Steve Suman
The Hayward area received about 5 inches or more of snow Saturday night thru Sunday, preceded by a coating of ice in varying thicknesses. The Monday forecast called for highs in the low 40s, followed by an additional 2-4 inches of snowfall Tuesday night thru Wednesday night, with mid-40s highs. This storm could include a rain/snow mix, ice, and freezing rain. Sunshine and 40-degree temperatures this week should make short work of the snow accumulations (the sooner the better this time of year!)
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area received some ice and about five inches of snow with strong winds over the weekend,” says Greg at Happy Hooker.
“Lake ice is hit or miss, with most of the sheets still strong, but some shorelines are getting sketchy and ice-out will be here before we know it. Looking at the long-term forecast, my guess is that ice-out will happen right around Easter.
“Anglers should renew fishing licenses for this year, as the 2024-25 licenses expired March 31.
“The fishing opener is only a month away and it is time to get the boats ready to go! Charging the batteries, checking the boat plugs, and organizing tackle are all good places to start.
“Re-spooling reels and checking rod eyes and tips are also good things to inspect before the season.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses Spring Hearing questions with local significance.
“The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) is the official advisory body to the Wisconsin DNR. A key role of the WCC is providing the public an opportunity to review and offer input on proposed changes to hunting and fishing regulations through the annual ‘Spring Hearing’ meetings in every county in the state on the second Monday in April.
“This year, citizens can provide their feedback in person on Monday, April 14, with the Sawyer County hearing held at Winter High School starting at 6 p.m. People can offer feedback online in the days following the in-person hearing.
“There are several proposals for fishing regulations with local significance.
“First is a proposal to allow trolling with three lines per angler in four additional counties, including Sawyer. Versions of this proposal brought up in the past were the topic of considerable local debate.
“Another proposal would move the trout harvest opener from the first Saturday in May to the first Saturday in April. One proposal asks about making a five-fish daily bag limit with no size restrictions the default trout regulation for waters that do not have an existing special regulation.
“Another statewide proposal would create catch and release fishing opportunities for sturgeon on a number of rivers with healthy populations. Locally, this includes the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Namekagon rivers.
“Several important proposals concern local waterbodies. A proposal asks about implementing a slot limit for northern pike on Nelson Lake. Anglers would have to release pike 25 to 35 inches, but could keep pike above and below that slot as part of a five-fish daily bag limit.
“A different proposal asks about returning Sand Lake walleye to an 18-inch minimum length limit and three-fish daily bag limit to increase abundance and the angler catch rate.
“Lastly, experimental panfish bag limits on many local lakes will soon sunset, resulting in proposals for what regulations will look like on those lakes going forward. The proposal for Durphee/Schoolhouse, Lost Land/Teal, and Winter lakes is a 10-fish daily bag limit for panfish, all species combined.
“The panfish proposal for Black Dan, Island, Osprey, Round, Little Round, and Windigo is a 25-fish daily bag limit, only five of which may be crappie.
“Interested anglers and other citizens should go to dnr.wi.gov and search Conservation Congress for more information on the Spring Hearing, these proposals, and how they can provide their input to the process.”
The DNR and conservation partners are encouraging novice hunters who want to learn about bear hunting in Wisconsin to apply for the Learn to Hunt Bear program.
The program is intended to promote awareness and understanding of bear hunting in Wisconsin, particularly for those who are interested in hunting bear on their own in the future. The program includes multiple classroom and field sessions, finishing with a bear-hunting experience. Participants learn about bear biology, habitat, habits, population management, hunting techniques, regulations, and safety.
Anyone who has not previously participated in the program or received a bear harvest authorization is encouraged to apply. Participants must be at least 10 years old, and there is no maximum age.
The number of programs offered varies annually and influences the number of participants selected. The DNR will notify applicants of their application status by June 1. Participants should complete the online application by May 1.
For more information, program guidelines, and applications, visit the Learn to Hunt Bear webpage.
Spring wildfire season is officially upon us and the DNR is asking people to be careful burning brush this spring. If your cleanup plans involve fire, make sure to check the fire conditions before conducting any outdoor burning activities.
Debris burning, which this time of year is usually burning brush or leaf piles, continues to be the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin. Review safety tips and material restrictions here. The DNR requires burning permits in DNR Protection Areas anytime the ground is not completely snow-covered, which could be now, depending on where you live.
