The big storm, with up to 32 inches of snow, predicted for the Hayward area this past weekend, fortunately did not meet expectations, but did deliver enough with strong winds to cause travel issues. Temperatures in the mid- to upper-40s and some sunshine this week should remove some (much?) of the snow.
The spring equinox ‑ and first day of spring ‑ is this Friday, March 20.
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area looks more like winter than it should for March!” says Greg at Happy Hooker. “However, it does appear by mid-week it starts to warm and the snow will start melting ‑ and create slop on unpaved surfaces.
“Ice conditions are fair, although shorelines can be sketchy. Areas where snowmobile trails go on/off lakes might be safe, but anglers should check ice conditions anywhere they head. This snow will create considerable slush and cause travel problems.
“As for fishing, it appeared most anglers took advantage of those 40- and 50-degree days and thought about spring, not ice fishing!
Anglers interested in late ice panfish might find the fish pushing shallower. Look for crappie, bluegill, and perch in 8-15 feet on weed edges and transitions from the basin to structure. Find safe ice and start there! Waxies and plastics on jigs, and jigging spoons for more aggressive fish, are good options.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter covers research on fishing technology and angler interest.
“In early February, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society met in Lacrosse. This conference brings together fisheries researchers and biologists from the DNR, federal agencies, tribal agencies, and universities to share new findings and methods.
“One conference topic heavily overlapped conversations among anglers: the effects of fishing technology.
“In recent years, advanced sonar systems, commonly called ‘forward facing sonar (FFS),’ became a hot topic of discussion for anglers and researchers. What does research say about the use of this technology, and what does it mean for fish and fishers?
“Recent research on smallmouth bass anglers showed that use of FFS did not increase catch rates or maximum size of catches compared to anglers fishing without FFS, though the average size of bass caught with FFS was slightly longer. Use of FFS did change angler behavior ‑ they spent more time looking for fish than actually fishing.
“Another study looked at angler catch rates over a long period as the technology was advancing and found no indication that new technology made anglers noticeably more efficient or successful. These results might be surprising to some anglers who view FFS as a game-changing technology, but they actually align with other research findings.
“Anglers using FFS can develop higher expectations for their fishing success, and some studies show anglers using FFS have lower satisfaction levels in their fishing. These results create the context for how we might want to look at this technology. Using FFS is not magic, and research shows it does not transform angler catch rates.
“Anglers who go into the experience believing otherwise are more likely to be disappointed, but if we look at FFS and other new technology as just another fishing tool, we can set better expectations for what it can do for anglers.
“These research results are just one component of a larger conversation about fishing technology and what it means for anglers and fish management. This is especially true when it comes to complex issues such as fair chase and competitive fishing. More research on this topic is planned or underway, so expect to hear more results in the future.”
The DNR reminds people to keep safety top of mind when heading out to ice fish or ride trails as temperatures fluctuate between above and below freezing. Ice thickness changes quickly and becomes more unreliable and dangerous.
This time of year, people need to be especially careful about using their UTVs and snowmobiles on lakes, rivers, and trails. Remember these safety tips before heading out on your next trip:
- Carry a cell phone, let people know where you are going, and when you will return.
- On the ice, wear a life jacket/float coat. It will keep you afloat and maintain body heat if you break through.
- Wear ice creepers on boots to prevent slipping on ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check ice while walking to new areas.
- Bring a few spikes and length of light rope in an accessible pocket to help pull out yourself or others.
- If you fall in, remain calm. While attempting to get out of the water, call for help. Anyone attempting a rescue should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through.
A few snowmobile trails in northern Wisconsin remain open. Check the Travel Wisconsin’s Snow Report for current trail conditions. Like the ice, late season trails can be unpredictable. Be careful, watch your speed, and ride sober.
The DNR’s 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas is now available for purchase. From state natural areas to state trails, lake shores to rivers, Wisconsin has public lands for everyone to enjoy. The Atlas contains 441 maps covering statewide public lands, roads, and waterways. These maps make it easy to locate a state park, county forest, or lake for a hike, hunting, or fishing outing.
Updated every two years, the atlas is available from the University of Wisconsin Bookstore for $104.95. Atlas information and maps are also available in DVD ($5.95), individual county booklets ($29.95), downloadable county PDF maps (free), and online mapping application (free).
For more information, visit the 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas webpage.
