Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report Steve Suman North woods visitors experienced near-perfect weather, certainly the best in recent memory, during the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Most lakes and rivers in northwest Wisconsin are very low due to the drought, but contrary to a previous (erroneous) report, nearly all landings on the Chippewa and Turtle-Flambeau flowages are accessible. Boaters on these and other waters should be alert for rocks and stumps, however, and the low water may limit access to some smaller waters. Reminder: Three new state laws Anglers and boaters are advised a new state law requires boats to be ‘clean” before leaving a launch site. It is illegal for people to drive away from a boat landing with aquatic plants or animals attached to their boat, trailer, or vehicle. The penalty for a first violation ranges from $232 to $767.50. A second offense within three years can cost up to $2,657. Don’t think you are home free if you “escape” the ramp – DNR conservation wardens and deputy warden water guards will make traffic stops on public highways. A new boating law to make lakes safer, protect shorelines, and improving water quality, prohibits boaters from operating at speeds greater than “slow-no-wake” (minimum speed to maintain steerage) within 100 feet of shorelines on lakes and lake areas of flowage. This is in addition to current law prohibiting speeds greater than slow-no-wake within 100 feet of docks, rafts, piers, and buoyed restricted areas. As of June 1, firewood brought onto a state-managed property must be state-certified wood, or gathered or purchased from a vendor who cut it within 25 miles of that state property. The DNR offers maps showing a 25-mile radius from state park and forest campgrounds. Hayward Fly Fishing Company will host a book signing Wednesday June 9 at the Sawmill Saloon in Seeley, for well-known fly fishing angler and author John Gierach. The event begins at 7 p.m. Fishing Reports Muskies: The Northern Zone musky season opened this past Saturday with mixed results. Fish are in shallow water near weeds, cribs, structure – and spawning panfish. Musky spawning is long-since completed, water temperatures are unseasonably warm, and topwater baits are working well for anglers who are using them. Bucktails, twitch and crank baits are also producing action. Anglers fishing for all species report seeing – and hooking – muskies in shallow water, and before the musky season opener, numerous walleye and panfish anglers caught muskies on minnows, plastics, ... and worms! Walleye: Walleye fishing is now more challenging, perhaps a result of mayfly hatches. Early morning/late evening continue to be the best times, particularly with stick and crankbaits along shorelines. During daytime hours on the deep, clear lakes, fish deeper water (12-30 feet) weeds, weed edges, bars, gravel, and sand areas. Fish 6-12 feet in the evening on these lakes. On the stained water lakes, fish 6-12-feet near weeds during the day. Fatheads and walleye suckers continue to catch fish, but leeches and crawlers will soon be (already are?) the top choices. Presentations include jigs, slip bobbers, Lindy Rigs, plain hooks, and bait harnesses. Beetle Spins and Rapalas are also good bets. Northern: Northern action is very good around shallow weeds and in any areas where you find spawning panfish. With the rising water temperatures, look for trophy pike to be in deeper water. Baits of choice include northern suckers under bobbers, spinnerbaits, spoons, stick, twitch, crank, and surface baits. Pike are excellent on the table, so learn how to remove the y-bones and enjoy your harvest. (Try to find a copy of the Sawyer County Record’s 2009 Fall Fun Guide. There is an excellent illustration on removing y-bones on page 23.) Crappie: Crappie action is still very good, though spawning is either winding down or completed, depending on the lake. Try shallow areas first, moving incrementally deeper until you locate the fish. Weeds, cribs, and other structure – from 3-25 feet – could hold crappies. Don’t stick with an area just because “I caught ‘em here last year.” This isn’t last year! Crappie minnows, waxies, panfish leeches, and plastics are all catching fish, as are spinners/Beetle Spins, and topwaters. Bluegill: Bluegills are spawning in shallow water and providing outstanding action. Catching ‘gills is never easier than when they are spawning, so you are encouraged to use restraint. Fish very shallow weeds, cribs, stumps, and sandy areas with waxies, crawlers, worms, small jigs, plastics – just about anything will work – with or without a bobber. Topwater baits, such as small poppers and rubber spiders, are both productive and great fun. Upcoming Events June 1: Muskies, Inc. meeting. Bill Shumway presentation. Dick-Sy Roadhouse. 7 p.m. (715-634-4543.) June 5-6: Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required. All other regulations apply. June 6: State Parks Open House Day. Free admission to all state parks, forests and trails. June 9: John Gierach book signing. Sawmill Saloon in Seeley. 7 p.m. (715-634-8149.) June 19: Northern Zone bass season changes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits. (See regs.) June 24-27: 61st annual Musky Festival (715-634-8662.) June 25-27: Hayward Lions “Dr. John Ryan” Musky Fest fishing contest. July 16-18: 36th annual Honor the Earth Powwow ((715-634-8924.) July 16-18: Birchwood Bluegill Festival (800-236-2252.) July 23-25: Lumberjack World Championships (715-634-2484.) Through July 31: Illegal to run dogs on WPA lands. (See regs.) Aug. 1: Hayward Lakes Chapter Muskies, Inc. Kid’s Fishing Day (715-634-2921.) Aug. 2: Application Deadline: Fall turkey; Sharp-tailed grouse; Bobcat; Otter; Fisher; Horicon and Collins goose zones. Aug. 19-22: 103rd annual Sawyer County Fair (934-2721.) Aug. 27-29: Mega Bass Shootout at Musky Tale Resort (715-462-3838.)