February 22, 2010 Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report Steve Suman February weather in the north woods continues to be almost ideal for winter activities, though snowmobile and cross-country ski trails could use a shot of snow. Lake travel continues to be good for those who venture on the ice. The Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau (HLVCB) will host a public information meeting at Hayward High School Monday March 1, starting at 7 p.m. The meeting will cover fishing season goals, laws, and other topics affecting area waters and fishing. The DNR’s Upper Chippewa Basin team leader Dave Neuswanger and senior fisheries biologist Frank Pratt will discuss possible changes in management for some waters, and conservation officer Sue Miller will answer questions about the upcoming season and game laws. HLVCB president Jim Onarheim says many major changes are being purposed for this year, and this is a good way for people to ask DNR representatives questions and hear their explanations for the changes. He encourages the public to participate. For more information, call the HLVCB at 1-800-724-2992. Pat at Happy Hooker notes good ice conditions and mild weather are getting more anglers out on the lakes and fishing. He says success is pretty good, without a mid-winter slump that often occurs this time of year. Al at Pastika’s says travel conditions on the ice are fairly good, but this could change around the landings with warmer temperatures. Brian at Outdoor Creations says some walleyes are starting to move into shallower water. John at Stone Lake Bait says anglers aren’t reporting a lot of fish – but enough panfish for a meal – and some very nice northerns. The 37th annual American Birkebeiner, America’s largest cross-country ski race, is this coming weekend February 25-28. For information, visit American Birkebeiner or call (715) 634-5025. The Hayward 300 Snocross National is March 5-7 at LCO Casino Lodge and Convention Center, and organizers are working hard to make it the largest “ride-to” event in the United States. For ticket information, visit Hayward 300 ISOC Snocross Nationals or call (715) 634-8662. On March 6, Lakewoods Resort will again host the World’s Longest Weenie Roast by Klement’s Sausage, a charity event to support emergency services in the Namakagon Area. Activities include radar runs, ice bowling, golf challenges, and more. Don’t miss the Frozen Weenie Polar Bear Swim – swimmers receive a prize; spectators receive a great laugh. For more information, call (800) 930-6657. Snowmobile trail conditions are good to great, according to reports, though due to mild temperatures and sunshine some trail crossings are gone and corners are icy in spots. REMINDERS: Early catch-and-release trout season opens March 6; game fish season on inland waters closes March 7; hunting/fishing licenses expire March 31. Walleye: Walleye anglers are making some nice catches, but the bite windows are extremely short and usually occur in early morning and late afternoon to just after dark. Depths vary from lake to lake and can range from shallow water down to 30 feet. Fish weeds/weed edges, rock bars, humps, slopes, deeper water structure, break lines, gravel drop-offs, and mud flats. Best baits and presentations include jigs with fatheads, jigging spoons with fatheads or crappie minnows, and tip-ups with shiners or walleye suckers. Get out there now – game fish season closes March 7. Northern: Northern action is fairly good to very good on most pike waters. Northern suckers and shiners under tip-ups are working best at this time. Work weedlines and the top of shallow weeds in 5-15 feet of water, and deeper for larger pike. Areas holding panfish will be most productive, and peak activity is during afternoon hours. Crappie: Crappie action is frustratingly inconsistent, with good success one day and no fish the next day. Crappies are suspending in 7-35 feet of water (depending on the lake.) Start on the bottom and work up until you find the fish. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops. If fish aren’t responding, downsize line, and use plastics and/or bright color jigs. Bluegill: Bluegill fishing is fairly good, but you will have to sort through a lot of smaller ‘gills for a meal. Fish shallow weeds, weed edges, and cribs with waxies, spikes, mousies, and plastics on plain hooks, small jigs, and teardrops. Perch: Perch anglers report fair to good action, somewhat inconsistent, but improving. Fish soft bottom areas, mud flats, and just off deep break lines. Though depths can vary from 10-30 feet, perch are on or very near the bottom. Favorite baits include fatheads, rosy reds, crappie minnows, waxies, and silver wigglers on plain hooks, small jigs, or jigging spoons. Upcoming Events Feb. 25-28: American Birkebeiner (715-634-5025.) Feb. 28: Seasons Close: Cottontail rabbit; Mink trapping. March 1: HLVCB/DNR public information meeting (800-724-2992.) March 5-7: Hayward 300 Snocross National. March 6: Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide. March 6: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. awards banquet (715-634-4543.) March 6: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewoods (800 930-6657.) March 7: Game fish season closes on inland waters. (Check regs for exceptions.) March 10: New hunting/fishing licenses on sale. 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.