Sales of bonus harvest authorizations for the 2026 spring turkey season began Monday, March 16, with a designated sale date for each zone. Bonus authorizations are available online through Go Wild and license sales agents. Sales begin at 10 a.m. and run through midnight each day. Each zone has a designated sale date.
For the harvest authorizations available for the periods and zones, check the turkey zone map and spring turkey bonus harvest authorization availability. Bonus authorizations are $10/resident and $15/nonresident, with one purchase per day until the zone and period sell out or the season closes. Bonus authorization purchases do not affect preference point status for future spring drawings.
Sale dates are as follows:
- Zone 1: Monday, March 16
- Zone 2: Tuesday, March 17
- Zone 3: Wednesday, March 18
- Zone 4: Thursday, March 19
- Zone 5: Friday, March 20
- Zone 6: Covers all of Sawyer County (no bonus authorizations available)
- Zone 7: Friday, March 20
Remaining bonus authorizations go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21.
Spring turkey season in the seven zones is comprised of six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday. The 2026 season dates are as follows:
- Youth Hunt: April 11-12
- Period A: April 15-21
- Period B: April 22-28
- Period C: April 29-May 5
- Period D: May 6-12
- Period E: May 13-19
- Period F: May 20-26
For more information, visit turkey hunting on the DNR website.
Hunters
The application period for the 2026 elk season drawing is open through May 31.
A Hunter Safety Education Class sponsored by Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) is accepting registrations through 5 p.m. March 18. Classes begin March 24 at the Middle School. SCOPE covers costs for all students 18 years and younger. Fee for others is $10. For more information, visit here or email Petersc315@gmail.com.
Anglers
New this year, early inland catch-and-release, artificials only trout season closes April 3. The general inland trout season on inland streams, springs, and spring ponds opens April 4.
The 2025-26 fishing and hunting licenses expire March 31; 2026-27 licenses are available and valid upon purchase.
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 ATV/UTV trails in Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846); Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821); and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
Visit the HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and Sawyer County Alliance.com for trail updates and closures.
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).
Fishing Report
Anglers continue to hit the ice, but there are reports of a few going through thin areas hidden by snow. If you go, wherever you go, go with extreme caution. Mild temperatures have also produced slush issues that can cause difficulties for travel, and snowmobile trails closed for the season. Check with your favorite bait shop for the latest on ice conditions, fish locations, and favored baits and presentations. Again, if you go, go with extreme caution!
Panfish (crappie, bluegill, perch): Panfish fishing is fair to good. Look for fish in 6-20 feet and deeper on weed edges and on transitions from basins to structure. Use crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs, plain hooks, and jigging spoons.
Upcoming Events
March 1: Application period open through May 31 for 2026 elk season.
March 16-20: Bonus turkey tags on sale by zone, starting with Zone 1, 10 a.m.-midnight.
March 20: Spring equinox – first day of spring.
March 21: Concealed carry class (WI/MN) – Hayward Rod & Gun Club 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (715-558-8312).
March 21: Free Fly Tying and Pizza Party Social at Sawmill Saloon, 12-4 p.m. Visit here to reserve spot.
March 21: 2026 International Fly Fishing Festival at The Park Center, 7-10 p.m., tickets $25 (715) 634-8149).
March 25: Crow season closes.
March 31: Some boat registrations expire – is your registration current?
March 31: 2025-26 fishing and hunting licenses expire. New 2026-27licenses are now available and valid upon purchase.
March 28: Brule River fishing opens downstream of Highway 2.
April 1: April Fools’ Day.
April 1: Full Pink Moon.
April 3: Early inland catch and release only season closes.
April 4: General inland trout season opens.
April 5: Easter Sunday.
April 11-12: Youth turkey hunt.
April 13-15: Spring Hearing and public input (in person April 13; online April 13-15).
April 15: Trapping seasons close: Mink and muskrat in North Zone.
April 22-23: Peak Lyrids Meteor Shower; 2-4 a.m. best, 10-20 hr., east and overhead, swift streaks, luminous dust trains.
April 30: Trapping seasons close: Beaver in northwest zones; otter in North Zone.
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
Youth Hunt: April 11-12
Period A: April 15-21
Period B: April 22-28
Period C: April 29-May 5
Period D: May 6-12
Period E: May 13-19
Period F: May 20-26
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.