Steve Suman
Subzero temperatures continue through Tuesday and with nighttime lows, but highs turn a bit warmer in the coming days. There is a chance of snow Tuesday, but with wind chill values approaching -40 degrees. It is winter in the North Woods, with some sunshine, though with very little snow ‑ so far. Enjoy outdoor activities, but dress appropriately!
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
The 2025 Hayward Lakes Vacation Guide is now available online or in hard copy. Visit haywardlakes.com/order-vacation-guide to view or order, and start making vacation plans now!
“Extremely cold temperatures arrived in the Quiet Lakes’ area this past weekend,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “but moderates by midweek. While fishing Friday, we found 15-18 inches of ice. With very little snow cover, the lakes will certainly make more. Still, since ‘no ice is safe ice,’ check as you go. Fishing is decent, though the cold front could slow the action a bit.
“Walleye action is good with walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups in 12-20 feet. Set up on weeds-to-basin or rock-to-basin bottoms, running rigs 12-18 inches off bottom. Fish low light conditions, and the last hour of the day seems best.
“Northern pike anglers can also catch fish with walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups. Set up close to weed beds in 7-15 feet, as on our lakes, most deep weed edges are around 12 feet. Pike generally stage shallower and pick off any bait swimming in and out of weeds.
“Crappies are in 20-30 feet, depending on the lake and structure. Try waxies and parts of crappie minnows on small jigs and spoons.
“Bluegills should be in weeds and weed beds, and waxies and plastics on small jigs should produce in those areas.
“Perch are in schools in 12-20 feet, sitting on deep weed edges, hitting waxies on small tungsten jigs.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says most lakes sport 12-16 inches of ice, with even more on a handful of lakes.
“Wheeler and side-by-side travel is perfect, and we have even seen a few vehicles on the ice. Whatever transportation you choose, check the ice before venturing out ‑ and remember that ‘no ice is safe ice.’ A few inches of new snow makes walking on the ice much easier.
“Walleyes pushed out of their shallow early ice haunts onto main lake points and structure. Many anglers have success with suckers and shiners on setlines during low light sunrise and sunset. Others have setlines in the shack while jigging key structure with jigging spoons, rattlebaits, and other attractants. Look for fish in 12-20 feet, though fish could push deeper in clearer waterbodies or during periods of high sun.
“Northern pike are cooperative, with northern suckers and large shiners on setlines the ticket, and some giants coming off dead bait. Look for main lake structure, and know that pike follow the bluegills and crappies.
“Crappies are in main lake basin areas in 15-45 feet, depending on the lake. For active fish, start with aggressively working spoons and rattlebaits, switching to live bait on small jigs for stubborn fish. Take note that crappies pulled from more than 20 feet will not release well.
“Bluegills relate to deep weedlines. Set up on weedlines, stay quiet, and wait for fish to move through the area. Waxies and spikes on small jigs are working well.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses musky ‘PIT tag Master’ Steve Genson.
“We love our musky lakes here in Hayward, and the local fish team does many different things to manage and protect them.
“Much of our management relies on having good information on what is happening with the fish. How is stocking working? How fast are they growing? How do they move around? We have been able to answer those questions using PIT (passive integrated transponder) tags that many of our muskies carry in their cheek or belly.
“The challenge is that we have to capture a tagged fish to get information on the tag ‑ and we have more than 30,000 tags to look for out there! This creates an all-hands-on-deck situation for capturing muskies and scanning for tags. One of our greatest assets has been volunteer anglers and guides, strongly supported by our local Muskies Inc. chapter.
“Local guide Steve Genson has emerged as unofficial team captain for our volunteers. Since 2011, Steve has contributed 263 tag records towards our total. Of those, 109 tags were ‘recaptured’ fish that were already carrying a tag.
“Recaptures are very valuable, as they provide the most information on a fish’s history. After Steve’s number of years successfully scanning fish, we issued him a permit to implant tags if he caught an untagged musky. So far, Steve has tagged 154 muskies with his clients. The data generated by Steve, other volunteers, and DNR crews tie directly into important decisions about stocking rates, angling regulations, and more.
“The next few years will be a critical period for recapturing tagged muskies. We have tens of thousands of tags out across area lakes, but the fish carrying them do not live forever. We are counting on anglers such as Steve to help us collect as much data as possible while we have this opportunity, and actively seek other anglers who might like to help with this project. For information, email max.wolter@wisconsin.gov.”
The extended archery season in select counties (see map and regulations) continues through January 31. Period 2 bobcat hunting and trapping season is also open through January 31.
