Hayward Lakes VCB
03-02-2023, 04:09 PM
Ice anglers should remember that the general inland fishing season closes Sunday, March 5. In addition, removal dates for permanent ice shacks in the north begin March 1 and go to March 19.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good to very good. Focus on deep weeds during the day, moving to shallower weedlines, weed edges, breaklines, and flats in the evening when (preferably before) fish move shallower to feed. Walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads on tip-ups and dead-sticks, finesse baits, and jigging spoons and similar baits are all catching fish.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good to very good, with the best fishing in early morning and late afternoon into sunset. Fish are in, on, and around weeds, weed beds, weed edges, weed pockets, shallow weedy flats, points, breaklines, bars, and any concentrations of baitfish and panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners on tip-ups are the most productive presentation.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good and stable, but be prepared to drill many holes and keep on the move to follow the fish. Look for fish schooling and suspending in basins near spawning bays ‑ and be sure to check the entire water column. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on tungsten jigs or plain hooks, as well as spoons and rattlebaits.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good on weed edges, brush, cribs, and other structure, with some bigger fish in basins feeding on bugs rising from mud bottoms. Use waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and teardrops that mimic the bug hatch.
Perch:
Perch fishing is fair to good and fish should soon start pre-staging for spawning. Look for fish on weedlines, mudflats, near (but not too near!) stream and creek mouths, and shallow shorelines. Crappie minnows, minnow heads, waxies, and plastics on small jigs and spoons work well.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good to very good. Focus on deep weeds during the day, moving to shallower weedlines, weed edges, breaklines, and flats in the evening when (preferably before) fish move shallower to feed. Walleye suckers, shiners, and fatheads on tip-ups and dead-sticks, finesse baits, and jigging spoons and similar baits are all catching fish.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good to very good, with the best fishing in early morning and late afternoon into sunset. Fish are in, on, and around weeds, weed beds, weed edges, weed pockets, shallow weedy flats, points, breaklines, bars, and any concentrations of baitfish and panfish. Northern suckers and large shiners on tip-ups are the most productive presentation.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good and stable, but be prepared to drill many holes and keep on the move to follow the fish. Look for fish schooling and suspending in basins near spawning bays ‑ and be sure to check the entire water column. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on tungsten jigs or plain hooks, as well as spoons and rattlebaits.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good on weed edges, brush, cribs, and other structure, with some bigger fish in basins feeding on bugs rising from mud bottoms. Use waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and teardrops that mimic the bug hatch.
Perch:
Perch fishing is fair to good and fish should soon start pre-staging for spawning. Look for fish on weedlines, mudflats, near (but not too near!) stream and creek mouths, and shallow shorelines. Crappie minnows, minnow heads, waxies, and plastics on small jigs and spoons work well.