The forecast calls for a cooler week ahead, with lows in the 30s/40s, highs in the 50s/60s, and a warming trend for the weekend. Rain, wind, and sunshine are all in the mix ‑ so… typical spring weather in the North Woods.
“Water temperatures are cool in the Quiet Lakes’ area,” says Greg at Happy Hooker. “A cold front, thunderstorms, and rain Tuesday with a high of 48 will keep fish scattered for a while.
“Musky finally had an entry on the board. The angler was likely not musky fishing, but caught one nonetheless! Fish should be on shallow weeds and weed beds, and near shallow panfish. Working smaller jerkbaits and bucktails over emerging vegetation are a great way to start.
“Walleyes are ‘where they should be’ this time of year, says an area guide. On most lakes, that is mid-depth rocks and sand off points and mid-lake reefs. On some lakes, work the deep side of weed edges. Fish push shallow toward evening and in low light conditions. Jigs and minnows, and Husky Jerks, are the ticket.
“Northern pike are shallow, 3-10 feet, feeding on panfish and any easy meal they find. Crawlers and minnows on jigs are effective, though spinners, jerkbaits, and crankbaits are just as effective.
“Largemouth bass are quiet. However, some FHNB anglers targeting shallow panfish caught nice largemouth while fishing crawler chunks on jigs and bare hooks under floats. Spinnerbaits are also good choices right now.
“Smallmouth bass are in 12-20 feet on deep rock edges, points, mid-lake reefs, or bay outlets extending into the main lake. Use minnows and plastics on jigs.
“Crappies are shallow, 3-8 feet, seeking warmth, weeds, forage, and cover from predators, and favoring minnows. Bluegills and perch are shallow and keen on crawler chunks on small jigs and bare hooks under floats.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says water temperatures are low 50s to low 60s, with 60s in back bays and channels.
“Musky anglers, some still sour about the early opener, are not yet targeting muskies.
“Walleyes are on the hunt, with a strong jerkbait bite in lakes in the lower 50s. Fish are in 6-12 feet and deeper on sunny days. For warmer lakes, fish rocks and weed growth in 10-20 feet. Slip bobbers, vertical jigging, and casting plastics work well.
“Northern pike are post-spawn, shallow, and chasing bluegills and crappies staging or beginning spawn in shallow, dark bottom bays. Best baits are spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits, and live bait on jigs. Fish are not super aggressive, so work baits nice and slow!
“Largemouth and smallmouth bass are in 3 feet and shallower, soaking up warmth and chasing minnows. They are a ways from spawning and extremely spooky. If they see you, it ends your chance to catch them. Work shorelines with plastics, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters.
“Crappies are staging and not far from spawning. Anglers find fish in 6-15 feet outside of spawning bays and areas. They are high in the water column, so watch your electronics and keep baits above the fish. Minnows and plastics are currently dynamite for crappies.
“Bluegills in many waterbodies are not yet roaming the shallows, but try 7-10 feet with artificials and live bait on jigs and slip bobbers. These fish will stage in the same areas as crappies, but later. In some lakes, fish could be deeper, with structure the key to finding them!”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage water temperature was 55 degrees at time of this report.
“Musky fishing is quiet because few anglers are targeting them. The fish are likely wrapping up spawn, so if you spot them in the shallows, best to leave them alone to finish. Anglers report some catches, but most are incidental by walleye anglers fishing jerkbaits.
“Walleye fishing is so-so for fish around 13-14-inches, with reports of success around humps in 18-22 feet. The west side is best for bigger fish, the east side better for numbers.
“Northern pike action is solid in the west side’s back bays, particularly with wild caught suckers and chubs. As crappies move shallower, pike will not be far behind. Try the edges of crappie-rich spots, fishing with suckers and chubs on bobbers around the boat.
“Largemouth bass fishing is solid, with multiple reports of 5-pound fish last week, with most action on live bait, jerkbaits, and chatterbaits. Smallmouth bass are quiet.
“Crappies are beginning to stage for spawn (chokecherry bushes are blooming!), and crappies are in thick timber and weeds in about 2 feet. Minnows are a great choice, but as the spawn nears, Voodoo glass bead jigs, Kalin Crappie Scrubs, and Bimbo Skunk jigs become your best options.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses catching fish from a dock.
“Many people visit Sawyer County to enjoy time at the cabin. Lake time offers many fun activities, including swimming, boating, lounging on the dock, and with fishing a great option. However, even some waterfront property owners might not know how to make a great fishing experience happen for themselves or guests.
“In our area, the most common fish you can catch from docks are bluegill, rock bass, perch, bass, and pike, probably in that order. It is certainly possible to catch walleye or musky, but we will focus on the easier fish.
“Start with a simple setup that includes a comfortable rod, even a cane pole without a reel, as catching dock fish does not usually require casting great distances. Use small hooks with the bend and tip fitting within the area of a dime.
