The forecast calls for “chances” of showers and/or thunderstorms from Wednesday night through next Monday, with highs in the low to mid-80s. It is June, but we are still three weeks away from summer!
The May 31 Full Blue Moon (second full moon in May) should remain bright for a few more nights.
“Water temperatures in the Quiet Lakes are around upper 60s/low 70s,” says Greg at Happy Hooker. “Some fish species will shut down or get harder to find once temperatures hit the mid-70s.
“Muskies are around emerging weeds and rocky/weedy points and bays. Anglers do well on bass and walleye size baits, and fish should start chasing bucktails. As temperatures rise, keep tools, cameras, and measuring devices ready and get fish back in the water quickly.
“Walleyes are on rock and sand bottoms and deep weed edges in 8-15 feet. Use minnows and fatheads, and leeches and crawlers as the water warms.
“Northern pike are around weed beds and weedy bays. Anglers report success with bigger minnows and Mepps, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and minnowbaits.
”Largemouth bass are shallow and on beds. Dropping wacky- and Texas-rigged plastic worms into beds and working spinnerbaits and topwaters through weeds will trigger strikes.
“Smallmouth bass are on deep weed and rock edges and close to spawning. Live bait and plastics on jigs are excellent bait choices.
“Crappies are spawning and fishing is great in cabbage weeds in 4-10 feet. Minnows on small jigs and plain hooks under floats work best.
“Bluegills are in shallow weeds and near beds along sandy shorelines and docks. Crawler chunks and leaf worms on small jigs and plain hooks are great choices.
“Perch are in with crappies and hitting minnows on jigs, and as the water warms, leeches are equally effective.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says water temperatures reached normal this past week.
“Many lakes are in the mid- to high-60s and up to 74 degrees in some back bays. Fish moved shallow, and fishing is very good in most waterbodies.
“Walleyes are in late spring/early summer transition areas, recovering from spawn. Work weed edges on points, rocks, and structure in 8-15 feet. At sunset, jerkbaits and minnows on jigs are lethal. During the day, leeches on slip bobbers are the key.
“Northern pike are around shallower weeds near areas holding panfish preparing to spawn. Spinnerbaits, spoons, plastics, and live bait work well. Larger pike will eventually migrate to deeper, cool water for the summer.
“Largemouth and smallmouth bass are cruising shallow areas waiting or beginning to spawn. Largemouth are hitting spinnerbaits, creature baits, and topwaters. Anglers have success on pre-spawn smallmouth with jerkbaits, chatterbaits, Ned rigs, and live bait. Remember ‑ the eggs they lay and guard are the future of the fishery!
“Crappies are shallow or adjacent to shallow water. Fish are spawning in reeds or timber in many clear waterbodies. In darker waters such as the Chippewa Flowage, fish concluded spawning and are moving to adjacent weed edges and cribs. Plastics on jigs work great, but use minnows for stubborn fish.
“Bluegills are moving shallow in massive numbers, preparing for spawn. Check old bedding sites for big pre-spawn fish. Spinners, jigs, plastics, and live bait produce all year.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage water level is down six inches, with the water temperature 73 degrees.
“Muskies are chasing shallow baitfish and spawning bluegills. Target shallow to mid-depth weeds with smaller topwaters. Local guide Steve Genson says paddletail swimbaits are extra effective.
“Walleyes are in the weeds and on mud flats in 15-18 feet feeding on mayflies. Minnows, leeches, and imitation mayflies are all good.
“Northern pike action is good, though most catches are by anglers fishing for other species on shallow weeds. Best baits include Tinsel Tail spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, weedless spoons, and some live bait.
“Largemouth bass are in shallow weeds and lily pads and throwing frogs and spinners should produce some success.
“Crappies are heading deeper and you might find fish over mud flats feeding on mayflies in 15-18 feet. Try crappie minnows and Voodoo Custom jigs, but during a hatch, switch to artificial mayflies.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter offers a 2026 Kids Guide to Sawyer County fishing.
“School is out and summer is here for Sawyer County kids and the many who visit here. I believe one can measure the health of a community by the number of kids with fishing poles riding bikes around town. To help, here is a guide to great fishing adventures for kids around Hayward and Sawyer County.
“This guide must start with Shues Pond, designed for easy fishing access and annual stocking by the Hayward DNR Fish Team. This year, we stocked fish earlier and added more variety, including some larger species such as bass and pike. If you are new to fishing, start your experience at Shues Pond!
“Young anglers looking for the next level of adventure can explore fishing options around Lake Hayward. The park behind the ‘big musky’ has a public fishing pier and bank fishing spots where volunteers led by Hayward Bass Club recently improved shoreline access, and a ‘lure library’ where anglers can catch pike, bass, panfish, and musky!
“The Namekagon River below Lake Hayward is great for kids to sharpen their fishing skills on feisty smallmouth, aggressive pike, and abundant suckers and minnows.
“Do not overlook smaller streams like Smith Lake Creek. They can be a lot of fun and provide endless action for minnows, chubs, and suckers, as well as other surprises.
