The gamefish opener this past weekend brought sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s, though 23-degree lows Saturday and Sunday mornings made for chilly starts both days. Saturday’s Family Fishing Day at Lake Hayward Park and beach drew a good turnout of smiling anglers of all ages. This week, look for temperatures ranging from upper-20 lows to 60-degree highs, with rain showers possible Thursday.
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10. Do something nice for mom… perhaps take her fishing!
IF the skies are clear Monday, May 4, the peak of the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower (debris from Halley’s Comet) will be visible near the horizon and you could see 10 per hour. Predawn offers the best viewing.
“The Quiet Lakes’ area musky season is underway,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, “and fish should be spawning in shallow, warm bays. Focus on shallow weeds or rocks in 3-12 feet. This time of year, the old adage is start with smaller, faster baits. If you have follows but no strikes, switch to baits that hang or pause.
“Walleyes should be on post-spawn spots, usually rocky areas with sandy bottoms near deeper water. Check shallow flats at sunset and on low light days. Jerkbaits, minnowbaits, and live bait are great options.
“Northern pike are chasing baitfish in shallow green weeds and cover. Try weedless spinnerbaits and medium jerkbaits and minnowbaits such as Husky Jerks and Berkley Hit Sticks.
“Largemouth bass are around weeds in warm bays. Use spinnerbaits to search out big bass.
“Smallmouth bass are in areas similar to walleye, but tighter to deep rocks and the bottom. Live bait and bouncing small crankbaits off the bottom work well.
“Crappies are in weedy bays or weed beds. Crappie minnows on hooks under bobbers do well, and for perch, too.
“Bluegills will be in weeds hiding from predators. Use small crawler chunks or red worms on small jigs or hooks under bobbers.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says opening weekend provided nice weather and water temperatures in the high 40s-low 50s.
“Walleyes move onto super shallow rocks and bars this time of year to feed and regain strength from spawning. Anglers report success pitching jigs and minnows throughout the day, but primarily in morning and evening hours. Jerkbaits worked super slowly shine in the twilight hours!
“Northern pike fishing was decent, with many catches in warm back bays harboring panfish. Live bait, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are catching fish that should remain aggressive for a while as they recover from spawn.
“Largemouth bass are super shallow, chasing emerging frogs and small bluegills moving shallow to warm. Bass are feeding in preparation for spawn, though not willing to chase baits. Jerkbaits, soft plastics, and live bait are the baits of choice while fish remain shallow.
“Crappies and bluegills are in warm back bays, sheltered coves, along shoreline cover, and anywhere the water heats fastest ‑ one of the few times of year crappies and bluegills run together. Finding warm water is the key to finding fish. Live bait and small plastics under floats or pitched and retrieved are the way to go at this time.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage water temperature at report time was 54 degrees.
“Musky season opened with the gamefish season this year, so it is legal to fish the Chip for muskies. Be mindful that some fish will still be spawning. If you spot spawning fish, please leave them be to finish their spawn.
“Walleye anglers should find green weeds in warmer water in shallower areas, according to a few local guides. Minnows, followed by leeches, are the baits of choice.
“Crappie and panfish, according to local guides, are likely in greener weeds. It is too cold for them to be coalescing in the bays to spawn, but if you can find some nice, green weeds, you might get some good action.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses how fishing can help with your grocery bill.
“Expenses and cost of living are common concerns these days as prices climb on many items, but the cost of a fishing license has not become more expensive. In fact, with reduced first-time buyer and senior rates, a fishing license might be more affordable than ever, a small investment that could lead to big savings on grocery bills.
“I recently compared the store cost of fish to fish you could catch in our local waters. Fish fillets from the store run about $7/lb. for tilapia to as much as $12/lb. for cod from Walmart. Salmon and other specialty fish are typically higher.
“A fishing license costs residents $20 for the entire year! New anglers or those who have not purchased a license for years typically qualify for a reduced license costing just $5. Once you have a license, it does not take long to save money compared to store prices.
