The forecast looks promising for the Wisconsin gamefish opener this weekend, with sunshine and highs of 61 degrees Saturday and 65 Sunday. It looks to be a dandy opener!
The Governor’s Fishing Opener in Hayward is May 1-2, and families are invited to come enjoy the coinciding Family Fishing Day, Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lake Hayward Beach. The event is full of family entertainment that includes casting lessons, the DNR Fishmobile, games, giveaways, food truck, and more! The focus is to inspire the next generation to enjoy the great outdoors and develop appreciation for Wisconsin’s outdoor traditions. Arrive early ‑ there are family swag bags for the first 100 families!
The Full Flower Moon is May 1 and the forecast calls for clear skies and great viewing, with partly cloudy skies the nights before and after. Look for the bonus Full Blue Moon May 31!
The night of May 4 offers the peak Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, which is debris from Halley’s Comet, and you could see 10 per hour. Look close to the horizon, with predawn viewing best.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area received some rain last week and lake levels look to be in great shape,” says Greg at Happy Hooker. “Water levels are back to normal, with more rain early this week and cooler temperatures in the 50s. The opener forecast says partly cloudy skies and 60 degrees.
“There are a significant number of trees down in the area, with some blocking driveways. Lake home and cabin owners, and those coming to fish or visit, should consider bringing gloves and chain saws.
“Water temperatures remain chilly and there is not much yet for weed growth. However, with normal water levels after a somewhat normal ice-out date, anglers should find fish in spots typical for the time of year.
“Anglers can renew fishing and hunting licenses for the 2026 season online or at numerous authorized licensing stations in the area.
“Muskies have likely not spawned and will be very shallow at this time. Some anglers will not target musky until the typical Memorial Day weekend opener, but not sure how much luck anglers will have this early. The fish will probably not expend much energy chasing lures until post-spawn.
“Post-spawn walleyes will be off mid-depth edges during the day, moving shallower at night.
“Northern pike should be in shallow areas.
“Smallmouth bass are catch-and-release only until June 20.
“Crappie, bluegill, and perch will look for new weed growth for cover and to spawn.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says lakes and rivers are open and anglers are getting on the water.
“The opening of gamefish season is Saturday, May 2, but until then, anglers are chasing panfish, catch-and-release largemouth and smallmouth bass, and trout with the early opening of trout harvest season.
“Crappies are in basins in 12-25 feet in weeds where they wintered. Crappie minnows and fatheads are the top baits, but try plastics on sunny days.
“Bluegills are on shallow weed patches and structure on flats to feed and warm. Slow jigging and slip bobbers work well, with waxies on ice jigs under slip bobbers a key to cold-water fish.
“Bass fishing is open all year for catch and release, but they are lethargic in cold water. Work 3- 5-inch stickbaits with a 5- to 10-second pause in the retrieve. The fish dictate the time. Crayfish are becoming active, moving slowly along the bottom, and Ned rigs and anything that mimics them will work.
“Trout anglers hit the Brule, the Namekagon, and areas in-between. Inline spinners and hard baits work well. Crawlers do well in sections of the Brule, but check the trout regulations.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses the Hayward area’s best fish viewing locations.
“Hayward is a very fishy place. We have giant musky statues, loads of local businesses with fishy names, and of course, many anglers. We think fishing is a great activity for anyone, but there are other ways to enjoy and appreciate our local fisheries.
“Sometimes it is fun just to see fish, and there are a number of ways to do it. Several of the ultra-clear lakes in Sawyer County offer top-notch fish viewing, including Round, Lac Courte Oreilles, Grindstone, and Whitefish. In these waterbodies, it is usually possible to see fish in depths up to 10-12 feet.
“The key to viewing fish in the water starts with a pair of polarized sunglasses. They make a huge difference in the ability to see into the water, even on cloudy days.
“The next key is to get a higher vantage point. If you are sitting down in a canoe or kayak, you will see less than if you are able to stand. Paddleboards are excellent for fish viewing for this reason. Next, you want to be very quiet, which again points to something like a paddleboard.
“Timing and location are other important considerations. May through early June is the period when most of our fish species spend time in the shallows, making these months ideal for fish watching. Calm days or finding wind-protected spots is usually necessary as well. Even a small amount of waviness can drastically reduce visibility.
“Snorkeling can add another element to fish watching. For many species, a swimmer in the water nearby does not spook them. Great fish watching conditions are available on some of our local rivers, too. The Namekagon River often runs clear enough to get great views of redhorse, smallmouth bass, muskies, and even sturgeon.