Permits authorize holders to burn vegetative materials such as leaves, brush, and needles. The DNR designed the permits to ensure that residents burn safely and with minimal wildfire risk. The free burning permits are available through an online application or by calling 888-947-2876.
To view the current fire situation and burning restrictions in your community, visit WisBurn on the DNR website.
The Wild Rivers Chapter-Trout Unlimited is hosting a Conservation Expo & Fundraiser at Flat Creek Lodge Saturday, April 5, starting at noon. The event includes many exhibitors, raffles, and live and silent auctions for guide trips, fly and spin fishing rods and reels, trout and bass flies, fly tying, fishing lures and gear, and much more.
For more information, visit https://wrtu.org.
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. Trails 174 and 176 in Spider Lake Township are no longer open to ATV/UTV use. The ATV/UTV trails in Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846), Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821), and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271) are open.
Check for trail and road updates, closures, and upcoming closures atHLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance.
Order a Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Trail Map from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau or download the Trail Treker app ($2) on your smartphone for the complete Sawyer County Trail Map ($2). Once loaded, you do not need mobile coverage. Placing the phone in Airplane Mode conserves the battery and the GPS continues to show your location and map business sponsors in “Points of Interest.”
Fishing Report
Here is one more reminder for anglers and hunters to renew their fishing and hunting licenses before engaging in those activities after Monday, March 31. The 2025 inland gamefish season opener is a month away, but purchasing your new license now avoid the last minute rush ‑ or worse, forgetting you need a new license until on the water!
For all intents and purposes, ice fishing has ended for this season. While there “might” still be decent ice on some lakes, even if anglers can access such areas, it is questionable do so. The ice is inconsistent and the water is cold! Once again, if you decide to go, take all necessary safety equipment such as spikes, ropes, and wearable and throwable flotation devices. Tell someone where you are going and when to expect your return. If not for your own sense of well-being, do so for consideration of family and friends. Check the ice as you go, both out and as you return ‑ conditions can change quickly during the time you are on the ice.
If you cannot resist that very strong urge to go fishing, shoreline ice is receding on some waters, offering open water for fishing or casting practice. Early catch and release trout fishing is open thru May 2, and catch and release bass fishing is open year-round. Visit the DNR’s Responsible Catch and Release webpage for information on safely releasing fish.
The Brule River opened March 29 for fishing downstream from Highway 2 to Lake Superior.
Upcoming Events
March 26: Crow season closed.
March 29: Brule River fishing season opened downstream from US Hwy 2 (see regs and legal fishing hours).
March 31: Some boat registrations expire – is your registration current?
March 31: The 2024-2025 fishing and hunting licenses expire.
April 5: Wild Rivers Chapter-Trout Unlimited Conservation Expo & Fundraiser at Flat Creek Lodge, starting at noon.
April 5: Fly Fishing Film Tour – Hayward Fly Fishing Company, The Park Center, $25, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (715-634-8149).
April 12: Full Pink Moon.
April 12-13: Spring Turkey Youth Hunt.
April 14: 2025 DNR Spring Hearing in all counties, 6 p.m. start; see hearing questionnaire and hearing locations.
April 14-16: DNR annual Spring Hearing online participation.
April 15: Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame opens for the season 9:30am-4pm (715-634-4440).
April 15: Trapping seasons close in Northern Zone: Mink; Muskrat.
April 20: Easter Sunday.
April 22-23: Lyrids meteor shower, 2-4 a.m., east and overhead, swift streaks, 10-20 hr.
April 30: Trapping seasons close: Beaver in Northwest Zone; Otter in Zone A.
May 2: Early catch and release trout season closes.
May 3: General Inland fishing season opens (includes largemouth bass; see regs.)
May 6: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc., general meeting, 7 p.m., at Flat Creek Lodge (715-634-4543).
May 7-10: 40th Annual Treeland Challenge Bass & Walleye Release Tournament ((715) 462-3874).
May 12: Full Flower Moon.
May 16-17: 38th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries Hayward Event (715-634-3185).
Thru May 31: Elk tag application period ($10 fee).
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
Youth Hunt: April 12-13
Period A: April 16-22
Period B: April 23-29
Period C: April 30-May 6
Period D: May 7-13
Period E: May 14-20
Period F: May 21-27
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.