“These fish love structure, with bluegill and rock bass often under the dock, and dropping a line in front of you can work very well! Other structure, such as weed patches, wood in the water, and rock piles can hold fish. You do not have to get baits into these areas, as the edges usually produce bites and you avoid snags.
“Bobbers are helpful for detecting bites and keeping the bait at the right depth. To start, set the hook about two feet below the bobber, adjusting shallower or deeper if necessary. Worms are popular for good reason ‑ they work! Use just enough to cover the tip and bend of the hook.
“May and June are often the most productive time for dock fishing. Many fish move deeper as the water warms, but there is usually a good contingent of rock bass and mid-size bluegills making a dock their home for the year.
“Other things to have on hand are hook removal tools to remove hooks from fish you catch ‑and you will if you put in the effort! If you consider keeping fish, know the regulations for your lake, and confirm anglers older than 16 years have a license. Licenses for first-time anglers are just $5!
“Lastly, share your knowledge with other anglers, preferably youth who can enjoy decades of fishing fun.”
Anglers
Anglers need a 2026-27 fishing license and necessary stamps.
Smallmouth bass season in the North Zone is catch-and-release-only until June 20.
Hunters/Trappers
May 31 is the deadline to apply for the 2026 elk season drawing.
Sales of bonus spring turkey authorizations continue, with authorizations available in zones 1 and 3 for periods E (May 13-19) and F (May 20-26). Sales are one per day on a first come, first served basis, for $10/resident and $15/nonresident. Visit Go Wild or various license sales agents.
For more information, visit turkey hunting on the DNR website.
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 & 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
Water temperatures warmed a tad over the weekend, but rain, thunderstorms, and a cold front could put fish off their feed and push panfish somewhat deeper. A cooler week will not do much to improve conditions, with the temperature not hitting 71 degrees again until Saturday.
Musky:
Muskies are finishing spawn, few anglers are targeting them, and most catches are incidental by walleye anglers casting jerkbaits. Fish are on shallow weeds, emerging weeds, weed beds, and near panfish concentrations. Small to midsize jerkbaits and bucktails could tempt some hits.
Walleye:
Walleyes are post-spawn and recovering in 4-25 feet. Focus on mid-depth rocks and sand off points, mid-lake reefs, deep weed edges, and humps, and work shallower water during the low light periods. Top producing baits include walleye suckers, fatheads, and leeches on jigs and slip bobbers, Husky Jerks, jerkbaits, and plastics.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike are post-spawn and action is good in shallow to mid-depth weeds, in bays, and near panfish concentrations. Favored baits include sucker minnows, chubs, and fatheads on jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits, swimbaits, spinners, spinnerbaits, and spoons.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are shallow and actively chasing minnows and panfish around weeds and on shorelines. Minnows, crawlers, and plastics on jigs and plain hooks under floats, and jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and topwaters are all temptations for largemouth.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth bass are along shorelines in 3 feet and shallower, chasing minnows and spawning, and flighty, or in 12-20 feet on deep rock edges, on points, mid-lake reefs, and bay outlets. Sucker minnows and plastics on jigs, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and topwaters can all produce. Fishing is catch-and-release until June 20.
Crappie:
Crappies are staging for or already spawning on some waters. Some run high in the water column in 2-15 feet on weeds, timber, and near shallow bays and other spawning areas. Crappie minnows, plastics, Gulp! baits, Voodoo glass bead jigs, Bimbo Skunk jigs, and Kalin Crappie Scrubs can all produce. Keep baits above the fish!
Bluegill/Perch:
Bluegills and perch are in 4-10 feet and a bit deeper on weeds and structure. Bluegills are staging, but not spawning with the cooler water. Crawler chunks, plastics, and small minnows on jigs and plain hooks under floats work well.
Upcoming Events
May 23: Winter Annual Spring Fling 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (715-415-1966).
May 23: Hayward Area Lions Club free pancake breakfast 7-11 a.m. at Hayward Veterans Community Center.
May 23:·Hayward Rod & Gun Club annual sporting goods, rummage sale, and swap meet, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
May 23:·Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum – 17th Annual Canoe & Wooden Boat Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
May 25: Memorial Day.
May 31: Full Blue Moon.
May 31: Deadline to apply for the 2026 elk hunting season.
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. For DNR loaner equipment in Hayward, call Scott Braden (715-634-7428 ext. 3508).
June 6: Kid’s Fishing Derby – Lake Hayward Park, Hayward MI, HBC, Hayward R&G, 8:30 a.m.-noon (715-558-2135).
June 13: WI/MN concealed carry class at Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (715-558-8312).
June 20: Smallmouth bass harvest season opens in Northern Bass Zone.
June 22-26: Musky Fest Medallion Hunt (715-634-4871).
June 25-27: Musky Fest Fishing Contest (715-558-2835).
June 26-28: Hayward Musky Festival (715-634-8662).
June 28: Hayward Bass Club Round Lakes Open bass tournament (715-699-1015).
Spring turkey season is six, seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday, in seven zones.
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.