“Catching 10 half-pound bluegills at Shues Pond or Lake Hayward would yield about 1.5 lbs. of fillets, as fillets from local fish are about 1/3 the fish’s total weight. Compared to tilapia, that is $10.50 in food value from one fishing trip. Anglers harvesting three northern pike from Lac Courte Oreilles or Spider Lake ‑ where we are happy to see the harvest ‑ might leave with 2-3 pounds of fillets. Compared to cod, that is $20-30 of fish!
“If you fish once or twice a month, you can harvest enough high-quality local protein to take hundreds of dollars off your annual grocery bill. These savings easily cover the license cost, especially for anglers qualifying for the reduced rate.
“For those having an interest, but needing help getting started, additional resources are available. Loaner fishing rods are available at the Hayward DNR office, and the DNR and other local organizations host several learn-to-fish events throughout the summer.
“The DNR maintains a list of productive shore fishing spots locally and across the state, including many great spots to take kids, and kids younger than 16 years do not need a license. In addition, you can feel good knowing your fishing license investment goes into our natural resources through fish stocking, habitat work, access and development, and more.
“Visit ‘fishing’ to get started and leave high grocery bills in the past!”
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
Trapping seasons closed 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 spring turkey harvest authorizations continue through Go Wild and license sales agents at one per day on a first come, first served basis. Bonus 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.
On Saturday, May 9, the National Weather Service is offering free Skywarn Weather Spotter Training from 5-7 p.m. at Hayward Rod and Gun Club. Register at haywardskywarn@gmail.com and become a Skywarn Weather Spotter!
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. 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
Wisconsin’s gamefish season opened this past Saturday, but few reports on fishing action so far. Water temperatures were 40s to mid-50s, depending on the waterbody. Look for full reports on species next week.
Musky:
Musky season opened with gamefish opener this year and fish could be spawning now in warm, shallow bays on weeds and rock in 2-12 feet. If you see spawning muskies, give them a break. Small, fast moving baits are the usual recommendation for this time of year, but if you have follows with no hits, try hang and pause type baits.
Walleye:
Walleyes spawned or are finishing spawning and on shallow rock, sand bottoms, flats, bars, and green weeds near deep water. Early morning and evening hours offer the best success. Walleye suckers, fatheads, and leeches on jigs, and slow jerkbaits, minnowbaits, and small crankbaits work well.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike are post-spawn, chasing baitfish and panfish in shallow green weeds and back bays. Sucker minnows, fatheads, jerkbaits/Husky Jerks, minnowbaits/Berkley Hit Sticks, weedless spinnerbaits, and crankbaits all produce action.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are in shallow, warm bays dining on frogs and small bluegills in for the warmth. Minnows, leeches, and plastics on jigs and/or suspended under bobbers, and spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits, work well.
Smallmouth Bass: 31
Smallmouth bass fishing is catch-and-release-only until June 20. Find them in the same areas as walleyes, but tight to deep rocks and the bottom. Try working sucker minnows, leeches, and small crankbaits in crawdad colors on the bottom mimicking slow crawdad movements.
Crappie:
Crappies are in shallow to mid-depth green weeds and weedy bays, and shorelines. Crappie minnows and plastics on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks under slip bobbers work well once you find the fish, and you can catch perch on the same rig.
Bluegill:
Bluegills are on/in shallow green weeds, bays, coves, shorelines, and any areas with warming water. Best baits include crawler chunks, red worms, and plastics on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks under bobbers.
Upcoming Events
April 30: Trapping seasons closed: Beaver in northwest zones; Otter in North Zone.
May 4: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc., meeting, speaker TBA, 7 p.m., Hayward Rod and Gun Club (715-558-2135).
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: NWS free Skywarn Weather Spotter Training at Hayward Rod & Gun Club, 5-7 p.m., register here. haywardskywarn@gmail.com.
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.
June 6-7: Free Fishing Weekend. For DNR loaner equipment in Hayward, call Scott Braden (715-634-7428 ext.3508).
June 6: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc., Kid’s Fishing Derby, Lake Hayward Park, 8:30 a.m.-noon, (715-558-2135).
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 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.