The forecast this week calls for milder subzero lows in the single-digit to low double-digit range. Highs for the week are single-digit ABOVE zero, with temperatures in the 20s for the weekend! Wind chills are still in effect, but do get out and enjoy the warm-up!
Watch for the Full Snow Moon Sunday night, February 1.
For current road conditions, visit 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area cold will continue this week,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “though gradually warming and with a high of 12 degrees Friday. There are few anglers fishing, as the bite and conditions are tough with these temperatures.
“Walleyes are deep, suspending or tight to bottom on rocks, sand, mid-lake reefs, humps, and steep breaking rocky shorelines and points. Tip-ups are effective, but in this cold holes freeze and hook setting is more difficult. Setlines, dead-sticking, and rattle-reels in an ice shack are better options. Suckers, shiners, and minnows help catch finicky fish. Jigging spoons and minnows on jigs can call in aggressive fish.
“Northern pike are on shallow weeds and weed edges. Again, tip-ups become a hassle in these temperatures. Jigging spoons in and around shallow weeds and weed edges can work great.
“Largemouth bass are around shallow weeds and where weed beds grow in open water months. Focus on anything holding more oxygen when ice blocks light penetration. Minnows and plastics on jigs, and jigging spoons, work great.
“Crappies on most lakes suspend in basins in 12-25 feet, depending on the basin. On other lakes, crappies stay around deeper weed edges, 10-14 feet in most lakes. Minnows and plastics on small tungsten jigs are a staple for crappie.
“Bluegills are generally shallower than other panfish, so target shallow weed beds and weedy bays. Focus on green weeds, or pockets of weeds and edges. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs work best.
“Perch are schooling in basins and on deep edges in 8-20 feet and tight to bottom. Try fishing aggressively with small noisy, flashy spoons.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says frigid temperatures solidified much of the remaining slush and added ice to many lakes.
“We currently have 16-19 inches of ice, with some snow on top. Some anglers are beginning to take out vehicles, but we strongly urge each individual to go out and scout the lake you are fishing *before* driving out any vehicle.
“Walleye fishing is solid, with many fish on main lake structure such as humps and deeper flats. Tip-ups still produce fish, but anglers jigging minnowbaits, spoons, and live bait in 12-26 feet report success.
“Northern pike fishing is great, with anglers catching good numbers of eater-size fish and a good portion of larger fish. Use suckers, shiners, and dead bait on tip-ups in 8-20 feet. Find structure holding baitfish and you will find pike.
“Crappies are schooling and constantly moving in 20-35 feet. Punch a good number of holes before giving up on spots. Spoons, rattlebaits, jigs, and minnows and waxies are all producing.
“Bluegills are roaming flats and in weeds. Find an area with abundant cover in 8-15 feet and let fish come through. Small spoons, and waxies and spikes on small jigs, work well.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses bad fishing habits causing dental problems.
“Many anglers, including myself, have a bad habit that they might want to kick this year: Biting fishing line and using teeth to crimp sinkers.
“While always knowing this was probably not smart, though convenient, it was time to ask an expert. I reached out to Dr. Kane from Birch Point Dental in Hayward to ask about the risks of using your teeth as a fishing multi-tool. According to Dr. Kane, the risks and potential damage to your teeth can vary, but are quite real, and he says the following:
Regarding the biting of fishing line and split shot, the most common problem we see as dentists is broken teeth, the severity of which can range from small superficial enamel fractures to vertical root fracture. The worst-case scenario would be a fractured root with the tooth needing extraction. Fixing these problems can be pricey, too, and obviously the more severe the damage, the higher the cost. If it requires bonding, we would be looking at maybe $150-$300 or more. If a crown is required, it would likely cost more than $1,000, and a root canal, if needed, would probably double that. If a tooth needs replaced with a bridge or implant, the cost can rise to $3,000 minimum, and most likely closer to $5,000 or more.
“So, there it is, some practical advice from the doctor that I will try to implement in my life in 2026: Stop biting that line! Dr. Kane also mentioned that a small investment in line clippers and a pair of pliers for crimping split shot could easily be the best investments you could make as an angler.
“Misusing your teeth could result in big dental expenses ‑ and more time in the dentist chair than you might be spending on the water!”
Anglers
The 16th Annual NABA Family Ice Fishing event is this 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, and includes a free lunch. The first 40 kids receive a tip-up, and one lucky youth angler (9-14 years) will receive a fish finder, courtesy of S.C.O.P.E. The event includes raffle drawings, adult and youth 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 this Saturday January 31, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, February 1, 7 a.m.-11 a.m. The event includes northern pike and crappie prizes by weight, door prizes, and a Grand Prize of $500. The entry fee is $60/individual and $100 for one adult and one junior angler.
For more information, visit Deerfoot Lodge or call (715) 462-3328.
Hunters/Trappers
Second period bobcat hunting/trapping season closes January 31.
Coyote trapping, fox hunting/trapping, and raccoon hunting/trapping seasons close February 15.
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 26 HLVCB snowmobile trail report says Sawyer County trails are open, groomed, with a base of 10-12 inches, and in excellent condition. Grooming operations, paused during the weekend due to double-digit subzero temperatures, will continue this week. Snow and more comfortable temperatures are in the forecast.
The January 26 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for Washburn County says trails are open, groomed, with a base of 6-8 inches, and in good condition.
The January 26 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for the Cable area says trails are open, groomed, with a base of 6-8 inches, and in good condition.
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
Warmer temperatures forecast for the weekend will improve fishing conditions. Reports indicate up to 19 inches of ice, but do NOT drive on the ice without checking closely before venturing out on it. Use common sense and be safe! Check with your favorite bait shop for current details on ice and fish.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good. Look for fish in 10-30 feet, suspending or hugging bottom on sand and rocks, on mid-lake humps, reefs, and flats, and steep breaks on rocky points and shorelines. Walleye suckers, shiners, and minnows on tip-ups, setlines, dead-sticks, jigs, and jigging spoons and minnowbaits, all work well.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is excellent around shallow weeds, weed edges, and concentrations of baitfish and panfish in 6-22 feet. Anglers are catching good numbers of fish of all sizes. Northern suckers, shiners, and dead bait on tip-ups, and jigging spoons, are all working.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are in and around shallow weeds, where weed beds exist during the open water season, and any area that holds good oxygen at this time. Minnows and plastics on jigs, and jigging spoons, will catch fish.
Crappie:
Crappies are schooling, suspending, and moving in basins in 10-35 feet, and on weed edges in 8-15 feet ‑ drill holes to stay with them! Use crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small tungsten jigs, and spoons and rattlebaits.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good in shallow weedy bays, green weeds, weed edges, and pockets, flats, and cover in 6-15 feet. Best baits include waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and teardrops, and small spoons.
Perch:
Perch are in the basins, on deep edges, and snug to the bottom in depths out to 22 feet. Small flashy, noisy spoons, minnows, minnow heads, and plastics on small jigs and jigging spoons work well for perch.
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).
Feb. 26-March 1: Lakewoods Resort – World’s Longest Weenie Roast (715-794-2561).
March 1: Inland gamefish season closes (see regs).
March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins – turn clocks ahead one hour.
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.