“In Winter, young anglers can have luck catching panfish, bass, and pike off the causeway on Lake Winter and the pier off Lake Winter Road.
“In Exeland, anglers should try Swan Creek’s various access points around town and in the park for trout, or Windfall Lake for bass, pike, and walleye.
“If parents will provide a ride, other cool county spots include Hatchery Creek Park for trout; below Tiger Cat Dam for bass, pike, and musky; the pier on the Chippewa Flowage at CC North for panfish, bass, and pike; and Nelson Lake Dam for panfish, bass, and pike.
“We wish all anglers a fun and safe summer. Remember to wear a life jacket when on the water and use extra caution when fishing near dams and around flowing water. Always let an adult know your plans, and make sure you have all the equipment you need to safely unhook fish.”
Anglers
Anglers 16 years and older must possess a 2026-27 fishing license and necessary trout and/or salmon stamp to fish.
Smallmouth bass fishing in the Northern Bass Zone is catch-and-release-only until June 20.
Free Fishing Weekend is June 6-7, when state waters open for fishing to residents and nonresidents who can cast a line without a fishing license, trout stamp, or salmon stamp. This is a great opportunity for family and friends to give fishing a try! All other regulations including bag limits, size limits, and species restrictions remain in effect. Consult the regulations, trout regulations, or local fisheries biologists for exceptions. If you are new to fishing or have not purchased a license in 10 years, a First-time buyer resident license costs only $5!
Wisconsin has nearly 60 tackle loaner sites, many at state parks. Office hours vary by site, so contact the loaner site on when you plan to pick up the gear. For loaner equipment in the Hayward area, contact DNR fisheries technician Scott Braden at (715) 634-7428, ext. 3508.
The annual Free Kids Fishing Derby for youth ages 1-15 at Lake Hayward Park is Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m.-Noon. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Youth fish around the park and from the large fishing dock, with prizes awarded to youth for the largest fish in each age category. Casting contests, and a lure-making booth, are available for youth to design their own lures. This event provides bait, with loaner fishing gear available if needed. After fishing, all participants earn prizes and receive fishing gear gifts. For more information, contact Wayne at (715) 699-1015.
Hunters/Trappers
Hayward Rod & Gun Club on County Road B will host a WI/MN concealed carry class June 13, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., presented by On Target Northwoods Defense. This includes 4 hours of class time and 1 hour of range time. Cost of the class is $109. For more information, and to register, visit On Target Northwoods Defense or call (715) 558-8312.
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).
VisitHLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and the Trail Treker app ($2) for trail and road updates.
Fishing Report
Water temperatures are fluctuating and some species are transitioning to summer locations. Check with your favorite bait shop to learn where the fish are today.
Musky:
Musky action is fair to good around shallow to mid-depth weeds, rocks, points, bays, and concentrations of baitfish and spawning panfish. Smaller bass and walleye type baits, bucktails, paddletail swimbaits, and bucktails do the job.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good, with low light evenings into dark and early mornings best. Find fish in 8-18 feet on sand and rock bottoms, deep weed edges, points, humps, transition areas, and mud flats. Walleye suckers, fatheads, crawlers, and leeches on jigs and/or slip bobbers, jerkbaits, and imitation mayflies are all productive at this time.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good, with fish in shallow to mid-depth weeds and bays near concentrations of baitfish and spawning panfish. Pike will hit northern suckers, fatheads, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, chatterbaits, minnowbaits, jerkbaits, #5 Mepps, plastics, and more!
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth are shallow in weeds, lily pads, and/or on spawning beds. Minnows, crawlers, rigged plastic worms, creature baits, spinners, spinnerbaits, and topwaters such as frogs and Zara Spooks are all working.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth are on shallow to deep hard bottoms and weed and rock edges, and preparing to spawn. Sucker minnows, crawlers, plastics, Ned rigs, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters can all be effective.
Crappie:
Crappies are shallow in weeds, weed edges, reeds, cribs, and wood, or on mud flats in 12-20 feet. Crappie minnows and plastics on small jigs and plain hooks under slip bobbers, Voodoo jigs, and artificial mayflies work best.
Bluegill:
Bluegills are shallow in large numbers in weeds and along sand shorelines looking to spawn. Crawler chunks, leaf worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and plain hooks under floats, and small spinners all work.
Perch:
Perch are in shallow weeds, cabbage, and some in with crappies. Minnows, leeches, and plastics under floats are all good offerings.
Upcoming Events
May 31: Full Blue Moon.
June 1: Hayward Chapter-Muskies, Inc. meeting, 7 p.m., Hayward Rod and Gun Club (715-558-2835).
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 (715-699-1015).
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 21: Summer Solstice (first day of summer).
June 21: Father’s Day.
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 27: Sawyer County Dairy Breakfast, 6:30-11 a.m. (715-558-2562).
June 28: Hayward Bass Club Round Lakes Open bass tournament (715-699-1015).
June 29: Full Strawberry Moon.
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.