Steve Suman
Other than a chance for showers Wednesday/Wednesday night, the forecast shows a beautiful week ahead! Highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s, lows in the upper 30s to lower 50s, and sunshine through the weekend ‑ sounds like fall is on the way! Enjoy the somewhat cooler temperatures!
Outdoor recreationists should take note that September 1 is the season opener for early Canada goose, teal, and mourning dove.
“The Quiet Lakes’ levels remain way down and we could use more rain,” says Greg at Happy Hooker. “However, at this time it does not appear we will see much precipitation during the week.
“Fishing action is slow, but should improve with the water cooling and stable weather. Fishing activity is slowing somewhat with fewer anglers and schools opening.
“Musky fishing is hit or miss, fish are relating to weeds and edges, and anglers report success on small bucktails and other small baits. One angler caught a fish on a double-10 Friday before storms arrived, which is a good sign!
“Walleye reports are scarce, as most anglers are not targeting them as much as musky and pike. This time of year, walleyes should relate to basins and move shallow towards dusk. This changes from lake to lake, as some hold fish in weeds vs. basins. For basin fish, trolling crankbaits can be effective. In weeds, minnows and plastics on jigs snapped through cabbage can be excellent.
“Northern pike action slowed, but anglers are catching a few on weeds and edges. Live bait and fast moving baits such as bucktails and shallow crankbaits are all working.
“Largemouth bass are hitting everything from jigs and minnows to spinnerbaits to chatterbaits to topwaters. Fish might start to slide deeper as the water cools.
“Smallmouth bass anglers are doing well fishing crawlers on slip bobbers on rocks in 12-20 feet.
“Panfish should be in shallow green weeds, but fishing either slowed or anglers are targeting other species. Minnows, crawlers, and plastics on jigs or under floats work great.”
Jarrett at Hayward Bait says no big changes in fishing, but it sure does seem like fall is on its way fast this year!
“Musky fishing is definitely easier for anglers with the cooler temperatures, as fish can now move to shallower water. Anglers report success on bucktails, smaller swimbaits, and topwaters, and musky suckers will soon be available to tempt the stubborn fish.
“Walleye fishing is consistent with crawler harnesses and crankbaits over deeper water. With abundant food, quicker baits that trigger reaction bites work for active fish.
“Northern pike action is steady in mid-depths and along weed edges on a variety of baits, including spinnerbaits, swimbaits, spoons, and jig and minnow combinations. For bigger pike, check drop-offs adjacent to deep weedlines.
“Largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers are catching both species on deep weedlines and rocks on Ned rigs fished along the bottom. Largemouth anglers report success with frogs across lily pads. Smallmouth anglers have success with topwaters such as Whopper Ploppers near shoreline logs and stumps. Texas and wacky rigs are producing in all areas.
“Crappies moved to deep weeds, cribs, and downed trees. Minnows on small jigs fished slow and close to cover work well during the day. During sundown, when the sun hits the trees, upsize and get aggressive for bigger fish.
“Bluegill fishing is consistent, from fish roaming dock areas to those on the cribs. Red worms on small hooks under bobbers or on drop-shot rigs always work great, and hard baits and smaller spinnerbaits are catching larger bluegills.”
Mike at Jenk’s says the Chippewa Flowage pool is down 2.5 feet and the water temperature 73 degrees.
“Musky action is hot, especially in early morning hours. Blade baits, particularly with offset size blades, shine above the others. Hunsytails and Uncle Al’s bucktails stick out when you look for offset blade options. The forecast predicts a cool-down this week, which could kick off an early fall pattern, and we could see some nice action on surface baits.
“Walleye fishing is still a midsummer bite. During the day, troll deep basins with crankbaits. If you have Livescope, casting Kalin’s tungsten search baits with crawlers or plastics can be very effective this time of year. During the evening, work weed edges in 6-12 feet with slip bobber rigs or drag crawlers on Lindy rigs.
“Northern pike are cruising weed beds and Tinsel Tails and Chatter Flashes are producing good numbers, but size remains relatively small.
“Smallmouth bass action slowed, but in part due to fewer people fishing for them. Head to the southeast portion of the lake and work Ned rigs and Whopper Ploppers on rock bars and stumps.
“Crappie fishing is solid, with bog fishing at night still the go-to tactic. During the day, cribs and mid-depth weed beds are producing some nice fish. Have crappie minnows available, but the bite on plastics is increasing, particularly Garland Mayflies and one-inch Gulp! Minnows.”
This week, DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter discusses the naming of lakes and streams.
“If you look at a map of Sawyer County, some big waterbodies with famous names pop out immediately. If you look a little closer, you will notice there are small lakes and streams all across the landscape. Many are far less well-known, with names such as Log Creek, Currier Lake, or Ole Lake, and many have no name at all!
“It is common for small waterbodies in Wisconsin to have the label ‘Unnamed Lake’ or ‘Unnamed Stream,’ though each still has an identifying ‘waterbody ID code,’ a series of unique numbers. However, unnamed waterbodies do not have to stay that way forever.
