Hayward Lakes Sherry
05-19-2009, 01:17 PM
May 18, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
The bottom line on fishing is conditions this past week were very challenging, though anglers who were willing and/or able to tough it out did catch fish. Cooler temps (“cool” enough to produce a few snow showers) and strong winds (to more than 30 mph) were affecting both anglers and fish, and making boat control nearly impossible.
Wind gusts were so strong on the Chippewa Flowage Saturday afternoon that the Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) fishing event for persons with disabilities was forced to call their boats off the water and cancel fishing for the day, much to the disappointment of participants.
The high winds did not prevent local DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt from stepping up and making the most of the frustrating situation, however. After quickly making arrangements with the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, he accompanied 23 FHNB guest anglers from an Illinois group home on a tour of the museum and grounds that was greatly enjoyed by everyone involved. Kudos to Pratt and the Hall for putting together this last minute excursion and saving the day.
Musky season in the Northern Zone (north of U.S. Highway 10) opens May 23. According to the DNR, Wisconsin offers musky anglers fishable musky populations in 711 lakes and 83 streams in 48 counties, with the heaviest concentration of musky lakes in the headwater regions of the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Wisconsin rivers. More musky water information is available on the DNR website, including size and designations as trophy or action waters. Anglers should be aware of special regulations in effect on some waters.
Wisconsin’s spring turkey season is winding down, and the last hunting period is May 20-24. During the past week, Shooting Star Archery and Hillman’s Store each registered three adult birds. Hunter reports indicate the toms are now very quiet and difficult to find.
Tuscobia Trail users should be on the lookout for a “gold” spike hidden somewhere on the trail. The person finding it will win a “Trailside Camping” package consisting of a four-person tent, his and hers fishing poles, one night of camping at Ojibwa Park, a slim-line cooler, water bottle, thermos, and Tuscobia State Trail tee-shirt. Tuscobia Trail manager Kathy Oginski says spike hunters should check local newspapers each week for new clues.
The 74-mile long Tuscobia State Trail is a former railroad grade running from Park Falls to Rice Lake, and 65 miles of trail, from Park Falls to Birchwood, is open to ATV use.
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair to good, and as expected, the low-light conditions of early morning and late afternoon/evening are producing the best success. Look for weeds, rock, and wood in 8-30 feet of water, depending on the lake. Fish are scattered, and it’s worth checking any weeds or structure, as well as very shallow water. Pat at Happy Hooker says if you are starting to catch perch, you’re probably fishing the right area. Fatheads and leeches are currently best, but anglers are also catching fish on crawlers, walleye suckers, plastics, Rapalas, and crankbaits. Use live bait on plain hooks, jigs, and harnesses.
Northern:
Northern action continues to be a good to very good all-day bite. Fish shallow weeds and weed beds, shorelines, and shallow bays, though you will catch fish in 5-18 feet of water. Northern suckers are working best, but spinners, spoons, spinner and buzz baits are also producing action for anglers pursuing pike.
Bass:
Northern Zone bass season is catch and release only until June 20. Rule changes put into effect just before the opener (and as a result are NOT in the printed fishing regulations pamphlet) removed barbless hook and artificial lure restrictions.
Crappie:
Crappie spawning should occur any time. Action is inconsistent – cool and windy fronts keep the fish moving in an out – but anglers working warmer, shallow water bays on mild and sunny days are doing quite well. Fish depths from very shallow down to about 10 feet, and look for cribs or structure. The old standbys of crappie minnows and plastics are working best, but don’t overlook fatheads, leeches, crawlers, worms, waxies, plastics, and small spinners. Best action seems to be on baits fished under bobbers, but be willing to try other presentations.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to very good on most water. You will find them in very shallow in warm bays, but also down to 15 feet or more, particularly the larger fish. Waxies, worms, crawlers, leeches, and plastics are all catching fish.
Upcoming Events
May 20-24: Spring turkey hunting period F.
May 23: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required. All other regulations apply.
June 7: State Parks Open House Day. Free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
June 20: Northern Zone bass season goes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits.
