Steve Suman
The North Woods will see a brief warm-up at midweek, with some sunshine, highs in the upper 30s, lows in the upper teens to mid-20s, and snow chances toward the week’s end. Quite pleasant weather for this time of year, and slightly above the long-term averages. This is great weather for all outdoor activities ‑ get out and take advantage!
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“This week looks to bring a warm-up to the Quiet Lakes’ area,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “and a wintry mix Tuesday will probably make a mess of everything. The heavy snow that fell last week has not hurt the ice, but it did create a layer of slush between the snow and ice. The ice base on most lakes is at least 10 inches, and travel should be excellent wherever there are snowmobile trails.
“Fishing slowed a bit with the snowstorm, but generally fishing can be great before and a few days after a front. We will see what happens following that past weekend’s storm, but this warm-up will be a welcome change!
“Walleye fishing slowed a bit, and anglers should target deep rocky points, reefs, and shorelines with sharp breaks. Both tip-ups and jigging spoons can be productive, especially around dawn and dusk. If using tip-ups, rig them with suckers and shiners and run them 1-2 feet off bottom. Jigging can call fish from a long distance, and most anglers start low and work up the water column.
“Northern pike should be in and around shallow weeds, whether off points, on reefs, or big weed beds. Now that we have a lot of snow cover on the lakes, the weeds will start to brown. Green weeds, if you can find them, are excellent starting points. Set tip-ups with sucker minnows and shiners on weed edges, both shallow and deep. Pike will aggressively eat bigger spoons jigged in those areas as well.
“Largemouth bass anglers could find success with tip-ups and minnows in and around shallower weeds and in the same areas as pike.
“Smallmouth anglers might find fish in some of the same areas as walleye, although they are nomadic and anglers seldom catch them through the ice.
“Crappie and perch will roam the basins now and anglers report luck with minnows and plastics on small jigs and spoons. We hear anglers are having success in 15-25 feet.
“Bluegills should relate more to shallow structure than a basin bite. Shallow structure can be weeds, timber, rocks, and shoreline breaks. Waxies and plastics on small jigs are all anglers need to ice nice bluegills.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says most lakes currently have 10-12 inches of ice, with around 8-10 inches of snow on top.
“There are reports of pockets of slush on many lakes, so anglers using wheelers, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles should be aware. A warm-up on the way will likely keep slush around a while until more snow blows off the ice.
“Walleyes are slowly transitioning to deeper water now that ice and snow cover the lakes, but anglers still have success on tip-ups shallow and deep. However, the lack of light bringing death to shallow weeds will force baitfish deeper in search of food, cover, and oxygen. Suckers and shiners on tip-ups work well, with spoons and rattlebaits performing on jigging applications.
“Northern pike are more tolerant and can leave shallow, oxygen depleted water a bit later than walleye, so anglers can continue to focus on multiple depths. Tip-ups are the go-to application with suckers, shiners, and dead bait. As winter progresses, dead bait becomes increasingly more effective as pike begin to search out winterkill fish for an easy meal.
“Crappies are basin-bound this time of the year, likely in 15 feet or deeper, depending on the lake structure where you are fishing. Punching many holes is the key to finding and staying on fish, as they are constantly moving. Camping on crappies does not work as well as with bluegills. Rattlebaits, spoons, and live bait on jigs are all excellent applications for crappie at this time of year.
“Bluegill anglers should find good cover and stick to it. Cribs, weeds, and any underwater structure offering protection from predation will draw bluegills. Waxies on small jigs often work well, but upsizing to smaller spoons or crappie minnows can select the bigger fish in the schools.”
Anglers:
Musky season closed statewide Dec. 31
Early inland catch-and-release only trout season opened January 3 ‑ check the regs!
Hunters:
Late fall turkey season in zones 1-5 closed Jan. 4
Archery and crossbow deer season closed Jan. 4
The DNR converted Deer Management Units in the Northern Forest Management zones to habitat-based units by number, rather than county-based units. Review the map of the new DMUs so you know in which DMU you are hunting, and view a breakdown of the season structure by county and DMU. Units in Sawyer County extend into other counties.
The preliminary weekly DMU deer harvest numbers for these units, as of December 30, are available by referencing the DMU map and deer harvest summary.
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, visit HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report.
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 (need not be a Wisconsin resident to be a member).