“The Wisconsin Geographic Names Council oversees assigning names to geographic features in Wisconsin, including lakes and streams. Anyone can propose a name for a lake or steam that is currently unnamed, but there are some rules. Usually, lakes less than 10 acres or streams less than 5 miles do not receive consideration. In addition, you cannot name a waterbody after a living person or indicate possession of a waterbody ‑ such as Autumn’s Lake.
“The council also recommends that name proposals take into account the local history of the area and any unofficial names by which people currently know the waterbody. An example would be Unnamed Spring (WBIC: 2389200), better known locally as Hauer Springs, though that name is not an official designation.
“Check out the DNR’s Surface Water Dataviewer to explore our water-rich part of the world and all the names we have for our local lakes and streams. You might find one deserving of an official name!”
The DNR reminds hunters early Canada goose, teal, and mourning dove seasons open September 1. Check the DNR website for closing dates.
Wisconsin’s black bear season opens September 3, with dog hunters opening the season first this year. Check the bear hunting regulations for additional details.
Hunters eligible for the fall Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities have until the September 15 deadline to sign up with a sponsor for the hunt. Visit the Hunters with Disabilities deer hunt web page for more information.
ATV/UTV Trail Report
All ATV/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.
Check for trail openings, closures, and more atHLVCB ATV/UTV trail conditions report. Contacts for forest ATV/UTV trails are as follows: Sawyer County Forest (715-634-4846), Chequamegon National Forest (715-634-4821), and Flambeau State Forest (715-332-5271).
Sawyer County snowmobile and ATV trail maps are available from Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Fishing Report
Between recent hot temperatures and storm fronts, fishing action ‑and interest ‑ has also varied with the weather. Considerably cooler temperatures and somewhat stable conditions this week could produce some significant changes for the better. Fish are already thinking about transitioning, so be sure to check with your favorite bait shop for current fish locations, movements, bite windows, and favored baits and presentations.
Musky:
Musky fishing ranges from inconsistent to very good, with early morning best on some waters, and shallower weeds and weed edges producing. Suckers, smaller bucktails and other blade baits, swimbaits, and topwaters are all producing some decent action.
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is slower, but stable. Target weeds and/or deep basins, with fish moving inside of 12 feet to feed on weed edges in the evening hours. Walleye suckers, crawlers, and plastics on jigs, harnesses, and Lindy rigs work well. During the day, troll crankbaits and stickbaits in basins and along deep weed edges.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good for numbers of mostly smaller fish. Focus on weeds, weed beds, weed edges, and concentrations of baitfish and panfish. Northern suckers, bucktails, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits crankbaits, and chatterbaits do the job. For trophy pike, work bigger baits on drop-offs near deep weedlines.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass fishing is good to very good on shallow weeds, weed edges, weedlines, lily pads, slop, and brush. Most any offering works, including jigs and minnows, spinners, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, Ned, Texas, and wacky rigs, frogs, Whopper Ploppers, and other topwaters.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth bass fishing is a bit slower, but still good. Find fish on rock/rock bars, weedlines, and along shoreline wood and stumps out to 20 feet. Best baits include sucker minnows, crawlers on slip bobbers, plastics, Ned, Texas, and wacky rigs, and Whopper Ploppers and other topwaters.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good to very good, with best success in later afternoon and evening. Look for fish on shallow to deep green weeds, weed beds, cribs, wood, and downed trees, and bogs in the evening. Crappie minnows, crawlers, plastics, Garland Mayflies, and one-inch Gulp! Minnows on small jigs and/or slip bobbers.
Bluegill
Bluegill fishing is good and stable, with fish around shallow green weeds, weed beds, brush, docks, and cribs. Waxies, red worms, crawler chunks, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks fished under slip bobbers work well. Try small minnows, crankbaits, and Beetle Spins for larger fish.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 18: Bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations on sale.
Sept. 1: Seasons open: Early Canada goose; Early teal; Mourning dove (see closing dates).
Sept. 1: Labor Day.
Sept. 3: Black bear season opens (see regs).
Sept. 3-6: 26th Annual Lake Chippewa Flowage Musky Hunt (full) (715-462-3874).
Sept. 6: Lake sturgeon hook-and-line season opens.
Sept. 6: Namekagon River Clean-up, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (715-483-3300).
Sept. 7: Full Harvest Moon.
Sept. 13: Seasons open: Deer (archery/crossbow); Grouse (Zone A); Fall turkey; Cottontail rabbit (North Zone); Squirrel.
Sept. 13: Chequamegon MTB Festival, Hayward to Cable, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (612-518-8234).
Sept. 16: Regular goose season opens.
Sept. 20: Seasons open: Woodcock; Youth duck hunt.
Sept. 20: Hayward Fall Festival on Main Street, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (715-634-8662).
Sept. 25-27: Annual Treeland Premiere Musky Fly Fishing Championship (full) (715-462-3874).
Sept. 26-27: 23rd Annual Cable Area Fall Fest (715-798-3833).
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.