Steve Suman
This week’s forecast offers a mix of sunshine and chances for showers, with highs from low 70s- to low 80s, and lows in the low to mid-50s. Enjoy the mild temperatures and sunshine!
“Cool days and chilly nights in the Quiet Lakes’ area dropped water temperatures,” says Greg at Happy Hooker, but fishing is solid for anglers putting in the time.
“Muskies showed no effects from the cold fronts, and one group boated six fish last week. Smaller baits in shallow weeds were the key.
“Walleye fishing slowed considerably. They are not predictable now or fewer anglers are targeting them. The fish are likely holding tight to cover on lakes with a weed bite, moved to where deeper rock meets sand, or to deep weed edges. Trolling, bottom bouncing, or deep jigging plastics and minnows can find fish.
“Northern pike anglers are catching fish on musky and bass artificials. Spinnerbaits and small bucktails thrown in/around weeds is the key to numbers.
“Largemouth bass anglers report success, but the weather change definitely affected the fish. Baits worked in the water column work better than surface baits. During sunny days, fish might be more apt to hit topwaters. Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, and plastic worms in weed beds are good choices.
“Smallmouth bass are suspending, but not deep. Anglers are catching them on spinnerbaits around rocky points in 6-12 feet and on topwaters such as Whopper Ploppers.
“Panfish anglers are doing well in 6-8 feet with small Beetle Spins and Mimic Minnows. Crawlers under floats work well for anglers fishing in shallow water and off docks.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says cooling water temperatures should have anglers looking for a few changes this week.
“Musky anglers who gave fish a break from fishing pressure during high water temperatures are now fishing again. Smaller swimbaits, bucktails, and topwaters are producing, and nighttime fishing is good.
“Walleye fishing is slow, but electronics help find the scattered fish. Jigging Raps, Hyper Rattles/Hammers, and similar baits snapped off the bottom, and slowly dragging drop shots, live bait on Lindy Rigs, and crawler harnesses across the bottom can be very productive.
“Northern pike fishing is good, with anglers working live bait, spinnerbaits, and spoons over big weed flats working well. Bigger fish are near bottom in deep water.
“Largemouth and smallmouth bass are on deeper weeds, rock, and structure, with some shallow around piers, downed trees, and similar structure along shorelines. Live bait, Texas rigs, wacky rigs, drop shots, and topwaters all work well.
“Crappies are in basins or on deeper weedlines. Small Beetle Spins, live bait on slip bobbers, and small plastics on jigs quickly locate fish.
“Bluegills are shallow around piers, mid-level cribs and weed flats, and in basins. Crawler pieces and Gulp! Minnows on small jigs work well.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage is down one foot, with water temperatures in the mid-70s.
“Muskies were quiet during the hot period, but the cool-down sparked some action. Bucktails are good and the slow-moving surface bait bite is heating up. Anglers report good action in weeds in Chief, Scott, and Crane lakes.
“Walleye action slowed with the higher surface temperatures, but they dropped significantly the last few days, which should increase activity. Mid-depth weeds and deeper basins can hold fish during the day. During twilight hours, work drops along weed edges in 6-12-feet with leeches and crawlers. If you use live scope, Kalin’s Tickle plastics with Google Eye tungsten search baits, and crawlers, are good options.
“Northern pike were also quiet the last few weeks, and have remained inactive despite the cool-down, with a few catches here and there. Increased bluegill action in cribs and brush piles might make them areas to target for pike.
“Largemouth bass action remains steady and constant. Weeds and lilies are great places to seek out fish with chatterbaits and frogs.
“Smallmouth bass are active on Ned rigs, wacky worms, and Rapala Cleanup Craws in the stumps and rocks.
“Crappie action is solid on bogs in the evening with crappie minnows, Garland mayflies, and Gulp! Minnows. The day bite is tough. Fish are scattered and suspending over deep water, but without any pattern.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses a historic survey on the Namekagon River.
“The Hayward DNR Fish Team annually surveys a three-quarter mile stretch of the Namekagon River near Seeley to provide year-to-year data on the trout population. This survey has occurred at the same time, and in the same stretch, nearly every year since 2006, providing a rich dataset that allows us to track the brown trout population.
“We completed the 2024 survey July 31, with DNR staff from Hayward and Brule, the National Park Service, Wild Rivers Conservancy, and a Hayward Fly Company volunteer.
“The 2024 survey produced a record 898 brown trout, driven primarily by a high catch of ‘young of year’ trout. In fact, the 2024-year class is the highest number of brown trout recorded in this reach during the time span of the survey, breaking the previous record from 2019.
“High survival of eggs and hatchling trout might be attributed to the very mild winter. The catch rate for adult trout was the second highest ever recorded, behind 2010. Size was also on display, with the highest catch of 12-inch and greater trout since 2018, and the highest average length of the 10 largest trout since 2010.
“The biggest trout we captured was 21.4 inches, with several other 20-inch and greater brown trout, and many in the 15- to 17-inch range. Strong reproduction, along with a currently high adult population, point to some very good fishing on the Namekagon in coming years, providing we avoid an extreme winter or very hot summer period.