The January 5 HLVCB snowmobile trail report says Sawyer County trails are open and in excellent condition, groomed, and with a base of 7-10 inches. The trails are in great shape and groomers were out over the weekend keeping the trails in great shape. The staked lakes, with the exception of Lake Hayward, include Round, Spider, Tiger Cat, Lost Land, Moose, Chippewa Flowage, Callahan, Nelson, Grindstone, LCO, Whitefish, Big and Little Sissabagama, Sand, Holly, and Chetac. Riders should be aware of an ice heave near Deerfoot Island on Lake Trail 18 south by Deerfoot Lodge. It is a marked hazard ‑ ride with caution!
The January 5 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for Washburn County says trails are open, in fair to good condition, packed and groomed, with a base of 9-11 inches. At this time, there is no marked trail on Long Lake following a snowmobile breakthrough off Blackhawk Road boat landing. Watch for trail equipment, use caution while riding, and ride responsibly. If you encounter trail issues such as downed trees, limbs, or debris, please report them to Washburn County Forestry at (715) 635-4490.
The January 3 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for the Clam Lake area says trails are open, groomed, and in fair to good condition, with base of 6-8 inches. The Clam Lake area received between 12-16 inches of fresh snow a week ago Sunday/Monday. Groomers are out working on the trails and report very good conditions in the Clam Lake area. Please ride with caution and watch for low hanging branches weighed down by recent snow.
The January 2 Travel Wisconsin snowmobile trail report for the Cable area says trails are open, groomed, and in good condition, with solid base of 6-8 inches. Crews have staked all lakes and the area received about 10-12 inches of fresh snow in the past week or so.
American Birkebeiner week is Feb. 18-22, with other events in January and early February.
For trail conditions, visit www.birkie.com/trail-maps-conditions. Skiing the Birkie Trail System December through March requires a Birkie Trail Ski Pass.
For more information, call (715) 634-5025.
Fishing Report
A few days of mixed precipitation did not improve conditions for ice anglers, but a warm-up and sunshine starting midweek could make for very comfortable fishing. On most lakes, ice thickness remains 10-12 inches, with a layer of slush, and a 10-inch top layer of snow. Always check the ice as you go. Crews staked most lakes, but current travel conditions are dicey in many areas, and anglers using snowmobiles and ATVs/UTVs should be alert. Fish are transitioning to different areas, so check with your favorite bait shop personnel for specific fish species locations, bite windows, and favored baits and presentations. Be safe!
Walleye:
Walleye action has slowed somewhat as the fish move to deeper haunts, such as rocky points, breaklines, and reefs, and sharp breaks on shorelines. Dawn and dusk offer the best success. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, and rattlebaits and jigging spoons all produce action. Start at the bottom and check the entire water column.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike anglers are finding fish around shallow to deep weeds and weed edges on points, and reefs, with green weeds great if you can find them. Northern suckers, shiners, and dead bait on tip-ups set on weed edges, both shallow and deep, work well, as do jigging spoons.
Crappie/Perch:
Crappie fishing is good in basins in 15 to more than 25 feet, depending on the lake. Plan to drill many holes to locate and move to stick with the fish that are always on the move. Crappie minnows and plastics on small jigs and spoons, and rattlebaits are all effective presentations.
Bluegill
Bluegill anglers report success around cribs, weeds, brush, and other structure. Traditional bluegill offerings such as waxies, spikes, minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, plain hooks, and jigging spoons work well. Upsizing to larger baits can help avoid bait robbers and draw larger fish from the schools.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 26: Bobcat hunting/trapping season period 2 opened.
Dec. 31: Musky season closed statewide.
Jan. 3: Early inland trout season ‑ catch-and-release only ‑ opened (see regs).
Jan. 10: Pat’s Landing Tipper Tourney, $25/angler entry fee, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (715-945-2511).
Jan. 10: Seeley Hills Classic (715-634-5025).
Jan. 10: Concealed carry class (WI/MN) – Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (715-558-8312).
Jan. 17-18: Free Fishing Weekend (see regs).
Jan. 17-18: Winter Sno-Xtravaganza snowmobile races, racing starts at 9 a.m. (715-661-1294).
Jan. 31: 16th Annual NABA Family Ice Fishing event, Nelson Lake Boat Landing, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-558-2097).
Jan. 31: Bobcat hunting/trapping season period 2 closes.
Feb. 1: Full Snow Moon.
Feb. 7: 42nd Annual Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie in Cable, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Seasons close: Coyote trapping; Fox hunting/trapping; Raccoon hunting/trapping.
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. 28: Seasons close: Cottontail rabbit; Squirrel (gray, 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 (715) 634-4801.