March 08, 2010
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman
In general, the entire last week was a superb continuation
of last
Monday's report - sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures.
The
Hayward 300 Snocross National and World's Longest Weenie
Roast
participants could not have asked for better weather this
past weekend
(though perhaps cooler temps and a shot of snow.)
Bob at Hayward Bait says with the warmer weather ice anglers
should be
more careful where they go on the ice, observing that
"a good friend
will walk out first." He adds this is a good time
to service reels,
spool new line, and prepare for spring. At Outdoor Creations,
Brian
suggests panfish anglers try the smaller lakes that receive
less fishing
pressure.
Pat at Happy Hooker says this is the time when water will
start to pool
on the ice, fishing is marked by blue skies and longer
days, and
sunglasses again become a part of an ice angler's gear.
According to DNR fisheries biologist Skip Sommerfeldt,
recent mild
weather settled the snow pack on lakes and the depth is
down to two or
three inches of grainy snow cover. Ice thickness is holding
at 20 to 22
inches, and travel conditions are very good. However,
with the warm and
sunny conditions, anglers should be cautious when getting
on and off the
lakes.
Early trout season opened last Saturday, but DNR fisheries
biologist
Frank Pratt says it will be awhile before the Namekagon
River is in
fishable condition. Pratt offers what he says is a killer
stonefly
imitation for big browns in the early season and for big
bluegills later
in the year: Size 10 tube jig hook; black marabou tail
(wooly-bugger
style) and black chenille body with fine gold rib. At
the eye, double
layer chenille over the lead head and add a pair of one-inch
white
rubber legs on top on each side. For the most natural
appearance,
variegate the legs with a black marker.
Hayward Bass Club will hold a meeting Wednesday March
10, starting at
6:30 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club on Hwy B. The club
encourages
anyone who enjoys bass fishing to attend the meeting.
For more
information, contact Wayne Balsavich (715-699-1015) or
Bob Schuster at
Hayward Bait.
The north woods snowmobile season is winding down, though
trails remain
open and (some) continue to be in good condition. Cable
Area Snowmobile
Trail Report says groomers report local trails are in
good condition,
with lakes firm and no slush. Namakagon Trails Report
notes low
nighttime temperatures are helping to maintain trail conditions,
though
the sun is doing damage and some fire roads are getting
bare. Lakewoods
reports trails are fair and have snow cover, but open
areas and trails
along plowed roads are suffering and riders need to be
selective in
trail choices.
The 2010 Hayward Lakes Vacation Guide with a full calendar
of events is
now available at many (most!) locations in the Hayward
area, including
the Sawyer County Record office, or call 1-800-724-2992.
Reminders: Game fish season on inland waters closed March
7; Turn your
clocks ahead when Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday March
14;
Hunting/fishing/trapping licenses expire March 31.
Crappie:
Crappie anglers report fairly consistent - and improving
- panfish
success. Crappies are suspending over deeper water and/or
around weeds,
structure, and deep holes. Depths will vary depending
on the lake you
are fishing. Best baits include crappie minnows, fatheads,
rosy reds,
waxies, spikes, and plastics.
Bluegill:
Bluegill action is improving, but sorting is still necessary
if you want
to take home enough "meat" for a meal. Fish
areas with weeds and other
cover in 4-18 feet of water. Waxies, spikes, mousies,
plastics, and
chena (sealskin) on small jigs and teardrops will all
catch bluegills.
Fishing deeper water with small crappie minnows is effective
for larger
'gills.
Perch:
Perch anglers are picking up fish on the bottom in deeper
water (15-25
feet) on muck/mud bottoms, with best success in the late
afternoon
hours. A wide selection of baits will work, including
fatheads, rosy
reds, crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, wigglers, plastics,
and small
jigging spoons such as Swedish Pimples tipped with fatheads
or minnow
pieces.
Upcoming Events
March 7: Game fish season closed on inland waters. (Check
regs for
exceptions.)
March 10: New hunting/fishing licenses on sale.
March 10: Hayward Bass Club membership meeting (715-699-1015.)
March 11: Sawyer County deer management information meeting
(Laine
Stowell 715-634-9659, ext. 3527.)
March 13: Schultz's Restaurant 7th Annual Turkey Bowl
Northwoods Humane
Society fundraiser (715-945-2223.)
March 14: Daylight Saving Time begins.
March 14: Ice fishing shelters must be removed from lakes
north of Hwy
64.
March 20: Crow season closes.
March 22-26: OTC sale of remaining spring turkey permits
begins.
March 27: Trout season opens on designated sections of
some Lake
Superior tributaries. See regs.
March 31: Hunting/fishing licenses expire.
April 12: Fish & Wildlife Spring Hearings and Conservation
Congress
county meetings.
April 10-11: Youth spring turkey hunt.
April 14-May 23: Spring turkey season.
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.