“Anglers should be conscious of water temperatures, which can get high on this river. Spring and fall offer the best windows for targeting trout while minimizing stress on the fish. Anglers fishing this stretch of the Namekagon can only fish with artificial baits.”
Brule State Fish Hatchery is hosting a Family Fun Day Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., that includes a hatchery tour, fish filleting demonstrations, fly casting, canoe trips, and more. Vehicle admission stickers are not required.
For more information, search “Brule Family Fun Day” on the DNR website or call (715) 372-4820.
The Sawyer County Fair is this week, Thursday through Sunday, August 15-18.
For detailed information, a complete schedule of events, entertainment, Fair hours, ticket prices, and more, visit www.sawyercountyfair.org or call (715) 699-2022.
Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations for the 2024 gun deer season went on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at one per person per day, through license sales locations and Go Wild. The first three days are zone-specific; the fourth day is open to all zones. All sales start at 10 a.m.:
- Aug. 12 – Forest Zones (Northern and Central)
- Aug. 13 – Central Farmland Zone
- Aug. 14 – Southern Farmland Zone
- Aug. 15 – All zones
Bonus authorizations are $12/ resident, $20/non-resident, $5/youth 11 and younger, and available until sold out or the season ends. Hunters must know the deer management zone and unit they intend to hunt and if they will hunt on public or private land. Bonus authorizations are not available in Ashland and Iron counties.
For more information, search “deer 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 to 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. The Trail Treker app shows the changes. Trails 174 and 176 in Spider Lake Township are no longer open to ATV/UTV use. The ATV/UTV trails in Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846), Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821), and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271) are open. Check the HLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report and Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance for trail and road updates.
Fishing Report
Recent weather fluctuations have affected fish patterns and movements, so it is important to check with your favorite fishing shop to get the most current information on locations, favored baits, presentations, and bite windows.
Musky:
Musky fishing is good and improving following the recent hot period. Anglers are now concentrating on shallow to mid-depth weeds and weedlines and still using smaller bucktails, swimbaits, gliders, and various topwaters.
Walleye:
Walleye action is slow. Focus on mid-depth to deep weeds, weedlines, weed edges, rock to sand transitions, and basins, working baits close to cover. In the evening, fish weed edges out to 12 feet. Leeches, crawlers, minnows, plastics, Jigging Raps, drop shots, crawler harnesses, bounced on the bottom can produce, with trolling a good option.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good and consistent, with fish in and on shallow to mid-depth weed beds, weedlines, weed flats, cribs, brush piles, and near panfish and baitfish concentrations. Northern and walleye suckers, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, and bucktails do the job. For trophies, go deeper with bigger baits.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass fishing is fair to good and improving following the cooler temperatures. Fish are in and around shallow to mid-depth weeds, weedlines, docks, rock, slop, brush, and lilies. Live bait, spinners, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, plastics in various configurations, and topwaters are all producing hits.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth action is good, with fish on and around deeper weeds, weedlines, points, rock, stumps, downed trees, and suspending over deep water. Best baits include sucker minnows, plastics in various riggings (try crayfish colors), spinnerbaits, and Whopper Ploppers and similar topwaters.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good, with evening fishing best. Look for fish around mid-depth to deep bogs, brush, weedlines, and suspending over deep basins. Crappie minnows, plastics, Mimic Minnows, Garland mayflies, and Gulp! Minnows on jigs and/or slip bobbers, and Beetle Spins.
Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good to very good. Anglers are finding fish shallow near docks, weeds, and brush, as well as around mid-depth cribs and weed flats and in deep basins. Traditional baits such as waxies, worms, crawler chunks, plastics, Mimic Minnows, and Gulp! Minnows on small jigs and under bobbers, and small Beetle Spins.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 11-13: Perseid meteor shower, peaking at 45-90/hr., 1-3 a.m. (look northeast).
Aug. 12: Antlerless deer bonus tags on sale.
Aug. 15-18: Sawyer County Fair (715-699-2022).
Aug. 17: Seeley Lions PreFat Bike Race 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Aug. 17: Family Fun Day at Brule State Fish Hatchery (715-372-4820).
Aug. 19: Full Sturgeon Moon.
Aug. 25: HBC Tom Turner Memorial Open/HS Team Benefit Tourney, Tiger Cat, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., (405-227-1789).
Sept. 1: Early Canada goose, early teal, and mourning dove hunting seasons open.
Sept. 3: Hayward Chapter-Muskies Inc. meeting, 6:30 p.m., guest speaker TBA, Flat Creek Lodge (715-634-4543).
Sept. 4: Bear season opens (see regs).
Sept. 7: Hook and line season for lake sturgeon opens on certain waters.
Sept. 14: Seasons open: Deer (archery/crossbow); Wild turkey; Ruffed grouse (Zone A); Cottontail rabbit (Northern Zone); Squirrel (gray/fox).
Sept. 14-5: Youth Waterfowl Hunt.
Sept. 16: Seasons open: Regular goose.
Sept. 17: Full Harvest Moon.
Sept. 21: Seasons open: Woodcock; Duck in Northern Zone.
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 800-724-2992.