Steve Suman
The word for this week is COLD! Most highs are near zero degrees and many lows in double-digits. The forecast includes -29 degrees Thursday and (wait for it) -32 degrees Friday night! Saturday night rises to a “balmy” -21 degrees. Sit down before checking projected wind chills! The week’s highest high forecast is 14 degrees Wednesday. If you go outdoors, dress for the conditions and be safe!
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area received about 4 inches of snow this past weekend,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “and this week will be cold, with no highs above single digits. This will keep snowmobile trails in good shape and freeze slush on the lakes that have 12-14 inches of ice and good for getting around on it.
“Fishing is slow for the few anglers trying their luck. Kind of in the midwinter doldrums, and with these cold temperatures, most anglers are not venturing on the ice.
“Walleye fishing is slow, but consistent and predictable. Anglers are finding fish on steep breaklines and rocks in 10-20 feet. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, and minnow heads on jigging spoons, are all working.
“Northern pike anglers are catching fish on lakes with generally good weed beds and weedlines, both shallow and deep. Northern suckers and shiners on tip-ups set on weed edges in 4-12 feet are working well.
“Crappies are schooling in basins in 15-25 feet. Anglers report some success jigging smaller spoons tipped with minnow heads, as well as with minnows, waxies, and plastics on jigs. On some lakes with no defined basin, fish are setting up on deep weed edges.
“Bluegills and perch are in 6-20 feet, depending on the lake and structure. Bluegills relate to weeds, timber, and shallow structure. Perch are in deep basins and on soft bottoms feeding on bugs and larvae. Bluegills also feed on larvae, so waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs are great options. Smaller spoons can work for the more aggressive perch.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says fishing patterns remain very similar to last week.
“While the slush is not as bad as some might believe, anglers should be wary of existing pockets and stick close to marked trails to avoid them. Ice is 12-15 inches, not quite truck worthy, but smaller machines are out in force.
“Walleye fishing remains solid, with many fish heading to main lake humps and deeper flats. Tip-ups still produce fish, but jigging now prevails. Anglers report success with minnowbaits, spoons, and live bait in 12-26 feet.
“Northern pike action is great for good numbers of eater size pike and larger fish as well. Find structure in 8-20 feet holding baitfish and you will find pike. Use northern suckers, shiners, and dead bait on tip-ups.
“Crappies are schooling and constantly moving in 20-35 feet. Punch a good number of holes before moving, as camping on spots will not yield fantastic results. Spoons, rattlebaits, and jigs are all producing, as are live bait such as minnows and waxies.
“Bluegills are roaming flats and in abundant weeds in 8-15 feet. Get cozy and let the fish come through. They are hitting waxies and spikes on small spoons and jigs.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses the Big Sissabagama fishery management plan.
“We write fishery management plans for many of our high-profile local waterbodies. These plans combine angler preferences and fisheries survey data to set goals and objectives for important species in a waterbody. These plans are useful for organizing efforts between DNR and partner groups such as lake associations, clubs, and local municipalities, often using them to support management action such as stocking or angling regulation changes.
“The latest fishery management plan for the Hayward area is for Big Sissabagama Lake. We were grateful to have the input of 126 anglers and shoreline owners who shared their preferences for the future of the Sissabagama fishery. The top species of interest for these stakeholders was walleye, followed by crappie, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass, which is a common ranking order for other lakes as well.
“This plan sets targets for the abundance and size for each of those species, and details strategies for how we can either maintain or improve the fishery to hit those targets. In this case, we are looking for some improvements in the walleye and muskellunge fishery, including increasing abundance of both species.
“The goal for black crappie is to maintain the current high-quality fishery. The plan lays out specific actions for the DNR to undertake, which include evaluating and possibly changing angling regulations, alterations to how we survey and collect data on the lake, and plans for stocking species when needed. There are also opportunities for partners to get involved, which can increase the capacity of fisheries efforts overall.
“We are pleased to have this plan in place and for the great cooperation we received from Sissabagama anglers. For those interested in reading it, the plan is available on the DNR website.”
Anglers
The 16th Annual NABA Family Ice Fishing event is Saturday, January 31, at Nelson Lake Gerlach Road boat landing, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Entry fee is $10/adults; $5/youth 14 years and younger. Lunch plates are available for $5/plate. The event includes raffle and door prizes, gift certificates, and prizes for longest fish of any species.
