Monday’s sunshine and 52 degrees is not a precursor for the remainder of this week! From Tuesday through the weekend, cooler temperatures prevail, including chances of snow except Thursday morning and Friday. Sunday shows chances of heavy snow possible. As always, the forecast is subject to change.
Travelers can check current road conditions at 511wi.gov for Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
The spring equinox and first day of spring arrive Friday, March 20.
“Ice conditions in the Quiet Lakes’ area remain favorable for now,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “as there is roughly 20 inches of ice. Obviously, anglers should be aware of creek and river inlets and outlets, and landings when accessing exiting the ice, as any kind of flowing water or shorelines can change quickly.
“Last Wednesday, we were on a local lake with the kids’ school and had about 19 inches of ice, but it became very slushy by afternoon. We found nice crappies in 17-20 feet during the cloudy and cold morning, but the bite shut down at midday’s high sun. We had great luck with waxies on small jigging spoons and jigs, but very little luck with minnows.
“Anglers chasing late ice panfish should be mindful of ice conditions, as streams, creeks, and rivers will open soon. Catch-and-release only trout season is also open.
“This is a great time for anglers to clean and/or repair tackle and equipment and prepare for the May 2 gamefish opener. Think spring!”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says the ice is still intact, but warmer weather will quickly eat at the shorelines, forcing anglers to abandon trucks and ATVs/UTVs.
“Late ice brings the same safety cautions as early ice. Make sure you have a pair of picks, a life jacket/float suit, and tell someone where you are going.
“Crappies are in basins until spring, though many remained in shallow/mid-depth weeds this winter and will move into shallow water with bluegills. Minnows and grubs on jigs and rattlebaits work well, and tip-downs allow you to keep your distance quietly as well.
“Bluegills will move shallow with the influx of warmth and oxygen via open holes and cracks. Sight fishing can be fun at this time, but fish get very spooky as they move shallow. Late ice is one of the best times to enjoy nice weather and a great bite. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs work well.
“Perch fishing should get hot on large, shallower mud flats as fish prepare for spawn. Once you find them, make hay ‑ they do not stay long! Jigs, spoons, and rattlebaits tipped with meat do the trick.
“Trout fishing is open for catch-and-release only, and anglers can fish open streams and rivers. Brown and brook trout, two primary species in this area, are catchable on small spinners and Rapalas. Check the regulations, as many sections are artificials only.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses Whitefish Lake ice out records.
“Everyone has their personal indicator for when spring arrives. Some people might see it as seeing the green shoots from wild leeks or their first robin, but for me, it is an email from Ken Zeroth on Whitefish Lake.
“Ken has maintained detailed records of ice-out (and ice-on) dates for Whitefish Lake going back to 1974. Ken’s records have helped me understand the natural rhythms of our local lakes, including how patterns have changed over time.
“There were not many surprises about when the ice would go out on Whitefish Lake in the 1970s and 1980s. In those years, the ice went out very consistently (93 percent of the time) 10 days before or after April 17, the average ice out date for the lake. The only exception was 1975, when ice-out occurred 11 days after April 17.
“That consistency is now a thing of the past. In the 1990s, 70 percent of the time we had ‘regular’ ice-outs within 10 days of the average. By the 2000s, it was happening just 54 percent of the time, meaning we have had ‘irregular’ ice-outs almost as often as we have had regular ones over the last couple of decades.
“In fact, it is harder to tell what a normal ice-out date is at this time.
“Within the last 15 years, we have seen dates ranging from March 20 to May 5. The 2020s have seen an ice out date that is about two and half days earlier, on average, than past decades.
“Anyone reading this might be thinking about the implications for when you can install the dock at the cabin. For fish, these shifting spring patterns can be disorienting, especially when it comes to the timing of their spawning.
“These seasonal patterns are called ‘phenology’ by biologists, and because of inconsistencies in things such as when the ice goes out, this has become an area of interest and study. We are especially concerned about how changes in spring ice-out can affect species such as walleye, which use both water temperature and day length as cues for when to spawn.”
Hunters
Cottontail rabbit and squirrel (gray, fox) seasons closed February 28.
The application period for the 2026 elk season opened March 1 and runs through May 31.
Anglers
Wisconsin’s inland gamefish season closed March 1 (regs).
Current fishing and hunting licenses expire March 31.
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.
A Hunter Safety Education Class sponsored by Sawyer County Outdoor Projects and Education (SCOPE) is now accepting registrations through 5 p.m. March 18. Classes begin March 24 at the Middle School Library. SCOPE covers the costs for all students 18 years and younger. The cost for others is $10. For more information, visit here or email Fredrick Peters at Petersc315@gmail.com.
Hayward Bass Club will host a planning meeting for the 2026 fishing season this Wednesday, March 11, starting at 7 p.m., at Hayward Rod & Gun Club on County Road B east of Hayward. For more information, call (405-227-1789).
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 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.
The March 6 HLVCB snowmobile trail report says Sawyer County trails have officially closed for the season. The HLVCB thanks everyone for a great season and looks forward to welcoming back snowmobilers next winter!
This is the final snowmobile/ski trail report for this season.
Fishing Report
Ice conditions at the end of last week were still around 20 inches and good overall, but they can change very quickly with warm temperatures and sunshine this time of year. The days of driving on the ice are near or at the end, and extreme caution is necessary. Fishing is supposed to be fun ‑do not take unnecessary risks. Make sure to take standard safety equipment such as picks, rope, PFDs, and a cell phone, do not go alone, and tell a friend or family member where you are going and when to expect your return. Visit the DNR’s Ice Safety Webpage for more information. It could save your life.
Wisconsin’s inland gamefish season closed March 1, and 2025-26 licenses expire March 31.
Trout season has a significant change in dates for 2026-27. Early inland catch-and-release only season closes April 3, and the general inland trout season on inland streams, springs, and spring ponds opens April 4.
Crappie:
Crappies are in basins and around mid-depth weeds in 15-22 feet, with fishing good to very good. Best success is in early mornings and at sunset. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs, jigging spoons, rattlebaits, and tip-downs all work well at the right time and place.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good and late season can produce the best bite of the year. Look for fish moving shallow as incoming water warms and brings in oxygen to the lakes. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs are traditional productive baits. Go in stealth mode, as the fish can be somewhat jittery.
Perch:
Perch anglers should find fish on large, shallow mud flats where they will feed and prepare for their upcoming spawning cycle. Jigs, spoons, and rattlebaits tipped with live bait will bring success. Make the most of it when you locate them, as they will move on quickly.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 28: Seasons closed: Cottontail rabbit; Squirrel (gray, fox) (888-936-7463).
March 1: Inland gamefish season closed (see regs).
March 1: Application period now open for 2026 elk season.
March 8: Daylight Saving Time started – Late for work? Turn you clock ahead one hour!
March 11: Hayward Bass Club season planning meeting, Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 7 p.m. (405-227-1789).
March 15: Deadline to remove ice shacks from waters north of Hwy 64, Lake Superior, and WI-MI boundary waters.
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.
April 1: April Fools’ Day.
April 3: Early inland catch and release only trout season closes.
April 4: General inland trout season opens.
April 15: Trapping seasons close: Mink; Muskrat.
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.