“Catching fish on hook and line is exciting for many people, but just seeing our incredible populations of fish in their natural environments can be a thrill for anglers and non-anglers alike.”
Hunters/Trappers
Turkey hunters need a 2026-27 hunting license.
Trapping seasons close April 30 for beaver in the northwest zones and for otter in the North Zone.
The application period for the 2026 elk season drawing is open through May 31.
Sales of bonus harvest authorizations for the 2026 spring turkey season continue through Go Wild and license sales agents on a first come, first served basis, at one per day. Check the zone map; remaining authorizations are available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E (May 13-19) and F (May 20-26). The cost is $10/resident and $15/nonresident. For more information, visit turkey hunting on the DNR website.
Anglers
Anglers need a 2026-27 license and necessary stamps.
Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc. announces changes to the dates and location for its 48th Annual Fall Musky Tournament. This year, it is Friday through Sunday, September 25-27, with Saturday night raffles, door prizes, and Sunday awards ceremony at the Hayward Sports Center Arena. For more information, visit the website or call Mike Persson at (715) 558-2835.
In March, the DNR hosted an informational public meeting in Ashland concerning Chequamegon Bay lake whitefish. The DNR also prepared an online questionnaire to learn more about the fishery, angler experiences, values, and opinions toward current regulations. The questionnaire is available until April 30.
Hayward Lakes Chapter-Muskies Inc. invites the public to its club meeting Monday, May 4, starting at 7 p.m., at Hayward Rod and Gun Club. Admission is free, and attendees interested in becoming a new member of Muskies, Inc. can purchase a half-price membership.
For more information, call Mike Persson at (715) 558-2835.
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
The ice is out, water levels look good, and rain this week might top them off a bit. The forecast for the fishing opener weekend is encouraging, with highs Saturday and Sunday in the 60s. Water temperatures are a bit cool, and highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s this week will likely not effect much change.
Anglers: Renew fishing licenses for the 2026 season!
Panfish fishing, catch-and-release largemouth and smallmouth bass, and trout harvest season are all open, but check the regulations!
Musky:
Musky season opens three weeks early this year, possibly during their spawning season. At this point, it is a guessing game on angler success. Fish should be shallow and might not have any interest in “food.”
Walleye:
Post-spawn walleyes will be off mid-depth weed, rock, and sand edges during the day and move shallower in the evening hours. Walleye suckers and fatheads on jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits are all productive at this time.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike are active in and around shallow weeds and edges, in shallow warmer bays, and near any panfish concentrations. Sucker minnows, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, and jerkbaits will catch pike.
Bass
Bass fishing for largemouth and smallmouth is open year-around for catch and release fishing. Largemouth are in areas similar to northern pike. Best baits include minnows on jigs and slip bobbers, spinners, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and plastics. Smallmouth harvest season opens June 20. Find them on mid-depth rock, points, sand, and structure. Use live bait, crankbaits, Ned rigs, and stickbaits.
Panfish (crappie, bluegill):
Panfish will search out new weed growth for cover, food, and spawning purposes. Find crappies in basins and weeds in 10-12 feet. Crappie minnows, fatheads, and plastics are spring favorites.
Look for bluegills in shallow weeds and around structure on flats. Waxies and small plastics on small jigs, ice jigs, and plain hooks under slip bobbers are very productive.
Trout:
Trout harvest season opened April 4, a month earlier than usual. Check the trout regulations pamphlet for specific waters, lure and bait restrictions, and have a current license and trout stamp.
Upcoming Events
April 30: Trapping seasons closed: Beaver in northwest zones; Otter in North Zone.
May 1: Full Flower Moon.
May 1-2: Governor’s Fishing Opener in Hayward (715-635-9696).
May 2: Family Fishing Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-634-4801).
May 4: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc., meeting, speaker TBA, 7 p.m., Hayward Rod and Gun Club (715-634-4543).
May 4: Peak Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower; debris from Halley’s Comet, 10 per hour, close to horizon, predawn best.
May 6-9: 41st Annual Treeland Challenge; full (715-462-3874).
May 9: North Country Riders ATV Club spaghetti feed at Veterans Community Center, 4-7 p.m. (715-558-6653).
May 10: Mother’s Day.
May 15-16: 39th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries Hayward Event (715-634-3185).
May 15-17: Musky Tale Resort Northern Encounter, (715-462-3838).
May 23: Winter Annual Spring Fling 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-415-1966).
May 31: Full Blue Moon.
May 31: Final day to apply for the 2026 elk hunting season.
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
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.
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.