If the weather forecast for this week is close to 'on,' we could see
cool but stable conditions, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s
and 30s.
DNR fisheries biologist Frank Pratt encourages musky anglers fishing
with suckers to use quick-strike rigs or circle C hooks and hit any
strike quickly.
"If the musky swallows the sucker, it is probably dead."
Pratt says results from fall shocking surveys on Lac Courte Oreilles
indicate stocked fish (marked with oxytetracycline prior to stocking)
make up about 15 percent of the record 2009 walleye year class.
"This means we had excellent survival of stocked fingerlings on top of a
huge natural year class, and could mean a big walleye explosion on LCO
in 2014."
Pat Jones at Happy Hooker says lake water levels continue to drop,
especially flowage lakes where they have to release water. He recommends
anglers using boat landings on lakes with low water closely check the
landings, since some people report struggles with them.
In the past week, local registration stations (Shooting Star, Hillman's
Store, Hayward Bait) registered 15 bucks, 27 antlerless deer, and two
turkeys, one with a 12-inch beard.
During the first weekend of gun deer season, the DNR will age deer at
Shooting Star Archery. To optimize these efforts, Hayward Bait will NOT
register deer during those two days.
Gun deer hunters - be aware of changes in deer tagging for the 2009
season. The 'Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag' included with your gun deer
license is valid only in Herd Control and CWD (EAB) units. This year,
many northern DMUs are 'regular' units, and gun deer hunters must
purchase unit-specific antlerless deer tags ($12 resident, $20
non-resident) to shoot antlerless deer in these units. Not all units
have tags available; some have already sold their allotment.
Archery hunters receive two antlerless tags with their license. The
"Archery Antlerless Carcass Tag" is good for any unit during an open
archery season. The 'Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag' (identical to the gun
hunter tag) is good only in Herd Control and CWD (EAB) units.
Information is available on the DNR website, from DNR service centers,
the 2009 regulations pamphlet, or the DNR Call Center 1-888-936-7463.
Lose your bow in southern Ashland County? If so, contact the Sawyer
County Record (715-634-4881) for a contact number to identify and claim
it.
According to DNR Northern Region wildlife supervisor Ken Jonas, archery
hunters are seeing fewer deer than a couple years ago, but fawn numbers
are up from last year. He says buck activity is really picking up right
now and it's a great time for hunters to be in the woods.
Grouse numbers are good, though not excellent, Jonas says, but success
will improve now that the leaves are off the trees and hunters flushing
a grouse will be able to actually see the bird.
Jonas advises any waterfowlers 'thinking' about doing some more hunting
to get out there - soon.
"There was a mega-migration of whistling swans this past weekend, and
because they are usually the last to migrate, their movement through the
area generally signals the end of the waterfowl migration."

Muskies:
As always, musky fishing is the big draw at this time and constitutes
most of the fishing activity. Action is erratic, with good days and bad,
and one never knows for sure what to expect. Pat at Happy Hooker says
that during this time of year muskies are very temperature and wind
sensitive and can easily turn on - or shut down. A big sucker is the
bait of choice, but Bull Dawgs, glide, jerk, and crank baits (with slow
retrieves) are also catching fish. Some anglers trolling crank and jerk
baits (where legal) are also having success.

Walleye:
Walleye action is slow to good. Fish deep holes, weeds, and structure;
hard bottom areas can also be particularly good. Depths range from
shallow down to 25 feet or deeper. Jigs and minnows (fatheads) and
walleye suckers are the most effective live baits, but trolling
stickbaits is also very effective. Work the baits along drop-offs after
dark, too.

Crappie:
Crappie anglers, at least those who are willing be on the water at this
time, are doing fairly well and even report action is improving. Fish
are suspending over deeper water, along deeper weed lines, and near
brush in less than 10 feet of water. Crappie minnows and plastics should
do the trick (surprise, surprise.)

Upcoming Events
Nov. 2: Woodcock season closed.
Nov. 3: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskie, Inc. meeting. Dow's Corner Bar -
7:30 p.m.
Nov. 7: Seasons Open: Beaver trapping; Otter trapping.
Nov. 8: Sharp-tailed grouse season closes.
Nov. 9: Mourning dove season closes.
Nov. 19: Seasons Close: Archery deer; Turkey; Crow.
Nov. 21-29: Regular gun deer season.
Nov. 24: Northern Zone duck season closes.
Nov. 24: Musky season closes in Northern Zone.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7
a.m.

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.