The Deerfoot Lodge “Freeze Your Buns Off” crappie fishing tournament is February 1-2 on the Chippewa Flowage. The event includes door prizes, Grand Prize, crappie and northern pike fish awards, and best photo award.
Enter by January 31. The entry fees are $65/individual and $100/family.
For more information, visit https://deerfootlodge.com or call (715) 462-3328).
ATV/UTV TRAIL REPORT
All ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for ATV and at least 16 years old for UTV, must complete an ATV/UTV safety certification course to operate legally on public ATV/UTV trails and areas in Wisconsin. The DNR requires trail passes for non-residents and Wisconsin residents must display a registration sticker. Riders must run headlights at all times when operating. Visit the DNR ATV website for rules and regulations.
Unless otherwise posted, all county roads outside the LCO Reservation in Sawyer County are legal for ATV/UTV use. The Trail Treker app shows the changes. Contacts for ATV/UTV trails include Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846); Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821); and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
Our ATV/UTV trails that allow winter riding are open. Check for trail and road updates and closures atHLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance. Now that panning has begun, know that the county land trails (dark green on map) are not open to UTVs and machines greater than 900 pounds.
Order ATV trail maps from Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone and get the complete Sawyer County Trail Map ($2). Once loaded, you never need mobile coverage. Placing the phone in Airplane Mode conserves the battery and the GPS still shows your location and all map business sponsors in “Points of Interest.”
SNOWMOBILE/SKI TRAIL REPORT
Snowmobiles must have a current registration and display a valid snowmobile trail pass to operate on public snowmobile trails. You can renew registrations and order trail passes online or purchase trail passes from sales agents. Members of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) can purchase trail passes at a discounted rate directly from www.awsc.org. Wisconsin residency is not required to become an AWSC member.
The January 20 HLVCB snowmobile trail report asks riders to stay on the trails ‑ please ‑ this is crucial for your safety! There are many heaves, more can form at any time ‑ and this applies to all lakes! Drive with caution and at safe speeds. Check the website for more information and a list of heaves known at this time. Staked or not, they are NOT roped or taped off. Stay on marked trails and always ride with full attention, caution, and at safe speeds.
American Birkebeiner week is February 19-23. Birkie Ski Trail reports are available at www.birkie.com/trail-maps-conditions. Skiing any part of the Birkie Trail System December through March requires a Birkie Trail Ski Pass. An All-Access Snow Pass is required to ski on the snowmaking loop. For more information, call (715-634-5025).
Fishing Report
Substantial subzero temperatures combined with lack of snow cover will certainly build more ice on lakes that had up to 18 inches before the cold arrived. Still, keep in mind that “no ice is safe ice” is a truism and it is important to check the ice as you travel on it!
Fishing is good for most all species. Check with your favorite bait shop personnel for the most current information on fish locations and movement, bite windows, and preferred baits and presentations.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good, with best success in very early morning and late evening into after dark. Fish are in depths to 20 feet, but shallower during the low light times, and deeper on clear ice/water during high sun. Target main lake structure, points, and transition areas. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups with baits 10-20 inches off the bottom, and jigging spoons, and rattlebaits, are all working.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good. Focus on weed beds, weedline edges, and other structure from shallow to about 18 feet. Northern suckers, walleye suckers, and shiners on tip-ups all produce, and dead bait is effective, too.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good. Find them in 15-35 feet and deeper on structure and in deep basins, depending on the lake. Crappies caught in deep water do not do well with catch and release. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and spoons work well, with rattlebaits also doing the trick.
Bluegill/Perch:
Bluegill fishing is good in/on shallow to deep weeds and weed beds. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs work well. Set up on the weeds and wait for the fish to arrive. Look for perch schools on deep weed edges in 12-20 feet, with waxies and minnow parts on small tungsten jigs the favored offering.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: Extended archery season in select counties; see map and regulations.
Jan. 31: Bobcat Period 2 hunting and trapping season closes.
Feb. 1-2: Deerfoot Lodge “Freeze Your Buns Off” crappie fishing tournament (715-462-3328).
Feb. 8: 42nd Annual Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p m (715-558-6251).
Feb. 12: Full Snow Moon.
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Coyote trapping; Fox hunting/trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
Feb. 15: 25th Annual Bar Stool Races
Feb. 19-23: American Birkebeiner Week (715-634-5025).
Feb. 28-March 2: World’s Longest Weenie Roast at Lakewood’s Resort (715-794-2561).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Cottontail; Squirrel (gray and fox).
For more information on area events and activities, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau and Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce websites, view the Calendar of Events, or call (715) 634-8662 or 800-724-2992.