Hayward Lakes VCB
03-30-2023, 01:58 PM
Anglers should note that the current fishing/hunting licenses for 2022-23 expire this Friday, March 31. If you plan to go fishing after that date, be sure to purchase your new license beforehand! New licenses are effective upon purchase.
Ice conditions are decent overall, but sloppy, slushy, and changing. Go with caution and check as you go.
The Brule River opened this past weekend (March 25) for fishing downstream from Hwy 2 to Lake Superior.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good for anglers who locate the scattered fish. Some are moving toward shallower staging areas near spawning sites, while others hold in deep basins and weed edges. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs catch fish, but bigger spoons, rattlebaits, and minnows attract larger fish.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good in the same locations as crappies, though at different depths. They have started moving toward areas adjacent to spring spawning spots, but also check deep weed edges and bays. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs do the trick ‑ and be sure to check the entire water column!
Perch:
Perch fishing is good and continues to improve. Look for fish in 6-12 feet on mudflats, backwaters, and bays. Be prepared to move as the fish move to keep on the bite. Small spoons with minnows, minnow heads, and plastic bounced hard on the bottom work well, and a spread of tip-ups and/or tip-downs can help track the fish.
Ice conditions are decent overall, but sloppy, slushy, and changing. Go with caution and check as you go.
The Brule River opened this past weekend (March 25) for fishing downstream from Hwy 2 to Lake Superior.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good for anglers who locate the scattered fish. Some are moving toward shallower staging areas near spawning sites, while others hold in deep basins and weed edges. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs catch fish, but bigger spoons, rattlebaits, and minnows attract larger fish.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good in the same locations as crappies, though at different depths. They have started moving toward areas adjacent to spring spawning spots, but also check deep weed edges and bays. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs do the trick ‑ and be sure to check the entire water column!
Perch:
Perch fishing is good and continues to improve. Look for fish in 6-12 feet on mudflats, backwaters, and bays. Be prepared to move as the fish move to keep on the bite. Small spoons with minnows, minnow heads, and plastic bounced hard on the bottom work well, and a spread of tip-ups and/or tip-downs can help track the fish.