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
The bottom line on fishing is conditions this past week were very challenging, though anglers who were willing and/or able to tough it out did catch fish. Cooler temps (“cool” enough to produce a few snow showers) and strong winds (to more than 30 mph) were affecting both anglers and fish, and making boat control nearly impossible.
Wind gusts were so strong on the Chippewa Flowage Saturday afternoon that the Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) fishing event for persons with disabilities was forced to call their boats off the water and cancel fishing for the day, much to the disappointment of participants.
The high winds did not prevent local DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt from stepping up and making the most of the frustrating situation, however. After quickly making arrangements with the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, he accompanied 23 FHNB guest anglers from an Illinois group home on a tour of the museum and grounds that was greatly enjoyed by everyone involved. Kudos to Pratt and the Hall for putting together this last minute excursion and saving the day.
Musky season in the Northern Zone (north of U.S. Highway 10) opens May 23. According to the DNR, Wisconsin offers musky anglers fishable musky populations in 711 lakes and 83 streams in 48 counties, with the heaviest concentration of musky lakes in the headwater regions of the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Wisconsin rivers. More musky water information is available on the DNR website, including size and designations as trophy or action waters. Anglers should be aware of special regulations in effect on some waters.
Wisconsin’s spring turkey season is winding down, and the last hunting period is May 20-24. During the past week, Shooting Star Archery and Hillman’s Store each registered three adult birds. Hunter reports indicate the toms are now very quiet and difficult to find.
Tuscobia Trail users should be on the lookout for a “gold” spike hidden somewhere on the trail. The person finding it will win a “Trailside Camping” package consisting of a four-person tent, his and hers fishing poles, one night of camping at Ojibwa Park, a slim-line cooler, water bottle, thermos, and Tuscobia State Trail tee-shirt. Tuscobia Trail manager Kathy Oginski says spike hunters should check local newspapers each week for new clues.
The 74-mile long Tuscobia State Trail is a former railroad grade running from Park Falls to Rice Lake, and 65 miles of trail, from Park Falls to Birchwood, is open to ATV use.
Walleye:
Walleye action is fair to good, and as expected, the low-light conditions of early morning and late afternoon/evening are producing the best success. Look for weeds, rock, and wood in 8-30 feet of water, depending on the lake. Fish are scattered, and it’s worth checking any weeds or structure, as well as very shallow water. Pat at Happy Hooker says if you are starting to catch perch, you’re probably fishing the right area. Fatheads and leeches are currently best, but anglers are also catching fish on crawlers, walleye suckers, plastics, Rapalas, and crankbaits. Use live bait on plain hooks, jigs, and harnesses.
Northern:
Northern action continues to be a good to very good all-day bite. Fish shallow weeds and weed beds, shorelines, and shallow bays, though you will catch fish in 5-18 feet of water. Northern suckers are working best, but spinners, spoons, spinner and buzz baits are also producing action for anglers pursuing pike.
Bass:
Northern Zone bass season is catch and release only until June 20. Rule changes put into effect just before the opener (and as a result are NOT in the printed fishing regulations pamphlet) removed barbless hook and artificial lure restrictions.
Crappie:
Crappie spawning should occur any time. Action is inconsistent – cool and windy fronts keep the fish moving in an out – but anglers working warmer, shallow water bays on mild and sunny days are doing quite well. Fish depths from very shallow down to about 10 feet, and look for cribs or structure. The old standbys of crappie minnows and plastics are working best, but don’t overlook fatheads, leeches, crawlers, worms, waxies, plastics, and small spinners. Best action seems to be on baits fished under bobbers, but be willing to try other presentations.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to very good on most water. You will find them in very shallow in warm bays, but also down to 15 feet or more, particularly the larger fish. Waxies, worms, crawlers, leeches, and plastics are all catching fish.
Upcoming Events
May 20-24: Spring turkey hunting period F.
May 23: Musky season opens north of Hwy 10.
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required. All other regulations apply.
June 7: State Parks Open House Day. Free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
June 20: Northern Zone bass season goes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits.
Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.)
For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.