For more information, visit NABA ice fishing event or call (715) 558-2097.
Deerfoot Lodge’s 14th Annual “Freeze Your Buns Off” crappie ice fishing tournament is Saturday January 31 (7 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday, February 1 (7 a.m.-11 a.m.).
For more information, visit Deerfoot Lodge or call (715) 462-3328).
Hunters/Trappers
The second period bobcat hunting/trapping season closes January 31.
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. Contact numbers are as follows for the ATV/UTV trails in Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846); Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821); and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
For trail and road updates and closures, visitHLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report.
Sawyer County ATV & Snowmobile trail maps are available from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone for the complete map ($2).
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. You need not to be a Wisconsin resident to be an AWSC member.
Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV trail maps are available from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone for the complete map ($2).
The January 18 HLVCB snowmobile trail report says the area received 3-5 inches of fresh snow since Friday, and Sawyer County trails are open, groomed, and in excellent condition, with a base of 10-12 inches.
The January 19 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for Washburn County says trails are open, groomed, in good condition, with a base of 6-8 inches. Lake ice conditions vary and never 100% safe, so use caution on any lake.
The January 19 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for the Clam Lake/Ashland County area says trails are open, groomed, and in excellent condition, with a base of 6-8 inches.
The January 19 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for the Cable area says trails are open, groomed, and in good condition, with a base of 6-8 inches.
American Birkebeiner week is Feb. 18-22, with other events in January and early February.
Check here for Birkie trail maps and conditions. Skiing the Birkie Trail System December through March requires a Birkie Trail Ski Pass. Skiing on the snowmaking loop required an All-Access snow pass.
For more information, call (715) 634-5025.
Fishing Report
The area received more than 4 inches of snow this past weekend, and expect double-digit subzero low temperatures as low as -20s and -30s this week. Significant wind chills are the “icing” on the cake (no pun intended… well, maybe just a little!) Lakes have up to 15 inches of ice, but travel remains somewhat iffy. Use common sense and be safe out there!
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is fair to good, with fish on rocks and steep breaklines in 10-20 feet, and on main lake humps and flats in 12-26 feet. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, dead-sticking, minnow heads on jigs and jigging spoons, and minnowbaits are all catching fish.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is excellent for smaller pike and very good for larger fish. Focus on weed beds and weedlines in various depths, weed edges in 4-12 feet, and structure in 8-20 feet holding baitfish and panfish concentrations. Northern suckers, shiners, and dead bait on tip-ups are all very productive.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good, but be prepared to drill many holes and be on the move to stay on fish. Find schooling fish in basins in 15-35 feet, as well as on deep weed edges. Best offerings include crappie minnows, minnow heads, waxies, and plastics on small jigs, and jigging spoons, as well as rattlebaits.
Bluegill/Perch:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good around wood, weeds, and structure in 6-20 feet, depending on the lake. Set up, sit back, and let the fish come to your waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs and spoons. Perch in 8-15 feet are on soft bottoms, flats, weeds, and in basins, and hitting the same baits.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31: 16th Annual NABA Family Ice Fishing event – Nelson Lake Gerlach boat landing, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-558-2097).
Jan. 31- Feb. 1: Deerfoot Lodge – 14th Annual “Freeze Your Buns Off” crappie ice fishing tournament (715-462-3328).
Jan. 31: Bobcat hunting/trapping season period 2 closes.
Jan. 31: Brule River State Forest Afterhours Ski and Hike 5-8 pm. (715-815-7047).
Feb. 1: Full Snow Moon.
Feb. 7: 42nd Annual Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie in Cable, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (715-558-6251).
Feb. 7: Flambeau River State Forest Candlelight Ski & Hike (715-890-0856).
Feb. 14: 26th Annual Drummond Barstool Races.
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Coyote trapping; Fox hunting/trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping (888-936-7463).
Feb. 18-22: American Birkebeiner Week (715-634-5025).
Feb. 21: Concealed carry class (WI/MN) – Hayward Rod & Gun Club 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (715-558-8312).
Feb. 26: Status and management of walleye in northwest Wisconsin – DNR virtual meeting, 6-8 p.m. (715-418-0897).
Feb. 28: Fat Bike Birkie (715-634-5025).
Feb. 28: Seasons close: Cottontail rabbit; Squirrel (gray, fox) (888-936-7463).
March 1: Inland gamefish season closes (see regs).
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 (715) 634-4801.