overman is always looking for ways to help people with disabilities go fishing. She educates people on the use of adaptive fishing equipment, assists rod and reel manufacturers to produce easier to use equipment, works with the DNR as an angler educator to help promote fishing in Wisconsin – and on occasion has driven halfway across the state to offer someone an opportunity to try various types of fishing equipment.
The 30th Annual Treeland Challenge May 9-11 on the Chippewa Flowage still has some openings available. The catch-and-release event, offering thousands of dollars in prizes, is limited to the first 300 adult entries. Entry fees are $90 single; $150 with spouse; and $25 for each child with parents. For more information, visit www.treelandresorts.com or call (715) 462-3874.
Meeting location change:
Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies, Inc. invites the public to attend its Tuesday May 6 meeting, starting at 7 p.m., at Dow’s Corner Bar (previously scheduled at Beer Bellies), 14 miles east of Hayward at the intersection of Highway 77 and Upper A. Well-known local guide Mike Cookas 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 a majority of Hayward area lakes ice covered, challenging conditions continued through the weekend’s inland gamefish opener. Anglers caught fish – crappie, walleye, and northern pike lead the way – though perhaps not in the numbers or frequency desired. Still, moderate temperatures mixed with sunshine and wind made for a reasonably comfortable fishing experience. Look for ice cover to disappear within the next week or so, though weather is the ultimate decision maker. IF predictions come to fruition, warm temperatures with rain will expedite ice-out. Due to these rapidly changing conditions, stop by your favorite bait shop as you head to the lake to get the most up-to-the-minute information concerning boat access and the most productive baits and presentations.
Upcoming Events
May 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. meeting at Dow’s Corner Bar (715-634-4543.)
May 9-11: Treeland 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
D: May 7-13; E: May 14-20; F: May 21-27.
The Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Sawyer County Record co-sponsor this report. For more information on area events and activities, visit the HLVCB’s Calendar of Events or call 800-724-2992.